<Match Review>
The Levain Cup has entered the second half of the group stage in Sec. 4. Hosting Gamba Osaka at home, we want to clear the frustration of the previous match where we lost after conceding goals in quick succession at the end of the away game, and with the support of our home crowd, we are determined to secure 3 points.
Tokyo has just announced the signing of special designated player Soma ANZAI, who started on the pitch. ANZAI was placed as the right back, while Yuto NAGATOMO was utilized as the left back. The double pivot was handled by the veteran duo Keigo HIGASHI and Takuya AOKI, tightening the center line of the team that featured many young players in the forward positions.
1st HALF - Professional debut of player Anzai is dynamic
At the start, the opponent maintained possession of the ball, leading to a situation where we chased the ball from the front line. Even after gaining possession, the ball was not settling down, and we couldn't establish our pace.
Still, around the 15-minute mark, the flow began to tilt towards Tokyo. By thoroughly connecting the ball from the final line, they evaded the pressure from the opponent's front line, with Higashi and Aoki drawing the ball in the center, gradually entering the Gamba Osaka territory.
Koki TSUKAGAWA, who took the position of attacking midfielder, and Ryoma WATANABE settled the ball near the opponent's penalty area, creating time, while multiple players provided support to the ball holder, activating the attack.
In his official J-League debut, player Anzai took an active high position and boldly challenged the opponent's defense from behind. Although he did not reach a finishing play, he did not fall short in terms of ball intensity and reaction speed against professional players. In one-on-one situations with opposing players, he attempted to break through with dribbling and showed moments of regaining the ball by using his body in defense.
With the dynamic presence of fresh talent, Tokyo maintained control of the match as they headed into halftime.
2nd HALF - Tsukakawa's first goal of the season earns 3 points
Even in the second half, Tokyo's attitude remains unchanged. They fight with strength at the ball, and instead of easily kicking the ball away, they connect by passing it back, building their attack while maintaining possession of the ball.
There were moments when we lost the ball due to mistakes during the build-up and the opponent quickly advanced the ball to our goal area, but we applied pressure on the ball holder with multiple players from the front line, and after regaining possession, we connected passes while moving forward towards the opponent's goal.
Although they maintained possession of the ball, the turning point came in the 26th minute of the second half when Gamba Osaka's player Yamamoto was sent off for a dangerous play, allowing Tokyo, now with a numerical advantage, to intensify their offensive efforts.
In the 29th minute of the second half, after stopping the opponent's attack near their own penalty area, Adailton picked up the ball on the left side of his own half and started to dribble. Gaining speed, he surged up the left side, feinted with a cut-in to create space, and delivered a cross with his left foot. The ball, slightly negative and moving away from the goal, went over the head of PEROTTI, who had drawn the mark at the near post, and Koki TSUKAGAWA, who had been charging in from behind, volleyed it directly with his right foot. He powerfully slotted it into the left corner of the goal.
Tokyo continues to attack aggressively even after taking the lead. Actively aiming for the opponent's goal and keeping their formation compact, they push forward from the back, quickly recovering the second ball even after losing possession, launching a strong offensive.
In the final stages of the match, there were moments when we couldn't maintain possession of the ball and faced quick attacks from the opponent, but by fighting for the ball, we maintained our concentration and protected our one-point lead until the time was up.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Soma ANZAI/Seiji KIMURA/Enrique Trevisan/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Keigo HIGASHI (substituted at 36 minutes: Leon NOZAWA)/Takuya AOKI/Koki TSUKAGAWA
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted at 14 minutes: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Naoki KUMATA (substituted at 14 minutes: Perotti)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (substituted at 24 minutes: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Junya SUZUKI/Renta HIGASHI
GOAL
29th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA
<Gamba Osaka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masaaki HIGASHIGUCHI
DF Shota FUKUOKA/Ru TAKAO/Gyeongwon KWON/Yusei EGAWA (substituted in 36th minute: Hiroki FUJIHARU)
MF Rihito YAMAMOTO/Ryotaro MESHINO (substituted in 27th minute: Naohiro SUGIYAMA)/Aki KURATA (substituted in 36th minute: Wataru YANAGISAWA)/Jiro NAKAMURA (substituted in 27th minute: Hiroto YAMAMI)
FW Takashi USAMI (substituted in 18th minute: Hideki ISHIGE)/Musashi SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Kei ISHIKAWA
DF Yota SATO
GOAL
―
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
In the first half, there were long periods where we firmly controlled the game along with the ball. Ryoma WATANABE and Koki TSUKAGAWA were building good attacks from the attacking midfield positions. By playing well between the lines, they created a good sense of distance, allowing right back Anzai to become free, which enabled us to create chances from there.
I think we were able to create the same flow at the start of the second half. There was a sending off of an opposing player, and during that time, we brought in Adailton, whose performance led to a goal. I believe that the last 7 or 8 minutes after Keigo HIGASHI had to be substituted due to cramping were not good plays, and that is something we need to improve. Our ideal is to finish the match by defending while maintaining possession of the ball, but we were not able to do that. I hope the young players learn that maintaining possession of the ball is the best form of defense.
