<Match Review>
In the second round of the Levain Cup group stage, Tokyo welcomed Kyoto Sanga F.C. to Ajinomoto Stadium. The Levain Cup often has mid-week matches, but this round had a one-week interval before and after the match due to the international match week. As a result, Tokyo fielded a mixed team of starting players, young players, and players who have had few opportunities to play in the league.
Kuryu MATSUKI, who returned from the activities of the U-20 Japan national team, started in the match, and Naoki KUMATA, who also returned from the national team, made his first appearance in the starting lineup this season. In addition, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who just had his second child, made his first start at home at Ajinomoto after transferring. Hisatoshi NISHIDO, who joined from Waseda University, also made his first appearance in the lineup this season.
1st HALF - PEROTTI & Henrique score their first goal in Tokyo
The match has been progressing at a Tokyo pace from the start. The team is gradually pushing forward while avoiding the opponent's press and maintaining possession of the ball. In defense, the entire team quickly organizes their formation and relentlessly presses and quickly presses back when the ball is taken, even putting their bodies on the line to block shots in crucial moments.
As Tokyo was increasing their pressure on Kyoto's goal, the game changed in the 15th minute of the first half. Adailton and Matsuki, facing a well-organized defense, quickly broke through the left side of the penalty area with a one-two pass. Adailton then drew the defender and goalkeeper towards him before passing to PEROTTI, who was waiting in front of the goal, to score his first goal since joining Tokyo and give them the lead.
In the 19th and 24th minutes of the first half, both teams launched attacks with a short counter-attack style, and Adailton, with his powerful breakthrough ability, came close to Kyoto's goal. Although both were stopped by the opponent's goalkeeper, Tokyo completely dominated the game.
And, a corner kick from Adailton's scoring opportunity leads to a goal. In the 25th minute of the first half, a corner kick from the left. Matsuki put in an outswing ball and Henrique TREVISAN headed it into the upper 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 the left side and into the goal area. The cross ball narrowly missed Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, but Tokyo continued to dominate the game with attacks from the left side.
2nd HALF - Kumada's first professional goal & Nishido's first professional assist
Tokyo's momentum continues even in the second half. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Adailton dribbles to the left side of the penalty area and makes a strong pass in front of the goal. Matsuki adjusts his position to change the direction of the ball, but it narrowly misses the top of the goal.
In the 5th minute of the second half, player Tawarazumida was fouled in the right corner of the penalty area while dribbling, but it was judged as no foul. However, by activating the attack from the right side, they were able to push Kyoto back into their own territory.
In the 10th minute of the second half, Enrique sent a pass to the deep left side, and Tokumoto broke through and put a ground cross ball near the goal line. Perotti, who was on the near side, slid a technical shot into the left corner of the goal, extending Tokyo's lead. In the 14th minute of the second half, after defending against the opponent's attack, they launched a counterattack. From a loose ball initiated by Adailton near the halfway line, Adailton again broke through on a pass from Kei Koizumi, gaining speed and entering the penalty area. As the opponent's defender closed in to block the path, he passed the near side and extended the lead to 4 points.
Expanding the lead will also create a wide range of player selection for the team. From the middle of the second half, cards will be cut one after another, and the team will be revitalized with fresh strength. Then, in the 30th minute of the second half, two players who were substituted at the same time will score the final goal.
Yuto NAGATOMO left the ball that had escaped to the deep right side and returned it to Koki TSUKAGAWA in the minus direction, who then passed it to Nishido. Nishido received the ball and put a sharp cross ball into the goal area with his left foot. Kumatani headed the ball with a high strike point on the far side and scored it into the left corner of the goal.
Many players, including those who have had few opportunities to play so far, were used and various combinations were tried. As a result, we were able to surpass our opponents in terms of content and achieve an unbeatable result. We want to carry this momentum of victory into the away game against Sagan Tosu in the league match next week.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yuto Nagatomo (32nd minute of the second half: Junya SUZUKI)/Mashiko Morishige/Henrique Trevizan/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Kei Koizumi/Keigo Higashi (0th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (26th minute of the second half: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Perocchi (16th minute of the second half: Naoki KUMATA)/Adailton (16th minute of the second half: Hisatoshi NISHIDO)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Renta HIGASHI
GOAL
First half 15 minutes: PEROTTI / First half 25 minutes: Henrique Trevisan / Second half 10 minutes: PEROTTI / Second half 14 minutes: Adailton / Second half 30 minutes: Naoki KUMATA
＜Kyoto SangaF.C.＞
Starting XI
GK Varnelhan
DF Hisashi Appiah Tawiah/Yuto Misao (14th minute of the second half: Daigo Araki)/Shinnosuke Fukuda (14th minute of the second half: Kosuke Shirai)/Osamu Henry Iyoha
MF Tenma Matsuda/Taiki Kaneko (14th minute of the second half: Teppei Yachida)/Naoto Misawa
FW Ryogo Yamasaki/Yuta Toyokawa (28th minute of the second half: Alan Karurius)/Sora Hiraga (0th minute of the second half: Kosuke Kinoshita)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Rikito INOUE
GOAL
―
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
I think we were able to play a well-balanced game throughout the match. However, it was by no means an easy game. Kyoto Sanga F.C. puts on intense pressure from the front, making it difficult to avoid. This is because they also know how to value the ball. However, we have gradually been able to play with confidence from the back. And the opening goal was fantastic. By scoring the opening goal, it became easier to add more goals and I think we scored multiple goals. Today, many goals were scored and I think the fans and supporters who came to the stadium were happy. I am also very happy that the players who have had few opportunities to play in the league have performed well. I want to applaud PEROTTI's first league goal, Naoki KUMATA's first professional goal, and Hisatoshi NISHIDO's first appearance and first assist as a professional player. I also want to applaud Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who just had his second child, for recording his first assist in Tokyo. Kyoto is a team led by a great coach. Although we scored multiple goals today, I think it was a close game. I would like to express my respect for Kyoto here.
