<Match Review>
In Sec. 2 of the group stage of the Levain Cup, Tokyo welcomed Kyoto SANGA F.C. to Ajinomoto Stadium. Although the Levain Cup often takes place in the middle of the week, this match had a one-week interval before and after due to the International Match Week. As a result, Tokyo approached the match with a mixed lineup of players who are regular starters in the league, young players, and those who have had fewer opportunities to play.
Kuryu MATSUKI, who returned from activities with the U-20 Japan national team, started in the lineup, and Naoki KUMATA, also back from the national team, made his first appearance in the squad this season. Additionally, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who just welcomed his second child, started in the lineup for the first time at home at Ajinomoto after his transfer. Hisatoshi NISHIDO, who joined from Waseda University, also made his first appearance in the squad this season.
1st HALF - PEROTTI & Henrique score their first goals in Tokyo
The match progresses at Tokyo's pace from the start. While maintaining possession of the ball, they fend off the opponent's press and gradually push forward. In defense, the entire team quickly organizes their formation, consistently applying intense pressure on lost balls and swiftly pressing back, even blocking shots with their bodies in critical moments.
While Tokyo was increasingly approaching the Kyoto goal, the match changed in the 15th minute of the first half. Adailton and Matsuki executed a quick one-two against an opponent with a full defensive lineup, successfully attacking the left side of the penalty area. Adailton broke free, drew in the defender and goalkeeper, and made a sideways pass to PEROTTI, who was waiting in front of the goal, scoring the opening goal with his first goal since joining Tokyo.
In the 19th and 24th minutes of the first half, both times launching a short counterattack, Adailton utilized his powerful breakthrough ability to approach Kyoto's goal. Both attempts were thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper's excellent saves, but Tokyo completely held the initiative in the match.
Then, the corner kick obtained from Adailton's chance leads to a goal. In the 25th minute of the first half, a corner kick from the left. Matsuki delivered an outswinging ball that Henrique TREVISAN headed into the top right corner of the goal, giving Tokyo an additional point.
In the 36th minute of the first half, Adailton's breakthrough pushed the opponent deep into their own territory, and Matsuki broke through on the left side towards the goal. The cross was just out of reach for Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, but Tokyo continued to gain an advantage in the match with their attack from the left side.
2nd HALF - Kumada's first professional goal & Nishido's first professional assist
Tokyo's momentum does not stop even in the second half. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Adailton dribbled to the left side of the penalty area and made a strong pass in front of the goal. Matsuki adjusted to change the course, but the ball narrowly missed above the goal.
In the 5th minute of the second half, player Tawaramizuki was brought down while dribbling at the right corner of the penalty area, but it was ruled no foul. However, by activating the attack from the right side, they pushed Kyoto back into their own territory.
In the 10th minute of the second half, Henrique sent a pass deep down the left side, allowing Tokumoto to break free and deliver a grounded cross near the goal line. PEROTTI, who was at the near side, skillfully shot the ball into the left corner of the goal, extending Tokyo's lead. In the 14th minute of the second half, after fending off an opponent's attack, they launched a counter. Just before the halfway line, Adailton seized a loose ball, and after receiving a pass from Kei KOIZUMI, Adailton broke free again, gaining speed as he entered the penalty area. As the opposing defender closed in to block his path, he slipped the ball past the near side, widening the lead to four goals.
As the lead expands, it creates more options for the team in terms of player substitutions. Starting from the middle of the second half, substitutions are made one after another to invigorate the team with fresh talent. Then, in the 30th minute of the second half, the two players who were brought in at the same time score a decisive goal.
Yuto NAGATOMO retrieved a ball that had slipped deep on the right side and passed it back in a negative direction to Koki TSUKAGAWA, who then sent it to Nishido. After receiving the ball, Nishido delivered a sharp cross with his left foot into the goal area, where Kumada met it with a high header, directing it into the bottom left corner of the goal.
