<Last Match・Kashiwa Review>
The first away game of the season was at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium, where we had a good impression from last season's 6-3 victory. We faced Kashiwa Reysol, who pressed us man-to-man from the front line, but we were able to break through with our passing and counterattacks, showing the full potential of the "new Tokyo".
However, it is not always successful every season. In the first half, we were struggling with strong winds, with a forecast of maximum instantaneous wind speed of 10 meters. We were pushed back by the opponent's long ball attack and forced to compete for the strength of the second ball.
In a frustrating development where they couldn't get a hold of the ball, they were caught off guard by a through pass in the 25th minute of the first half, and Mao HOSOYA scored the opening goal.
Last season, Tokyo struggled to recover after being scored on first. They often had trouble attacking when the opponent focused more on defense. However, this season they have shown signs of growth.
In the 36th minute of the first half, on a throw-in from the right side, Koki TSUKAGAWA took advantage of a momentary gap in the opponent's defense and reacted to Hotaka NAKAMURA's throw, breaking through behind the defense line. He took the ball near the goal and crossed it, where Ryoma WATANABE was marked near the goal, and Adailton, who had come in from the left side, closed in and equalized before the end of the first half.
With this, Tokyo, who gained momentum, attacked Kashiwa relentlessly in the second half. They did not allow their opponents to freely kick the ball with their press from the front line, and they continuously recovered second balls and launched second and third attacks. However, unlike the first half where they were able to convert their chances, they were unable to score despite having many opportunities to enter the goal area and take shots.
Despite taking a total of 18 shots throughout the match, the score remained 1-1. Despite unexpected events such as a player being sent off towards the end of the second half, we were able to take home 1 point and leave behind many positive aspects for our future battles.
<Preview>
The second game of the away series, against Kyoto Sanga F.C., will not be an easy match that can be taken lightly due to the opponent's performance.
Kyoto has lost both of their first two matches and has yet to score a goal. However, under the guidance of coach CHO Kwi Jae, the team has been well-trained and has faced strong opponents such as Kashima Antlers and Nagoya Grampus with an aggressive and organized style of play, never backing down.
The team's core changed with the transfer of Peter UTAKA, who was the key to the attack, and Naoto KAMIFUKUMOTO, who was the fortress of defense as the goalkeeper. However, the front line was reinforced by the addition of PATRIC, who has a solid track record in the J-League.
Last season's match was a record of 2 wins in 2 games, but in the early stages of the season, when we played away, we couldn't maintain a stable game due to the construction phase of a new style, and we couldn't create decisive chances. However, in the end of the game, we were able to secure a victory by scoring one point with a counterattack based on Yasuki KIMOTO's long feed.
We want to firmly surpass the opponent in the basic aspects of intensity and speed, and then keep the ball and stick the opponent to their own territory. In the Kashiwa match, we failed to take advantage of numerous chances in the second half and ended up with a draw. We will use that reflection to score goals and bring 3 points back to Tokyo this round.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: Please tell us your impression of the opponent for the Kyoto match.
A, Kyoto is now in its third season under the current manager. They have faced each other in J2 when he was leading Niigata, and I think their high intensity play is their strength. They value the ball, but there have been some changes in players and they seem to be playing more cautiously. Until the end of last season, they were involved in the battle to stay in J1. They were also involved in the relegation battle, but I think it was difficult for any team to play against Kyoto last season, and their strong play on both offense and defense makes them a tough team for opponents.
Q, After the opening, there have been injured players. What are your thoughts?
A, Matsuki is not injured, but he is also absent. Abe is injured. Other players have minor injuries such as discomfort or bruising, and they will be able to return to the front line in a short period of time. I'm not worried about that. Nakamura cannot play in the Kyoto match due to his ejection in the Kashiwa match, but the season is long and there will be injured or suspended players. As a result, I think it is a normal flow for other players to have a chance. There may be teams that do not have injured players. Even such teams will eventually have injured players. One of the coach's jobs is to manage the team and maintain the team's performance at a high level when players are absent due to injuries or suspensions.
Q, before the Kashiwa match, I said that I want to have the attack that not only holds the ball but also attacks the opponent's back. That's exactly where it will be effective against Kyoto, won't it?
