<Match Review>
After securing their first opening win in three seasons, Albert Tokyo's next goal is to achieve consecutive opening victories. They headed to SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium. There were two changes in the starting lineup from the previous opening match. Koki TSUKAGAWA was placed in the inside half, and Ryoma WATANABE took the right wing. The substitute members included Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE, who made his first appearance this season, along with rookie Tsubasa TERAYAMA, high school graduate rookie Yuta ARAI, and first-year top promotion player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, among other young players.
In the press conference the day before the match, coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA stated, "We expect the young players to perform well," and this match was anticipated to see the rise of new heroes. Kashiwa Reysol is expected to come aggressively in pursuit of their first home victory of the season, while trying to break through the press and exploit the open spaces. The battle in that area will be key to the outcome of the match.
1st HALF - Allowed an early goal but fought back resiliently to equalize
Both teams valued high intensity, leading to fierce battles at the ball and in various situations right from the kickoff. The first chance came in the 9th minute of the first half, when Yasuki KIMOTO's feed allowed Hotaka NAKAMURA to break free and enter the area to deliver a cross. However, the accuracy was lacking, and it did not result in a chance. In the 16th minute of the first half, a great opportunity arose. Diego OLIVEIRA reacted to a loose ball in front of the goal after the opponent's clearance mistake and took a shot. It seemed like it could be the opening goal, but the ball went over the goal.
Immediately after that, the pace gradually shifted to Kashiwa. As scenes of the ball being moved in midfield increased, in the 25th minute of the first half, the ball was played from the right side to the left side, and the defensive slide was too late, resulting in a through pass and a goal conceded. Jakub SLOWIK reacted to the shot from Hosoya, but it slipped past his fingertips.
After missing a great opportunity, it is easy to lower your head, but even so, Tokyo can fight tenaciously this season. In the 36th minute of the first half, from a throw-in on the right side, Koki TSUKAGAWA took position behind the opposing defender, brought the ball close to the goal, and sent a cross in the negative direction. Adailton reacted to the ball that flowed in front of the goal and scored with a one-touch finish to equalize. They managed to level the match before the end of the first half.
2nd HALF - Dominated the match but couldn't finish, resulting in a draw
In the second half, standing upwind, there were noticeable scenes of winning battles for the ball with sharp starts. As the starting positions of both full-backs became higher and the movement of the ball improved, Tsukagawa, who had not been able to play as desired in the first half, began to get more involved with the ball, adding depth to the attack.
In the 15th and 17th minutes of the second half, Diego had consecutive shooting opportunities. Although neither was converted, there was a sense of dynamism in the flow leading to the finishes. Furthermore, after the 30th minute of the second half, there were continued chances. After exchanging passes with Diego, Nakamura took a powerful mid-range shot, and in the 35th minute, Henrique TREVISAN's header and Ryoma WATANABE's half-volley threatened the goal. However, an incident awaited just after that. In the 37th minute of the second half, Nakamura received a second warning and was sent off. In a situation where they continued to press the opponent, they were forced to fight with a numerical disadvantage on enemy territory.
