<Match Review>
Tokyo faced two away matches against Sagan Tosu in the league and Gamba Osaka in the Levain Cup, both ending in no goals. In a crucial match to change the momentum, they returned home to Ajinomoto Stadium to compete against Shonan Bellmare.
Tokyo has been plagued by injuries since the start of the season, but today Hotaka NAKAMURA has returned to the starting lineup, and Shuto ABE has made the squad for the first time since the opening match. Additionally, Ryoma WATANABE, who was injured in Sec. 2, has also returned. With these key players back, the team is set to face Shonan, who have been on a winning streak and are gaining momentum as April begins.
1st HALF—Nakagawa scores the opening goal from the collaboration with Matsuki
Tokyo showcased their strengths from the beginning. They outpaced and overpowered their opponents with speed and strength at the ball, and after recovering the second ball, they carefully connected their own passes to push the opponents back into their own territory.
The attacking stance was clear from the start. In the first minute of the first half, Shuhei TOKUMOTO received the ball about 5 meters in front of the opponent's penalty area and boldly struck with his left foot. The shot was saved directly by the goalkeeper, but it was a play that expressed Tokyo's intent.
While carefully observing the opponent's formation, Tokyo speeds up vertically at the right moments to attack, and when they see the opponent is organized, they prioritize maintaining rhythm by moving the ball within their own half. They gradually increase the time spent with the ball in the opponent's half, creating scenes that end with a finish in their attacks.
In the 14th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA reacted to a through pass and struck with his right foot in front of the goal, but the shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
The match began to change in the 30th minute of the first half, when it seemed to be stuck in a stalemate. From the right side, Teruhito NAKAGAWA made a dribble and cut into the center. He sent a diagonal pass, and Kuryu MATSUKI, who received it inside the penalty area, dribbled forward and struck with his right foot. Although it was initially blocked by the opposing goalkeeper, NAKAGAWA picked up the loose ball, took one touch, and slotted in a volley, successfully giving Tokyo the lead.
In the 38th minute of the first half, there was a scene where a decisive shot was taken after penetrating the vital area, but the shot that flew to the upper left corner of the goal was astonishingly saved by Jakub SLOWIK, who stretched out his arm to deflect it away from the goal.
In the latter part of the first half, there were more scenes of defending against the opponent's attacks in our own territory, but during these moments of endurance, the team compacted its formation and slid collectively towards the ball side to respond. Although the opponent managed to bring the play to the finish, we maintained our lead by closely contesting the ball and preventing them from taking free shots, reaching halftime with the lead intact.
2nd HALF - Although we allowed a temporary reversal, Henrique's goal equalized the score.
Even in the second half, Tokyo's rhythm remains unchanged. Five minutes into the second half, they launched a counterattack, with Nakagawa taking the ball in front of the goal and passing it sideways to Ryoma WATANABE, who had come in to support from the left. The one-touch shot was unfortunately blocked by the left post.
It seemed that we were able to control the flow of the match, but in the 8th minute of the second half, we gave the opponent an opportunity to counterattack due to our own mistake.
A corner kick was given after a pass mistake in our own half, leading to pressure in front of the goal. After conceding an equalizer from a short corner, we were pushed back and turned around in the 14th minute of the second half after being attacked down the right side.
Tokyo, now in a chasing position, made three substitutions in the 18th minute of the second half. Adailton was brought on for Nakagawa, Yuto NAGATOMO for Nakamura, and Abe for Keigo HIGASHI. These substitutions quickly led to results.
In the 20th minute of the second half, Adailton was fouled while trying to break through the center, earning a free kick opportunity. The kicker, Matsuki, could not deliver the ball directly in front of the goal and instead used Adailton, who was positioned on the left side. After shaking off the opponent's mark with a feint, he delivered a sharp inswinging cross with his right foot in front of the goal. It was Henrique TREVISAN who showcased his jumping ability. He leaped higher than the competing defender and headed the ball, which was then drawn into the left corner of the goal.
The player who further energized Tokyo, who was gaining momentum with the equalizer, was Nagatomo. He became a key player in a high position on the right side, persistently stealing the ball from the opponent and turning it into Tokyo's possession, inspiring the team with his passionate play and voice.
