<Match Review>
Tokyo, who lost two away games against Sagan Tosu in the league and Gamba Osaka in the Levain Cup without scoring, returned to their home Ajinomoto Stadium for an important game they want to turn the tide in, facing Shonan Bellmare.
Tokyo, which has been plagued by injuries since the start of the season, saw the return of Hotaka NAKAMURA to the starting lineup and Shuto ABE making his first appearance since the opening match. Additionally, Ryoma WATANABE, who was injured in the second match, also returned. With key players back in both team and individual tactics, Tokyo will face Shonan, who has been on a winning streak in April, and aim to improve their form.
1st HALF - Nakagawa scores the opening goal from a combination with Matsuki
Tokyo showed their strengths from the beginning. They surpassed their opponents with their speed and strength in the ball battles, and after recovering the second ball, they carefully connected their own ball to push their opponents into their own territory.
The attacking stance was clear from the start. In the first half, just one minute in, Shuhei TOKUMOTO received the ball about 5 meters from the opponent's penalty area and took a bold left-footed shot. Although the shot was saved by the goalkeeper, it was a statement of Tokyo's determination.
Tokyo prioritizes establishing rhythm by moving the ball in their own half while carefully observing the opponent's formation, and then speeding up vertically when it's time to attack. Gradually, they increase the time they hold the ball in the opponent's half and create scenes where they finish their attacks.
Diego OLIVEIRA reacted to a through pass in the 14th minute of the first half and swung his right foot in front of the goal, but his shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
The game started to move in the 30th minute of the first half, which seemed to be in a stalemate. Teruhito NAKAGAWA cut in from the right side while dribbling and sent a diagonal pass to Kuryu MATSUKI, who received it in the penalty area and dribbled vertically before swinging his right foot. Although the opponent's goalkeeper blocked it once, NAKAGAWA picked up the loose ball, took a touch, and then scored a volley to give Tokyo the lead.
In the 38th minute of the first half, there was a scene where the vital area was conquered and a decisive shot was taken, but the shot that flew to the upper left corner of the goal was saved by player Jakub SLOWIK with an amazing reaction, and he managed to keep it out of the goal.
In the latter part of the first half, there were more scenes where we received the opponent's attacks in our own territory. However, in the moments where we had to endure, we compacted our formation and responded by sliding together as a team towards the ball side. Although they were able to bring the ball to the finish, we held our lead by firmly closing the gap and not allowing them to shoot freely, and welcomed halftime.
2ndHALF - Henrique equalizes with a goal after conceding a temporary reversal
Tokyo's rhythm remains unchanged even in the second half. In the 5th minute of the second half, they launched a counter attack and Nakagawa passed the ball to Watanabe Ryoma, who had come to support from the left side, in front of the goal. His one-touch shot was unfortunately blocked by the left post.
It seemed like we were able to control the flow of the game, 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 away after a missed pass in our own half. After conceding an equalizer from a short corner, we were pushed back and conceded a goal from the right side in the 14th minute of the second half, resulting in a comeback.
Tokyo, who had been chasing, made three quick substitutions in the 18th minute of the second half. Adailton was brought on for Nakagawa, Yuto Nagatomo for Nakamura, and Abe for Higashi. These substitutions immediately 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. Kicker Matsuki used Adailton, who was positioned on the left side instead of directly in front of the goal. After shaking off the defender with a feint, Adailton sent a sharp right-footed in-swinging cross into the box. It was Henrique Trevisan who showed his height by jumping higher than the opponent and heading the ball into the left corner of the goal.
Nagatomo, who was on a roll with Tokyo at the same score, further boosted the team's momentum. Playing with determination and using his voice, he became the starting point on the right side and persistently took the ball from the opponent, giving Tokyo possession and encouraging the team.
