<Match Review>
In the midst of a series of matches including the Levain Cup in the middle of the week, Tokyo faced an away game against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. They had been distant from victory, but three days ago in the Levain Cup, they changed the momentum with a 1-0 victory against Gamba Osaka. In this match, they regained their ball possession style, took control of the game, and won, restoring their confidence.
In this match, aiming for a victory after five matches in the league and the first away win of the season, we approached the game with the same starting lineup as the previous league match. Shuto ABE was positioned as an attacking midfielder, with Kei KOIZUMI and Kuryu MATSUKI forming a double pivot. The substitute bench saw the return of Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had been sidelined due to injury.
1st HALF - Nakamura's 1 goal and 1 assist, and Abe's first goal of the season
The match suddenly comes to life. In the 5th minute of the first half, a free kick is awarded just outside the left corner of the penalty area. Matsuki delivers a sharp ball into the goal area, and Hotaka NAKAMURA, who has rushed in to meet the ball that has flowed to the far side, heads it in. The header shot, propelled by Hotaka NAKAMURA's momentum as he came in from the blind spot of the opposing defender, flows into the right corner of the goal, giving Tokyo the lead.
After that, there was a period of time where the home team gained momentum for a counterattack. In the 14th minute of the first half, they were shaken wide, allowing Morishima to finish in a free position in front of the goal, but the shot went over the goal, escaping without incident. There was a continued inability to move the ball forward against the opponent's high-intensity press, but Tokyo did not miss their one chance.
In the 28th minute of the first half, after creating a situation to bring the ball deep into the opponent's territory, Diego OLIVEIRA dribbled and made a through pass into the penalty area. Nakamura, who had surged up the right side, broke free and delivered a backward pass in front of the goal. Abe, who was waiting, connected with a one-touch shot into the bottom left corner of the goal, extending Tokyo's lead.
It seemed like they had grasped the flow of the match, but in the 39th minute of the first half, they were countered after being targeted behind the high defensive line, allowing Morishima to score in the bottom left corner of the goal, reducing the lead by one point. It was anticipated that Hiroshima would push forward with momentum, but from this point, Tokyo increased the intensity at the ball and brought the battle to the midfield, maintaining a one-point lead as they headed into halftime.
2nd HALF - Unable to grasp the rhythm of the attack, but maintaining the lead
As the second half begins, the match continues to be a test of endurance. Unable to connect with my ball in the face of the opponent's speed and strength, even when entering the opponent's territory, our attacks end up being isolated.
They try to change the flow of the game by making substitutions, but they cannot shift the momentum that is pushing them back into their own territory. In the final stages, they also reinforce the defensive line and engage in a battle with closing in mind.
In the final stages, Adailton held his ground up front to secure the ball, creating time for his teammates to push up their formation while keeping the opponents away from their own territory. The match ended with them maintaining the lead, achieving their first away victory of the season in the league.
Tokyo is working on a style that progresses the game while maintaining possession of the ball, but in a match where they wanted to change the flow of being far from victory in the league, they decisively focused on winning and secured 3 points. Kei KOIZUMI stated, "I want to make adjustments while winning," expressing his outlook for the future. In the next match, they will return home to Ajinomoto Stadium and aim for victory while sticking to their own style.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (substituted at 31 minutes: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Shuhei TOKUMOTO (substituted at 37 minutes: Henrique TREVISAN)
MF Shuto ABE/Kei KOIZUMI/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted at 37 minutes: Keisuke HIGASHI)/Diego Oliveira (substituted at 31 minutes: Adailton)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted at 22 minutes: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW PEROTTI
GOAL
5th minute of the first half: Hotaka NAKAMURA/28th minute of the first half: Shuto ABE
<Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Keisuke OSAKO
DF Tsukasa SHIOTANI/Hayato ARAKI/Sho SASAKI
MF Sota KOSHIMICHI (substituted in 17th minute: Shuto NAKANO)/Takumu KAWAMURA/Gakuto NOTSUDA (substituted in 17th minute: Ezekiel)/Shunki HIGASHI (substituted in 33rd minute: Pieros Sotiriou)/Makoto MITSUDA/Tsukasa MORISHIMA
FW Nassim BEN KHALIFA (substituted in 0th minute: Douglas VIEIRA)
SUBS
GK Goro KAWANAMI
DF Takaaki SHICHI/Taichi YAMASAKI
GOAL
39th minute of the first half: Tsukasa MORISHIMA
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
I believe that when all the players are gathered, we can once again prove that we can compete in matches against strong opponents in J1. When we reach that level, the outcome of a match can change depending on which team scores the first goal. Today, we were fortunate to score the first goal early on. In the first half, I think we were able to balance targeting the space behind and playing calmly. In the second half, since Hiroshima was at home, they pushed forward aiming for an equalizer and a comeback. To respond to that, we made substitutions and I think we managed well. To effectively respond to Hiroshima's more aggressive attacks at home, we made various decisions and substitutions, which worked out well. I am pleased that we were able to stop the opponent's attacks in a good manner and achieve victory. I believe that Hiroshima is one of the strongest teams in J1. I would also like to commend Coach Skibbe. He is an experienced and great coach and person. I would like to commend the club and the supporters as well. I am glad that we were able to play in a wonderful atmosphere. I felt that there are amazing supporters here in Hiroshima who continue to cheer from start to finish. I would also like to commend the referees. I think the refereeing in today's match was very challenging.