A, As I mentioned before, our intention in Tokyo is to possess the ball and use all of our weapons effectively in our attack. In both Japan and overseas, the tactics of the winning team are often praised while those of the losing team are not. Kashiwa only had 1 or 2 clear shots on goal, while we created 9 clear chances. Despite the difficult conditions in the first half with the wind against us, we were able to create chances by using long balls behind the defense. What I am trying to say is that the result of the game often has a big impact on how tactics are evaluated. For example, if the opposing team creates many chances and the team is exhausted, but still manages to score 1 or 2 goals and win the game, their defense will be praised for holding on and winning a tough game. The winning team will be praised for their tactics. The course of the game is something that no one can predict before the game. In that sense, I want each player to be aware of the flow of the game and make decisions on what plays will make the opponent uncomfortable. For example, if Kyoto is pressing high and marking tightly, it will create 1v1 situations and equal numbers in our attacking line. In that case, I believe using long balls to exploit the space behind the defense is an effective option. As I always say, I want this team to play as the main character of the game while possessing the ball. In order to do that, it is important to make appropriate decisions and play based on the flow of the game and the situation of the opposing team. Our play should not be dictated by the way the opposing team plays. In any world, the tactics and evaluation of the coach will change depending on the result of the game, right?
Q, I think it's important to figure out how to defend East's anchor side space in the Urawa and Kashiwa matches, but have you been able to make any adjustments?
A, the team must be well prepared to defend the space next to the anchor. Urawa was trying to get their wings inside and attack Higashi's side. Kashiwa was putting long balls into the front line and aiming for the second ball to recover and attack Higashi's side. The players have gained experience. No matter how the opposing team plays, if they come to attack the space next to our one defensive midfielder, we must adapt and defend well. We are well prepared for that. I think the three midfielders need to adjust their positions according to the situation of the game. On the other hand, if we want to solidify our defense, it is also an option to have two defensive midfielders and defend in a double pivot style. I want the midfielders to defend wisely. It is always a challenge to deal with the space next to the one defensive midfielder when using that formation.
Q: What is necessary to win against Kyoto?
A, regardless of home or away, we always aim to get 3 points. Depending on the game situation, I think 1 point away is a valuable point. On the other hand, I think we played well enough to deserve a win against Kashiwa. It was frustrating not to get 3 points. Regardless of home or away, I want to always stand on the pitch as Tokyo and aim for 3 points.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Kyoto match.
A, Regardless of 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 do you need to do to win?
To win, we need to have passion, win the ball, switch between offense and defense, and do the basics well. In the game, we want to be able to surpass our opponents by playing our own soccer, taking into account how the opponent will come out and various tactics. If we can do that, I think we will be able to win.
Q, the team seems to be in good condition, but I think the presence of players like Nagatomo and Morishige is significant.
A, I think it is more important for young players to have a conscious effort than our presence. Even if there is someone who can lead, if each individual does not have a conscious effort, a good team like this cannot be formed. I believe that the current team's good condition is evidence that each player's consciousness has changed and they are performing with a high level of consciousness.
Q, please tell us your thoughts on winning the league.
A, I have a strong determination and resolve towards winning the league in my football career. I also play with passion for it.
Adailton Player
Q, how is your condition after scoring your first goal of the season in the previous match?
A, I am very happy to be able to score early in the season. My condition is also good, but I want to continue practicing and bring it to an even better state. I hope to contribute to the team with goals.
Q, Did you think the ball was coming your way during the scoring scene?
A, We have been practicing entering the goal area from the camp. In the Kashiwa game, our forward players were able to enter the goal area with power against crosses from the side. In the scoring scenes, we were able to score by receiving the ball in a good position.
Q, the team has played two games since the season started. How do you feel about the team's performance? Please also tell us about any challenges.
A, Not only the players who are participating in the match, but all players are always prepared to contribute to the team's victory from their daily practice. I think we have created a situation where anyone can play. I think both games were good, including the content, but in the previous game, we were not able to convert our chances into goals and could not earn 3 points. In the Kyoto match, we want to continue to express our own soccer and score goals if we have the chance.
Q: What is your impression of Kyoto, the opponent in the next match?
A, although the opponent has not yet accumulated points, I feel that they are a good team including quality. I think it is important to first play our own game and achieve good results rather than focusing on the opponent.
Q, don't you have a good impression of scoring when you last played?
A, we were able to achieve good results in the previous match. This time, I want to give my all and contribute to the team with goals.
Q, What are you being asked by the coach? I think Adailton's dribbling will also become important.
A, I have been told by the coach to maximize my abilities. I want to continue to show my unique style of play. I think the players have gained the trust of the coach and are able to play with confidence. The team is in a really good state.
Q, Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
This will be an away game, but your support will be a great help. We would be happy if you could come to the venue. The season has just begun, but we will do our best to work together and celebrate in the end.
