Last Match: Sanfrecce HiroshimaReview of the Match
The hero appeared gallantly from the far side, FLORO.
Tokyo, who had not won away this season, had their sights set on victory in Hiroshima. They broke their losing streak from April by winning against Gamba Osaka in the Levain Cup three days ago, and finally made their way to Hiroshima with high hopes.
At that time, it came immediately.
In the 5th minute of the first half, Kuryu MATSUKI gained a free kick chance in a shallow position on the left side of the opponent's field, and supplied a sharp cross ball to the front of the goal. When Diego OLIVEIRA, who had jumped into the center, attracted the opponent's player, number 2, who had been in the blind spot of the opponent's defender on the far side, jumped in with momentum and headed the ball into the goal.
The hero who ran to the back of the goal and raised a roar will accomplish even greater things.
In the 28th minute of the first half, as the opponent continued to hold onto the ball and put pressure on their own goal, Tokyo finally had a chance. Creating a scene where they were able to bring the ball deep into the opponent's area for the first time in a while, Diego Taba made a through pass and number 2 broke free. Hotaka Nakamura, who calmly assessed the position of the opposing defender who had rushed back to the goal, sent a pass in the opposite direction, setting up a goal for his Meiji University classmate, Shuto Abe.
Despite conceding a goal in the first half, we were able to hold on and defend our lead in the second half, securing our first victory in 5 league matches.
The protagonist, undoubtedly entrusted with the right side, was a fighter-type hero who responded to the cheers of the fans and supporters.
Preview
In the previous match, we won away against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who had won 5 consecutive games, and achieved our first victory in 5 league matches. While relieved by the first win in about a month, the players expressed their regrets after the game. In particular, the content of the second half, where we struggled to keep possession and were on the defensive, was not satisfactory.
Kei KOIZUMI said, "There were voices saying that this game was not good enough. However, winning and fixing our issues is the most important thing. Personally, I want to touch the ball a little more and calm the team down." In order to achieve results in the upcoming three consecutive games, the team's ability to make adjustments will be tested.
The first opponent in the 3-game series is Albirex Niigata. Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda led the team until 2 seasons ago, and Rikizo Matsuhashi, who took over the reins from last season, has further evolved the team. They have demonstrated a mature style of soccer since returning to the J1 stage after 6 seasons. After the 9th round, they have earned 12 points, the same as Tokyo.
Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda expressed his love for Niigata and his former team, saying "I have affection for Niigata" and added "I wish for Niigata's luck in matches other than against Tokyo." Of course, it is Tokyo who will win at Ajinomoto Stadium.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: How do you perceive the winning streak in official matches?
I feel like we have been able to regain the good flow and feeling that we had from the pre-season to the opening game. We are focusing on winning and accumulating points, and establishing our team's style this season. In the first half of the Sanfrecce Hiroshima game, we were able to express good plays. It was a composed performance with a good balance and tempo on both offense and defense. In the second half, we were able to solidify our defense, but we didn't have much time to possess the ball, so there is room for improvement. However, we were able to see the determination to win in our play, so we can also see it as a good game in the second half.
Q, please tell me what I need to do to continue this good feeling and flow.
First, it is important to avoid injuries. And the only thing necessary for daily growth is to continue high-quality training.
Q, please share your current thoughts as you prepare to face Niigata.
A, I was able to live in a good environment and have a good time during my two seasons in Niigata. When I first took command in Niigata, there were times when things didn't go well, but I would like to express my gratitude once again to all the Niigata supporters who supported me. It has been four seasons since then. I am truly happy that the club and team's style has become clear and is starting to establish itself.
Q, we have to face Niigata this round, which is a team we have a lot of feelings for.
A, even if we are not only playing against Niigata, but also against FC Barcelona, I will focus on winning. That is only natural. Both clubs are clubs that I have affection for, but of course, I want to win the game. Apart from this weekend's match, I will pray for their luck, but for this match, I want to focus on winning.
Q, Is there any change you feel since coach Albert Puig Ortoneda was in office?
A, I think the base style has not changed since I was in charge. In the second season when I was in charge in Niigata, there were many situations where the opposing team lowered their defensive position and set up a block, and we were unable to break through it. However, after Rikizo MATSUHASHI took over as coach, it seems that this aspect has been improved. And I think that reinforcements suitable for Niigata's style, such as Ryotaro ITO, have brought a plus alpha to the team. Also, young players such as Shunsuke MITO and Yota KOMI, who made their debut when I was coach, have gained experience and are now playing as key players in the team. Their growth has also brought a lot to the team. It has been about 4 seasons since I was on the team, and we have been fighting with the same base style, and the level of maturity has also increased. I think that various elements have come together well and led to our J2 championship last season.
