<Match Review>
The first match of the Levain Cup, aiming for victory for the first time in three seasons, was approached with a significantly changed lineup from the league match.
Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, making his official match debut in Tokyo, guarded the goal, while Shuhei TOKUMOTO, making his first appearance since joining, played as the left side back. In midfield, alongside veteran Keigo HIGASHI, were rookie Tsubasa TERAYAMA and 16-year-old Ryunosuke SATO, who is registered as a second player. Up front, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who has already made his league debut, started for the first time, with Leandro positioned on the right side.
The blue and red team, with fresh members, faced an important tournament's first match in Osaka.
1st HALF－Young players are active and creating chances
As the kickoff begins, the two young players run around the pitch. Terayama and Sato, who entered as inside halves, switched on and seized the flow, creating the first chance in the 9th minute of the first half. Leandro aimed directly at the free kick earned in front of the goal, but it hit the wall.
In the 15th minute of the first half, Leandro took a shot. He connected from a pass cut in the opponent's territory to the finish.
After that, the flow goes back and forth between both teams. In the 17th minute of the first half, they face a critical pinch, but Kato's header shot goes wide, escaping danger. In the 22nd minute of the first half, Tawaramizuki cuts in from the left side and delivers a negative cross. However, the ball that the free PEROTTI tried to connect with his left foot could not find the goal.
In the 25th minute of the first half, player Tawaramizuta takes a close shot. After picking up a loose ball just outside the area, he aims with his right foot after a one-touch, but this was thwarted by a super save from player Kim.
Even as we entered the final stages, both sides showed an attacking posture, but neither could finish. After enduring a set piece that came after the scheduled 2 minutes of added time, we heard the whistle for the end of the first half.
2nd HALF－Despite creating many chances, unable to convert
Tokyo created a scoring opportunity at the start of the second half. In the 7th minute of the second half, Seiji KIMURA's direct pass initiated a connection with PEROTTI and Terayama, culminating in Leandro's skillful cutback inside the area. However, the crucial shot missed the mark and went well wide of the goal.
After that, C Osaka took control by utilizing the width of the pitch to launch attacks. In the 15th minute of the second half, Yasuki KIMOTO, Adailton, and Yuta ARAI were brought in, and the system was changed, but it was difficult to alter the flow of the game.
Still, as the second half approached its final stages without conceding a goal, in the 35th minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was brought on as the last substitution at the front line. In the 39th minute of the second half, that NOZAWA player showcased his skills. Facing forward in the box, he managed to take a shot. Then, in the 40th minute of the second half, a cross delivered by Sandro was headed by Leandro. Unfortunately, it was caught by the goalkeeper, but they created consecutive scenes that brought them close to scoring.
However, immediately after that, they were caught off guard for a moment. Unable to clear the long ball, they faced a secondary attack, and their reaction in the area was delayed, resulting in a goal conceded in the 41st minute of the second half. They allowed the opening goal at a difficult time.
In added time, there were consecutive big chances for Adailton and Henrique TREVISAN from a corner kick, but they could not convert, and the match ended 0-1. Despite having more chances than the opponent, they failed to score and suffered a frustrating defeat from the opponent's one chance.
The team is in a situation with no wins in the last 3 official matches and 2 consecutive losses. In 4 days, they aim for victory in the league Sec. 4 match against Yokohama FC at Ajinomoto Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Seiji KIMURA/Enrique Trevisan/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Keigo HIGASHI (substituted at 0 minutes: Keisuke KOIZUMI)/Tsubasa TERAYAMA (substituted at 35 minutes: Leon NOZAWA)/Ryunosuke SATO (substituted at 15 minutes: Yasuki KIMOTO)
FW Leandro/Pelotti (substituted at 15 minutes: Adailton)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (substituted at 15 minutes: Yuta ARAI)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Junya SUZUKI
GOAL
―
<Cerezo Osaka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kim Jin-hyeon
DF Matsuda Riku/Shindo Ryosuke/Funaki Kakeru/Nishio Ryuya
MF Harakawa Riki/Kita Yo/Shinji Kagawa (substituted in 18th minute: Okuno Hiroaki)/Nakahara Teru (substituted in 23rd minute: Maikuma Seiya)
FW Uejo Satoki (substituted in 35th minute: CAPIXABA)/Mutsuki KATO (substituted in 18th minute: Leo Ceara)
SUBS
GK Keisuke SHIMIZU
DF Matej JONJIC
MF Reiya SAKATA
GOAL
41st minute of the second half: CAPIXABA
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
After losing the match, especially after conceding a goal near the end, it is natural to feel a sense of disappointment. I conveyed this to the players, but today we lost 3 points in the Levain Cup. However, even though we lost points, I believe we gained many other things. It was significant that the players, who have not had many opportunities to play in the league recently, proved that they possess high-level skills. Additionally, the young players demonstrated on the pitch that they are worthy of trust. Therefore, while there is a sense of disappointment after losing the match, I also feel a surge of positive emotions. I am looking for a team that fights like today. I especially seek young players who aim for further growth and want to prove themselves on the pitch, and I believe they showed that they could dominate the match in the second half. On another day, I believe we will be fortunate enough to see the ball shake the net and earn 3 points.