Q: You have won all matches against Hiroshima since last season. Do you feel a good compatibility with them?
A, we are not concerned about that, just as we are not concerned about our consecutive losses to Tosu. There may be winning or losing streaks in soccer, but we do not believe in those numbers. The league is a long battle. It is not about each match, but what matters is what position we are in when the season ends.
Q: How is the team's atmosphere after the victory for the first time in five matches?
We have been in a period where it has been difficult to win, but we played well in the preseason match against Hiroshima, and we also had good performances and a good feeling in the opening match against Urawa. However, after that, we faced a situation where players were sidelined due to injuries in every match. Yet, behind the negative developments, there are also positive aspects. Because we had multiple injuries, we were able to test the potential of our young players and encourage their growth. Thanks to their development, I believe we are now ready to aim for the top in all three competitions. I came to this club to change our style, and I think we are making progress step by step. At the same time, I hope to promote the growth of our young players as well. I believe that is progressing in parallel.
Q: What was the intention behind using Kashif BANGNAGANDE in the forward position?
A, I was waiting for that question. I think many people had doubts about having two side backs, Yuto NAGATOMO and Yoshifumi, on the bench. Everyone learns from various experiences. For example, when Hotaka NAKAMURA returned from injury, he struggled to regain his match sense. Ryoma WATANABE and Shuto ABE experienced similar situations. Yoshifumi is an attacking side back who can also play as a winger. If he makes a mistake in a forward position, it doesn't necessarily lead to a major error. I believe Yuto is one of the most wonderful players in the history of Japanese football. He can play on both the right and left. He provides various solutions depending on the flow of the game. I think Yuto is the soul of this team and of Japan.
[Player Interview]]
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q, please review the scoring scene.
I just believed and entered the goal area because we had been practicing set plays in training. I think it was all thanks to Matsuki's good ball. I believe that goal was scored as part of the team's strategy. Recently, we hadn't been able to score from set plays, so it was good. There are times when the outcome of the match is determined by goals from set plays, like today, so I want us to continue to work well as a team moving forward.
Q: After stealing the ball, the assist scene involved running a very long distance.
We anticipated a fast-paced game vertically, and we discussed targeting the space between the opponent's three-back line after winning the ball. The opposing players were positioned high, so I believed that if I made a run, it would create a chance. Diego OLIVEIRA provided a great ball, so I calmly looked inside and delivered the cross. It was something we aimed for as a team, and it was great that Shuto ABE scored.
Q: You scored a goal in the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, that was my first professional goal. However, I wasn't thinking much about that today.
Q: We continued to fight as a team.
In the first half, both teams showed their strengths. I think it was good that we talked about not stagnating at the back as a team and pushing forward with momentum. However, in the second half, we spent a long time defending, and it was a tough period. Because we had the fighting spirit and determination as a team, we were able to hold on and win 2-1. Realistically, the second half was a game where both individually and as a team, we played without a clear direction, so I want to thoroughly analyze today's match and improve for the next one by understanding why that happened.
Q: Please tell us about the challenges you personally face heading into the next match.
Personally, I often see scenes where the full-backs are challenged and the space behind them is exploited. In the match against Cerezo Osaka, my mistake led to a goal, so I want to avoid creating more gaps. However, I don't think this is something I can solve alone, so I want to talk with Yasuki KIMOTO and Masato MORISHIGE to stabilize our defense first in order to have good attacks.
Q: You achieved your first victory in the league in April. How do you want to build on this next?
