Review>
The return to the front line after 8 months was a ray of hope for the team, which had been plagued by injuries to midfield players.
The match against Sagan Tosu, as evident from the record, has always been a tough one for Tokyo. Whether it's a home game or an away game, no matter how well the team has played in the previous match, something always seems to happen when playing against Tosu.
Even if it's for 90 minutes, you can't let your guard down, even if you feel like "No, not today..."
This match was also a close battle where both teams showed high intensity in their ball control and shared possession equally. However, in the first half, Sagan Tosu's passes were often disrupted, resulting in Tokyo having more opportunities to push forward and maintain possession.
In the second half, the ball often came back in a lucky way, but whether it was due to the pace or not, Tokyo was unable to create decisive chances as their last passes were off. However, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who made his first appearance in the J1 league, created scenes where he jumped out behind the opponent, giving off an atmosphere that they could break through and score.
As the game seemed to be decided if Tokyo could make one more attack, the clock passed 90 minutes and the end of additional time was in sight. However, Jakub SLOWIK's goal kick was intercepted by the opponent's forward and they scored, ending the game. Once again, it was a dramatic ending with something happening.
The team faced a tough result, but there were not completely negative elements when looking ahead. Tokumoto showed a strong presence in both offense and defense, despite it being his first time in J1. In addition, in the 27th minute of the second half, Takuya Aoki was substituted for Koki Tsukagawa. It was his first return to the field in 8 months.
Last season, until his injury in July, he was an immovable anchor and a key player in supporting the tactics of Albert Tokyo. It took some time for him to return, but his comeback came at a time when there were many injured players and the midfield was struggling to find its composition.
The man who is suitable for the anchor, who is the key to ball possession, returns, and from here, Albert Tokyo's counterattack begins.
<Match Preview>
In the 6th round of the J1 League, we lost 0-1 to Sagan Tosu, and in the following Levain Cup group stage 3rd round, we were completely defeated 0-3 by Gamba Osaka. Immediately after losing to Gamba Osaka and suffering two consecutive losses in official matches, player Diego Oliveira encouraged his teammates in the locker room, saying, "We are not a team made up of players with such low quality."
However, it is a great achievement for many young players to be given the chance to showcase their talents and make their presence known in the early stages of the season. One of those players, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who is in his first season with the team, made his J1 debut in the match against Tosu and energized the team with his aggressive play. TOKUMOTO stated, "I think I was able to show that I didn't lie about what I have done. I want to continue to prepare well for Tokyo to win."
This round, we return home to face Shonan Bellmare. In the previous round, Shuto MACHINO of Shonan scored 4 goals alone and achieved a great victory against Gamba Osaka. We must be cautious of their attacking power, which has scored the most 13 goals in the league.
As injured players continue to return, the result of victory will generate the best energy to drive the team forward. The team will come together to hold back the strong Shonan and aim for 3 points to change the tide.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Ryoma WATANABE, Shuto ABE, and Hotaka NAKAMURA joined the practice. Will their current condition affect tomorrow's game?
Fortunately, all three players have returned and joined the team. They are able to play, but each of them has been out of the game for a certain period of time, so we want to proceed with caution.
Q, isn't Nakamura's return significant while player Yoshifu is absent due to injury?
Both Nakamura and Yoshifu were injured and away from the team, which was a big blow for us. In addition, there were injuries to midfield players, and we often lost the ball in midfield during games, making it difficult to control the game. In other words, we were unable to play as a team, like traveling together. Of course, Nagatomo and Tokumoto each have their own strengths, but I believe that Nakamura and Yoshifu are better at playing more attacking football.
If we can dominate without losing the ball in the middle of the field, I think it will bring more depth to our attack by allowing our wingers and fullbacks to participate more. Therefore, I believe the number of attacks from both sides will also increase. I think we were able to do this until around the second match of this season. After that, we had more injured players, but they are gradually returning. I hope we can return to our initial state at the beginning of the season.
Q, In the recent Levain Cup Gamba Osaka match, Keigo HIGASHI was left out of the squad, but I think he will play in the anchor position this round. With him in the lineup, I believe we will be able to actively control the ball.
A, the noticeable mistakes throughout the game were losing the ball in the midfield and not being able to control it. However, I think it is worth noting that many young players were given the opportunity to play. Despite facing Gamba Osaka, who were close to their best lineup, the efforts of these young players deserve recognition. I am not bothered by the criticism I may receive for the 0-3 result, and I must continue to work and accept it. After the game against Gamba Osaka, eight young players were on the pitch. At the same time, we are trying to improve our club's style and the maturity of our positional play. For that, quality in the midfield is required and essential. Of course, Toki is one of the players who brings a lot to the team.