With the remaining time, we will place Nagatomo as a right back, focusing on not conceding any goals while progressing the game. Although we wanted to secure a win, considering the circumstances, we were able to bring home at least one point, which can be considered the minimum. After finishing the first two matches of the season, we have one win and one draw, remaining unbeaten. Next week, we aim to restart in Kyoto away.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique Trevisan (substituted in 45+5 minutes: Masato MORISHIGE)/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Kei KOIZUMI/Kengo HIGASHI/Koki TSUKAGAWA (substituted in 35 minutes: Kota TAWARATSUKIDA)
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Diego Oliveira/Adailton (substituted in 42 minutes: Yuto NAGATOMO)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
MF Tsubasa TERAYAMA
FW PEROTTI/Yuta ARAI
GOAL
36th minute of the first half: Adailton
<Kashiwa Reysol>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masato SASAKI
DF Eiichi KATAYAMA/Yugo TATSUTA/Taiyo KOGA/Hiroshi MIMARU
MF Tomoki TAKAMINE/Kota YAMADA (21 minutes into the second half: Keiya SHIIHASHI)/Keiya SENTO (42 minutes into the second half: Ota YAMAMOTO)
FW Mateus SAVIO/Mao HOSOYA/Tomoya KOYAMATSU (27 minutes into the second half: Keita NAKAMURA)
SUBS
GK Tatsuya MORITA
DF Naoki KAWAGUCHI/Takumi TSUCHIYA
FW Yuki MUTO
GOAL
25th minute of the first half: Mao HOSOYA
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
I expected the wind to be a significant factor. The impact of the wind was greater than the content of the soccer. I love soccer-specific stadiums, but due to the lack of a roof, I think it was a stadium where the wind had a major influence. In the first half, playing against the wind, I tried to utilize the play between the lines as usual, but I couldn't find that space easily, and Kashiwa effectively pressed us, taking advantage of the tailwind. Therefore, in the first half, we attempted to break through by using long balls more than usual. Diego OLIVEIRA had a scoring opportunity in the first half as well. If we had been able to score first, the game would have changed significantly. Considering the content of the first half, I think it was reasonable to end in a draw.
On the other hand, in the second half, we created several decisive chances. We took 18 shots and created seven or eight clear-cut chances. And we did not allow Kashiwa to create any chances.
If we were to find a positive aspect in today's match, it would be that this season, we started with a focus on playing for victory. Today, I believe the players expressed that attitude well and played in a way that deserved to win. Continuing to have matches like this is, I think, the key for both the players and the team to keep growing. However, due to the influence of the wind, it was quite difficult to tactically break through against the opponent.
Today, I would like to celebrate player Tawaratsukita, who made his debut as a professional player. Naturally, I think it was a very difficult match situation for him to debut in. Due to the influence of the wind, it was a challenging development, and I believe it was a tough time for him to be brought into the game. While I feel joy for Tawaratsukita's debut, it is very unfortunate about Hotaka NAKAMURA's ejection. I conveyed this directly to the referee after the match, but I think that when the first card is shown too early, there tends to be an increase in the number of cards. However, I do not believe that the referee's decisions today had a significant impact on the match result. One wonderful aspect of Japan is that even after a heated match, we can communicate calmly and have a mutual awareness of learning from mistakes. I hope the referee can also learn from the early cards.
I am satisfied that the players continued to fight with a strong commitment to victory. However, it is disappointing and frustrating that we created many chances but could not convert them into a win. Still, the league is a long battle, so continuous effort is necessary. There are matches where we play well enough to deserve a win but still lose, and there are matches where we win despite not deserving it. In any case, I believe that matches like today, where we are committed to victory, are the path we should follow. The one point we earned away is an important point. When I returned to the locker room and saw the players feeling angry about not being able to win despite their commitment to victory, I felt very proud. I think that is the positive aspect of today.
Q: The midfield shape was fluid, but what was Koizumi's role?
A, it varies by match, so we need to analyze and play accordingly. If it is a match that we clearly dominate, controlling the ball will help us protect the area next to the anchor. Kashiwa's ability to recover second balls from long balls is one of their strengths. In that sense, it was necessary to be cautious and defend the area next to the anchor. In the inverted triangle system that we usually adopt in midfield, the three midfielders do not always maintain that inverted triangle, and it is common for them to form a regular triangle depending on the flow of the match. Today, what we aimed for was to have someone from the three midfielders come in to create a numerical advantage in midfield, but due to the wind's influence, we were unable to execute the intended play in that area.
[Player Interview]]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, please review the game.
A, it's really frustrating, isn't it? We want to win games like this to move up, and it's disappointing because winning in this atmosphere is important.
Q: I think it was not a bad flow to equalize after conceding the first goal away in the first half.
In the second half, we had many chances. It's endless to talk about whether we scored or not, but we pressed hard and I think the opponent had almost no clear chances, so that's a challenge for us. In soccer, that's what determines the outcome, so we need to be conscious of that from practice onward.
Q: It started in a way close to the start of the second half of the opening match, but what is the aim of that?
