<Match Review>
Albert Tokyo, who won their first opening match in 3 seasons, now aims for a consecutive opening victory. They headed to SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium. There were two changes in the starting lineup from the previous match. Koki Tsukagawa was in the inside half, and Ryoma Watanabe was on the right wing. And on the substitute members, along with Yuto Nagatomo and Masato Morishige, who made their first appearance this season, young players such as Tsubasa Terayama, Yuta Arai, and Kota Tawaratsumida, who is in his first year since being promoted to the top team, were listed.
During the pre-match interview, coach Albert Puig Ortoneda stated, "I have high expectations for the young players' performance," and this match was also expected to showcase the emergence of a new hero. Can we break through Kashiwa Reysol's aggressive press and take advantage of the open spaces to aim for our first home victory of the season? The outcome of this match will depend on the battle between these two teams.
1st HALF - Despite conceding the first goal, they persistently catch up.
The intensity of the battle between the two teams, who value it highly, was evident from the kick-off with fierce battles in the ball and situations. In the midst of this, the first chance came in the 9th minute of the first half, when Yasuki KIMOTO fed the ball to Hotaka NAKAMURA, who broke through and entered the area to put in a cross ball. However, the lack of accuracy prevented the chance from being realized. In the 16th minute of the first half, they welcomed a great opportunity. Diego OLIVEIRA, who picked up the opponent's clearance mistake, reacted to the ball that fell in front of the goal and took a shot. It seemed like the opening goal, but the ball went over the goal and missed.
After that, the pace gradually shifted to Kashiwa. As scenes of the ball being moved in the midfield increased, in the 25th minute of the first half, a large swing from the right side to the left side resulted in a goal being scored due to a through pass that the defense couldn't catch up to. Jakub SLOWIK reacted to Hosoya's shot, but it slipped through his fingertips.
After missing a great opportunity, it's easy to hang your head, but Tokyo can still fight hard this season. In the 36th minute of the first half, Koki TSUKAGAWA takes advantage of the opponent's defender from a throw-in on the right side, carries the ball to the goal area, and sends a cross in the opposite direction. Adailton reacts to the ball that flows towards the center of the goal and scores with one touch, equalizing the game. They caught up before the end of the first half and turned the game around.
2nd HALF - Draw as they dominate the game but fail to score
In the second half, when they had the wind at their backs, there were many scenes where they won the ball with sharp movements. The starting positions of both fullbacks were higher and the ball movement improved, giving Tsukagawa, who had not been able to play as well as he wanted in the first half, more opportunities to be involved with the ball, resulting in a stronger attack.
Diego had shooting chances in the 15th and 17th minutes of the second half. Although he couldn't score, the flow of the game became more dynamic. The opportunities continued after the 30th minute of the second half. After a pass exchange with Diego, Nakamura took a powerful shot, and in the 35th minute, Enrique Trevizan and Ryoma Watanabe both had shots on goal. However, an accident occurred shortly after. In the 37th minute of the second half, Nakamura received a second warning and was sent off. Despite continuing to push the opponent and being at a numerical disadvantage in enemy territory, the team was forced to fight on.
The remaining time, while placing Nagatomo on the right side back, we will progress the game with a focus on not conceding. It was a game we wanted to win, but considering the situation, we were able to take home at least one point. After finishing the first two games, we have one win, one draw, and no losses. Next week, we want to restart in Kyoto, away from home.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yakubu Swobick
DF Hotaka Nakamura/Yasuki Kimoto/Henrique Trevizan (45+5 minutes: Masato Morishige)/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Kei Koizumi/Keigo Higashi/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (35 minutes: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Diego Oliveira/Adailton (42 minutes: Yuto NAGATOMO)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
MF Tsubasa TERAYAMA
FW PEROTTI/Yuta ARAI
GOAL
36' First Half: Adailton
＜Kashiwa Reysol＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masato SASAKI
DF Eiichi KATAYAMA/Yugo TATSUTA/Taiyo KOGA/Kaku SANMARU
MF Tomoki TAKAMINE/Kota YAMADA (21st minute of the second half: Keiya SHIIHASHI)/Keiya SENTO (42nd minute of the second half: Ota YAMAMOTO)
FW Mateus Savio/Mao HOSOYA/Tomoya KOYAMATSU (27th minute of the second half: Keita NAKAMURA)
SUBS
GK Tatsuya MORITA
DF Naoki KAWAGUCHI/Takumi TSUCHIYA
FW Yuki MUTO
GOAL
First Half 25th Minute: Mao HOSOYA
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please review the game.