The important thing is to progress in order towards success. And with continuity, I think that continuing to fight on the stage of J1 is a factor that brings them a good flow. The two seasons I was with them were honestly difficult periods, but if that suffering leads to their success, I am happy. I think the same can be said for Tokyo. There will be not only joy, but also difficult times. However, if that period leads to the future, I am happy.
Q, What are the important points in a match between similar styles?
A, I feel that the styles are not very similar. Niigata players have many players who are good at playing with their feet and connecting the ball. On the other hand, the style we are currently working on is a style that values the characteristics of existing players, so I think there will be differences between the two styles.
Q, Please tell us what is important for Tokyo to win this game.
A. First and foremost, it is important for us to express our style clearly. The aggressiveness in the midfield, the movement towards open spaces, and the plays we showed in the first half against Hiroshima need to be further developed and expressed. We believe that we just need to sharpen our weapons for this match and face it head on.
Q, will a strong midfield defense be particularly important?
A, of course, is important. Not only in this match, but also in any match, midfield defense is important. The key to creating better plays is to quickly switch from good defense and build up the attack. I think Niigata is a team that can express quick transitions between offense and defense. During my time in Niigata, we played against Verdy and won 7-0. In that match, many goals were scored from quick transitions between offense and defense. I think it is their biggest weapon.
Q, I think there are many players with high defensive abilities in Tokyo. Did the solid defense in the second half of the Hiroshima game, where you were leading and held on with a 5-back, give you confidence?
A, J1 is a highly competitive league. Therefore, the first goal has a big impact on the flow of the game. Even with a possession rate of 30%, it is possible to win the game. By scoring the first goal early on, it can lead to a more defensive approach. This was also the case in the previous game against Hiroshima. If we had given up the first goal, we would have dominated the game more offensively and our possession rate would have been higher. The opponent made quick substitutions and tried to equalize or turn the game around with a fast tempo, but we were able to handle their direct plays well. We were able to finish the game strongly against an attacking opponent, including our bench players. Now that our injured players have returned, I believe we have proven that we can compete with top teams in the previous game.
Q, What kind of person is Coach Matsubashi from Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's perspective?
A, a wonderful person who devotes everything to soccer. During our time in Niigata, we worked together as a coach and head coach, respecting each other and being able to work in a great relationship. I have many good memories with him. Could it be that having such a wonderful person as a coach is the secret to Niigata's success?
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, What kind of game do you want to have in the last match of the 10s against Albirex Niigata this week?
A, nothing will change in what we have to do. First, we want to continue the momentum of winning against Sanfrecce Hiroshima and push ourselves to improve our soccer.
Q: Do you have any thoughts on your last game as a teenager?
A, I don't have any particular feelings, but I have a strong desire to score a goal.
Q, There were times when we were dominated by the opponent in the Hiroshima match, but we managed to win. Were you able to train with a positive atmosphere this week?
A, there is no point in playing if we don't win. No matter what form it takes, seeking victory is an absolute requirement, and we want to play tomorrow's game with our sights set on ourselves.
Q: How do you manage risks when you are pressed like the goal against Hiroshima?
A, Defending from the front line can be risky, and there may be situations where the opponent's player switches and we end up in a numerical disadvantage. If each player responds properly, I believe we can prevent easy goals. I want to focus and approach tomorrow's game with determination.
Q, Do you have any intention to take care of the space left open during defense by using players with strong running abilities like Kei KOIZUMI and Matsuki, who play as a pair in the defensive midfield position?
A, Tokyo has a level of physicality that other teams do not have. We want to make a difference in that aspect.
Q, what do you keep in mind when aiming for a goal?
A, in every game, we always aim for goals, but we want to increase the quality of our shots and the number of times we appear in front of the goal. It's not about ego, but we want to increase the number of times we contribute to scoring with plays that suit the team's situation.
Q, How much is the awareness of putting numbers in front of the goal shared within the team?
A. Many of the goals scored in previous matches were from short counters or set plays. Currently, there are not enough players entering the goal area when the pocket is breached, so I think the midfield players need to increase the number of times they show their faces in that position.
Q, if it's in the position of a defensive midfielder, I think there will also be the option of a last pass.
A, increasing the number of players in front of the goal will also increase the possibility of scoring. I think it is necessary for the central midfielder to actively participate and strive for it.
Q, do you think that you are not satisfied with the game content, but do you think that winning the game like the previous game against Hiroshima will give you confidence by firmly defending and leading to victory?