We utilized many players, including those who had fewer opportunities to play until now, and while trying various combinations, we surpassed our opponents in terms of content and achieved the best possible result. We want to carry the momentum of this victory into the away game against Sagan Tosu in the league match a week later.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (substituted at 32 minutes: Junya SUZUKI)/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI/Kaguto HIGASHI (substituted at 0 minutes: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (substituted at 26 minutes: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Perotti (substituted at 16 minutes: Naoki KUMATA)/Adailton (substituted at 16 minutes: Hisatoshi NISHIDO)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Renta HIGASHI
GOAL
15th minute of the first half: PEROTTI/25th minute of the first half: Henrique TREVISAN/10th minute of the second half: PEROTTI/14th minute of the second half: Adailton/30th minute of the second half: Naoki KUMATA
<Kyoto SangaF.C.>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Varnell Haan
DF Hisashi APPIAH TAWIAH/Yuto MISAO (14 minutes into the second half: Daigo ARAKI)/Shinnosuke FUKUDA (14 minutes into the second half: Kosuke SHIRAI)/Osamu Henry IYOHA
MF Tenma MATSUDA/Taiki KANEKO (14 minutes into the second half: Teppei YACHIDA)/Naoto MISAWA
FW Ryogo YAMASAKI/Yuta TOYOKAWA (28 minutes into the second half: Alan KARIUS)/Sora HIRAGA (0 minutes into the second half: Kosuke KINOSHITA)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Rikito INOUE
GOAL
―
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
I think we played well-balanced throughout the match. However, it was by no means an easy game. Kyoto Sanga F.C. applies intense pressure from the front, making it difficult to evade. We also know that Kyoto values possession of the ball. Nevertheless, we are gradually becoming more confident in our play from the back. The opening goal was fantastic. Scoring first made it easier to add more goals, and I believe we scored multiple times. Many goals were scored today, and I hope the fans and supporters who came to the stadium were pleased. I am also very happy that players who have had fewer opportunities in the league were able to shine. I would like to commend PEROTTI for his first league goal, Naoki KUMATA for his first professional goal, and Hisatoshi NISHIDO for his first appearance and assist as a professional. I also want to acknowledge Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who just welcomed his second child, for recording his first assist in Tokyo. Kyoto is a team led by a great coach. Although multiple goals were scored today, I believe it was a closely contested match. I would like to express my respect for Kyoto here.
Q: We saw a good balance between attacks utilizing speed and those that built up play by connecting passes and creating time. Is this the result of the progress made since last season?
A, the style we aim for is one with various characteristics and weapons. I am not aiming for the same soccer style as Albirex Niigata in Tokyo. This is because the characteristics of the players are different. However, we cannot compromise on valuing the ball. We still need to improve our build-up from a low position, and we must elevate our level of controlling the ball and pushing the opponent back. Tokyo has utilized counterattacks after regaining possession in a low position. If we can use long balls from a low position for counterattacks, I acknowledge that. However, the play we are aiming for is to raise the defensive block a bit higher, regain the ball in the middle zone, and execute short counterattacks. In my view, counterattacks and attacks that come from quick transitions between offense and defense are clearly different. Another weapon is to regain the ball through high pressing from a high position to create chances. I want to continue to work hard and further enhance our completeness. While there will be times like today when things go well, I believe there will also be matches that do not go well, but I want us to steadily advance step by step on the path we should aim for without wavering.
[Player Interview]]
＜PEROTTI＞
Q, please review today's game.
I am very happy that I was able to score despite not being able to find the net, and that the team was able to win. For the first goal, Adailton moved into a deeper position, and the other players drew the defenders to the near side, allowing me to be free on the far side. There was a similar play in the match against Cerezo Osaka, but this time I knew that Adailton would make eye contact and pass to me, so I was able to calmly finish with a good pass. For the second goal, I was able to score from a cross by moving into the near side, which was a play in my preferred style. I had been scoring in practice in similar situations, but it has been difficult to do so in matches. However, I had a feeling before the game started that I would score that goal today, so I am very happy.
