<Last Round・Kyoto Match Review>
There was a moment when a bright light shone on the future of Tokyo, even in the midst of a tough battle.
In the second game of the away double header, the match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. was a tough battle from the beginning. In the 5th minute of the first half, they were already threatened with a goal, but were saved by a foul call. They ended the first half being pushed back by the opponent's momentum, with Jakub SLOWIK making a big save to defend against their chances.
As the second half begins, both teams start to attack each other with a more open approach. However, while Kyoto steadily connects to the finish, Tokyo struggles to create effective chances. The game has changed drastically from the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, where they launched a fierce attack in the second half and struggled to break through the opponent's defense.
The players who revitalized the team were Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who was substituted in the 12th minute of the second half, and Yuta ARAI, who was substituted in the 33rd minute of the second half.
Tawarazuma Tada player used his strength to break through and cut deep into the opponent's territory, creating a scene where he supplied a last pass in front of the goal. Arai player also took some time to get used to the intensity of the ball, but in the end, he was able to connect to a chance by putting a sharp ball in front of the goal from a cut-in cross.
As a result, we were unable to break through and conceded an additional goal in extra time, making it a tough battle. The frustration of not being able to earn points weighs heavily on our hearts, but the young players who are determined to revive the team and turn the game around with their own strength are the only hope for a brighter future that remains.
A rookie standing on both wings brings joy to Tokyo. That day is not far away.
<Preview>
The league opening match was a 2-0 victory against Urawa Reds, but there have been no wins in the following 3 official matches. One of the goals set by coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA for this season is to achieve "stable play", but there are still challenges remaining.
On the other hand, during that time, many players including Ryunosuke SATO, who is registered as a 2nd player in FC Tokyo U-18, made their first appearance of the season and took their first step forward.
After losing to Kyoto Sanga F.C. in the previous match, Tsubasa TERAYAMA hit his fist on the pitch. He expressed his feelings by saying, "Even though the fans and supporters were cheering loudly during the game, I felt sorry."
After losing 0-1 to Cerezo Osaka in the following Levain Cup match, Leon NOZAWA covered his face with his uniform. After the game, he expressed his frustration, saying, "I was able to build up my skills during voluntary training after practice. So, it's disappointing and frustrating that it didn't lead to a good result."
Tokyo, which is showing a new face with the rise of young players, will welcome Yokohama FC at home this round. The commander of Yokohama FC is Hirotaka Mita, who grew up in Tokyo's academy and loved the blue and red more than anyone else. Facing an opponent who knows the heat of Ajinomoto Stadium and the strength of Tokyo, they cannot afford to have a disappointing fight. To ride the updraft from here, all that is required is victory.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, We lost to Cerezo Osaka in the Levain Cup, but I think the performance was good. How do you want to connect it to tomorrow's match against Yokohama FC?
One positive point of the match against Cerezo was that we were able to create about 8 decisive chances. Our ball possession rate was significantly lower, but the areas where the opponent had possession were not dangerous. In that sense, we are not concerned about our ball possession rate. As an improvement point, although we were able to create chances, we needed to hold onto the ball a little more and dominate the game ourselves.
In Niigata, we were more focused on possessing the ball. Now, what we are working on in Tokyo is even more challenging. It is still difficult to maintain a balance between possessing the ball and moving forward quickly. However, we have a strong sense that we are moving in the right direction and we are not worried. It is also good news for us that young players have performed well in the Levain Cup. Based on their performances, they have proven that they deserve to be given opportunities in the league as well.
There were several players who had been performing well, such as Shuhei TOKUMOTO, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, and Seiji KIMURA, who had not been given the opportunity to play. This was a positive point for us. That's why I felt a kind of anger at losing the game. On the other hand, I was also satisfied. It was a game where I could feel the bright future of Tokyo.
Q, With the expanded options for bench members, the range of tactical changes in the second half has widened, making it a positive factor for the coach, hasn't it?
A, not only from the second half, but also from the start, it leads to a good acceleration. The rule that allows for 5 substitutions is also having a big impact. I think there will be dramatic changes in the game within the long 30 minutes at the end of the game. It is still fresh in my memory that players like Ryoma WATANABE, Shuto ABE, and Koki TSUKAGAWA have come off the bench in the second half and dramatically changed the flow of the game. It is unfortunate that WATANABE, ABE, and Kuryu MATSUKI are absent, but the players showed a good performance in the Levain Cup. It is also good news that there are more options for the players on the bench and the level of competition for positions within the team has increased. Players like Kouta TAWARADATE, Tsubasa TERAYAMA, and Yuta ARAI have proven that they have the level to perform well in the league. I also hope to see the 19-year-old MATSUKI and 18-year-old Kumada continue to perform. There are many young players in Tokyo. I hope to continue to encourage their growth and see them become players who will lead Tokyo in the future.
Q, How do you want Tawarazumiya Tada to use his clear weapon, dribble?