In order for the team to continue growing, it is important to have high-quality players involved in the game. Once again, we have high expectations for Ryunosuke SATO. This is because he is a player who can express plays where the ball sticks to his feet. Players with such unique characteristics are one of the players we need. Of course, we also value defensive skills in our center-back players, but we also expect them to have a more attacking style of play. As for our midfield players, it is a position where they cannot afford to lose the ball easily. I am looking for players who can distribute the ball well to the front line. I believe that players with such profiles who are involved in the game and continue to grow will contribute to the growth of the club.
Q, this round features the in-form Shonan Bellmare from their recent matches.
A, we can see a good performance in the recent games, but the impression was that we did not have good results from the beginning. I feel that we are getting into a good state in this short period of time. On the other hand, we have been caught in a bad streak in this short period of time. In the game against Sagan Tosu, we conceded a goal in an unnecessary way, and in the Levain Cup, we lost 0-3 to Gamba Osaka. Of course, that's soccer. Soccer is a sport where evaluations can change easily from game to game. If we were to lose to Shonan tomorrow, we would be said to be involved in the relegation battle, and if we were to win against Shonan, we would be excited about the possibility of participating in the AFC Asian Champions League. However, the league has just started and we are approaching the 7th round. Even with that in mind, Shonan seems to be stronger against opponents who possess the ball. They defend in the middle zone and then launch quick attacks after stealing the ball. Continuing from last season, they are showing their strengths and using them to their advantage.
Q, I think the first goal will be important.
In the previous match between Shonan Bellmare and Gamba Osaka, which ended 4-1, Gamba Osaka conceded a goal from a mistake, and Shonan went on to score more goals. Shonan formed a block, took the ball in good positions, and created chances as the game went on. Therefore, the first goal has a big impact on the flow of the game. The first goal is important. This applies not only to the next match, but to all matches. For example, in Spain, it is unlikely for the top team to lose to the bottom team, but in the J-League, it is different. This is because the overall level of the league is evenly matched.
Q, please tell us your evaluation of player Kumada. How do you want to utilize him as a team to make him shine even more?
A, Kumada is still a young player. I think he still needs to adapt to the team more. However, he is a player with unique characteristics that other Japanese forwards do not have. There are many players with similar characteristics in South America, but they are rare in Japan. His ability as a finisher in the box is high, but he is still in the growth stage when it comes to playing in positions away from the goal. We also want to see him contribute more to the team. If he can increase his playing time in more advanced positions as a club, he will become an indispensable center forward. As I mentioned earlier, his biggest weapon is his ability to work in the box. We hope that his growth and the club's growth will progress together, and he will be able to use his weapon more effectively. However, he must also stay grounded and continue to move forward.
[Player Interview]
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q, How did you spend the period from when you got injured to your return?
I was feeling a bit tired because I was playing in both the league and the Levain Cup. I approached the Yokohama FC match after taking care of myself before and after practice, but I felt discomfort when sprinting. I was able to stop playing and substitute before it got worse, which led to a minor injury and I think it turned out to be a good thing. Thanks to the efforts of the trainer and doctor, I was able to return quickly and return to a good condition. I am grateful to everyone who was involved in my treatment.
Q: Did you have any moments where you encouraged each other with player Abe, who was also absent?
A, We worked together while encouraging each other during rehabilitation time.
Q, it was an injury during a good condition. Did you also have a feeling of wanting to return quickly?
A, I was frustrated when I got injured during the game while I was feeling good and in good condition. I had some things to be frustrated about. However, I realized once again that when my feelings are high, it is important to keep my feet on the ground and align my mind and body to avoid injuries. During the 3-4 weeks I was away, I was able to have a dialogue with my body and learn more about myself. I want to connect my mind and body well.
Q: Are you ready to face Shonan in perfect condition now?
A, I can do it without any problems now. I don't know how it will affect the game, but I want to play with all my might without thinking too much about injuries.
Q, In the Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka, there was a scene where the ball was lost as a side back.
I don't think it's just a problem with the side backs. There are patterns where the opponent is caught in the stage of passes coming to the side backs. There are tough situations where the support player or forward doesn't show their face at the right time. Of course, the side backs need to improve their ability to peel off opponents and keep the ball in difficult situations. However, as a team, if we can defend from the front line, we need to be able to instantly judge where to pass the ball and where there is space available. I want to demand more from the side backs and as a team, we need to improve our common understanding and decision-making speed. It's not about possession, but how quickly we can enter the opponent's territory and score. We can't lose sight of that and we can't make mistakes as a team, including myself.
