<Match Review>
Tokyo, currently in 7th place with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss after 5 matches since the opening, faced their first league restart match after a 2-week interval in Tosu. In terms of league results, they are currently on a 7-game losing streak and have a notoriously bad record at this place, known as a "demon's gate".
Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who has been a key player in the anchor position since the opening, was also absent as he was selected for the Japanese national team, along with Keigo HIGASHI, who has been a vital player in the midfield. On the bench were Takuya AOKI, who returned from a long-term injury, and 18-year-old Naoki KUMATA, who scored his first professional goal in last week's Levain Cup second round match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
1st HALF - Unable to find the finishing touch despite creating attacking opportunities
It was a first half with time to attack from the side while holding the ball and time to defend patiently.
Tokyo returned to their traditional 4-3-3 system from the previous league match against Nagoya Grampus two weeks ago, where they adopted a 3-back system. In the midfield, Kei Koizumi played as an anchor, while Koki Tsukagawa and Tsubasa Terayama served as inside halves.
While forming a shape that matches with Tosu, there was a feeling of opportunity when Adailton and Teruhito NAKAGAWA were on both sides, but they were unable to create a clear chance.
In the 11th minute of the first half, Adailton headed in a free kick from Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who made his J1 league debut. However, the shot did not meet its target. In the 21st minute of the first half, Terayama showed persistence in the midfield and Nakagawa brought the ball to the shot, but the left-footed kick missed the frame.
On the other hand, around the middle of the first half, the amount of time that Tosu had possession of the ball increased. However, in the 23rd minute of the first half, Yasuki KIMOTO cleared a pinch from a corner kick, and in the 30th minute, Jakub SLOWIK saved a shot from Iwasaki.
Approaching the goal continuously towards the end of the first half. However, Adailton's shot from the cut-in missed the goal and the counter in additional time could not end with a shot.
2ndHALF - An open development leads to an unexpected outcome
Tokyo, who wants to score the first goal, made a change in the second half by substituting Terayama for Tawarazumi and changing the system. Tawarazumi on the right, Adailton on the left, and Nakagawa and Diego OLIVEIRA up front.
However, it did not lead to effective attacks. Player Tawarazumiya made two vertical attempts and broke through the right side, but it did not result in a goal. The second half continued with a back-and-forth development.
Tokyo, who wants to change the balanced situation, substituted Diego and Tsukagawa in the 27th minute of the second half, and Perotti and Takuya Aoki, who made his first appearance this season, appeared. In addition, in the 37th minute of the second half, Kumada took the pitch and formed a twin tower with Perotti on the front line.
However, with little effect seen, the game entered an open phase towards the end. Both teams utilized the wide space and exchanged counter attacks, but no goals were scored and it seemed to end in a scoreless draw.
Just then, in the 45+5th minute of the second half, a surprising final round was waiting. Player Jakub SLOWIK attempted to restart, but his pass was cut off by player Kawada, who had just transferred, and it was kicked in, becoming the final point and the game was over. It seemed like the losing streak against Tosu was going to stop, but they were unable to bring back any points.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Yakubu Swoboda
DF Yuto Nagatomo/Yasuki Kimoto/Henrique Trevizan/Shuhei Tokumoto
MF Kei Koizumi/Tsubasa Terayama (46': Kota Tawaratsumida)/Koki Tsukagawa (72': Takuya Aoki)
FW Teruhito Nakagawa (82': Naoki Kumata)/Diego Oliveira (72': Perotti)/Adailton (82': Junya Suzuki)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE
GOAL
―
Sagan Tosu
Starting XI
GK Park Il-Kyu
DF Kosuke Yamazaki/Masaya Tashiro/Kiriya Sakamoto (39th minute: Ryonosuke Kabayama)
MF Koki Fukuda/Sosuke Kawahara/Yoshiki Narahara (22nd minute: Jun Nishikawa)/Yuuki Horikome (13th minute: Taichi Kikuchi)
FW Yoichi Naganuma/Yuji Ono (13th minute: Atsushi Kawata)/Yuto Iwasaki (13th minute: Ayumu Yokoyama)
SUBS
GK Kei UCHIYAMA
MF Toshio SHIMAKAWA
GOAL
45+5 minutes into the second half: Atsushi KAWATA
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, while many players were absent from the front line, we changed our formation throughout the 90 minutes with our current strength and aimed for victory. In the first half, we played in a 4-3-3 formation, but because Tsubasa TERAYAMA is still young, there were some parts that didn't work well. In the second half, we changed to a 4-2-3-1 formation and I think we were able to create several decisive chances after that. However, I am very disappointed that we couldn't convert those chances into goals. And in the end, we played in a 4-4-2 formation.
