<Match Review>
The first match of Levain Cup, aiming for its first victory in 3 seasons, was approached with a significant change in members from the league game.
Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who made his official debut in Tokyo, guarded the goal, and Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who made his first appearance after joining, played as left back. In the midfield, veteran Keigo HIGASHI was joined by rookie Tsubasa TERAYAMA, and 16-year-old Ryunosuke SATO, who was registered as a type 2 player. Up front, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who has already made his league debut, started for the first time, and Leandro took his position on the right side.
The blue and red team, who arrived in Osaka with a fresh new lineup, faced their important first match of the tournament.
1st HALF -Young players are active and creating chances
As soon as the kickoff, two young players run around the pitch. Terayama and Sato, who entered as inside halves, switched on and took control of the game. In the 9th minute of the first half, they had their first chance. Leandro, who took a free kick in front of the goal, hit the wall directly.
Leandro took a shot in the 15th minute of the first half. He connected from a pass cut in the enemy's territory to the finish.
The flow of the game went back and forth between the two teams. In the 17th minute of the first half, there was a decisive pinch, but Kato's header shot missed the frame and escaped danger. In the 22nd minute of the first half, Tawarazumi player dug the left side and crossed minus. However, the ball that Perotti, who was free, hit with his left foot could not catch the goal.
In the 25th minute of the first half, player Tawarazumida takes a dangerous shot. He picks up a loose ball in front of the area and aims with his right foot, but it is blocked by a super save from player Kim.
Both teams showed an attacking attitude even towards the end, but were unable to score. As the scheduled 2 minutes of additional time passed, the first half ended with a set piece being defended just before the whistle blew.
2nd HALF -Despite creating many chances, they were unable to finish them off.
Tokyo was the first to create a scoring opportunity in the beginning of the second half. In the 7th minute of the second half, Seiji KIMURA's direct pass was the starting point for PEROTTI and Terayama, and finally Leandro showed a skillful cutback in the area. However, the crucial shot missed the mark and went far off from the goal.
After that, C Osaka took control of the game by using the pitch width to attack. In the 15th minute of the second half, Yasuki KIMOTO, Adailton, and Yuta ARAI were substituted in and the system was changed, but they were unable to change the flow of the game.
Still, without allowing any goals, the second half entered the final stage. In the 35th minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was brought to the front line as the last card. That player NOZAWA showed his skills in the 39th minute of the second half. He turned towards the goal in the box and took a shot. In the following 40th minute, Leandro DAMIAO headed in a cross from player ARAI. Unfortunately, it was caught by the goalkeeper, but they continued to create scenes that threatened the goal.
However, immediately after that, they were caught off guard for a moment. Unable to deflect the long ball, they were hit with a second attack and conceded a goal in the 41st minute of the second half. They conceded the first goal at a difficult time.
In additional time, Adailton and Henrique TREVISAN had consecutive big chances from corner kicks, but they couldn't score and the game ended 0-1. Despite having more chances, they couldn't finish and suffered a frustrating defeat from the opponent's one chance.
The team is currently in a situation of 2 consecutive losses without a win in 3 official matches. They will aim for a victory in the 4th round of the league against Yokohama FC at Ajinomoto Stadium in 4 days.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Hogata Nakamura/Seiji Kimura/Enrique Trevizan/Shuhei Tokumoto
MF Keigo Higashi (46th minute: Kei Koizumi)/Tsubasa Terayama (80th minute: Leon NOZAWA)/Ryunosuke SATO (60th minute: Yasuki KIMOTO)
FW Leandro/Pelotti (60th minute: Adailton)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (60th minute: Yuta ARAI)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Junya SUZUKI
GOAL
―
Cerezo Osaka
Starting XI
GK Kim Jin-hyun
DF Riku Matsuda/Ryosuke Shindo/Sho Funaki/Ryuya Nishio
MF Chikara Harakawa/Yo Kida/Shinji Kagawa (18th minute of the second half: Hiroaki Okuno)/Hikaru Nakahara (23rd minute of the second half: Seiya Maikuma)
FW Satoki Uejo (35th minute of the second half: Capixaba)/Mutsuki Kato (18th minute of the second half: Leo Ceara)
SUBS
GK Keisuke SHIMIZU
DF Matej JONJIC
MF Reiya SAKATA
GOAL
41' Second Half: CAPIXABA
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
After losing the game, it is natural to feel especially painful when conceding a goal at the end. I told the players, but we lost 3 points in the Levain Cup today. However, I think we won many other things besides the points. It was a big deal that the players who haven't had many chances to play in the league have proven that they have a high level of skill. And the young players have proven on the pitch that they are worthy of trust. That's why, even though it's painful to lose the game, I also have positive emotions. I am looking for a team that fights like we did today. I am looking for young players who want to continue to grow and prove themselves on the pitch, and I think they proved it by dominating the game in the second half. On another day, I think we will be lucky enough to score and get 3 points.
