<Match Review>
This game will test the seriousness of our pursuit for the league championship. In the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, we allowed an early goal while playing away, but quickly equalized and managed to secure 1 point despite having a player sent off. However, the words from the players were filled more with regret.
If we aim for the championship, we must win regardless of whether it's at home or away.
A week later, the match was an away game at SANGA Stadium by KYOCERA. With many injured and suspended players, managing the roster was not easy, but in this match, captain Masato MORISHIGE and the team's oldest player Yuto NAGATOMO started, and the team united to face the challenge.
1st HALF - Thanks to Jakub SLOWIK's excellent saves, we go into halftime without conceding a goal
It was a 45 minutes filled with a lot of patience. Just 5 minutes into the first half, the ball was quickly carried from the left side to the goal area, shaking the goal net. However, thanks to VAR support, it was determined that Yamada's play of taking the ball from Kashif BANGNAGANDE was a foul, and the goal was disallowed. Nevertheless, it was a sudden start under pressure from Kyoto.
After that, Tokyo gradually found their rhythm and created opportunities to approach the goal. In the 15th minute of the first half, they pressed on the left side, and Kei KOIZUMI entered the pocket as an inside half. From that secondary attack, Diego OLIVEIRA managed to take a shot, but it went straight to the goalkeeper.
In the first half, this good flow does not continue. There are prolonged periods where we cannot advance the ball due to Kyoto's quick transitions and pressure. Even when Morishige has the ball, he cannot find a receiver, leading to more frequent passes back to Jakub SLOWIK. From there, we lose the second ball, resulting in longer defensive periods.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, a decisive shot taken by PATRIC was saved by a big save from Jakub SLOWIK. In other scenes, even though they were brought close to the goal, they managed to prevent any decisive plays, and despite being at a disadvantage, they went into halftime without conceding a goal.
2nd HALF - Unable to capitalize on opportunities, conceding goals and suffering the first defeat of the season
In the second half, it was Tokyo that created the first chance. In the 2nd minute of the second half, Kafumi broke through on the left side and crossed the ball to Adailton, who was free to connect. However, his right-footed shot went over and missed the target.
In the 17th minute of the second half, substitute Kota TAWARATSUMIDA made a move on the right side. Adailton, who was waiting wide, attempted to connect with a ground cross using his left foot, but he couldn't make contact.
In the 24th minute of the second half, PEROTTI was brought in, changing the formation to a two-top with Diego TABA. They aimed to strengthen the front line and seize the opening goal.
However, in the 30th minute of the second half, we allowed the first goal. After a secondary attack from a set piece, it was finally headed in by player Kawasaki.
Immediately after conceding a goal, Tokyo brought in Tsubasa TERAYAMA, who was making his league debut after turning professional, and Yuta ARAI, who was also making his league debut. They are playing aggressively to catch up.
However, unable to create the chances they hoped for, they conceded a penalty kick in the 44th minute of the second half, which was converted by PATRIC, resulting in the second goal against them. They pressed towards the Kyoto goal until the end, but the time ran out, marking their first loss of the season and leaving them without a victory in the away doubleheader. In the next match, they will face Yokohama FC in their first home game since the opening match.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (substituted in 78th minute: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI/Kegon HIGASHI/Koki TSUKAGAWA (substituted in 78th minute: Yuta ARAI)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted in 57th minute: Kota TAWARAZAKI)/Diego Oliveira/Adailton (substituted in 69th minute: PEROTTI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO/Henrique TREVISAN
GOAL
―
<Kyoto Sanga F.C.>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoya WAKAHARA
DF Shogo ASADA/Rikito INOUE/Kosuke KINOSHITA
MF Sota KAWASAKI/Shinpei FUKUOKA (37th minute: Osamu Henry IYOHA)/Shohei TAKEDA (19th minute: Daiki KANEKO)/Fuki YAMADA (19th minute: Teppei YACHIDA)/Hibiki SATO
FW PATRIC/Kosuke KINOSHITA (45+2 minute: Ryogo YAMASAKI)
SUBS
GK Warner HAHN
MF Daigo ARAKI
FW Yudai KIMURA
GOAL
30 minutes into the second half: Sota KAWASAKI / 45+1 minutes into the second half: PATRIC
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, I anticipated that the match would be intense with many moments of fighting from the start. That's why, even though there was some chaos at first, we aimed to calm down and control the game afterwards. That was the game plan. For about the first 20 to 25 minutes of the first half, it was difficult to control the match, but after that, we managed to settle down well. However, we often struggled against Kyoto's aggressive and high-intensity defense, and while there were times we could control the game, we couldn't maintain it. I don't think there was much time for either us or Kyoto to control the match. In such cases, the team that scores first tends to take the three points. Adailton also had a chance to score first, but Kyoto capitalized on their opportunity and took the three points. In any case, it was a situation where we needed to control the game more.
