Previous Match: YokohamaFCMatch Review
The home game, which is about a month since the opening match, saw the players who needed to score getting goals, and they brilliantly secured 3 points.
The match suddenly comes to life. In the 5th minute of the first half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA becomes the starting point, and Diego OLIVEIRA receives a pass from Hotaka NAKAMURA, turning and sliding the ball into the goal to score the opening goal.
In the first half, we were unable to control the game by maintaining possession of the ball, and we created decisive moments where we were completely free to shoot in front of the goal. It was Jakub SLOWIK who saved the team in that situation. On this day, SLOWIK made big saves in at least three decisive scenes throughout the 90 minutes. He supported the team's victory from the back.
In a situation where it was difficult to control the match, the additional goal came from another specialty of the team. In the 27th minute of the first half, they initiated a coordinated press from the front line, and Nakagawa intercepted the opponent's pass and slotted it into the goal, extending the lead with a ball recovery from high press and a short counterattack.
After conceding a goal due to an own goal, the team regrouped at halftime. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Koki TSUKAGAWA, who were brought on at the start of the second half, became the hub for moving the ball and brought calmness to the team. When experienced players stabilize the game, the younger players thrive and the attack becomes more dynamic. Particularly impactful was Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who boldly attempted dribbling breakthroughs on the left side and was involved in crucial moments.
In the 17th minute of the second half, Yuto NAGATOMO, who was brought on during the first half, won the matchup and delivered a cross into the goal area, where Diego TABA calmly headed it in to secure the second goal of the match.
Although they took the lead in the first half, as Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA pointed out after the match, they struggled to maintain possession of the ball. However, they demonstrated the ability to make adjustments during the 90 minutes and overwhelmed the opponent in the second half.
<Preview>
This will be the third match against Nagoya Grampus, led by former manager Kenta HASEGAWA, who brought titles to the club. Last season, the match played at home at Ajinomoto Stadium ended in a draw, leaving some issues to address in terms of performance.
In the final away match of last season, despite maintaining possession of the ball for 90 minutes, we allowed the first goal. In the second half, we launched a fierce attack and equalized with a goal from Yasuki KIMOTO. However, due to a mistake that led to losing the ball in our own half, we conceded a goal to Nagai, who transferred mid-season, allowing them to take the lead. We maintained possession and recovered every second ball, advancing the game in the opponent's territory, but we were unable to find that final touch to break through and ended up losing.
Can the blue and red players show their growth against an opponent's manager who knows Tokyo inside and out? After focusing on ball possession, which was a challenge last season, they have thoroughly trained during the preseason on how to score goals. They were able to demonstrate that progress in the last match against Yokohama FC.
Can we confidently move the ball and make the opponent run against Nagoya, who is strong in duels and fights with solid defense and quick counterattacks, and break through the tightly packed goal area with ideas and individual skill? This is a perfect stage to show the growth in Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's second season, as Tokyo aims for revenge from last season.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA] 
Q: Kashif BANGNAGANDE has been selected for the Japan national team.
I am very happy that he has been selected for the Japan national team for the first time. I believe this selection sends a message about giving young players a chance from the members being called up this time. I think it also conveys the message that there are expectations for young players, and that if they perform well in J.League teams, they can connect to the Japan national team even at a young age. The important thing is that players grow by playing. Just going to Europe does not guarantee growth, and if they do not play, their growth will naturally stop. In that sense, I am very pleased that young players who are playing in the J.League have been called up this time.
Q: What areas have you grown in since last season?
A. I think his level of technique has been outstanding since last season. There were areas for improvement in his play in the final zone of attack. The defensive aspect, which was a significant area for improvement, has now been solidly addressed through continued training and effort. I believe he should continue to improve his responses in one-on-one situations. In terms of attack, if he can further enhance the accuracy of his final crosses, I expect him to become an even more remarkable player.
Q: Have you communicated any overseas players that you would like Coach Albert to use as examples?