Q, we saw a good balance between attacking with speed and building up attacks by connecting passes and creating time. Is this the result of what has been built up since last season?
A, our style is to aim for a style with various characteristics and weapons. I am not aiming for the same soccer style as Albirex Niigata in Tokyo. This is because the players have different strengths. However, we cannot compromise on valuing the ball. We still need to improve our build-up from a low position and level up in dominating the ball and pushing the opponent. And Tokyo has been using counterattacks as a weapon after stealing the ball from a low position. If we can use long balls from a low position to counterattack, I accept it. However, the style we are aiming for is to raise the defensive block a little higher and steal the ball in the middle zone to create short counterattacks. In my mind, counterattacks and attacks from quick transitions between offense and defense are clearly different. Another weapon is to steal the ball from a high position and create chances with a high press. I want to continue to work hard and improve our level of completion. There may be games that don't go well, but I want us to continue step by step on the path we aim for without wavering.
[Player Interview]
＜PEROTTI＞
Q, please review today's game.
I am very happy that I was able to score a goal in the midst of not being able to score and the team was able to win. The first goal was when Adailton entered the back position and the other players took the opponent to the near side, so I was able to be free on the far side. There was a similar play in the Cerezo Osaka game, but I knew that Adailton and I would make eye contact and he would pass to me, so I was able to calmly score a good pass. The second goal was when I was able to enter near the cross and score, which was my favorite play. I was able to score in that scene during practice, but it was difficult to score in the game, so I was very happy that the goal came before the game started.
Q, I got the impression that the movement improved after the goal was scored.
I was able to score the first goal early on, so I was able to calm down and the team gained momentum and our movements improved, and I think we were able to score the second goal as well. Coming from Brazil to Japan, I definitely feel pressure. In the midst of that, I am happy that I was able to produce results in today's match, as I feel that it is my responsibility to do so.
Q, What are the reasons for being able to play well today?
A, scoring goals or not is only the second most important thing. It is crucial for us to fight our hardest on the pitch and contribute to the team in other ways, even if we cannot score. In football, it is important to minimize mistakes and take advantage of opportunities, but today we played our best as always and were able to score when we had the chance. My Brazilian parents and relatives stayed up late to watch the game, my wife came to Japan, and they all supported me a lot. I am happy to be able to share this joy with 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 it was also great to score my first goal since joining Tokyo.
Q, finally we scored a goal.
A, we were unable to score at the last minute. It was good that we were able to score today. It was also good that we were able to end the game without conceding any goals. I think the team will become even stronger by keeping a clean sheet at 0.
Q, Last season, I think it was difficult to perform well due to a long-term injury. Did it have any impact?
A, Last season, I unfortunately had to return to Brazil due to an injury. After getting injured, my goal was to recover quickly and strengthen myself even more to rejoin the team. I wasn't able to show my best performance last season, but I am grateful to have been offered a contract for this season and I believe it shows that the team trusts me. I was determined to repay that trust and contribute to the team in any way possible. Today, I am truly happy.
Q, Have you been progressing well since the pre-season?
A, heading is also one of my strong points. I was able to score a goal today, but I want to keep aiming for more. My condition is gradually improving. However, I think I can still improve more and there are areas where I am lacking. I want to continue working on it through daily practice while learning from my teammates.
Q, I heard that I have a good relationship with Perotti.
When I came to Japan, I was confused about many things, but everyone helped me. Since I have some experience in Japan, I teach various things and go out to play on my days off. I think not only me but the whole team receives various support. I hope Perotti will succeed and be a plus for the team, and I think everyone on the team feels the same way.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, This was your debut match at Ajinomoto Stadium. How do you look back on it?
A, it was fun. I always thought that having fun was the most important thing, and I entered the game with the intention of letting the fans and supporters know about my play.
Q, with the birth of the second child, it was a match that couldn't have been any better.
When our first child was born, we won the game, and we were able to win even with our second child, so I hope that when our children grow up, they will be able to say that I am a good father. I also want to thank my teammates.
Q, did you plan to do the cradle performance before the game?