The final stage, which has become an open development, continues with thrilling scenes as both teams put numbers on the attack, defend and counter each other, and approach the goal. In additional time, Tokyo gets a chance from a corner kick in a scramble in front of the goal, but lacks the final touch and the game ends in a 2-2 draw.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yakubu Swobick
DF Hotaka Nakamura (18th minute of the second half: Yuto Nagatomo)/Yasuki Kimoto/Henrique Trevizan/Shuhei Tokumoto
MF Kei Koizumi/Keigo Higashi (18th minute of the second half: Shuto Abe)/Kuryu Matsuki
FW Teruhito Nakagawa (18th minute of the second half: Adailton)/Diego Oliveira/Kota Tawaratsumida (0th minute of the second half: Ryoma Watanabe)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE
FW Naoki KUMATA
GOAL
First half 30 minutes: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/Second half 20 minutes: Henrique TREVISAN
＜Shonan Bellmare＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Daiki TOMII
DF Yukinori TATE/ Kazuki OIWA/ Daiki SUGIOKA
MF Hirokazu ISHIHARA (44th minute of the second half: Takuya OKAMOTO)/ Tarik (36th minute of the second half: Naoki YAMADA)/ Ryota NAGAKI (0th minute of the second half: Kohei OKUNO)/ Taiyo HIRAOKA (44th minute of the second half: Yamato WAKATSUKI)/ Yoshihiro NAKANO
FW Shuto MACHINO/ Hiroyuki ABE (41st minute of the second half: Shoto SUZUKI)
SUBS
GK Hiroki MAWATARI
DF Kazunari OHNO
GOAL
Second half 9 minutes: Daiki SUGIOKA/Second half 14 minutes: Tarik
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, I had a desire to dominate the game with passes and technique. However, the current situation is that we are struggling as a team in that aspect. In our daily training, that part is improving. We are able to connect the ball well, but we are struggling to express it concretely in the game. As the coach of this club, I have a desire to leave something for the future. Because I believe that the style of cherishing the ball, which I love, will bring many things to the players of the team and academy. I think there are various styles in soccer, and I respect all ways of fighting. A style that only functions when a few players are on the team will not bring long-term stability to the club. On the other hand, as I mentioned earlier, my beloved style will bring stability and success to the club. If we cannot express the style of cherishing the ball firmly, we will struggle like we did in today's game.
It is very disappointing that we conceded goals due to mistakes in our build-up play. It was a shame that we couldn't capitalize on Watanabe's return and create even better opportunities in the second half. There was also a moment where Watanabe's shot hit the post. With his introduction, it seemed like we were playing with more confidence in the second half than in the first, but unfortunately, we made some mistakes in a short period of time and conceded a goal. The simultaneous introduction of Nagatomo Yuto, Adailton, and Shuto ABE brought a different positive dynamic to the team. I am satisfied that the players showed their determination to win until the very end. I have a clear idea in mind. Last season, we were more flexible and adaptable, but if we continue with the same style in our second year, we won't be able to make any changes. Therefore, I want to continue to focus on the details and make small adjustments in our daily training. And I also have high hopes that these young players will grow and adapt to this style, overcoming this difficult period. By making progress in various aspects simultaneously, I believe that in the near future, my desired style will be ingrained in this club and we will achieve various successes.
Q, it seemed like you changed the shape of the midfield by substituting three players at the same time. What was your intention as a coach?
The team started to function as a team with the substitution of three players, I think it was because there was a mental stimulation and influence. For example, by bringing in Adailton, I think we were able to create anxiety for the opposing team. It was a situation where we had to catch up and turn the game around after being reversed. Adailton and Shuto ABE are players who can go straight to the goal. If the whole team can go towards the goal without falling apart, I will push for players who have a strong determination to go towards the goal. When thinking about the future of this club, I think it is important to continue to stick to this style and keep our focus. In today's game, Nakamura, ABE, and Watanabe returned. Since each of them has been out of the game for a long time, it is not easy for them to play as they did in official games. It will take a little more time.
