Review of the previous match against Kashiwa
The first away game of this season took place at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium, where we have a good memory from last season's 6-3 victory. It was a match that showcased the new Tokyo, effectively breaking down Kashiwa Reysol's man-to-man press with our passing work and finishing off counterattacks with precision.
However, it doesn't always go as well as every season. First, we struggled with strong winds that were forecasted to reach a maximum instantaneous speed of 10 meters. In the first half, standing downwind, we were pushed back by the opponent's long ball attacks and forced into a fierce battle for the second ball.
In a frustrating development where we couldn't hold the ball, we were caught off guard by a through pass in the 25th minute of the first half, allowing Mao HOSOYA to score the opening goal.
Last season, Tokyo struggled to recover after going behind. They often found it difficult to attack when the opponent focused more on defense. However, this season has shown signs of growth.
In the 36th minute of the first half, during a throw-in on the right side, Koki TSUKAGAWA took advantage of a momentary lapse by the opponent and reacted to Hotaka NAKAMURA's throw, breaking through behind the opponent's defensive line. He carried the ball close to the goal and delivered a cross, where Ryoma WATANABE was blocked at the near side, and Adailton, who had entered from the left side, followed up to equalize before the end of the first half.
With this momentum, Tokyo aggressively attacked Kashiwa in the second half, which was played with the wind at their backs. They pressed from the front, not allowing the opponent to kick the ball freely, and consistently recovered second balls to launch secondary and tertiary attacks. However, unlike the first half where they capitalized on their chances, they frequently entered the goal area and took shots, but were unable to find the back of the net.
Although they took a total of 18 shots throughout the match, the score was 1-1. Despite unexpected situations such as a player being sent off towards the end of the second half, they returned with 1 point, leaving behind many positive aspects for future battles.
<Preview>
The second match of the away consecutive games against Kyoto SANGA S should not be an easy match that can be taken lightly due to the opponent's record.
Kyoto has lost both matches after the opening with no goals scored. However, the team, well-trained by coach CHO Kwi Jae, is playing aggressive and organized football, not backing down against talented teams like Kashima Antlers and Nagoya Grampus.
The team has undergone a transformation with the departure of Peter UTAKA, who was the key to the attack, and Naoto KAMIFUKUMOTO, the goalkeeper who was the fortress of defense. However, PATRIC, who has ample experience in the J-League, has joined the front line.
Last season's matchup resulted in two wins out of two games, but during the early part of the season, when we faced each other in an away game, we struggled to establish a stable performance while building a new style. Despite not being able to create decisive chances, we managed to secure a victory with a counterattack initiated by a long feed from Yasuki KIMOTO, scoring a goal in the final moments of the match.
Against opponents who engage in aggressive battles, we want to firmly surpass them in the basic aspects of intensity and speed, while also maintaining possession of the ball to pin them back in their own half. In the match against Kashiwa, we ended up drawing after failing to capitalize on several chances we created in the second half. Learning from that reflection, we aim to accumulate goals and bring home 3 points to Tokyo this time.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: Please tell us your impression of the opponent ahead of the match against Kyoto.
A. Kyoto is currently in its third season under the current manager. We have faced them before when he was leading Niigata in J2, and I believe their characteristic is high-intensity play. They value possession of the ball, but with player changes, they seem to be playing a bit cautiously. Until the end of last season, they were involved in the battle for J1 survival. They were in the relegation fight, but I think it was difficult for any team to play against Kyoto last season, and their high-intensity play on both offense and defense makes them a challenging team for opponents.
Q: There have been injuries since the season started. What are your thoughts on this?
A, there are no injuries, but Matsuki is also absent. Abe is injured. The other players have minor injuries such as discomfort or bruises, which should allow them to return to the field in a short period. I am not worried about that. Nakamura will miss the match against Kyoto due to his red card in the Kashiwa match, but the season is long, and there will be injured and suspended players. I think it is a normal flow for other players to get opportunities because of that. There may be teams without injured players, but even those teams will eventually have injuries. One of the coach's jobs is to manage the team and maintain high performance when players are absent due to injuries or suspensions.
Q: Before the match against Kashiwa, you mentioned wanting to have not only possession-based attacks but also the ability to exploit the opponent's back. Isn't that exactly what will be effective against Kyoto?