I think the first half was a closely contested match. We had several chances, and so did the opponent. There were times when the opponent advanced well and we struggled when their defensive block dropped. However, I believe we played better in the second half. We created multiple chances, but unfortunately, the ball did not shake the net. That's how football is. We may have had more chances, but Cerezo won with fewer chances and secured 3 points.
I am proud of the players who played today. I am especially proud that a 16-year-old showed an outstanding performance in a match against Cerezo, which has such wonderful players in a difficult game. I truly take pride in the young players who performed excellently under pressure in a great stadium. I also feel proud that 18-year-old Tawaratsukida made a decisive pass that led to a chance for PEROTTI by cutting in from the side in the first half. Additionally, 18-year-old Arai, who came on as a substitute in the second half, created good chances from the side, and I take pride in his play as well. Furthermore, Terayama proved himself to be a player capable of competing at a sufficient level in the league with his solid performance as a starter.
I think it's good news that players like Tokumoto, Kimura, and Leandro, who have not had many opportunities to play in the league, as well as other players, have proven that they can perform well. I also believe that Leon NOZAWA, who played in the final moments, made good plays that contributed to decisive chances. I think it was a match worthy of a win, but we lost. In that sense, I feel regret. However, while we lost 3 points, I also feel that we gained many other things.
Q: Please provide a detailed evaluation of Ryunosuke SATO, who made his debut.
I think Sato has many characteristics that remind me of players at FC Barcelona. Specifically, he has the talent to play as if the ball is always glued to his feet. I believe he is a player who can demonstrate high-quality technique even in tight spaces. He has been participating in practice since preseason, and he has come seeking improvement in his defensive aggressiveness. Now, we can see clear improvements in that area. I am truly proud that a player from the U-18 team, who is accustomed to playing on artificial turf, performed wonderfully in a match with such professional pressure. I believe the supporters in Tokyo are proud of the young players' performances and growth. They must be proud of Matsuki, Kumada, Tawaramizuki, and Sato, who made his debut today.
[Player Interview]]
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q, please review the game.
A, we have been experiencing frustrating results as a team. We are challenging ourselves to do what we want as a team, so we wanted to achieve good results.
Q: Many players who have not had many opportunities have been participating, but what kind of discussions took place before the match?
A said that they wanted to fight with confidence and courage. Today, many players who have had few opportunities to play so far took the field, so I wanted to win at all costs to give the team some momentum.
Q: The match continued with back-and-forth attacks, and while we were able to keep a clean sheet, we conceded a goal in the end.
I believe that for a team with a style of attacking while holding the ball, what is required of the goalkeeper is to concentrate and defend against the few critical moments that arise during the 90 minutes. I feel very sorry for the team today as I was unable to fulfill that role.
Q: Throughout the match, your characteristics such as height were evident.
A, we will continue to work on that part.
Q, please review the scene of the conceded goal.
A, it would have been good if I could have stopped it. Since I was out there, the Tokyo players thought I would hit the ball with my body and send it out, so I believe the goal coverage was delayed. In that scene, it was a moment where I could have stopped and processed it calmly, so if I had made that judgment, the situation would have been different.
Q: If I look at my personal technical skills, I believe I can participate in the league matches.
I believe in what I have. I think what is required is to make each judgment with high quality. From now on, I believe it is important to see how much I can bring out what I have. I will always continue to prepare for the matches.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, this was your first appearance after the transfer.
A, it was fun. I enjoyed playing with my positioning more inward, and through this experience, I realized how I should play moving forward. I want to continue to make appeals that will connect to the league matches.
Q: There were also moments when it was okay to throw a long throw.
A, since Tawaratsukita also stopped. By running there, the opposing center-back was forced to retreat, leading to a corner kick, which could create the next opportunity. I believe Tawaratsukita will trust and run next time, so I think it was good.
Q: I felt that the positions I was struggling with during the camp were not an issue today. How do you feel about that?
A, the opponent's intensity dropped in the second half compared to the first half, so at the right moment, I made 2 or 3 runs, and one of them resulted in a pass. From there, it led to a shot by Leon NOZAWA, which I think was good.
I have also communicated to Adailton that I am running into space, so I believe it will be beneficial in the future. Even if the pass doesn't come, I think my strength is to keep going, so I want to continue doing that.