However, I want you to remember our first goal. The starting position of the play was the goalkeeper. If we can create such a goal, I want to convince the players again. Connecting the ball carefully from the back created chances and led to a goal. It was a clear and exemplary sequence. It was a play that could serve as a model for teams like Manchester City and FC Barcelona. We were able to create such a first goal, which I believe is proof of our daily efforts. However, in the following plays, there were many scenes where we easily lost the ball. And there were also many times when the tempo of the play was slow. We are able to express it well in training, but in order to express it firmly in the game, we have no choice but to continue doing it.
Please direct your complaints and criticisms to me, the coach, as the fans and supporters. However, I believe that pushing forward with this style is our path. I am not speaking for myself alone. I have done the same during my time at Albirex Niigata. In the near future, I hope you will understand and support this style as well. Of course, I want to bring joy to the fans and supporters. But if we do not achieve growth with our football style, we cannot create stable success for the club. What I want you all to understand is that the players are working hard to express themselves on the pitch.
[Player Interview]
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, please review the scene of the first goal.
A, Kuryu MATSUKI player, facing forward and starting to move, so I thought that a shot or cross would come, and I was preparing to react quickly. The ball that the goalkeeper deflected came in front of me, so it was a difficult position, but I was able to calmly score.
Q, I think we were heavily pressed by the opponent and had a hard time.
A strong defense against opponents is the strength of Shonan Bellmare. On the other hand, if we can get past one player, it can lead to a chance, so it is important to be able to get past opponents. The opponents were also strong in the first half, and there were some parts where we couldn't get past them with just passes, so I was conscious of getting past them individually. Shonan's press is also fast and intense, so there were some difficult situations, but I feel that if we can increase the number of times we can enter the attacking third like the first goal, we can create more chances.
Q, this season, we have been creating many opportunities through individual efforts, but how is our team's ability to break down the opponent's defense?
A, in the past few games, we have had many injured players and the team's condition has not been very good. Due to the change in members, there have been slight discrepancies in our play. The plays that we were able to do during camp, we were no longer able to do. However, with the return of our injured players, I believe we can now fight with sufficient strength. Each individual has a high quality, so we want to polish our combination and pose a threat to our opponents.
Q, today we saw a lot of scenes where you dribbled from a low position. What was the intention behind receiving the ball from a lower position than your usual position?
A, Shonan is a team that presses from the front and tries to trap, so there were scenes where the pass route disappeared when the pass from Yasuki KIMOTO to Hotaka NAKAMURA was received. I was positioning myself in a slightly deeper position because I thought that if we could increase scenes like one-twos to break through that, or gather the opponent players on the right side and then pass to the open space on the left side, it would bring more composure to the team. I was thinking of supporting NAKAMURA's position as much as possible.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q, it became a goal that saved the team.
A, I was personally happy to score a goal. However, it is regrettable that we could not win today's match.
Q, we took the lead but ended up being reversed.
After conceding one goal, we lost our concentration and ended up giving away another goal. However, after equalizing, the game became a close match between both teams.
Q, the situation continues to be difficult. What do you think is necessary to break out of the current situation?
A, we are always playing to win. It's unfortunate that we haven't been able to win in those games. With injured players returning and the team's situation improving, we want to make good preparations to win.
Q, we conceded a goal from a build-up mistake.
Regarding the two goals conceded, the lack of concentration was the main factor. Therefore, we will work on fixing it during practice and aim to face the next game.
Q, at next week's Cerezo Osaka match, a "Brazil Festival" will be held. We look forward to the performance of our Brazilian players.
A, Tokyo and Japan in general have warmly welcomed us Brazilians. This will be my third season here and I have always been able to enjoy my time here. My wife also loves Japan very much. We hope to perform well and win as the Brazilian Festival approaches.
Ryoma WATANABE
Q, I entered the game in the second half. What were you conscious of when you entered the game?
In the first half, there were many situations where it was 1-1, and as a result, we played an 11-11 game. At such times, I thought it was necessary to stand in the space and create a numerical advantage, so I approached the game with that in mind.
Q, I think the team has been moving in a good direction since Shuto ABE joined the game.
