Review of the previous match against Urawa
The difference in victory and defeat was due to the brilliance of the strategy.
The stadium has been allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity, and cheering with voices has been lifted in all seats, bringing back the "voice" to the J-League, which has faced restrictions due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection.
Tokyo's home opener. Over 38,000 spectators gathered at Ajinomoto Stadium, where the thrill of watching sports was palpable, and expressing joy, anger, and sadness was encouraged, creating an electrifying atmosphere typical of a professional football match.
In the first half, Tokyo showed a willingness to maintain possession of the ball, but they disrupted the flow with a simple mistake just before getting to the finish. There was a period where they couldn't find their rhythm, but after the 30-minute mark of the first half, they launched an offensive with coordinated pressing in the front line and short counters after regaining possession.
The halftime break saw the match turn around with rising expectations for the second half. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA made a move, bringing Shuto ABE onto the pitch in place of Keigo HIGASHI, adjusting the midfield arrangement. This was one of the clever tactical decisions.
From the early stages of the second half, Abe made several runs into the space on the side of the penalty area, known as the pocket, to create chances. In the 21st minute of the second half, Abe received a pass from Kashif BANGNAGANDE on the left side, made a sharp turn to evade the defender, and delivered a cross. Kei KOIZUMI couldn't make contact, but the ball hit an opponent and went into the goal. Tokyo took the lead in an unexpected way.
Then, immediately, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA launches his second arrow. In the 24th minute of the second half, he sends in Ryoma WATANABE to replace Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had a near miss with a shot that hit the crossbar in his debut match in Tokyo.
Then, six minutes later, the substitution strategy pays off perfectly. From a throw-in on the right side, the ball was connected by Adailton and Diego OLIVEIRA, and Diego made the last pass to the pocket just in front of the left diagonal of the goal in the penalty area. Responding to this, Watanabe made a one-touch finish and slotted it into the goal for an additional point.
Both of the substitution cards played a role in the scoring, showcasing the brilliance of Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's tactics that led to victory. At the same time, the second half, where they maintained possession of the ball in the opponent's territory while fending off the press from the Urawa Reds' frontline, reflected the continuation and maturation of the style of "playing football with the ball" (Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA) that has been carried over since last season.
<Match Preview>
Last season, the two matches against Kashiwa Reysol left contrasting impressions.
In the first half of the match at home Ajinomoto Stadium, we struggled to advance the ball against an opponent that pressured us man-to-man from the front. We entered the final stages of the game without showing much in terms of attack, and in stoppage time, we conceded a goal from a corner kick. It was ruled a handball with the support of VAR, resulting in a draw, but it left a bitter aftertaste.
On the other hand, the second half of the match played away at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium, commonly known as "Hitachidai," had a completely opposite development.
Against an opponent who applies intense pressure from the start, maintain an exquisite position and sense of distance, using varied passing to evade them. Not only evading, but also advancing the ball, taking advantage of build-up play from our own half to get behind the opponent and take the lead from the first half.
As the second half began, they aimed for the opponent's back, who had come forward to launch a counterattack, and piled up goals with simple attacks. In the second half, they allowed Kashiwa to score 3 goals, resulting in a shootout-like match, but in the end, they achieved a resounding victory with 6 goals, finishing 6-3. Kashif BANGNAGANDE scored his first professional goal, and Kuryu MATSUKI marked his second professional goal, showcasing the rise of young talent and shining a bright light on Tokyo's future in this match.
What kind of impression will this season's matches leave behind?
In the previous match, Kashiwa took an early lead in their home opener. However, in the second half, they allowed Gamba Osaka, who had found their rhythm, to come from behind and maintain the lead until stoppage time. In the end, Hosoya was fouled in the penalty area and earned a penalty kick, which he successfully converted himself, equalizing just before the end.
Pressing from the front line, they intercept the inaccurate pass hurriedly sent forward by the opponent, triggering a counterattack that swiftly brings the ball to the goal for a finish. Kashiwa is thoroughly committed to their style and has been refining that precision since last season.