A, I expected the wind to be a major factor. The wind had a bigger impact than the content of the soccer game. I love soccer-specific stadiums, but because there are few roofs, I think it was a stadium where the wind had a big influence. In the first half, when we played against the wind, we tried to take advantage of the space between the lines as usual, but we couldn't find that space easily and Kashiwa also used the tailwind well to press us. Therefore, in the first half, we tried to break through using long balls more than usual. There was also a scoring opportunity for Diego OLIVEIRA in the first half. If we had scored there, the game would have changed significantly. Considering the game content in the first half, I think it was fair to end it in a tie.
On the other hand, in the second half, we created several decisive chances. We took 18 shots and were able to create seven or eight clear-cut chances. And we did not allow Kashiwa to create any chances.
If we were to find positive aspects in today's match, the team started the season with a focus on winning. Today, the players showed that attitude and played well enough to deserve the victory. I believe that continuing to play like this is the key to the growth of both the players and the team. However, due to the wind, it was quite difficult to break through the opponent tactically.
Today, I would like to celebrate the debut of player Tawarazumida, who made his debut as a professional player. Naturally, I think it was a very difficult game for him to debut in. Due to the influence of the wind, it was a difficult situation for him to be put in. While I am happy for Tawarazumida's debut, it is very unfortunate that player Hotaka NAKAMURA was sent off. I directly conveyed this to the referee after the game, but I think that if the first card is given too early, there is a tendency for the number of cards to increase. However, I do not think that today's referee's decision had a significant impact on the game result. One of the great things about Japan is that even after a heated game, we communicate calmly and have a mindset of learning from our mistakes. I hope the referee also learns from giving cards too early.
I am satisfied that the players fought with a strong determination to win. However, it is regrettable and makes me angry that we were unable to score despite creating many chances. Nevertheless, the league is a long battle and we need to continue fighting. There are games where we play well but cannot win, and there are also games where we do not deserve to win but still do. In any case, I believe that games where we strive for victory like today are the path we should take. I think the one point we earned away is an important point. When we returned to the locker room, I was very proud to see the players angry about not being able to win despite their determination. I think that is the positive aspect of today.
Q, What was Koizumi's role in the fluid midfield formation?
A, it depends on the game, so we have to analyze and play. If it's a game where we clearly dominate, controlling the ball leads to protecting the anchor. Kashiwa's weapon is recovering second balls from long balls. In that sense, we needed to be cautious and protect the anchor. In the midfield system we usually adopt, which is an inverted triangle, the three midfielders are not always maintaining that inverted triangle, and it often becomes a equilateral triangle depending on the game. Today, what we were aiming for was for one of the three midfielders to come in and create a numerical advantage in the midfield, but due to the wind, we couldn't execute that part of our plan.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, please review the game.
A, it's still frustrating. I want to win this kind of game and go up, so it's a shame to lose in this atmosphere.
Q, First half, I think it was a good flow to catch up while being scored first away.
A, in the second half we had a lot of chances. It's endless to talk about whether we scored or not, but we pushed them back and I don't think they had many opportunities to score, so that's something we need to work on. In football, that's what determines the outcome, so we have to be conscious of it and work on it from practice.
Q, the start of the second half of the opening game began in a similar way, what was the intention behind that?