In the open development of the final stages, both teams committed players to attack, engaging in thrilling scenes of counterattacks and pressing towards the goal. In stoppage time, Tokyo had a chance from a corner kick in a scramble in front of the goal, but lacking the final touch, the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (substituted in 18th minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique Trevisan/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI/Kengo HIGASHI (substituted in 18th minute: Shuto ABE)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted in 18th minute: Adailton)/Diego Oliveira/Kota TAWARAZAKI (substituted in 0th minute: Ryoma WATANABE)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE
FW Naoki KUMATA
GOAL
30th minute of the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA / 20th minute of the second half: Henrique TREVISAN
<Shonan Bellmare>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Daiki TOMII
DF Koki TATE/ Kazuki OIWA/ Daiki SUGIOKA
MF Hirokazu ISHIHARA (substituted at 44 minutes: Takuya OKAMOTO)/ Tarik (substituted at 36 minutes: Naoki YAMADA)/ Ryota NAGAKI (substituted at 0 minutes: Kohei OKUNO)/ Taiyo HIRAOKA (substituted at 44 minutes: Yamato WAKATSUKI)/ Yoshihiro NAKANO
FW Shuuto MACHI/ Hiroyuki ABE (substituted at 41 minutes: Akito SUZUKI)
SUBS
GK Hiroki MAWATARI
DF Kazunari OHNO
GOAL
9 minutes into the second half: Daiki SUGIOKA/14 minutes into the second half: Tarik
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
I had a desire to dominate the match with passes and techniques. However, the reality is that the team is currently struggling in that aspect. In our daily training, we are improving in that area. We are able to connect the ball well, but we are struggling to express that concretely in matches. As the coach of this club, I have a desire to leave something for the future. This is because I believe that the style of play that I cherish, which values the ball, will bring a lot to the team and the academy players. I think there are various styles in soccer, and I respect all ways of fighting. A style that only functions when certain players are on the roster does not provide long-term stability for the club. On the other hand, as I mentioned earlier, this style that I love will surely bring stable success to the club. If we cannot properly express a style that values the ball, we will struggle as we did in today's match.
It is very disappointing that we conceded goals due to mistakes in build-up play in several instances. With Watanabe's return, we were able to create better opportunities in the second half, so conceding goals was unfortunate. There was also a moment when Watanabe's shot hit the post. With his introduction, it seemed that the team played with more confidence in the second half than in the first, but unfortunately, we made mistakes in a short period and conceded goals. The simultaneous introduction of Yuto NAGATOMO, Adailton, and Shuto ABE created a different and better shape. I am satisfied with the players' commitment to winning until the end. I have a clear idea. Last season, we responded more clearly and flexibly, but if we continue with a similar style this season, nothing will change. Therefore, I want to keep focusing on daily training and make adjustments in the finer details. I also hope that young players suitable for this style will grow as we overcome this hardship. I believe that as various aspects progress positively at the same time, my desired style will permeate this club in the not-so-distant future, along with achieving various successes.
Q: It seemed that you substituted three players at once and changed the formation in the midfield. What was your intention as a coach?
I believe that the team started to function better due to the mental stimulation and influence from the substitutions of three players. For example, by bringing in Adailton, I think we created anxiety for the opposing team. Since we were in a situation where we had to catch up and turn the game around after being behind, it was crucial. Adailton and Shuto ABE are players who can drive straight towards the goal. If the entire team can move towards the goal without falling apart, I strongly support players who are determined to score. When considering the future of this club, I think it's important to continue to uphold and be committed to this style. In today's match, Nakamura, ABE, and Watanabe returned. Each of them had been out of action for a long time, so it is certainly not the case that they can perform as they did before in official matches. They will need a little more time.
However, I would like you to recall our opening goal. The starting position of the play was with the goalkeeper. If we can create such goals, I want to persuade the players again. Connecting the ball carefully from the back created opportunities and led to goals. It was a clear and exemplary sequence of play. It was a style of play that could serve as a model, like Manchester City or FC Barcelona. We were able to create such an opening goal, and I believe it is proof of our daily efforts. However, in the subsequent plays, there were noticeable scenes of easily losing the ball. There were also many moments when the tempo of the play was slow. While we have been able to express ourselves well in training, we must continue to work hard to express that properly in matches.