The first half was a close match. We had multiple chances, as did our opponent. There were some difficult situations when our opponent advanced well and lowered their defensive block. However, I think we were able to play better in the second half. We created multiple chances, but unfortunately, we were not able to score. That's just how soccer is. We may have had more chances, but Cerezo, who scored with fewer chances, won and earned 3 points.
I am proud of the players who played today. In this difficult match against Cerezo, where there were many great players, I am proud that a 16-year-old youth showed a fantastic performance. I am truly proud that a young player showed a great performance in a wonderful stadium, under difficult pressure. I am also proud that 18-year-old Tawarazumiya player made a last pass that led to Perotti's decisive chance, after carving out the side in the first half. In the second half, 18-year-old Arai player also created chances from the side, and I am proud of his performance as well. And Terayama player also played well as a starter, proving that he is a player who can compete in the league.
It is good news that players such as Tokumoto, Kimura, and Leandro, who have not had many opportunities to play in the league, have shown that they can perform well. I also think that Nozawa Leon, who played in the final round, made a good play that was involved in a decisive chance. I think it was a match worthy of winning, but we lost. In that sense, I am disappointed. However, we lost 3 points, but I also feel that we have won many other things.
Q, Please give us a detailed evaluation of Ryunosuke SATO, who made his debut.
A, I think Sato has many characteristics that remind me of players in FC Barcelona. Specifically, he has the talent to play as if the ball is always stuck to his feet. I think he is a player who can demonstrate high-quality techniques even in tight spaces. He has been participating in training since the pre-season, but he has come to improve his aggressiveness in defense. Now, we can clearly see improvement in that aspect. I am proud that a player from the U-18 team, who is used to playing on artificial turf, has performed so well under the pressure of a professional game. I believe that the Tokyo supporters are proud of the young players' performances and growth. They must be proud of the performances of Matsuki, Kumada, Tawarazumi, and Sato, who made his debut today.
[Player Interview]
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA player＞
Q, please review the game.
A, as a team, we have been disappointed with the results. We have been challenging ourselves to do what we want as a team, so we wanted to achieve good results.
Q, What kind of discussions were there before the game, as many players who have not had many opportunities to play have been playing so far?
A, he talked about fighting with confidence and courage. Today, many players who have had few opportunities to play have come out, so I wanted to win at all costs and give the team momentum.
Q, The game was a back-and-forth battle, and while we were able to keep the other team from scoring, we ultimately gave up a goal at the end.
For a team with a style of attacking with the ball, the goalkeeper is expected to concentrate and defend against the few chances that arise during the 90 minutes. I feel really sorry for the team today because I couldn't fulfill that role.
Q, throughout the match, our strengths such as height were evident.
A, we will continue to do that part.
Q, please review the scene of conceding a goal.
A, I wish I could have stopped it. Once I came out, I think the Tokyo players were expecting me to hit the ball with my body and send it out, so I think the goal cover was delayed. That scene was a moment where I could have stopped and calmly handled it, so I think the situation would have been different if I had made that decision.
Q, I think I can play in the league if I look at my personal technical skills.
A, I believe in what I have. I think what is required is to make each judgment with high quality. From now on, I think it is important to see how much I can bring out what I have. I will continue to prepare for the game at all times.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, this was my first appearance after transferring.
A, it was fun. It was also fun to play with positioning inside, and through playing like this, I realized again through actual combat that it's important to continue to appeal in a way that leads to league matches in the future.
Q, there were also situations where I could throw a long throw.
A, Since player Tawarazumida also stopped. We were able to talk about how running there can make the opponent's center back escape to the outside and lead to a corner kick or the next chance. I think it was good that Tawarazumida will believe and run next time.
Q, I felt that I was able to do the parts that I struggled with at camp today without any problems. How did you feel about that sense of accomplishment?
A, In the second half, the opponent's intensity had dropped compared to the first half, so at this timing, I ran 2-3 times and one of them resulted in a pass. From there, it led to Leon NOZAWA's shot, so I think it was good.
I have also told Adailton that I am running into space, so I think it will be effective in the future, and even if the pass doesn't come, I think it's my strength to keep going, so I want to continue.
Q, the team lost in a frustrating defeat in the end. Please share your determination for the future.
There were some parts where we couldn't defend well, but we can't win the game without scoring. It's not just the responsibility of the players on the front line, but everyone needs to play with more tension and have a strong awareness of winning this game and securing our position for Tokyo. I believe we can score if each and every one of us can play with that mindset.I also think I could have played better to score more goals, so I want to focus on myself and keep moving forward.