Q: I got the impression that the movement improved after the goal was scored.
A, I was able to score the first goal early on, which helped me to calm down, and it also gave the team momentum and improved our movement, allowing us to score the second goal as well. I came from Brazil to Japan and, of course, I feel pressure. In that context, I believe I have to perform, so I am happy with the results from today's match.
Q: What reasons can be given for being able to play well today?
A, scoring goals or not is something to consider secondarily. It is important for us to fight with all our might on the pitch, and even if we cannot score, contributing to the team in other ways is crucial. I believe that in soccer, it is important to minimize mistakes and capitalize on opportunities, but today, as always, I played with all my effort and was able to score when the chance arose. Today, my parents and relatives in Brazil watched the match even in the middle of the night, and my wife came to Japan and cheered for me a lot. I am also happy to share this joy with all the fans and supporters.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q, please review your goal.
A, I am very happy. I want to thank my teammates. It was great to score a goal and help the team win, and to have scored my first goal since joining Tokyo.
Q: You finally scored a goal, didn't you?
A, we were close to scoring, but we couldn't find the goal. It was good to score today. It was also good to finish without conceding any goals. By keeping a clean sheet, I believe the team will become even stronger.
Q: Last season, I think it was difficult to perform well due to a long-term injury. Did that have an impact?
A, last season, I unfortunately had to return to Brazil due to an injury. After getting injured, what I thought was that I wanted to heal quickly and power up my abilities to rejoin the team. I couldn't really show my play last season, but I believe I was trusted again this season with a new contract. I wanted to repay that trust and contribute to the team no matter what. I am truly happy today.
Q: Have you been progressing well since the preseason?
A, heading is also one of my strong points. I was able to score a goal today, and I want to keep aiming for more. My condition is gradually improving. However, I believe I can raise it even further, and there are areas where I still need to improve. I want to work on this in daily practice while learning from my teammates.
Q: I heard that you are close with PEROTTI.
When I came to Japan, I was also confused about various things, but everyone helped me. Since I have a bit more experience in Japan, I teach various things and go out to have fun together on my days off. I believe that not only I but the entire team is receiving various support. I hope PEROTTI succeeds, and all of us in the team want him to be a positive addition to the team.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, it was your debut match at Ajinomoto Stadium. How do you feel looking back on it?
A, it was fun. I believed that having fun is the most important thing, and I entered the match thinking that I wanted the fans and supporters to know my play.
Q, with the birth of the second child, this must have been an unforgettable match.
When the first child was born, we won the match, and we were able to win again with the second child, so I think I can tell my children when they grow up that I was a good father. I also want to thank my teammates.
Q: Were you planning to perform the cradle performance before the match?
A, I was happy to be able to perform the cradle performance because everyone had been saying we should do it before the match.
Q, please review the assist scene.
A, it wasn't the ball I expected, but thanks to PEROTTI's wonderful goal, I was able to celebrate with my own assist.
How confident are you about being able to compete in the league after playing two matches in the Levain Cup?
I believe that by enjoying the game with confidence, I was able to showcase my style in these two matches. My desire to participate in the league matches as soon as possible and contribute to Tokyo has grown even stronger.
Q: There are many strong rival players, but do you have a strong desire to take them on?
Of course, there are players from the Japan national team, and it's a place I want to go to as well, so I want to fight passionately in my own way.
Q: I got the impression that Tokumoto is balancing what Coach Albert wants to do in the attack while also showcasing his own strengths.
I believed that if I showcased my strengths, it would lead to the style of football the coach wants to play. In the second half, I was particularly conscious of making vertical passes and I want to approach the game with more ideas.
Q, Kei KOIZUMI and Junya SUZUKI seem to be in sync with each other.
Koizumi said that the goal for this season is for the three of us to stand on the pitch together. I want to make sure that the three of us can be on the pitch in the league matches, and I believe that the veterans need to energize the team, so I want to continue to play passionately with the three of us.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: It was a shutout victory, how do you feel about that?