Q, I think the performance against Yokohama FC was excellent.
A, both as a team and as an individual, we were able to create a scoring opportunity. It was a personal achievement to finally make a play that led to a goal. As a team, our build-up play wasn't working well and I also lost the ball a few times as an individual. The play that led to the goal was good, but overall, I didn't have a good impression from my other plays.
Q, I think this will be an important match that will affect the final result depending on whether we stagnate here or rise again.
A, until now, there has been no difference in points throughout the league, so if you win once, you can go to the top or bottom. From here on, I think the difference in points will gradually widen. In that sense, I think we had to get 1 point in the Tosu match, and from here on, if we drop points, the gap with the top will widen, so I want to fight with all my might.
Q, What is your impression of Shonan Bellmare?
A, I think Shonan has a clear idea of what they want to do. Their attacking and defending style is also well established, so it's important for them to figure out how to express their own soccer within that framework. Even top teams have lost when facing Shonan head on, so I believe that is a testament to their strength. The key will be whether they can choose the right tactics to play against their opponents.
Q, How did you deal with your body while aiming to return?
A, Although there are too many details to list, I discussed with the trainer about what is necessary to prevent injuries. Then, I spent three weeks collecting data to prevent injuries.
Q, what do you think about the possibility of playing in the game?
A, I will play with all my strength in the given time.
Q, Did you feel down after getting injured or are you fired up instead?
A, I am surprised myself, but I am not feeling down at all. This season, I am playing at 100% and I think it's okay to be criticized from the outside. I have to be aggressive. I also think that soccer is a mental sport. Right now, I think my mental state is good.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, joined Tokyo this season and made J1 League debut in the match against Sagan Tosu (Sec. 6 of J1 League) on April 1st. How do you feel about it so far?
There were some moments of confusion as I tried to adjust to Tokyo's style of moving while considering positioning, but I have been steadily working on it without rushing. I was able to play in two Levain Cup matches and the J1 League match against Tosu, and I was able to grasp the feeling of being able to play using my own strengths.
QIs it going smoothly adapting to the new team?
A, yes. I am always prepared to play in the game, and even when I am not in the starting lineup, I am able to train with the other players and keep them motivated. So I have been feeling fulfilled.
Q, during the camp, you said it was difficult to position yourself. Is the play demanded in Tokyo completely different from the style you have experienced so far?
A, I think there are few teams in the J-League that have a side back taking the position of a defensive midfielder, and when I was with Fagiano Okayama, I was a left center back in a 3-back formation, so it was a completely different start. However, I think I am able to do it now because I did it a little bit when I was with FC Ryukyu. I really feel a sense of fulfillment now, and I am choosing whether to receive the ball inside, outside, or make a run behind the defense while watching the ball holder. I think I have a good relationship with the side half, center back, and defensive midfielder.
Q, I think that playing as a side back is the most ball-touching soccer, but isn't it fun to play?
A, It's fun because the ball comes to me. By playing with the ball, I feel like I'm being watched by the fans and supporters more often. I feel a sense of accomplishment.
Q, The league has not been stable with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses so far. Where do you feel the challenges lie?
A, I strongly feel that if we don't score in crucial moments, it will become difficult. There is also the issue of having many injured players, but the members on the pitch must give their all and produce results. In that sense, I see it as an opportunity for myself.
Q, When injuries occur and the best players cannot be put together, the team's strength is truly tested.
A, In the summer and the second half of the league, it is common for injuries to increase, but Tokyo has had a lot of them in the first half. In a long season, everyone's strength is absolutely necessary, and right now we want to work together and strive to reach the place we are aiming for as a club.
QWhat kind of plays and strengths will you appeal with?
A, I think it will be the key for me to create calm plays in many scenes that can become an escape route for passing. I will try to send good passes to the midfielder and was able to express it a few times in the Kyoto and Tosu games. I want to increase that number and distribute balls that will allow the forward players to play positively.
Q, on the left side back, there are high-level players Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Yuto NAGATOMO.
I am enjoying this situation where I can compete with high-quality players for positions. I feel that if I can produce results in Tokyo, I can get closer to the Japan national team. Even when I am not able to play in the game, I will continue to learn from the play of players like Yoshifu and Nagatomo.
Q, Please tell us your enthusiasm for this round.
A, I haven't been able to play in a home game in the league yet, so I feel strongly about wanting to play with the support of the passionate fans and supporters at Ajinomoto Stadium. When I step onto the pitch, I will give 120% of my strength to the game. Thank you for your support.