A, we have updated our defensive approach from last season, and there were scenes where we were fully engaged, such as talking on the pitch and with the coach, and following others. Depending on the opponent, we want to make it even clearer.
Q: Are there any areas for improvement for the next match, aside from finishing?
A, I think it would be better to calm down a little. Today, there was also wind, so in a very severe environment where one mistake can lead to a goal, I would like to calm down and create situations where we can take care of the ball.
Q, I think it's not bad to get 1 point even with a player sent off away, but is it still frustrating because the goal for this season is high?
A, regardless of home or away, we have to win, so it wasn't a good game to draw and we had a chance to win. We have to be more hungry for victory and keep going.
Q, What is necessary to thoroughly implement our football in a game like this, as it becomes more and more prevalent?
A, I hate to make excuses, but we have had more injuries and young players on the bench, so it's a total team effort to see who can come out of there. With 34 games, I think it's a test of the players who come in as replacements, and on the flip side, it's also an opportunity. I don't think there were any moments today where the players who came in did well, but in the opening game against Urawa, the players who came in did well and were able to bring us to victory, so I think it's a challenge for the 18 players who came on this trip to have that kind of mindset.
Q, do you feel frustrated about being substituted in the first half of the opening game? Were you able to overcome that frustration in today's match?
A, it hasn't changed since the opening game, but I would be happy if it leads to victory. Personally, it was my 350th appearance in the J1 league today, so I remembered the feeling when I debuted before the game, and I have had various experiences over the 350 games, and I have had both enjoyable and frustrating moments. Among various thoughts, I wanted to express the joy of playing and approached the game, so it would have been the best if we could win. I also want to do my best to aim for my 351st game from the first practice after the off-season.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q, this was my first start of the season.
A, I have gained various opportunities, but I think it was my own weakness that I could not make the team win.
Q, there was also an assist scene that led to a tie, please review it.
In that scene, Adailton took advantage of the opponent's gap and entered the space with a good cross, and Nakagawa player collapsed well. Adailton player scored the ball that flowed well, so I think it was good.
Q, there were many difficult scenes in the first half, and there were many chances in the second half if we could finish them.
In the first half, the opponent also came with momentum because they were downwind, but I was thinking about receiving the ball while going down, and I was in a position to support Diego and Adailton who were in front of me. There were many times when I couldn't get involved with the ball, and I thought about dropping back and taking a position, but the team as a whole had a strong consciousness of going forward, so I didn't drop back because I thought it was not good. However, I think the game would have been different if I had dropped back more and expanded the ball.
Q, I think it was the minimum result of 1 point away.
A, from the opening, we have been aiming for the championship, so it was a game that we had to win. 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 was effective to go down, but I played thinking it would be better to be on the front line and pick up the second ball.
Q, there was a comment that said, "In order to win the championship." I think we need to win a game like today's, so please review today's game.
I think we need to make sure to finish what we have decided. I believe that the important thing is the details, so I want to further pursue them in the future.
There were scenes where Q, as well as the points where player Higashi was being used, seemed to have been studied.
A, today I was playing as a top midfielder, with players Higashi and Koizumi as a double pivot, so there wasn't much space on the sides. There was a scene where Matheus SAVIO received the ball in the middle, but that position was where the fullback or center back should have covered. Since we were playing with a double pivot today, it was necessary to clearly define who would go to shut down the opponent. I think we will need to organize these things more in the future.
＜Kei KOIZUMI player＞
Q, What were you conscious of throughout the game while taking positions carefully according to the situation?
A, I thought it would be a game where we would have to compete for second balls because of the sunlight and wind. So, I was conscious of not losing in the competition for second balls. In terms of build-up, I wanted to be more involved. There were some good moments and we were able to create many chances, so I think we just need to finish them. We were able to do the fundamental fighting, and although we had a player sent off and faced some tough situations, we were able to secure at least 1 point, so I think it was a game that will lead to the next one.