We couldn't play well in the center, and we weren't able to play between the lines as usual. I think we were able to create chances when we could play like that, but if I say we were able to do it consistently, that was certainly not the case. I believe the team that scored the first goal won; it was an unstable match development.
Q: The goals conceded were from set pieces and penalty kicks, which were not really related to tactics. How will you make adjustments moving forward?
A significant difference between the first two matches and today's match is that in the first two matches, we had more control over the game and created many chances, but today that was not the case. We were unable to create many chances in the way we expected. In the match against Urawa, both teams had a strong desire to play. I think Kashiwa and Kyoto are characterized by their aggressive defense. In the match against Kashiwa, we were able to play calmly and create multiple chances, but today that remains a challenge.
Currently, the team is missing several players who excel at playing in the center and between the lines. Additionally, Matsuki, who is with the U-20 Japan national team, is also absent. There are overlaps in the positions of absent players, but we must cover for that and play as a team. I anticipated that today's match would be difficult. Therefore, we aimed to employ an attack utilizing speedy wingers to create width. I expected that it would be challenging to play in the center against Kyoto, who are known for their aggressive defense, so the use of wide wingers was the strategy. When we managed to hold the ball while effectively evading their aggressive defense, we aimed to play calmly and continue attacking in the opponent's territory, but the match did not unfold as we had hoped. Even if we aim for a specific style, it is inevitable that the game becomes difficult when multiple players suited for that style are unavailable. In that context, I hoped to utilize the speed of both wingers, but we struggled to develop our play as expected, and since the match did not settle into a calm flow, I believe that the first goal carried significant weight in the outcome.
I don't think conceding goals from set pieces is a major issue for the team in response to the question. I believe it is commendable that several young players who made their professional debut played boldly.
[Player Interview]]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, please review the game.
A, we were pushed back by the opponent's momentum from the first half, and we were almost losing in recovering the second balls to Kyoto. I believe that not being able to take the initiative there is something we need to improve. That is an area we can improve, and if we can address that, I think it will lead to a better outcome.
Q: I had the impression that you still haven't received the ball in the desired places or at the right timing.
A. In the first half, it felt like we were hardly able to maintain possession in the opponent's half. Since we couldn't create a flow of attacking while moving the ball, I think we need to increase the depth of our attacks. While attacking quickly vertically is certainly good, we need to take better care of the ball to avoid losing it and want to circulate the ball more in the opponent's territory. I think this relates to the players' sense of distance; there wasn't enough compactness, which may have led to our inability to win second balls or circulate the ball. I believe we had some good attacks when we had possession, and it will be important to see how much we can circulate the ball while attacking in the opponent's half.
Q: What do you think is important in order to move the ball and attack against a strong opponent?