A, we have updated our defensive approach from last season, and there were moments on the pitch where we communicated and discussed with the coach, as well as situations where we marked our opponents effectively. It depends on the opponent, but I want to make it clearer.
Q: Are there any areas for improvement for the next match besides finishing?
A, I think it would be good to be a bit calmer. Since there was wind today, in a very severe environment where a single mistake could lead to a goal, I hope we can find ways to stay calm and create situations where we value the ball.
Q: I think it's not bad to have earned 1 point despite having a player sent off away, but is it still frustrating because the goals for this season are high?
A, regardless of home or away, we need to win, so it wasn't a good match to settle for a draw, and there were chances to win. We need to approach it with a greater hunger for victory.
Q: What is necessary to ensure that we can demonstrate our style of football even in matches like this, as it becomes more ingrained in our play?
A, it may sound like an excuse, but we have been seeing an increase in injuries, and with young players on the bench, I think it’s a total team effort to see who can step up. With 34 matches, I believe the strength of the players coming in as substitutes is being tested, and conversely, it’s an opportunity. I don’t think we saw any moments today where the players who came on made an impact. In the opening match against Urawa, the substitutes performed well and helped us secure the victory, so I think it’s a challenge for the 18 players who traveled to approach the game with that mindset.
Q, I think you felt some frustration about being substituted in the first half of the opening match. Were you able to clear that frustration in today's game?
A, it hasn't changed since the opening match, but I would be happy if it leads to victory. Personally, today marks my 350th appearance in the J1 League, so I remembered the feelings I had when I debuted before the match. Since then, I have played 350 matches, gaining various experiences, both enjoyable and frustrating. After considering many things, I wanted to express the joy of playing as I approached the match, and it would have been the best if we could win because of that. I also want to work hard from the practice after the break towards my 351st match.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q: This was your first start of the season.
I had various influences and gained opportunities, but I believe that not being able to lead the team to victory is due to my lack of ability.
Q, please review the assist scene that led to the equalizer.
In that scene, Watanabe skillfully took advantage of the opponent's gap and delivered a good cross into space. I think it was great that Adailton finished the flowing ball solidly.
Q: There were many difficult moments in the first half, and in the second half, there were many chances that could have been converted.
In the first half, we were downwind, so the opponent came at us with momentum. I considered dropping back to receive the ball, but I positioned myself further up the field to support Diego TABA and Adailton when the ball came to them. There were many times when I couldn't get involved with the ball effectively, and I thought about dropping back to take a position, but the team's strong desire to push forward made me think it wouldn't be good to drop back, so I didn't. However, I believe that if I had dropped back more and helped to spread the ball, the outcome of the match would have been different.
Q: I think it was a minimum result of 1 point away.
A, I have been saying this since the opening match, but this was a game we had to win as we are aiming for the championship. I don't think we should be satisfied with this result.
Q: Was it difficult to choose to connect more in the first half?
There were times when I judged it effective to drop back, but I thought it was better to stay up front and pick up the second ball.
Q: There was a comment about winning the championship. I believe that to win, we need to secure matches like today's, so please reflect on today's game.
I think we need to make clear decisions where it matters. I believe the details are important, so I want to delve deeper into this moving forward.
Q: There were scenes where it seemed that the use of player Higashi's side was being studied.
Today, I played as an attacking midfielder, and since we had a double pivot with Higashi and Koizumi, I don't think there were many gaps. There was a moment when Matheus SAVIO came inside to receive the ball, but that position should have been covered by a full-back or a center-back. Since we had a double pivot today, I think it was necessary to clarify who would press. Moving forward, I believe we need to organize those aspects better.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: While taking detailed positions based on the situation, what were you conscious of throughout the match?
A, there was sunlight and wind, so I thought it would be a match where we would compete for second balls. Therefore, I was conscious of not losing in the battle for second balls. I wanted to be more involved in the build-up phase. There were good moments, and we created many chances, so I think it was just a matter of finishing. We were fundamentally fighting well, and although there were tough moments with a player being sent off, we managed to secure at least one point, which I believe will lead to the next match.