Please direct your dissatisfaction and criticism to me as the coach. However, I believe that advancing this style is our path. I am not speaking only for myself. I have done similar things during my time at Albirex Niigata. In the near future, I hope you will understand the importance of advancing this style. Of course, I want to bring joy to all the fans and supporters. However, if we do not achieve growth through our soccer style, we cannot create stable success for the club. I want you to understand that the players are making an effort to express themselves on the pitch.
[Player Interview]]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, please review the scene of the opening goal.
A, Kuryu MATSUKI faced forward and brought the ball out, so I was prepared to react quickly, thinking a shot or cross would come. The ball that the goalkeeper deflected came right in front of me, and although it was a difficult position, I was able to calmly finish it.
Q: I think the opponent's pressing was intense, and it caused us a lot of trouble.
I think one of the strengths of Shonan Bellmare is their strong defense against opponents. Conversely, if we can break through just one player, it can lead to a chance, so I believed that breaking through the opponent is important. The opponent had momentum in the first half, and there were parts where we couldn't break through effectively with just passes, so I focused on breaking through as an individual. Shonan's pressing is also fast and intense, which created some difficult situations, but like the first goal, if we can increase our ability to shake things up and enter the attacking third as a team, I feel we will create more opportunities.
Q: This season, there are many opportunities created by individual skills, but how is the team's breakdown?
A, in the last few matches, we had many injuries, and the team's condition was not very good. With the changes in the lineup, there were some discrepancies in our play. The plays we could execute during camp became difficult, but with the return of injured players, I believe we can compete with sufficient strength from here on. Each individual's quality is high, so we want to refine our combinations and pose a threat to our opponents.
Q: Today, there were noticeable scenes where you initiated dribbles from a deeper position. What was the intention behind receiving the ball lower than your usual position?
A, Shonan is a team that applies pressure from the front, so there were moments when the passing lane disappeared when the pass went from Yasuki KIMOTO to Hotaka NAKAMURA. I thought that if we could increase scenes like one-twos or passing to the open space on the left side after gathering the opposing players on the right side, it would bring more stability to the team, so I positioned myself a bit deeper. I was thinking about how I could support Hotaka NAKAMURA as much as possible.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q, it became a goal that saved the team.
I was personally happy to have scored a goal. However, it's disappointing that we couldn't win today's match.
Q: We took the lead, but we were overtaken.
After conceding a goal, we lost our focus and conceded another goal. However, after equalizing, both teams played a closely contested match.
Q: The difficult situation continues. What do you think is necessary to get out of the current situation?
A, we are always playing to win matches. It is unfortunate that we have not been able to achieve victory in that process. With injured players returning, the team's situation is improving, so we want to prepare well to win.
Q: We conceded a goal due to a mistake in the build-up.
The two goals conceded were due to a lack of concentration. Therefore, I would like to correct the areas that need improvement in practice and approach the next match with that in mind.
Q: The "Brazil Festival" will be held at next week's Cerezo Osaka match. We are looking forward to the performance of the Brazilian players.
A, Tokyo is the same, but Japan welcomes us Brazilians very warmly. This is my third season, and I have always been able to enjoy my time here, and my wife also really likes Japan. Since the Brazil Festival is going to be held, we want to perform well and win.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: You came on in the second half. What were you focused on as you entered the match?
In the first half, there were many situations where it was 1 against 1, resulting in a match that was effectively 11 against 11. I thought it was necessary to position ourselves in spaces and create situations of numerical superiority, so I approached the match with that in mind.
Q: I think the team has shown good movement since Shuto ABE started playing.
A, by receiving the ball in a high position and positioning between opposing players, it has become easier to find space, and I have also been able to receive the ball in a higher position.
Q: There were some close shots that seemed likely to score.
If I could have scored that shot, I think the situation would have changed. I believe that to move the team forward, we need to score shots like that, so I think we need to practice more.