Now, amidst many players who are currently out of the front line, we continued to fight for 90 minutes with our existing strength in various ways to aim for victory. And towards the end of the game, as humans, we make mistakes. And I am disappointed that we lost due to such mistakes. However, as the head coach responsible for the team, I feel responsible for those mistakes. Of course, the fans and supporters may also be disappointed that the team did not win. As the head coach, I feel strongly that I want to take responsibility for this defeat. All we can do is stand up firmly from this defeat and prepare well for the next one.
[Player Interview]
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, This is your J1 League debut match, but you seemed very calm and composed during the game.
I knew that if I could play like I did in the Levain Cup without feeling nervous, I would be fine. So I was able to get into the game smoothly and I think it was good that I was able to play for 90 minutes.
Q, it seemed like Adailton was playing well, switching between the inside and outside positions.
A, I knew the strengths of Adailton, so I made sure to communicate well and understood that if there were times when he could break through, the opponent would crumble. I also asked the interpreter, Mr. Iino, about things I didn't understand during practice. I also expressed my own desires, saying "I want to do this," so even though we lost, it was good that we were able to have good combination.
Q, Do you have any deep feelings about being able to step on the pitch of the J1 league in your 6th year as a professional after graduating from college?
A, I was able to show that I don't lie about what I've done, and I think the viewers were able to feel that as well. I will continue to persevere with strong determination, whether I am playing or not.
Q, that's why it was a game we wanted to win.
I think my debut match in J1 will be remembered for a lifetime, so I wanted to win. However, since we will be entering a series of consecutive matches, I want to make good preparations for Tokyo to win.
Q, With injuries also occurring, how do you plan to overcome this current situation while the team is struggling to come together?
A, I think that those who have a chance should not only think about winning this game, but also think about winning the game with the feeling that this is the last chance. I don't think there are always players who can play, so I approached the game with the feeling that I won't have another chance. If there are more players like that, when injured players come back, they will not be guaranteed a starting position, which will also give them a sense of tension. I want to show my strong determination through my play and my back.
Q, there will be many consecutive games in April. How will you adjust?
A, I think it is a happy thing to be able to have many matches. It is best to do well in the matches, so I want to enjoy the consecutive games.
Q, there were also decisive moments in the second half, but it would have been good to take a shot.
A, I think it was a scene where I didn't have many ideas and I should have gone on my own more, so I think it would have been nice to show a "do it yourself!" attitude once in a while.
＜Kei KOIZUMI player＞
Q, please review the game.
A, we wanted to get 3 points. We were unable to maintain possession of the ball and take control, which is what we wanted to do. Instead, the opponent was able to hold onto the ball and take control for a longer period of time. I think we also lost in terms of picking up second balls. We need to be able to beat our opponents after receiving the ball. Even in the scene of the last goal, I think the situation would have been different if I had been able to show my face. We have back-to-back games, so we want to switch gears and keep going.
Q, Applause echoed during the player introduction before the match.
Although I was only with the team for a short period of one and a half seasons, I am grateful that I was welcomed with applause instead of boos. I will continue to do my best to be able to greet you properly when we face each other in the future.
Q, the situation continues where many injured players are not able to gather.
A, there are many things overlapping, but I think we have to fight among them. I think it's up to me whether I can seize this chance or not. Since we didn't get results today, I think we need to step onto the pitch with even more sense of crisis and responsibility.
Q, I think it was a game where we had to at least get 1 point.
We were in a situation where we had to get 1 point, but since there are many games in April, I don't think we have time to look down. I think the next game after this kind of game will become even more important. There is no good in getting too depressed, so we need to improve the areas that need improvement and switch gears and keep going. I want to do my best in the areas that need to be done properly.
<Takuya AOKI>
Q, how does it feel to be back on the pitch after a long time?
A, it was great to be able to play in a game after a long time. I hope to continue to improve from now on.
Q, I think there were some tough parts in terms of physical fitness.
A, I had no sense of the game at all. However, I don't think my game sense will return unless I play in the game. I think it will gradually get better.
Q, the game ended in a disappointing result.
A, since Tokyo hasn't been able to win against them for a while, I really wanted to win.
Q, the situation continues where players are not able to gather due to injuries and other reasons.
I think players who step onto the pitch have a responsibility to play with all their might. Even in the current situation, I believe we must achieve results. I want to continue to work hard every day so that the players who play can achieve results.
Q, Do you want to participate in the Levain Cup, which also has consecutive games?
A, I want to play because I don't think I can get back my game sense if I don't play in the game.
Q, you mentioned in a recent interview that you wanted to enjoy the game. Did you have fun?
A, I am very grateful to have been able to stand on the pitch today. If I can participate in the next Levain Cup, I hope to contribute to the team's strength.
Q, please say a word to the fans and supporters.
A, it is regrettable that we were not able to produce results. However, I believe that it is good to continue from here, so I hope that we can improve as a team and as individuals.