A. I think that usually, many full-backs are characterized by their speed, but he is a full-back with unique characteristics. He possesses many elements in a well-balanced manner at a high level, and in addition to having a high level of technique, he contributes significantly in attack. Because of that good balance, it is difficult to choose a specific player to look up to as a model.
Q, I think it wouldn't be surprising if Hotaka NAKAMURA were also included in the Japan national team.
I believe there are no players in Japan who surpass Manabu NAKAMURA's defensive abilities. In that sense, I think he can compete at a world-class level. To maintain a balance in attack, he has honed his skills to match his high defensive capabilities. His accuracy in crosses in the finishing zone has also improved. If he levels up further, I believe he has the potential to become a great player. At the beginning of last season, not only Manabu NAKAMURA but also Yoshifumi KASUKE was not participating in matches. I think there are important points to grow to a high level. Those are mental strength, the ability to grow, and the ability to learn. Yuto NAGATOMO is now 36 years old, but who is the better player now compared to when he was 34? I think he is a better player now because he has the ability to grow. That is why I also pay attention to how much each player has the ability to grow. In this world, there are many players who do not grow beyond a certain level. However, the players who have reached great levels around the world are those who continue to grow every day. I believe our playing style is one of the elements that encourages their growth. Each player must grow; it is a style that demands continuous growth. Many players tend to play with fear, but they must take risks. Our play requires taking risks and playing with courage. And I believe that the player who has responded and grown is Manabu NAKAMURA.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Nagoya.
A. I believe that Nagoya's coach Hasegawa has three high-quality players in the front line who feel comfortable playing and leading the team. If we make small mistakes, I think the opponent will create decisive chances from there. We have several players who are out due to injuries, but that is a situation that can occur over a long season. Great clubs can overcome such difficult times. I think we are in a challenging period now, and I want to overcome it. As the situation changes, so does the flow, and the number of injured players will also change. A team that can steadily accumulate points during such difficult times is indeed a great team, and that is the kind of team we aspire to be. We have prepared well this week, so I am confident we can have a good match tomorrow.
Q: What are the issues based on the match against Yokohama FC?
In the match against Yokohama FC, I was satisfied with the play that led to the goal after winning the ball through pressing from the front line. We created 11 clear chances. In matches other than the one against Kyoto, we have been able to create clear chances more than 10 times in every game. However, I am not satisfied with the team's performance in the first half throughout the match. There were repeated mistakes when we should have been holding the ball firmly during the build-up from a low position, and we were not able to play as expected. In the second half, there were fewer mistakes overall, but the time we controlled the ball was short, so I want the team to understand the necessity of controlling the ball and approach tomorrow's match with that in mind.
[Player Interview]
<Yasuki KIMOTO> 
Q: You have been participating since the opening of this season, do you feel that you are contributing to the team's stability?
A, I have been allowed to participate in the matches, but there are still many things I need to do. I am not satisfied with my performance.
Q: I feel a stronger intention to lead the team than last season. Are you aware of this?
A. I have been conscious of leading the team since the end of last season. This season, there was a match where I became the oldest player in the absence of player Morishige. In such situations, I must have the awareness to speak up and lead the team. By doing so, my concentration and sense of responsibility will also emerge, and I want to continue this.
Q: How does the victory against Yokohama FC in the last match impact the team?
A, as Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned, we were unable to play the kind of football we expected in the first half. I believe we would have lost this match last season. However, even though the performance wasn't great, our forwards scored and we were able to accumulate 3 points. I think it's very good that we can approach the next match in a good condition.
Q: Would you like to connect more from the back in terms of content?
In the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., we were pressured defensively from the front, resulting in little time with the ball and often kicking it forward easily. In the match against Yokohama FC, we had a strong awareness of connecting the ball. Although we did lose the ball at times, I believe our awareness of connecting was high compared to the last few matches.
Q: What is your impression of Nagoya Grampus this season?
A, the attacking power of the three players up front is amazing, but the defense centered around LANGERAK is really good. I think it will be difficult to break down the opponent's defense if we concede first. In that sense, I believe it will be a battle of one or two goals. While keeping the goals conceded to zero at the back, I want to actively participate in the attack as well.