Q: I think you have been watching the team from the outside for the past month. Did you feel any gaps when you actually stood on the pitch in today's match?
I believe there was a clear difference between the first and second halves of the match due to several players coming on as substitutes in the second half. I want to show a winning performance by solidly integrating as a team and as players.
Q: Do you feel relieved about your return?
I thought I wouldn't be able to play as I wanted, but since it was the second half, I believe I was able to play as usual. However, my condition is still not fully up to par, and my body isn't keeping up with my mind, so I will continue to make adjustments.
Q: As a member of the team, how do you want to proceed from here?
I was very happy to be able to return to Ajinomoto Stadium for a home game. I want to make sure we can accumulate points away as well.
Q: Before the season started, you mentioned that it is important to know what can be done during difficult times. What do you think is necessary to turn things around now?
A, today, I played in a situation where we were winning. We wanted to score another goal, but instead, we conceded a goal. In the end, the score was 2-2, but if you look only at the time I was on the field, we lost 1-2. I believe that making the team win is the most important thing, so I think I need to reflect on that. After the team's victory, I hope to work on my own challenges. First of all, to become a player who can help the team win, I want to get in shape and show an even better performance than today’s match.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: I think it has been a while since the league match after getting injured in the match against Urawa.
A, I was finally able to return to an official match for the first time since the opening game. I'm glad that I was able to finish today without any injuries.
Q: How did it feel to play?
I only played for about 25 minutes, and it was physically tough, so I will work on improving my condition from practice. I think I was able to manage my ball touches and intensity, but I believe that as my condition improves, I will be able to play with higher intensity.
Q, please review the game.
In the first half, there were many moments where things didn't go well, but we were able to score the opening goal from one chance. On the bench, I was discussing with Morishige that even under that kind of pressure, we could score with a good opportunity. In the second half, we lost momentum to the opponent due to mistakes, so we need to eliminate those aspects, and I believe we must secure victories moving forward.
Q: You came on right after the team was turned around 1-2. What instructions did you receive from Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
A, there were no specific instructions, but I was told during yesterday's practice that I would be used in the match, and I was preparing thoroughly for that.
Q: How do you perceive the situation of not being able to win?
A, it was a match where we could have won, but we haven't been able to win for a while. It's very frustrating, but we have no choice but to switch gears. I want the team to practice with high intensity as we prepare for the next match against Cerezo Osaka.
Q: What were you aware of when you entered the pitch in the second half?
A, since the opponent's anchor was central in circulating the ball, I was conscious of positioning myself in the attacking midfield role, similar to the match against Urawa, and focused on thorough defense.
Q: What was the difference between the team you watched from the outside due to injury and the team you actually played in the match?
A, during my injury, it was a tough situation where we couldn't win. I had a strong desire to return and help the team. I felt that the substitutes needed to play in a way that could change the flow of the game. I believe it's important for not just the starting 11, but also the substitute members to play in a way that can change the flow and decide the match.
Q: What changes occurred in the team due to Abe's participation in the match?
A, my entry changed the formation. There were moments when I received the ball between the opponent's defense and passed it to Adailton. Watanabe also plays as a player who comes inside to receive the ball, so we were able to circulate the ball effectively. I believe the influx of fresh players was also a contributing factor.
Q: There may be factors such as the time of day and the opponent's fatigue level, but it seemed that placing a player in the attacking midfield position allowed the team to move the ball more effectively. What was your experience playing in that position?
My characteristic is being able to move freely in all directions. In terms of being able to show my face anywhere, playing as an attacking midfielder is very easy, and I think I was able to create a flow to circulate the ball in the second half. I believe that midfield players need to be creative and find ways to circulate the ball without being fixated on the formation.
Q: How would you evaluate the offensive performance?
A, I wanted to be more involved in the attack. I want to increase plays that target the opponent's back from my position. If we don't increase those kinds of plays, I don't think we can break down the opponent's defense, and if we can get into their territory, we will have more chances. Even if we can't deliver a cross, if it hits the opponent, we might be able to win a corner kick, and as a team, I want to work hard to move forward more.