A, it was a shutout victory, and I am filled with gratitude that my teammates scored 5 goals. At the same time, I feel relieved. I'm glad we were able to create a significant goal difference in the group stage of the Levain Cup.
Q: Didn't you enjoy watching from the back?
A, we were able to advance the game while maintaining possession of the ball. We also had little time allowing the opponent to hold the ball, and I believe we were able to prove our team's style. I think I was able to fulfill my role as a goalkeeper throughout the match, so that was good.
Q: In the first half, there was a moment when you fumbled. Did it have any impact on your mental state?
If that had gone in, it might have been difficult, but fortunately it didn't result in a goal, so it had no impact at all. Of course, there is the fact that we gave away a corner due to one mistake, but I was grateful that everyone on the team helped out.
Q: Was the scene where you stopped Kinoshita's shot as you intended?
A, the shot was straight on, so I was able to respond without any issues.
Q, how was the victory at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, I'm happy. Since a lot of goals were scored, I think the fans and supporters also had a great time.
Q: There were many scorers, so there were also many "shouts", but next time, if there are no goals conceded, please have the goalkeeper also do a "shout".
A, indeed (laughs). I would like to experience it.
<Hisatoshi NISHIDO>
Q: It was your first professional appearance, how did you feel when you stepped onto the pitch?
It was my first time on the bench, but I was conscious of approaching it with a calm mind without feeling pressured. I was always thinking about playing as I usually do.
Q: Since you were conscious of it, were there things that excited you?
Yes, that's right. Since yesterday, I have been really looking forward to playing, and I was able to greet today with a very positive feeling.
Q: You assisted Kumada, and it was a good ball.
A, being left-handed, I am good at scoring goals and crosses from cut-ins, so I was glad to be able to showcase my strengths in my first appearance.
Q: Was that goal shape something you worked on in practice?
Since coming to Tokyo, I haven't practiced much on the right side, but I believe the experience I've gained in high school and university has been beneficial.
Q: Did you have a conversation with player Kumada?
A, after the match, I said, 'Thank you for scoring.'
Q: How do you feel about being able to play a match at Ajinomoto Stadium?
Since I received a job offer in my third year of university, I have always dreamed of playing at Ajinomoto, and for me, it was a long-awaited debut, so I am very happy to finally be able to participate. This season started with an injury, but thanks to the support of the trainers and staff, I was able to stand on this pitch, and I am filled with gratitude.
Q: Do you feel confident heading into the league matches?
A, not yet. I only had one assist today, so as long as I am an attacker, I believe I need to aim for goals. In order to secure a starting position, I hope to aim for a goal next time.
Q: I think an inswing cross is a difficult ball to score from, but what were you thinking when you kicked it?
A, there was a bit of distance, so the moment I looked up, I saw player Kumada. I thought if I could drop it there, Kumada would definitely score, so I boldly sent in the cross. That goal had an incredible point of impact as well.
Q: Do you think the fans and supporters have come to know the characteristics of player Nishido?
I believe that creating chances and dribbling with my left foot are my characteristics, so I want to play in a way that allows fans and supporters to recognize me even more.
<Naoki KUMATA>
Q: How was your first goal?
I was happy about the goal, but it was in a situation where we were already winning 3-0, so it wasn't that significant. I want to score in the next league match.
Q, please review that goal.
A, Hisatoshi NISHIDO made a cut-in, and the moment he lifted his head, our eyes met, so I was able to make a move to disappear from the defender's line of sight, believing he would come. I couldn't deliver the final blow, but I was able to score a good goal.
Q: While on the bench, PEROTTI scored 2 goals, and that was during his appearance.
A, the most important thing is to contribute to the team's victory, so I am glad that I was able to score a goal in that context.
Q: I don't think that goal was easy.
A, I'm not good at crosses from the right side, but I was able to touch the ball while twisting my body properly, so that was good.
Q: How was the shower after the victory?
It was a share after about 3 years. I was indeed happy to have done it.