Q: It will be a match against Kensuke NAGAI, with whom I played together until the middle of last season.
A, while Nagai is one, players like Kasper JUNKER and Mateus CASTRO are also players we need to be cautious of when we are attacking. They are opponents we cannot afford to let our guard down against for even a minute during the 90 minutes. I believe they will exploit my weak points, such as speed and responding to runs behind. We must be more focused in our play.
Q: I think when you were in Tokyo, Nagai told you to "talk more." You might be surprised to see me talking this much now.
I want you to see my changed appearance and how much I'm enjoying myself.
Q: How much do you think you have changed compared to last season?
A, I think I am making quite a bit of noise. I believe that as I have become more accustomed to the team, I am able to express my character more.
Q: I think you were playing well with the young players in the Levain Cup.
A, I have been talking about it since practice, and I don't have a character that intimidates my juniors. I believe I have a personality that is easy for any player to approach. In that sense, I think I have blended well with the members of the Levain Cup and am moving in a good direction.
Q: Is it important to have possession of the ball in the Nagoya match?
A, I don't think having the ball always means we can make a good attack. In last season's match against Nagoya, we were able to maintain possession, but we couldn't create good attacks. In this season's camp, we have been training on how to break down the opponent's defense while having the ball. I want to show the results of that training.
Q: I heard that Nakagawa said, "Let's fight with the mindset of the Final Round" ahead of the match against Yokohama FC. Did he have such a strong determination?
It was a home game, and since we lost before, we had to avoid a second consecutive defeat. We entered the match with a strong mindset like it was the Final Round, and we were able to score in a good way. I believe we showed our determination. This season, I want to focus on each match in front of us with that awareness.
Q: It seemed that player Kimoto was also singing Yuruneba after the match against Yokohama FC in the last round.
A, I was able to hear the fans and supporters singing for the first time in a great atmosphere. I don't remember all the lyrics, but I enjoy listening to chants and had been preparing by watching YouTube. I think I was able to sing a bit. I feel like I've gotten used to the team.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: How do you feel after a night since being selected for the Japan national team?
I was surprised to learn for the first time yesterday that I was selected for the Japan national team, but I am filled with excitement.
Q: Didn't you receive an overwhelming number of congratulatory messages from various people?
A: I received a lot of messages from the people who have supported me until now. I was really happy, and I want them to see me play well. My desire to give back has grown stronger.
Q: You have been able to come this far with the support of many people.
A, throughout my soccer life, there have been more challenges than successes, but I believe I have been supported by many people who have helped me get to this point. Being selected for the Japan national team and bringing joy to those people is the happiest thing for me.
Q: Is your next goal to participate and excel while wearing the Japan national team uniform?
A, playing for the Japan national team has been one of my goals for a long time. I believe I am now closer to that than ever. However, I have only been selected, so I want to make a strong impression through my practice. I think players who can deliver results will rise up. I want to work hard to ensure I can achieve solid results.
Q: This will be your first league match against Nagoya after being selected for the Japan national team. It will also be a match against your former coach Kenta HASEGAWA during your professional debut. What are your thoughts on this?
A, Coach HASEGAWA is the coach who made me a professional. I believe he is the most important person in my professional soccer life, as he helped me grow the most. Since we are facing Nagoya, led by Coach HASEGAWA, I want to win decisively and show my growth.
Q: What do you think about Kensuke NAGAI being here as well?
A, I received a lot of support from player Nagai. I want to start the match with strong defense to ensure we don't concede goals and aim for victory.
Q: Please tell us your gratitude to the fans and supporters, and your enthusiasm for the future.
A. Even after this announcement, I continue to receive many messages that give me strength. When I was in the academy, Kosuke OTA was called up to the Japan national team and was someone I admired. This time, since I have been called up to the Japan national team for the first time, I want to do my best so that the academy players can look up to me through my performance. First of all, I will definitely win against Nagoya.
