<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo won the away game in Hiroshima, marking their second consecutive victory in official matches. This week, they face Albirex Niigata, a team previously managed by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA two seasons ago. For Ryoma WATANABE and Kei KOIZUMI, it will also be a match against their former club. After achieving promotion to J1 for the first time in six years, Niigata is showcasing an aggressive style of play, and Tokyo, who are gaining momentum, will host them at home, Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - The battle of attacks sees TERRY's shot and Diego's shot giving Tokyo the lead
The match developed with both teams showing an attacking posture from the early stages. Tokyo had moments where they maintained possession and pressed forward, as well as instances where they launched quick attacks targeting the opponent's vulnerable areas when they pushed forward.
In a clash where it was possible for either side to score first, it was Tokyo that took the initiative.
In the 8th minute of the first half, after stopping the opponent's attack just outside their penalty area, Watanabe picked up a loose ball from a vertical pass, skillfully evading an opponent near the center circle, and quickly increased his dribbling speed. With supporting players coming in from both sides, Watanabe chose to pass to Nakagawa on the right side. Nakagawa, who trapped the ball inside the penalty area, expertly placed a shot into the bottom left corner of the goal, successfully giving Tokyo the lead.
However, from here, the pressure from Niigata's front line intensifies. In the 12th minute of the first half, when attempting to launch an attack to push back, the ball was lost, leading to a counterattack and a foul was called just outside the penalty area. This free kick was converted directly, bringing the match back to square one.
Both teams carried the ball with powerful attacks to the opponent's penalty area during their own possession, looking for opportunities to finish. There were moments when they were pushed back by Niigata's short passes, but Tokyo gradually increased their possession time, alternating between quick and slow attacks to aim for a lead.
The Tokyo attack bore fruit in the 34th minute of the first half. After breaking free from the opponent's press through teamwork in their own half, Shuto ABE received the ball just on the edge of the offside line on the right side, carried it deep into the opponent's territory, and made a backward pass. Diego OLIVEIRA, who had entered a position directly in front of the goal within the penalty area, received the pass in the center, evaded the approaching opponent while observing the position of the defender, and turned towards the goal while stepping out of the penalty area. In an instant, Diego created a moment of time and space, and the next moment, he struck the ball powerfully with his right foot. He slammed a fierce shot into the upper right corner of the goal near the near post.
Niigata quickly countered. In the 38th minute of the first half, a precise shot was taken by player Ito from outside the penalty area, but the ball flew to the left corner of the goal and was deflected by Jakub SLOWIK, who stretched out his left arm.
In the first half, at the 45-minute mark in Tokyo. Kuryu MATSUKI heads the corner kick from the left at the near post, but the ball that flew to the opposite side just barely missed to the left of the goal.
The thrilling back-and-forth of attacks saw Tokyo maintain a one-point lead at halftime.
2nd HALF - Control the game on both offense and defense to maintain the lead
As the second half begins, Tokyo takes control.
As the team increases their attempts in front of the opponent's goal and finishes their attacks, in the 12th minute of the second half, player Nakagawa dribbled forward and was brought down upon entering the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick decision with the support of VAR.
It was a great opportunity to pull away from the opponent, but the shot taken by kicker Diego TABA just missed to the left of the goal.
Still, Tokyo not only attacks with momentum but also controls the game by maintaining possession of the ball. Even when they lose the ball, they immediately aim to regain it, and when it's difficult, they decisively retreat to solidify their defense, showing a perfect response to Niigata's counterattacks.
It is difficult to break through for a goal, but by surpassing the opponent in physical strength at the ball, the speed of pressing, the speed of pressing back, and maintaining possession of the ball, we protect a one-point lead as we head into the final stages.
In the final stages, the team was pushed back by Niigata's fierce attacks, but they formed a defensive block to tighten the center and calmly dealt with attacks from the sides, reaching the time-up.
The three matches played during the one week of Golden Week marked the best start to the season with the first league consecutive wins.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (substituted at 45+3 minutes: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (substituted at 22 minutes: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI/Shuto ABE/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Diego Oliveira (substituted at 40 minutes: Adailton)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted at 22 minutes: Keisuke HIGASHI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Seiji KIMURA
FW PEROTTI
GOAL
8th minute of the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/34th minute of the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Albirex Niigata>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Koto ABE
DF Soya FUJIWARA (substituted at 33 minutes: Naoto ARAI)/Michael James FITZGERALD/Kazuhiko CHIBA/Yuto HORIGOME
MF Yuji HOSHI (substituted at 18 minutes: Gustavo NESCAL)
/Hiroshi OTA (substituted at 39 minutes: Yoshiaki TAKAGI)/Ryotaro ITO/Shunsuke MITOFW Kaito TANIGUCHI (substituted at 18 minutes: Yota KOMI)
SUBS
GK Haruki NISHIMURA
DF Daichi TAGAMI
GOAL
12th minute of the first half: Ryotaro ITO
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, today we have a very challenging opponent to face. This is because they are a team that plays incredibly wonderful football. They have a very fast play tempo. In that sense, I would like to once again commend today's opponent. I believe the players and staff of Niigata are doing a fantastic job.