I think we need to connect from the back without fear. Otherwise, I believe neither the team nor the players can grow. Today, I felt there was a discrepancy in our awareness of whether to connect from the back or to attack with long balls, so we need to deepen our common understanding and improve in that area. Everyone has high skills, so if we can improve that, I think our actions will become clearer. If we align our awareness and make the best choices at that moment, I believe it will lead to more substantial attacks and increase our possession rate. I think this is important against opponents of such high intensity.
<Tsubasa TERAYAMA>
Q: What were you conscious of when participating?
I wanted to hold the ball in the center and calm the game down. Since we had conceded a goal before entering, I focused not only on settling the ball but also on scoring as I entered the match.
Q: What did you focus on in order to score while keeping the ball calm?
A, reflecting on today's match, while watching from the bench, I felt that there were many long balls and the opponent was picking up the second balls, so we were not able to create our rhythm. I thought it was important to advance to a higher position while maintaining possession of the ball and to progress the game closer to the goal. To achieve that, I believed it was necessary to exploit the space behind the opponent's full-backs and play to take advantage of that. As a result, I thought the team's spacing would improve, and we would be able to pick up the second balls.
Q: I think it was required to energize the team and give momentum by playing alongside Yuta ARAI. How do you reflect on your own performance?
A, it is disappointing that we ended up losing as a result. I haven't been able to score since I came in, so I feel frustrated. I think I needed to show my value even in that situation, so I realized I have to get more involved with the ball and show a stronger attitude towards the goal.
Q: You were inspiring the team after conceding a goal from a penalty kick. How did you feel?
If we had given up there, I thought the match would be over. Recently, there have often been longer additional times due to VAR, so I believed we could definitely make a comeback. I think the fans and supporters wanted to see us fighting with our heads held high, rather than looking down. I believe the fans and supporters are not coming to see us when we are down, so I thought it was important to fight until the end and encouraged the whole team.
Q: Arai, you often have opportunities to play in matches together with Tawaramizuki. What are your challenges moving forward?
With players like Kuryu MATSUKI and Naoki KUMATA not in the U-20 Japan national team and some injuries, we young players need to play aggressively and have the mindset to surpass the veterans; otherwise, we won't be able to do anything in situations like today. Since there is also the Levain Cup, we want to show our presence.
Q: The next match is coming up soon.
A, the Levain Cup is also an important tournament, so I want to win the match on the 8th and carry that momentum into the league matches.
Q: I think you were the most frustrated at the end of the match, can you tell us about your feelings at that time?
It was a match we had to win, so I was frustrated that we couldn't. During opportunities like corner kicks, I felt the disappointment of losing while the fans and supporters were cheering us on.
<Yuta ARAI>
Q: How was your league debut match?
I entered the pitch with the feeling that I would score within the given time.
Q: What instructions did you receive from the coach?
I was called in at a time when the coach was communicating with the coaching staff, so there were no specific instructions from the coach. It was a sudden appearance, but I had prepared well, so I thought I would show my play from the beginning.
Q: Were you able to showcase your play?
A, I still couldn't play to my satisfaction. I want to be a player who can deliver results in the time given.
Q: How did you feel watching the match from the bench?
A, I felt that we couldn't get into our rhythm and weren't able to play as usual. In the second half, the team's flow improved, and since I participated, I wanted to change the momentum, but we lost, so I want to achieve results in the time given.
Q: I think there were some close scenes.
A, I thought that if I swung through properly, it might hit the opponent and create a chance, so I swung through.
Q: You were on the bench in the last match, how did you feel sitting on the bench?
I was hoping to be put in the game soon.
Q: I believe you are eager to extend the number of matches and playing time from here. What kind of preparations will you be making?
If I don't produce results, I don't think I'll even be on the bench for the next match. There are many great players and the competition is fierce, so I want to learn from other players in practice and grow, and score more goals in matches.
Q, on the 8th there will also be the Levain Cup, and I think it will be an opportunity to appeal.
A, the team has not won in 2 matches, so we want to win the match on the 8th to head into the next league match with good momentum.