And today, I would like to celebrate player Anzai's performance. Despite being his debut match as a professional, he showed wonderful play. A player of his quality has demonstrated that he can adapt and perform well for the team even in a short amount of time.
[Player Interview]]
＜Koki TSUKAGAWA＞
Q: Your play running around the pitch was impressive.
A, I returned to the basics and became aware of what I should be doing. I wanted to express once again my desire to run for my teammates in this match. I am not satisfied, but I am happy to have contributed to the team's victory.
Q, that was an impressive goal. How do you feel looking back on it?
A, Adailton sent a great ball. It was just a matter of hitting the ball well, so I am grateful to Adailton.
Q: To run that much and score a goal. It was a super play.
I think it was a shot where the power was released well.
Q: How do you feel about today's overall performance?
It was a match where we focused on sending vertical passes as a team. In particular, I was able to play well with Ryoma WATANABE. However, I felt that there weren't enough instances of playing forward after receiving the ball or getting involved in goal-scoring plays. From here, I want to work closely with my teammates.
Q, we achieved our first official victory in April. It seems like a good momentum will be created for the league matches from here on.
A, the current team needed a victory. Yuto NAGATOMO is leading the way and uplifting the team, instilling a mentality of winning at all costs. While there is still much to refine in the match content, I believe it was a game that demonstrated our determination for victory.
Q: I think it was a match where young players and experienced players blended well and functioned effectively.
It was a match where the desire to win as a team came together. We have young players and experienced players, but today I believe we were able to demonstrate our strength with a sense of unity in both offense and defense.
I think the ability to show a decisive play in that chance scene is one of Tsukakawa's strengths.
A, this season I couldn't get involved in such opportunity scenes, so I want to work hard again to become a player who can run, play box-to-box, and show up in front of the goal.
Q: Was the shooting course perfect?
A, it was perfect. I just had to meet the cross without resisting it. I was relieved that it went firmly into the goal. As an individual, I wanted results, so I want to work even harder for the team from here on.
Q: I have the impression that your play, which brings out the best in your teammates, stood out particularly.
A, I focused on running for my teammates, creating space, not losing in one-on-one situations, and making diagonal runs to create space on the opposite side, allowing my teammates to have many options. There is also the term "wasted running," but I believe that this is the most necessary play for the team's victory.
Q: I think the combination with Soma ANZAI, who made his debut in today's match, was also good.
It was a bold play, so I felt it was easy to match. It was a good performance with great momentum that didn't feel like a debut match.
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on doing the "Sha!" together with fans and supporters.
A, it was a bit embarrassing, but I want to cherish the moments when I can share joy with the fans and supporters from now on.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: How was your professional debut match?
Since the starting lineup was announced, I approached this match with a really strong mindset. Given that Tokyo hasn't been winning, I didn't want to be told that I played and lost, so I'm really glad that the team was able to win first and foremost.
Q: What did you focus on during the match?
Since it was my first appearance, I just played boldly. I made sure not to become timid and to fight confidently even if I made mistakes.
Q: You were the starting point of the attack, how did it feel?
A, there were still many ball losses, and the accuracy was poor as I was entrusted with the set pieces, so I believe I can improve more. I think being able to play for 90 minutes here is a plus for my future, so I want to further enhance my quality.
Q, I think you were playing with cramping in your legs at the end, but it felt like your fighting spirit was fully on display.
A, since we had already used all our substitution slots, I couldn't just leave, so I fought with the determination to run even if I had to collapse in the end.
Q: Tsukagawa entered the center, and Anzai had a chance to be free on the side. Was this something you worked on in practice as well?
When creating on the left side, I think we were able to execute the form where Tsukakawa and Watanabe were creating in the middle, and I was able to take on the challenge from the outside, just as we practiced.
Q: What aspects were you not satisfied with?
A, today there was a player with strong heading skills, but I feel sorry that many of the kicks drifted to the far side.
Q: I don't think we have practiced set plays enough, what do you think?
I was aware that there is a strong player in the center, so I tried to kick the ball in a way that would allow him to compete, but I was tense and couldn't kick it well.
Q: Your strong spirit was evident in your play.
I believe my characteristic is to show a fighting spirit, so I approached the challenge with a strong desire to achieve victory even when Tokyo has not been able to win.
Q: Did you feel nervous?
A, I messed up a lot (laughs).
Q: How did you feel from the time you learned the starting lineup until the match?
A, I found out after practice at Kodaira Ground yesterday, but I had already anticipated it during yesterday's practice, so I took the night to organize my feelings and visualize my play for the match, preparing myself.
Q: How was it to actually play at Ajinomoto Stadium?
This is the pitch where I watched many matches from the stands since my academy days, and I was really happy to be able to stand here again. However, I believe this is just the real start, so I want to do my best to achieve results and be able to participate in the league matches.I will work hard for that.
Q: I think it's been five years since the victory shower, how was it?
It was hot. I was supported by cheers during the match, and seeing the fans and supporters made me want to fight again, so it was truly reassuring.