A, players Tawarazumida and Arai have been able to do the play we have been asking for from them since the first day. On the front line, we tell players to be bold and continue to play even if they fail, especially when they are one-on-one on the side. If they don't do that, we tell them that they won't get any chances to play from the first day. I don't want to use young players just because I like them. However, I want to help young players who have a hungry spirit and express it well to grow. That's why I ask young players to have a hungry spirit. I only ask them to have a hungry spirit and the courage to play boldly. I think the two of them are doing well, and Terayama is also moving in a good direction. They make me want to encourage their growth. If young players are serious about wanting to grow and succeed, I am ready to support them. I expect high performance from players in their mid to late 20s who have aged a little. I ask foreign players to show a difference in their play.
Q: What are you looking for in terms of tactics?
Learning defensive tactics is easy. Tawarazuma player has a big weapon. Just tell him to make good use of 1-on-1 situations. If there is no defensive support in a clear 1-on-1 situation, keep attacking. If you don't want to compete when the covering is late, you don't need that kind of player. Attack because it's a 1-on-1 situation, and if you get caught, the coach will naturally yell at you from the bench. You have to endure that. But do it. Even if the coach is angry, I ignore it and keep doing it. I expect him to do that, and I think he is doing it.
[Player Interview]
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q, please review the Cerezo Osaka game of the Levain Cup.
A, There is absolutely no change in motivation depending on the tournament. We only thought about giving our all in the FC Osaka match, without thinking about the league. In the Levain Cup, there was hardly any time to confirm tactics or unify our will as the team underwent major changes. We thought it would be a difficult match, but with Azuma leading the way, we were able to fight without hesitation. Especially in the first half, we were under pressure, but we defended well as a team and were able to create a good flow for ourselves. As for the goals we conceded, there are areas where I need to reflect on myself as well. Even if we were able to take shots, if we don't score in the first half, the game will end up like that. FC Osaka was able to secure that one goal. It made me realize once again that scoring goals is what soccer is all about. As an individual and as a team, I felt that we need to strive for more.
Q, What did you focus on when you put on the captain's armband?
A, the captain was the first time in my life, including official games. I thought it was impossible to play with a captain-like voice, so I tried to play as usual. In the second half, there were many times when we had to endure as a team, and everyone was tired and the formation was stretched. By wearing the captain's armband, I felt the importance of being able to make a slight course correction or lead the team with a word from the captain during difficult times. The presence of players such as Morishige, Diego, and Higashi was really reassuring. I think there were many struggles, but they are still leading Tokyo and I feel their greatness once again.
Q: How do you feel about playing for Yokohama FC after transferring from Tokyo?
It is a great threat to have two players who know us, such as Hirotaka MITA and Takumi NAKAMURA, on the team. They are also key players for Yokohama FC, so it is difficult to play against them. We have lost two consecutive games in official matches. It is a tough situation with injured players, but we do not want to make excuses for it. This is the time for players to show their fighting spirit on the pitch.
Q, What do you think of the presence of Takumi NAKAMURA?
As a teammate who competed for positions, I truly respect Tsuyoshi NAKAMA. I think our playing styles are opposite and I studied his play every day in practice. I believe Nakamura also saw my strengths and we both had weapons that the other didn't have. Every day was very stimulating and I practiced every day with the desire to not lose in the position battle. With players like that as opponents, I have an even stronger desire to not lose. First and foremost, I want to work hard so that the team can win.
Q, There is also a place to show how much we have grown during the time we have been apart.
A, I am not really aware of it. I know that Takumi NAKAMURA is good. After going through the J2 league and returning to the J1 league, even if he has changed, I am not very surprised. I know he is such an amazing player. So, there is a part of me that can only be satisfied by winning. However, I want to play without thinking too much about it.
Q, How do you feel about playing with such high intensity in every game this season?
A, This year, I absolutely have the feeling that I don't want to run away from anything. I don't want to lose to the opponent in front of me. I don't want to run away from my weaknesses and I want to fight with determination. However, as a result, I was sent off in the Kashiwa game. I was also approached by players like Nagatomo and Morishige, who told me that it is important to always balance passion and composure. I really felt this firsthand and it was a great learning experience. I caused a lot of trouble for the team, but I don't want to waste this experience. I think I was able to grow even more because of that experience in the second game. However, I don't want to change my passionate play and I don't want to change my fighting spirit. I want to use my head wisely and burn my heart to do my best.
Q: What is the motivation for playing with such intensity this season?
A, until now, even if I thought I was playing with confidence, there were times when I lacked confidence and showed my weakness at the end. With that kind of mentality, I can never reach the top, and Nagatomo has always told me that I lack the intensity. This season, I want to get rid of all the lack of confidence and negative thinking towards myself, and play with all my heart. Nagatomo will also be playing this season, but I have no intention of giving him a starting position in any game. I really think that's the kind of determination I need.
Q, that feeling is also reflected in wearing the number 2 on your back.