A, by receiving the ball in a high position and taking positions between opposing players, it becomes easier to find space and I am now able to receive the ball in a higher position as well.
Q, there were also close shots that seemed to be goals.
If we were able to score that shot, I think the situation would have been different. In order for the team to move up, I think we need to score shots like that, so I think we need to practice more.
Q, I think you've been watching the team from the outside for the past month. Did you feel any gap when you actually stood on the pitch in today's match?
A few players were substituted in the second half, which made a clear difference between the first and second half of the game. We want to come together as a team and show that we can win.
Q: Do you feel relieved to have returned?
A, I thought I couldn't play the way I wanted to, but I was able to play as usual from the second half. However, my condition is still not at its best and my body is not catching up with my head, so I will continue to adjust.
Q, How do you want to proceed from here as a member of the team?
A, I was really happy to be able to return at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. I want to continue to accumulate points even away from home.
Q, before the opening, you mentioned that it is important to know what you can do in difficult times. What do you think is necessary to break through now?
A, I played in a situation where we were winning today. We wanted to score another goal, but instead we conceded a goal. The final score was 2-2, but if you only look at the time I played, we were losing 1-2. First and foremost, I believe it is most important to help the team win, so I need to reflect on that. After the team's victory, I want to focus on my own challenges. First, I want to become a player who can help the team win, so I will work on my condition and aim to show an even better performance than today's game.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, I think it was the first league game since I got injured in the Urawa match.
Finally, I was able to come back in the official game for the first time in a while. I'm glad I was able to finish today without any injuries.
Q: How did it feel to play?
A, I only played for about 25 minutes, but it was physically tough, so I will work on improving my condition from practice. I think I was able to do my best in terms of ball control and intensity, but I believe I can play with even more intensity if my condition improves.
Q, how was the game?
A, Although there were many times when things didn't go well in the first half, we were able to score the opening goal with one chance. On the bench, we talked about how even when Mori Shige was under pressure, we could still score a goal in a good way. In the second half, we gave the momentum to the opponent due to mistakes, so we need to eliminate those kinds of mistakes and win in the future.
Q, It was a substitution right after being reversed 1-2, what instructions did coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA give you?
There were no specific instructions, but I was told to play in the game during yesterday's practice and I prepared for it thoroughly.
Q, How do you perceive the situation of not being able to win?
It was a game with a content that could win today in a situation where it is difficult to win. It's very frustrating, but we have no choice but to switch. We want to train with high intensity as a team for the next Cerezo Osaka match.
Q, What were you conscious of when you entered the pitch in the second half?
A, I was aware that the opponent's anchor was controlling the ball and I entered the position of attacking midfielder like in the Urawa game, and focused on 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 game?
A, while I was injured, it was difficult to win and the situation was tough. I had a strong desire to come back and help the team. I felt that the substitute players also needed to play in a way that could change the flow of the game. It is important for not only the starting 11, but also the substitute members, to be able to change the flow and decide the game.
Q, What changes did the team experience when player Abe entered the game?
A, by entering the field, the formation also changed. There were also scenes where I received the ball between the opponent's defense and passed it to Adailton. Watanabe is also a player who receives the ball inside, so we were able to circulate the ball in a good shape. I think the fact that fresh players kept coming in was also a factor.
Q, There may also be time zones and opponent fatigue, but did you feel that having a player in the top position made the ball move better for the team? How was it playing in the top position?
A, my characteristic is being able to move freely in all directions. In terms of being able to show my face anywhere, it is very easy to play as a top midfielder, and in the second half, I think we were able to create a flow of passing the ball. I think that regardless of the formation, midfielders need to come up with ways to pass the ball.
Q, how was the evaluation on the offensive side?
A, I wanted to be more involved in the attack. I also want to increase the number of plays where I aim for the opponent's back from my position. I think we need to increase these types of plays in order to break down the opponent's defense and create more chances if we can get into their territory. Even if I can't make a cross, I might be able to get a corner kick if I hit the opponent. I want to work hard to help the team move forward more.