The key point against opponents who increase their intensity and press towards the ball side is how calmly Tokyo can move the ball and evade the pressure. It is important not only to evade but also to draw out the opponent with intention, utilize space, and break through to shake the net.
Last season, we struggled against opponents with high intensity and quick pressure at the ball. However, after a fulfilling preseason, as I think about tomorrow's match, I envision the blue and red team moving the ball with confidence, shedding any sense of inferiority.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: What kind of care will you provide in the absence of players like Kuryu MATSUKI?
To compete at a high level in all tournaments, we must prepare a team with a deeper player pool. I don't think we are there yet, so we can only hope for the young players to step up. Young players must seize these opportunities. Every player starts their professional career at a young age. To survive in the professional world, I believe they must make the most of the chances given to them when they are young. The team is maturing steadily. In that sense, I believe they will overcome such situations.
Q, I think we were able to take the initiative and attack during the camp. Even in the opening match, when things weren't going well, we made adjustments during the game and created good opportunities. How confident are you about that?
A, we cannot always dominate the match. We want to continue using our quick attacks towards the goal, which have been our weapon so far. Last season was the first year of our style change, but we were able to surpass our opponents in ball possession rate in most matches. I think the only match where we were below in possession rate was against Urawa. However, in the opening match of this season against Urawa, we were able to surpass them in total possession rate. The style I expect from Tokyo is a unique style, aiming to be a team that can attack with all weapons while utilizing the ball. Last season, what I emphasized the most was conveying that "the ball is important" and instilling that idea into the team. The season has just begun, but we are starting to be able to push our opponents firmly and continue our attacks little by little. Quick attacks that utilize the space behind the opponent's defensive line are also one of our weapons, and I want to continue to have that option.
Q: What are the key points in the match against Kashiwa?
A. I think it’s about our own play. If we can express our good play properly, I believe the chances of winning will increase. However, there are various developments in a match. I think there will be good plays from the opponent during the game, and there will also be dangerous situations arising from our mistakes. In that context, it is important for us to play confidently in order to seize the flow and control the match.
Q: What are your thoughts on the use of young players?
I hope that tomorrow's match will be an opportunity to give young players a chance. I believe that whether they possess mental strength will determine if they can continue to succeed as professional players in the future. I think young players in Japan are well-trained in both skills and tactics. However, unless Japanese football as a whole firmly understands that mental strength is essential to thrive in the professional world, further growth will be difficult. I only ask two things from young players. The first is bold play, and the second is mental strength.
Q: Is the presence of veteran players like Nagatomo, Morishige, and Higashi important for the growth of young players?
A key point for the team. I believe that the contribution of veteran players in creating a good atmosphere both on and off the pitch is one of the secrets to this team's strength. When players become veterans, I think they generally fall into two categories. One type wants the surrounding players to adapt to them in order to play more comfortably. The second type is a player who, while excelling as an athlete, also dedicates energy to fostering the growth of other players, especially younger ones.
Q: I was talking with player Nagatomo before the practice started.
A, Nagatomo is the soul of Tokyo. He is a great role model. Even when he is on the bench, he fights alongside us as if he is running around on the pitch. Both Nagatomo and other players are veterans who rejoice in and encourage the growth of young players in Tokyo. On the other hand, it is unfortunately true that there are players in the football world who negatively influence those around them in order to play. We have the great Nagatomo. I believe he is an important figure for the team, the club, and for the future ahead.
[Player Interview]
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: You achieved a good victory in the opening match, but what were the factors behind it?
A, each of us was able to prepare well for the opening match. During the match, there were times in the first half when we struggled against the opponent's press, but I believe that our ability to endure and play without conceding during those difficult moments led to our scoring in the second half. Each of us truly fought, and I think the patience we showed in the first half is a point of growth since last season.
Q: How was the match with 100 percent vocal support?
The atmosphere was amazing. The cheers from the fans support us to give our all, and playing in front of the voices of fans and supporters is also a goal for professional soccer players. I want to express my gratitude for this environment. I'm glad we could play in such a wonderful atmosphere.
Q: Last season's away game against Kashiwa was a big win, but do you have a good impression of it?