A, while we haven't been able to win, looking back at today's match isn't great, but I think it's positive that we can reflect after a victory. I believe both the players and the fans/supporters can celebrate today's win, but I think today's victory has no bearing on the next match, so I want to thoroughly reflect on today's game and make sure we don't create any gaps as we move forward.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, please review the game.
We scored two goals in a good period during the first half and were able to maintain a good flow, but conceding a goal just before the end of the first half is something to reflect on. In the second half, we faced a longer period of pressure, but I believe it was very significant that we fought patiently as a team and managed to win.
Q: It was a match that conveyed a strong desire for victory.
A, we had been far from victory in the league matches. We were talking among the players before the match, saying, "We must win and go home today." Winning is truly significant.
Q: I felt the synergy between Shuto ABE's goal and Hotaka NAKAMURA.
A, Hotaka NAKAMURA was watching my movements closely. Instead of just running forward, he sent the ball at the moment he paused. It was an assist that reflected Hotaka NAKAMURA's composure.
Q: Is your positioning before scoring a result of instant judgment?
A, that's right. I saw that the opponent was making a run forward before me, so I stopped for a moment and switched to receiving the ball. Nakamura sent a good ball, so I just focused on slotting it into the goal.
Q: You have played in the attacking midfielder position for two consecutive league matches. How does it feel?
A, first and foremost, I am prioritizing aiming for goals, and since I play in the attacking midfielder position, I believe scoring is expected of me. I am also conscious of showcasing my strength, which is my work rate, in both offense and defense.
Q: What discussions took place within the team in preparation for today's match?
In the Levain Cup on Wednesday, players who have not been heavily involved in the league matches put their feelings forward and contributed to the victory. We discussed continuing that good momentum in the league matches with today's lineup. It was a long time of enduring while we were hungry for victory, but I'm glad we won.
Q: We achieved our first victory in the league match in April.
A, we have finally achieved victory. With a series of matches coming up during the long holiday period, I want to continue this momentum and aim for more victories.
Q: With the injured players returning, it seems like the team's condition will improve from here.
A, with consecutive matches coming up, I believe it will be a total battle. As a professional, I think if I don't achieve results in the match in front of me, there won't be a next time. There are many wonderful players in Tokyo, so I always want to have a competitive spirit and strive to improve.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q, please review today's game.
A, I don't think anyone is satisfied with today's match. However, I believe it would be good if we can make corrections while winning. Even in such matches, I think winning allows us to calmly work on improvements, and the perspective will change as well, so I think it was good that we won.
Q: I believe that everyone running and fighting for 90 minutes led to our victory.
In the first half, there were several good scenes, but as we entered the second half, it became important to consider how we could regain our time during the periods when we were being pressured. Today, we were unable to recover and switched to focusing on defense.
Q: During the tough times, Keigo HIGASHI and Yuto NAGATOMO came in. Was it significant that those players helped bring the team together?
A, after all, I believe that in a situation where it is uncertain who will participate, everyone is fighting for the team, which reflects the current state of Tokyo. I think it would be good if the veterans can effectively lead and provide an environment for the young players to actively take on challenges.
Q: We achieved our first victory in the league match in April.
I think we can only build up corrections, and today the content wasn't good, so I feel there are many issues. Things are gradually getting organized, so I believe we can only continue to organize further and increase the time to express that.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review the opening goal that brought the victory closer.
A, it is said that opening goals and goals from set plays move the game. If we kick the ball firmly, there are many players in Tokyo who can score, so I want to continue supplying balls that lead to goals from free kicks and corner kicks.
Q: Was it a kick as you intended?
Aiming for a high ball to avoid being touched by the goalkeeper.The ball drifted to the far side, but before the match, Nakamura told me he wanted it to go to the far side, and since we discussed it, I positioned myself at the far side, so I’m glad he scored.
Q, it was an assist in a play that was seeking to involve scoring.
I was able to contribute to the score in the form of an assist, but I am always aiming to score. Players who can score from the defensive midfield position, such as making runs into the box, are highly valued, so I want to become that kind of player.
I think the value of this one victory is significant.
A, first of all, gaining points3 is important. In today's match, we were unable to express the style of football that coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA demands, but I think it was good that we were able to secure 3 points away from home.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
A,I think Albirex Niigata is a team that actively involves a third player while passing the ball around. I want to enhance the intensity of the defense and thoroughly express a style of football that maintains possession of the ball.