Q, do you think you were able to take a step forward towards playing in the league match?
A, I think it's a passing point.In my mind, I was doing it with the feeling of not rushing from the Levain Cup, and as a result of practicing without rushing, I was able to make it into the Kyoto game squad in the league. I think that such an attitude will connect everything, so I hope to show the young players a good example and I don't think it's enough to be a good player only when I'm playing. I am at a good age, so I want to do my best to contribute to the team.
<Ryunosuke SATO>
Q, please review the game.
Although I am very happy to have made my debut, I am disappointed that I could not achieve results while seeking victory. That's all I have to say, "I am frustrated."
Q, How was the start of the game? It seemed like you were nervous.
A, I wasn't that nervous. I wasn't completely calm either, but there were a lot of fans and supporters there, so the excitement was greater. Being able to play in this kind of environment also gave me confidence.
Q, gradually showed my own play from the camp and it led to starting in today's game.
I am happy to have played in the first match of the Levain Cup since the camp, as I had hoped. There were some injuries, but I am glad to have played in the game I was aiming for.
Q, Have you contacted the coaches and parents you have been involved with so far?
A, my mother and brother came to watch the game. I was able to play with all my might because I received a lot of encouraging words from the coaches, such as "Go for it".
Q: How do you plan to continue your performance in today's match?
A, the 60 minutes I played were the most intense time in my soccer career so far. I think I need to use this experience to move forward, whether I continue to play for FC Tokyo U-18 or move up to the top team. I want to work towards being able to do things that I couldn't do before.
Q, I think you showed your strengths in shooting and last passes.
I thought I could have made the pass to player Leandro myself. I'm really frustrated that I couldn't make a decisive pass or shot.
Q, Shinji Kagawa was also on the same pitch. I feel that his playing style is similar to Sato's, what kind of presence is he?
A, it was a dream come true to be on the same pitch as someone I have always admired while watching on TV. There were also scenes where we matched up against each other, which was a lot of fun.
Q, it was my official debut, but I played in tight spaces like the center.
A, I was conscious of dribbling forward calmly and looking ahead because it is my strong play. I was glad that I was able to play as usual in this game.
Q, the coach said that he is the type of player who is in FC Barcelona.
A, I also want to maintain the trust in my ball control that the coach has evaluated. I think I could have expressed more of what the coach expects from me on the pitch.
Q, Are you still in high school? Have you been working on improving your physical abilities?
A, I felt that I couldn't fight at all with my current physical condition at the camp. From there, I started to seriously strengthen my physical aspect and continue to do so now. When I played with top-level players once, I felt the desire to go there myself. Since technique alone is not enough, I am conscious of changing my physical aspect and intensity right away and working on it.
Q: Have you felt anything different from before?
A, I feel the ease of play, such as receiving a faster pass than before and running to where I want to pass.
Q, isn't there a place where you can play while relying on those around you more than in academy matches?
A, there is some. There are parts where I think they will be able to handle even tight passes.
Q, Last season and when you were a member of FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi, there were many games without spectators. How was it today, being surrounded by many spectators?
A, it was the best feeling. Until now, I have only experienced games with around 4,000 spectators, so I heard that there were over 10,000 people today. I think it was a match that could not have been played in a better venue.
Q, Ryunosuke's call was echoing.
A, I could hear very well. I will continue to practice hard even after returning so that I can participate in the game at Ajinomoto Stadium.
＜Leon NOZAWA player＞
Q, there were some close scenes, weren't there?
A, I thought it was decided, but my feeling was also very good, so I'm disappointed.
Q, Did you aim for the goal the moment you had the ball?
A, I hesitated a little, but since the defender in front of me was leaning to the left, I decided to take a shot. At the moment I shot, I thought it went in, but it was too weak.
Q, How was it for you to make your first official appearance after returning from a temporary transfer?
A, I was surprised to be selected for this team because I haven't been able to participate in practice matches since returning from injury. However, I feel that I have been able to make daily progress through daily training and self-training after practice, so it is disappointing and frustrating that it did not lead to results. I think it's because I still have a lot of room for improvement.
Q, Did you have the desire to be substituted and play early while sitting on the bench?
A, yes. It may have been a short time for a substitution, but for me, it was a big deal to have 15 minutes of playing time in an official match instead of 0 minutes. I was excited and the game was really fun. However, since I was playing as a forward, I wanted to score a goal.
Q: Were you able to show your strengths in defense?
A, Regarding defense, I don't feel very confident. There were also times when I could have gone to defend from the front and made careless mistakes, so I think that if I want to be needed by the team, I need to show my strengths more, or I won't be able to survive.