A, we were able to win with a large number of goals, so I have a good impression, but as a defense, we conceded 3 goals. If we can keep a clean sheet like in the opening match, I believe the forwards will definitely score, and if we can continue this, we can accumulate 3 points. As a player in the back, while being conscious of keeping a clean sheet, I also want to express my characteristics more in the attacking part.
Q: What is your impression of Kashiwa, and what measures do you want to take as a team to prepare for the match?
A, based on the impressions from last season, I think we will have a game where we maintain possession of the ball. I want to distribute good balls from the center backs to the front line, and since our opponents are known for their sharp counters, I want us to stay focused for the full 90 minutes and play in coordination along the defensive line.
Q: In the opening match, there were goals scored that reflected the ball possession the coach demands and the penetration into the pocket, and I believe the results show what we have built up from last season and during the camp.
We have all been working on invading the pocket during practice. The results we achieved in the opening match give us confidence. In that sense, I believe we have proven that what we have been doing is not wrong. I think there will be countermeasures from now on, but I hope we can continue to play our style of football. We faced challenges in the match, and I hope we can all improve together from practice.
Q: It was your first match with the number 4 on your back, how did you feel about it? Please also tell us about your experience partnering with Henrique.
A, regarding the jersey number, I wasn't conscious of it during the match, but I want to play in a way that makes the viewers feel that I have changed as a player, even just a little. The center-back combination with Henrique has played in several matches since last season, and I have the impression that we can showcase each other's strengths. There were many matches that had both good results and content, so I had no worries at all and I think it was good.
Q: What kind of play is expected from you, Kimoto?
A, I was the oldest in the defense line, and the staff expects me to show leadership and communicate from the back. It's a challenge for me, but I hope to be more vocal. I want to make a stronger presence in defense.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Kashiwa.
Although it is an away game, we will definitely deliver a victory, so we hope many fans and supporters will come. For those who cannot make it, we would love for you to cheer for us on DAZN as well.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: You actively participated in the attack during the opening match, but do you want to continue that in the match against Kashiwa as well?
I want to participate in the attack while managing risks properly. In the last match, there were some dangerous moments because I moved too far forward, so I hope to make adjustments.
Q: In the match against Urawa, were you aware that playing high up the pitch would create space?
A, I anticipated that Urawa would target the space I created by moving forward. I believe I could have managed the risks better within that context. I feel it is necessary to play with a good balance in both offense and defense.
Q: During the match, do you aim for specific targets when delivering crosses? How does it feel?
A. This season, I am focusing on delivering crosses while looking more towards the center. Although it hasn't led to goals yet, I want to be greedy for results. In last season's away match against Kashiwa, I was able to score my first goal in J1, which is a good memory, but in the second half, I couldn't play as I wanted and got involved in conceding goals. There are good players in the front line, so I hope to participate in the attack while properly handling crosses and other situations.
Q: I believe we had a successful experience in the opening match by taking the space on the side of the penalty area, known as the 'pocket'.
In the match against Urawa, we were able to utilize the pockets we have built up from practice. I believe it was a match where both as a team and individually, we had a good feeling. I want to increase the frequency of this in future matches.
Q: I heard that after bringing the ball to the pocket, you freely decide and aim for the goal.
A. After using the pocket, I am approaching practice with various ideas. I believe that if we keep putting them into play during matches, we will increase our scoring, and I think we are moving in a good direction.
Q: Do you want to be involved in scoring?
I feel that my repertoire of movements towards the goal has increased, and I have various shapes in my mind. After that, the results are important, and I think it depends on how many goals I can convert.
Q: What did Nagatomo say when he jumped off the bench to speak?
I was told that my positioning and attacking during defense are good, so I should continue doing that. I am always taught about minor positional adjustments at the right timing. During matches, I can only see from my own perspective, so I received advice from Nagatomo, who has more experience in the same position, and there were plays where I made adjustments and they worked well. I am truly grateful.
Q: Nagatomo said that Kafumi's growth is also a motivation for him. Does he often reach out to you?
A, fortunately, I am often approached. The presence of player Nagatomo is truly inspiring, so I want to elevate each other.