A, jersey number 2 is a very heavy number that has been worn by great seniors in the past. There is also pressure. Until now, I didn't want to bear the pressure with number 37. However, I realized that I can't have that mentality and I need to become a strong player who can bounce back in order to reach the stage I want to be in. So I made up my mind to wear "2" with determination. I think that is reflected in my mindset now.
Q: When did you first hear about the "glare" from player Nagatomo?
A, it has been said since last season. Nagatomo has been playing as a right back and I was using that as an excuse to give up. Nagatomo saw through that. When Nagatomo was considering retiring after the World Cup, I was wondering what I should do if he actually retired. It was a frustrating time, but I decided to continue and Nagatomo said, "I'll leave it to you." I think I have to do my best to live up to that. When I decided to play in Tokyo this season, I signed with that determination. Recently, I was told, "You finally seem to be fired up." I am truly grateful. I want to show even more passion.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Congratulations on playing 350 games in the J1 League, Q.
A, thank you very much.
Q, Please give us your thoughts at the end of the season after 4 games.
A, we won against Urawa in the opening game, drew against Kashiwa, and lost away to Kyoto, so it's not a great start. It's important to identify our issues and improve while aiming for the top. Right now, we have injured players and Matsuki is away on national team duty, so things are a bit chaotic. But we want to overcome it all together.
Q, In the second season under the direction of Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, player Higashi continues to play in the position of anchor. Are there any changes in consciousness in the second season?
A, we must continue what we have built up last season in this season. Not only the style of soccer we aim for, but also the quality in crucial moments and the determination to win are important for this season. I believe that we all need to push ourselves to improve, including myself. Along with improving the team, I want to clear these aspects one by one.
Q, Do you feel any changes in the opponent's team as they become aware of Tokyo's ball possession and increase their defensive pressure?
A, the opponent will also play our football. I think that there are teams that come aggressively from the front and opponents who come with high intensity pressure. There is of course compatibility, but we have to do what we can do. Not only the style, but also the final details will be important in any game. After finishing three games, I thought that it would be the key.
Q, How do you approach practice?
A, Personally, I really enjoy my daily practice and games. I am able to do it with that kind of feeling, and I want to continue doing it throughout the season. I think this will lead to more enjoyable moments when we win, and I want to have that kind of season.
Q, I would like to ask about achieving 350 appearances in the J1 League. First of all, could you please share your honest thoughts?
A, I don't have much of a sense of it, but looking back, I still remember my first appearance. My first appearance was in an away game against Urawa at Saitama Stadium during my time with Oita Trinita. Since then, I think 350 appearances have gone by in the blink of an eye. There have been many stories outside of the games that have brought me to this point. I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved. I have come to realize the importance of my family once again, and I am truly grateful to the fans, supporters, players, and coaches. I couldn't have made it this far alone, and I want to continue playing with the support of these people in the future.
Q, Are there any matches that have left a particularly strong impression out of the 350 games?
A, I definitely think it's the first game I've played in. Even if I'm asked if I remember the 75th game, I definitely don't remember it. There are commemorative games for 100 and 200 games, but the first game I played as a professional is memorable. If I had forgotten the feeling at that time, it wouldn't exist now. I think there will be 300 and 350 games as milestones to remember that feeling. Being told that I played in 350 games, I think it's good to remember the first game again.
Q, What is the most memorable game you have played in Tokyo?
A, there are too many and it's difficult. Of course, winning games is great, but even losing games can leave a strong impression.
Q, The J1 League only has 34 games per season, so even if you play every game for 10 years, you won't reach 350 games. When you think about it, it's an amazing record. Do you have any reasons or secrets for being able to consistently play in games up until now?
A, I don't think there is a secret. I have been preparing and taking care of myself for every game. I don't think I could have played 350 games in the J1 league with my own strength, and it may sound strange coming from me, but I think it's an amazing record. There has been a lot of support from many people, and I have no doubt that I have come this far and I am also feeling it. As long as my body can move and my heart can stay, I want to keep playing as a soccer player.
Q, I think that the recent Tokyo has been standing out for the performance of young players. If there is anything you would like young players to pay attention to based on your experience of playing in 350 games, please let us know.
A, I would be happy if you could feel something by watching me in the clubhouse rather than just listening to my words. I don't do anything special, but I believe that by doing the ordinary things every day, it has led me to where I am now. I would be happy if even one or two people could feel something from what I am doing and connect it to the future.
Q, From this season, vocal support has been allowed in all seats. In the opening game, about 40,000 fans and supporters entered, and Ajinomoto Stadium was surrounded by a good atmosphere for the first time in a while. Do you feel like you've returned to the pre-COVID 2019 season?
A, We were able to create a really good atmosphere from the opening, and many fans and supporters came to support us even away. I felt it was a source of power. Since it had become natural to not have cheers, I felt that having vocal support was refreshing. As expected, I felt that playing soccer and sports in that kind of atmosphere was the best. I think that good plays can be brought out by cheers, and I want to bring out more. I also want to play with all my might for the sake of the people who support us.