As I mentioned before, Tokyo intends to keep the ball well and utilize all weapons effectively in their attack. It is common that in Japan and abroad, when a team wins, their tactics are praised, while the tactics of the losing team are not. Kashiwa had only one or two clear shots on target. We created clear chances nine times. In the first half, despite the difficult situation with a headwind, we utilized long balls played behind to create opportunities. What I want to say is that the result of the match has a significant impact on evaluations. For example, if the opposing team creates many chances and a fatigued team wins by converting one or two chances, it is often written that they solidified their defense and won a tough match, and the winning team is praised. The flow of the match is something that no one can predict before it starts. In that sense, once the match begins, I hope each player can recognize the flow of the game well and determine what plays will annoy the opponent. For instance, if Kyoto applies pressure from the front in a man-marking style, it creates one-on-one situations and numerical advantages for our front line. In response, using long balls to exploit the space behind is indeed an effective option. I always say this, but I hope this team plays as the main character in the match while controlling the ball. To achieve that, it is important to make appropriate judgments based on the flow of the game and the situation of the opposing team to attack and play. Our play should never be determined by how the opposing team plays. The evaluation of tactics and coaches changing based on match results is the same in any world.
Q: I think it will be important to see how we defend the lateral space of player Higashi during the matches against Urawa and Kashiwa. Were you able to make adjustments?
A, the team must be well-prepared to defend the lateral space of the anchor. Urawa was trying to move the wings inside and exploit the space next to Keigo HIGASHI. Kashiwa was sending long balls forward and aiming for the space next to Keigo HIGASHI by recovering the second ball. The players are gaining experience. No matter how the opposing team plays, if they aim for the space next to our single defensive midfielder, we must adapt and defend well. We are prepared for that. I think the three midfielders will need to adjust their positions according to the situation of the match. On the other hand, if we want to solidify our defense, one option is to line up two defensive midfielders and defend in a double pivot style. I hope the midfield players will defend wisely. I believe that effectively managing the lateral space is a constant challenge as long as we adopt a single defensive midfielder.
Q: What is necessary to win against Kyoto?
A, regardless of home or away, we are always striving to secure 3 points. Depending on the match situation, I believe that 1 point away can be a valuable point. On the other hand, regarding the match against Kashiwa, I think we played well enough to deserve a victory. I was disappointed that we couldn't secure 3 points. Regardless of home or away, I want to continue to stand on the pitch for 3 points for Tokyo.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: Please tell us your enthusiasm for the match against Kyoto.
Whether starting or coming off the bench, my enthusiasm for the game never changes, and I always continue to prepare well. I just do what I need to do to contribute to the team's victory.
Q: What is necessary to win?
To win, it is essential to have passion, to be strong in one-on-one situations, to switch between offense and defense effectively, and to focus on the basics. During the match, we want to showcase our style of football and outplay the opponent amidst various tactics they may employ. If we can achieve that, I believe victory will follow.
Q: The team seems to be in good shape, and I think the presence of players like Nagatomo and Morishige is significant.
I believe that it is more important for young players to be aware and engaged than for our existence. Even if there are leaders, if each individual does not have that awareness, a good team like we have now cannot be formed. I think the current good state of the team is a testament to the change in each player's awareness and their ability to perform with a high level of consciousness.
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on winning the league championship.
I have a strong will, feelings, and determination towards winning the league in my football life. I also play with passion for that.
<Adailton>
Q: You scored your first goal of the season in the last match. How is your condition?
I am very happy to have scored early in the season as it begins. My condition is good, but I want to continue practicing to improve even further. I hope to contribute to the team with goals.
Q: Regarding the scoring scene, did you think the ball was coming through?
We have been practicing entering the goal area from the camp. In the match against Kashiwa, the forwards were aggressively entering the goal area in response to crosses from the sides. In the scoring scene, it was great that the ball rolled into a good position and I was able to score.
Q: The season has started and we have played two matches. How does the team feel about its performance? Please also tell us about any challenges.
Not only the players who are participating in the match, but all players are always prepared to play in the match and contribute to the team's victory from regular practice. I believe we have created a situation where anyone can participate. I think both matches were good in terms of content, but in the previous match, although we were able to create chances, we could not convert them into goals and accumulate 3 points. In the match against Kyoto, we want to continue expressing our style of soccer and make sure to score whenever we have the chance.
Q: What is your impression of Kyoto, the opponent in the next match?
A, the opponent has not been able to accumulate points yet, but I feel they are a good team in terms of quality. I think it is important for us to first showcase our own play and achieve good results, rather than focusing on the opponent.
Q: You scored in the last match against them, so you must have a good impression, right?
In the last match, we were able to achieve a good result. I want to give my all in this match as well and contribute to the team with goals.
Q: What is the coach asking of you? I think Adailton's dribbling will also become important.
I have been told by the coach to maximize my abilities. I want to showcase my playing style, which is one of my characteristics. I believe the players have gained the coach's trust, and I think they are able to play with confidence. The team is in a very good state.
Q: Finally, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
Although it will be an away game, your support will give us strength. We would be happy if you could come to the venue. The season has just begun, but we want to do our best so that in the end, we can all celebrate together.