Q, there were many scenes where the game was interrupted.
A, it was a game where we could get 3 points and a game we should have won. However, I don't think everything will go well in every game. Today, I think it was good that we were able to get at least 1 point, even though we had a player sent off away. However, in order to aim for the championship, we need to get 3 points in games like this, otherwise the gap with the top team will widen. So, we want to prepare for the next game to win.
Q, Did you aim for victory even after the player was sent off, rather than settling for a draw?
A, even if there was a player sent off, we were still encouraged to not just defend. With one less player, Keigo HIGASHI and I took care of the counterattacks. Towards the end, there were scenes where we had to play with a sense of resignation. I think we have to continue fighting until the end.
Q, have you gotten used to the double pivot?
A, I play in the game as an inside half, and in defensive scenes, I play in a position like a double pivot. When attacking and defending, I use my head more and when building up, I want to be more involved and do things to move the ball forward.
Q, it was a scene of conceding a goal, but when Matheus SAVIO player came inside and played, he became free. Isn't it necessary to organize who will mark him?
A, it is difficult for center backs to go, and it is also difficult for defensive midfielders to watch. I think the team will be analyzed and they will continue to aim for the same space in the future, so I want to take care of it firmly. Even if that space is used, I want to respond firmly afterwards.
Q, what are your feelings about playing against your former team?
It was a team that I was with for a year and a half. I also played against Kashima and Tosu, but I think there were also fans and supporters of Kashiwa who personally supported me, so it was good to be able to show them that I am doing well with a different team.
Q, were you able to show your efforts?
A, if I were to say, I wanted to win and I'm disappointed that I couldn't show a better performance. The league continues and the next game is also an away game, so I want to do my best.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, it was my J debut.
A, 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?
A, I was told to play boldly and not be afraid to make mistakes and play my own game.
Q, What did you keep in mind when the player was sent off and the situation became difficult?
A, no matter what the situation, we must move for the team's victory. Even in a situation where we are one player short, I was thinking of playing solid defense and making plays that lead to goals.
Q, were you nervous?
A, I was really nervous. It was beyond just being nervous.
Q, the first play was calm.
First, I was told to focus on defense, so I was conscious of it.
Q, did you think about pressing back and trying to make it happen yourself?
A, no matter how good the attack is, if you can't defend, you can't keep playing in the game. First of all, I was thinking about defense.
Q: Have you felt anything during the attacking phase?
A, I felt like I could do it. So, if I have a chance to play next and dribble, I want to keep trying.
What are you feeling now after making your Q, J debut?
A, I want to achieve results even with a short playing time. First, I want to steadily build up to 1 assist and 1 goal.
Q, What kind of encouragement did Nagatomo give you?
A, it's okay to make mistakes because you're young. I was encouraged to keep going and keep pushing forward.
Q, What are the future challenges?
A, I think it will change depending on the situation of the game, but even in a situation where we are at a numerical disadvantage like today, I want to come up with ways to showcase my strengths through off-the-ball movement and communicate more with my teammates to make them understand me better. I believe that if I do that, the ball will come to me more, so I want to be conscious of that.
Q, Did your parents come to watch?
Yes, I was watching. First of all, I am grateful to have been able to make my debut, so I would like to express my gratitude.
Adailton Player
Q, please tell us your thoughts on your first goal of the season.
A, I am very happy with my first goal. The result was not what we wanted, but if we think calmly, I think it's not bad that we were able to get points away from home.
Q, this was the third consecutive goal at this stadium.
A, you are very lucky. I hope you can continue like this and score more goals.
Q, I was the team's top scorer last season. I think there are high expectations for me to lead the team in scoring this season as well.
As the coach always says, each individual should give their best effort. I hope to contribute to the team by scoring goals and even if I can't score, I want to contribute in other ways and be able to celebrate with the team at the end of the year.