A, I was happy to be able to perform the cradle performance because everyone said they wanted to do it before the game.
Q, please review the assist scene.
It wasn't the ball I expected, but thanks to PEROTTI's amazing goal, I was able to celebrate with my own assist.
How confident are you in being able to compete in the league through 2 appearances in the Levain Cup?
A, I think I was able to prove in these two games that I can show my own color by enjoying with confidence. Even in one game, I want to contribute to Tokyo and my feelings have become even stronger.
Q, Do you have a strong desire to take away from your rival players, who are strong players?
A, there is no reason for the Japan national team players not to be fired up, and since the Japan national team is a place I also want to go, I want to fight passionately in my own way.
Q, Tokumoto player seems to have grasped what coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA wants to do in the attacking part and is able to demonstrate his own strengths.
A, I thought that if I could show my strengths, it would lead to the kind of football that the coach wants. In the second half, I was particularly conscious of making vertical passes and I want to have more ideas and do more.
Q, Kei KOIZUMI, Junya SUZUKI and I think we are on the same wavelength.
Player Koizumi said that his goal for this season is to stand on the pitch with three people. He wants to make sure that all three of them can stand on the pitch during the league matches, and he believes that the midfielders need to step up and support the team. He wants to continue playing passionately with the three of them.
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA player＞
Q, how was the shutout victory?
A, it was a shutout victory and I am filled with gratitude that my teammates scored 5 points. At the same time, I am relieved. It was good to create a large goal difference in the group stage of the Levain Cup.
Q, didn't you enjoy watching it from behind?
A, we were able to progress the game while holding the ball. We didn't give the opponent much time to hold the ball, and I think we were able to prove our team's style. I think I was able to fulfill my role as a goalkeeper throughout the game, so it was good.
Q, First half, there was a fumble scene, but was there any impact on your mental state?
A, If that had been included, it might have been difficult, but fortunately we didn't concede a goal, so it had no effect at all. Of course, it's a fact that we gave away a corner with one mistake, but I was grateful that my teammates helped me.
Q: Was it as planned to stop Kinoshita's shot?
A, I was able to handle it without any problems because the shot was straight ahead.
Q, How was the victory at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, I am happy. I think the fans and supporters also had a good time because a lot of points were scored.
Q, There were also many goal scorers, so there were many "Shah" players, but next time, if we have a clean sheet, please also use "Shah" as the goalkeeper.
A, definitely (lol). I would like to experience it.
<Hisatoshi NISHIDO>
Q, what were your feelings when you entered the pitch for the first time as a professional?
A, It was also my first time to be on the bench, but I was conscious of approaching it with a calm mind without feeling pressured. I was always thinking about playing as usual.
Q, Did you have any feelings that were heightened because you were conscious of them?
A, yes. Since yesterday, I have been looking forward to playing and was able to approach today with a very positive attitude.
Q, I also made an assist to player Kumada, it was a good ball.
A, As a left-handed player, I am good at scoring and crossing from cut-ins, so it was great to be able to showcase my skills in my first appearance.
Q, Was that goal shape something you had been working on in practice?
A, I haven't practiced much on the right side since coming to Tokyo, but I think my experience from high school and university has been put to good use.
Q, have you exchanged words with player Kumada?
After the match, I said "Thank you for scoring."
Q, How do you feel about being able to play in Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, ever since I received a job offer in my third year of university, playing at Ajinomoto Stadium has been a dream of mine. As a player, my debut was highly anticipated, so I am very happy to finally have the opportunity to play. Although I started this season with an injury, I am grateful to the trainers and staff who supported me and allowed me to step onto this pitch. I am filled with gratitude.
Q: Do you have any confidence for the league match?
A, there is still none. I only got one assist today, so as an attacker, I think I have to aim for the goal. In order to secure a spot in the starting lineup, I hope to aim for a goal next time.
Q, I think the cross from Insoo YU is a difficult ball to score a goal, what were you thinking when you kicked it?
A, as there was some distance, I lifted my head and saw player Kumada. I thought if I could drop it there, Kumada would score, so I took the chance and crossed it. That goal had an amazing impact as well.
Q, How do you think fans and supporters have come to know about Nishido's strengths?
A, I think my strength is creating chances and dribbling with my left foot, so I want to play more and more to be recognized by fans and supporters.
Naoki KUMATA
Q, how was your first goal?
A, I was happy to score, but it was a goal in a situation where we were already winning 3-0, so it wasn't that significant. I want to score in the league match next.
Q, please review that goal.
A, Hisatoshi NISHIDO made a cut-in and as soon as I raised my face, our eyes met. I believed he would come, so I was able to make a move to disappear from the defender's field of vision. I couldn't hit it hard, but we were able to score a good goal.
Q, when I was on the bench, PEROTTI scored 2 goals, and I was able to play in that game.
A, It was good to be able to score a goal in the midst of contributing to the team's victory.
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 it firmly while twisting my body, so it was good.
Q: How was the atmosphere after the victory?
It was a Shah for the first time in about three years. I was happy to be able to do it after all.