A, Our main goal is to fight for 90 minutes with our current team style, but by focusing on winning, I believe we will see more scenes like that. During the game, I want to show our determination to win by communicating well with the coach and others.
Q, Please tell me your impression of Niigata.
A, it seems that they have many players with high technical skills and use short counters as their weapon.
Q, How do you perceive turning 20 again?
In terms of soccer, I think the criteria for evaluation changes between teenagers and those in their 20s. I want to become a player who can leave a strong impact in their 20s by achieving results in the last game of their teenage years against Niigata.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, how is your current condition after returning from injury and playing 3 games?
A, there is no problem with the injured area, but I still feel like my condition hasn't fully recovered. I have the feeling that "I can do more", so I want to gradually improve my condition.
Q, will it not reach 100% even after 2-3 weeks since returning?
A, yes. I am playing with the feeling that the sharpness from before has not yet returned.
Q, Please review the goal scene in the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match. Are you satisfied with the goal yourself?
When Diego OLIVEIRA passed to Hotaka NAKAMURA, I was running near, so I hesitated whether to request a pass in that flow. However, there was a Hiroshima player in front of me, so I thought it wouldn't go through, and I stopped moving for a moment. At that timing, NAKAMURA was just looking at me. A good pass came, so I was conscious of not being too deep and kicked it into the goal.
Q, It was a goal in a situation where we wanted one more point in the flow of the game. It wasn't a goal of "doing it", was it?
A, In the first half, Tokyo had relatively good scenes, so we were able to score the first goal early on. Hiroshima also created scoring opportunities, but we were able to defend well and score additional points, which was crucial. I think we were able to score the additional points at a good timing.
Q, the topic will change a little, but Nakamura player has been in great shape this season and has a matured impression. How do you see it from your teammate Abe player?
A, On the defensive side, they continue to play with a high level of intensity. On the offensive side, the coach told us to "stay calm", and I think that calmness has started to show. I feel like the accuracy of crosses and composure in play has improved, and even the pass they gave me during the Hiroshima game, they were able to read the opponent well. I feel like they are growing.
Q, We were able to take a 2-point lead in a good flow against Hiroshima, but then we conceded a goal and the second half was a scene of endurance, but it was an impression of closing the game by cutting it off. It was a good game with a sense of determination to win, wasn't it?
In the league match, we were far from victory. As we entered the second half while leading, I was determined to defend until the end. There were also voices among the players saying "Let's go for an additional goal", but we couldn't make such a development and ended up playing defensively. Hiroshima's attacks were also of high quality, but we were able to defend with Masato MORISHIGE at the center, sacrificing our bodies in front of the goal. We were shaken a few times by side changes, but there were no scenes where sharp vertical passes were made. We were able to play with concentration, accepting that it was inevitable to be shifted to the sides, and everyone put their hearts into it, so I think it was a victory that will lead to the next one.
Q, during the period of absence due to injury, there was a time when the results were unstable. How did you see the team from the outside?
A, for about a month, there was frustration in watching the team from outside the pitch, and when the team was not getting results and unable to win, I couldn't contribute and felt sorry. While watching the game, I was thinking, "If I were on the pitch, I would play like this."
Q, Are you still preparing for the challenges you felt when looking from the outside?
A, I want to play while improving day by day because challenges come up every game. The players are gradually coming back, so I want to work together more. As for communication, I think it's coming together well, including this week's practice, and it's taking shape.
Q, There was a time when key players, including player Abe, were unable to play due to injuries or national team duties, but there were also young players and academy players who performed well. I think there were also positive aspects as a team.
A, I think that the team will not move forward unless young players come out and compete for positions, and I also think that they cannot grow as individuals without competition. In that sense, there are many great players among the young players. There are many players who feel potential for the future, and I also want them to do more and more and come out in the future.
Q, After joining Tokyo, player Abe immediately entered the COVID-19 pandemic, but this season we have finally reached a situation where we can shout in a full stadium. There is also the impression that the atmosphere of Ajinomoto Stadium has finally returned, but how do you feel about it from player Abe's perspective?
A, when fans and supporters cheer us on, it really boosts our motivation as players. Especially during the last 15 minutes of the second half, it's great to feel the excitement and energy from the crowd. It really helps create a high-scoring atmosphere, and it reminds me that football is a sport that exists thanks to the fans and supporters. We are grateful for your support.
Q, Finally, please give us your enthusiasm for the Albirex Niigata match.
In the first game of the 3-game series, we will be playing at Ajinomoto Stadium and we want to continue our momentum from the previous win and aim for 3 consecutive victories. First, we want to win at Ajinomoto Stadium and then head into the 2 away games. We appreciate your passionate support.