Q: There were many scenes where the game was interrupted.
It was a match where we could have taken 3 points, and we should have taken them. However, I don't think every match will go well. Today, I think it was good that we managed to secure at least 1 point away, even with a player sent off. However, to aim for the championship, we need to secure 3 points in matches like this, or the gap with the leaders will widen, so I want to prepare to win the next match.
Q: After the player was sent off, were you still aiming for victory instead of a draw?
Even with one player sent off, there was encouragement not to fall back into defense. Since we were one player down, Keigo HIGASHI and I took care of the counter-attacks. Towards the end, there were moments where we had to play with a clear mindset. I believe we must continue to fight in those aspects.
Q: Have you gotten used to the double pivot?
A, I am playing as an inside half in the match, and during defensive situations, I take on a position similar to that of a double pivot. I want to be more strategic in switching between attacking and defending, and during build-up play, I want to be more involved and work on advancing the ball forward.
Q: Regarding the goal conceded, when Matheus SAVIO came inside and played, he was left free. Shouldn't there be some organization on who is marking him?
It's difficult for a center-back to go, and I think it's also difficult for the defensive midfielder to watch. The team will analyze us, and I believe they will continue to target similar spaces in the future, so I want to take care of that properly. Even if that space is used, I want to make sure we respond well afterwards.
Q: How do you feel about facing your former club?
It was a team I was with for a year and a half. I had faced teams like Kashima and Tosu, but I believe there were people among the fans and supporters of Kashiwa who personally supported me, so I’m glad I could show them my efforts even with a different team.
Q: Were you able to show your efforts?
A, to be honest, I wanted to win and I feel frustrated because I wanted to show a better performance. The league matches will continue, and since the next match is also an away game, I want to do my best.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, it has become a J debut.
A, first of all, I am happy to have made my debut. However, I want to continue to work hard without being satisfied with this.
Q: What instructions did you receive from the coach?
I was told to play boldly, and to not be afraid of making mistakes and to show my own play.
Q: I think it became a difficult situation with a player being sent off, but what did you keep in mind?
A, no matter the situation, we must act for the team's victory. Even in a situation with one less player, I wanted to defend properly and make plays that lead to goals.
Q: Did you feel nervous?
A, it was beyond nervousness. It was not just nervousness.
Q: The first play was calm, wasn't it?
A, I was told to start with defense, so I was conscious of that.
Q: Were you thinking of actively initiating the press back yourself?
A, no matter how good the offense is, if you can't defend, you won't be able to continue playing in the matches. I was thinking that defense comes first.
Q: Did you feel anything in the attacking part?
A, I felt that I could do it. So, if I have the chance to play next and dribble, I want to take on the challenge more and more.
Q: What are your thoughts now that you have made your J debut?
I want to leave results even in a short playing time. First, I aim for 1 assist and 1 goal, and I want to steadily build up from there.
Q: What kind of encouragement did you receive from player Nagatomo?
A, it's okay to make mistakes because you're young. I was encouraged to keep going.
Q: What are the challenges ahead?
A, I think it will change depending on the situation of the match, but even in a numerically disadvantaged situation like today, if I can come up with off-the-ball movements to showcase my strengths and communicate more with the players around me to help them understand me, I believe the ball will come to me more. So, I want to be conscious of those aspects.
Q: Did your parents come to watch?
A, yes. I came to see it. First of all, I think I was able to give back a little by being able to debut, so I would like to express my gratitude.
<Adailton>
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on your first goal of the season.
I am very happy to have scored my first goal. The result was not what we wanted, but if we think calmly, getting points away is not a bad thing.
Q, this stadium has seen goals for three consecutive seasons.
A, you are very lucky. It would be great if you continue like this and score again.
Q: You were the team's top scorer last season. I believe you are expected to lead the team in scoring again this season.
The coach always says that individuals should try to maximize their own abilities. In that context, I hope to score goals and contribute. Even if I can't score, I want to contribute to the team in other ways, and by the end of the year, I hope we can all celebrate together as a team.