Q: The team lost due to a frustrating goal conceded at the end. Please share your enthusiasm for the future.
There were parts where we couldn't defend properly, but we must score to win the match. It's not just the responsibility of the forwards; everyone needs to play with a higher sense of urgency. If each player can strongly hold the awareness of winning this match to secure our position and play for Tokyo, I believe we can score.I also think I could have played better to score more, so I want to focus on that.
Q: Do you think you have taken a step forward towards participating in the league matches?
I think it's a passing point.In my mind, I was taking it easy and focusing on the Levain Cup, and as a result of continuing to practice without rushing, I was able to be included in the squad for the league match against Kyoto.I believe that such an attitude connects everything, and I hope to show a good example to the younger players. I think it's not enough to be a good player only when on the field. Since it's a good age, I want to focus on being a positive influence for the team.
<Ryunosuke SATO>
Q, please review the game.
I am very happy to have made my debut, but since I couldn't achieve results while seeking a win, I can only say that I am frustrated.
Q: You seemed nervous, how was your start to the match?
A, I wasn't that nervous. It's not that I wasn't nervous, but since many fans and supporters were there, I felt more excitement. Being able to play in such an environment boosted my confidence.
Q: Gradually showcasing my play from the camp led to my starting appearance today.
I wanted to participate in the first match of the Levain Cup since the camp, so despite the impact of injuries and other factors, I am honestly happy to be able to play in the match I aimed for.
Q: Have you contacted the coaches and parents you have worked with so far?
A, my mother and younger brother came to watch the match. I received many encouraging words from the coaches, such as "Go for it," so I was able to play with all my might.
Q: How do you want to connect today's match participation to the future?
The 60 minutes I played were the most intense of my football life. I believe I need to connect this experience to the next one, so whether I continue with FC Tokyo U-18 or move to the top team, I want to work on being able to do what I couldn't do before.
Q: I think you showed your characteristics with shots and last passes.
I thought I could have made the pass to 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 that of Sato, but what kind of presence does he have?
I had always admired them while watching on TV, so it was an incredible happiness to stand on the same pitch. There were moments of matchups, and it was really fun.
Q: It was your official match debut, but you were playing in tight spaces like the center.
A, since it's my specialty, I was focused on calmly facing forward and advancing with my dribbling. I'm glad I was able to play as usual in this match.
Q: The coach said he is the type of player who is at FC Barcelona.
The coach has evaluated my ball control, so I want to make sure I don't lose that trust. I believe I could have expressed more of what the coach expects from me on the pitch.
Q: Are you still in high school, but are you working on strengthening your physical abilities?
I felt that I couldn't compete at all with my current physical condition during the camp. From there, I started to seriously strengthen my physical aspect, and I am still continuing it. When I played with top-level players once, I developed the feeling that I have to reach that level too. Just having skills is not enough, so I am consciously working on changing my physical condition and intensity right away.
Q: Have you felt any differences compared to before?
A, I feel that it's easier now with faster passes coming in and players running to where I want to pass.
Q: Isn't there a part where you can rely on those around you more than in academy matches?
Yes, there is a bit. I believe there are parts where they can handle a tough pass.
Q: Last season and when you were with FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi, there were continuous matches without spectators. How was it today surrounded by many fans?
A, it felt absolutely amazing. Until now, I had only experienced matches with around 4,000 spectators at most, but I heard that there were over 10,000 today. I believe we were able to play in a venue like no other.
Q: The Ryunosuke call was echoing, wasn't it?
A, I could hear it very well. I will work hard on my practice after returning so that I can participate in the match at Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q, there were some close scenes, weren't there?
I thought it was decided, but I feel really good about it, so I'm frustrated.
Q: Did you think about aiming for the goal the moment you had the ball?
I hesitated a bit, but since the defender in front of me shifted to the left, I thought I would take a shot. The moment I struck it, I thought it was going in, but it was too soft.
Q: After returning from a loan transfer, it was your first official match appearance. How was it?
A, I was surprised to be selected for this squad since I hadn't participated much in practice matches since returning from camp. However, I have been able to build up my skills through daily practice and self-training after practice, so it's disappointing and frustrating that it didn't lead to results. I believe I still need to accumulate more experience.
Q: Did you have the desire to be substituted in quickly while on the bench?
A, that's right. The remaining time for substitutions may have been short, but I feel that having 15 minutes of playing time instead of 0 in an official match is significant, and I was excited and really enjoyed the game. However, since I played as a forward, I wanted to score a goal.
Q: Were you able to showcase your strengths in defense?
A, I don't feel very confident about my defense. There were parts where I could have defended better from the front, and there were also some careless mistakes. Considering the reasons why I am needed by the team, I believe I need to showcase my strengths more to survive.