In the first half, I think we entered the match in good shape. We were able to start aggressively. I believe it was an exciting first half. For about the first 20 minutes, we struggled to control the match, but we were able to take the lead with a quick transition from defense to offense after regaining possession of the ball. On the other hand, we gave away a free kick due to a mistake, which led to the equalizing goal. I think the second goal was a testament to Diego OLIVEIRA proving himself to be a player of wonderful quality.
In the second half, there were times when we controlled the ball and times when the opponent had the ball and we were on defense, but even while defending, we were able to control the game.
If we had converted the subsequent penalty kick, we could have finished the match in a more composed manner, but we were unable to do so. However, such things happen in football. In the last 10 minutes of the match, we struggled against Niigata's high-quality attack, but we managed to end the match without allowing them to create any decisive chances.
Personally, today's match was difficult and challenging. There were various emotions. Both teams on the pitch were teams I had managed and am currently managing, so I felt like they were both my players.
Today, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the Tokyo fans and supporters who came to the stadium. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Niigata fans and supporters. They have been wonderful supporters as always, and I have heard that more than 7,000 people came. Please be careful on your way home.
Q: Please tell us your feelings immediately after the match ended.
A, I have never suffered as much in a match as I did today. The two years I spent in Niigata were filled with various experiences and memories. Many of the players who were under my command at that time are now wearing orange uniforms and standing on the pitch, facing the team I currently lead, which stirred up a range of emotions, including difficult and painful feelings. I value human connections more than soccer, so in that sense, today was a special match for me.
[Player Interview]]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: It was a shot that went between the opponent's legs, were you aiming for that?
A, it went as planned. It slipped through the legs and flew into a good course, so I’m glad.
Q: Since we were able to score early, it created a good flow, didn't it?
A good attack comes from good defense, which is Tokyo's strength, so it was good to score there, but we conceded a goal immediately after, so I think that's an area that needs improvement.
Q: Since the same members have participated in several practice matches, are you able to progress through the games while coordinating and making adjustments?
What is important for us is to make adjustments while winning, so I believe we must adapt our attacking methods flexibly depending on the opponent. I want to increase not only build-up play but also scoring opportunities like we had today.
Q: There was a long-distance dribble. Did you have the feeling of doing it for the team?
A, we wanted to take control of the ball. I believe that whether we can advance the ball in that scene or not affects the team's morale, and being able to draw a foul in that situation allows us to create our own time, so I value that. I thought it would be great if we could get a shot from that flow or reach the opponent's side.
Q: After being substituted, you jumped off the bench to encourage your teammates. Can you share your thoughts on that?
A, it is something that Yuto NAGATOMO is also doing, and it is something I have cultivated at Yokohama F.Marinos. By encouraging the team, our positioning changes, and the players on the field also feel that they have to do it, so I did it for the team.
Q: Today, many players showed their passion.
In the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we fought hard to secure 3 points, and I wanted to create a good momentum after returning home, so we were able to celebrate this important victory. Since the opponent was Albirex Niigata, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA was particularly motivated. I am glad that we were able to deliver a victory, and I was also able to score. Regarding the content of our play, we are still not at the level we envision, but since we are winning even in tough matches like this, I want to continue winning while making adjustments.
Q, I think you are gradually feeling the results.
Since we will have consecutive matches, I believe we must unite as a team and do our best. The desire to contribute to the team is emerging individually, so I think we are in a good cycle.
Q: I think there have been more scenes where the ball is settled at Teruhito NAKAGAWA's feet.
A, I think we have finally come to understand each other's strengths. I am conscious of connecting from the back, so there are some minor mistakes, but I want to improve our skills while playing matches.
Q: Did you not intend to take the penalty kick?
A, I won't kick it. I'll tell Diego TABA not to miss it (laughs).
Q, it was a shot that was like a model of 'do it this way.'
I was talking with the PR team, so I'm looking forward to that video (laughs).
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: That was a wonderful goal. What was your intention when you took the shot?
A, the trap became too big for the pass that came from the right side, but I was aiming for the timing to shoot while keeping possession. I was able to take the shot decisively.
Q, that was a wonderful trajectory.
A, thank you. I am happy that we scored from a good shot, but more than that, I feel it is valuable to have won in front of many fans and supporters.
Q: We have achieved consecutive victories in the league.
A, the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the last round was also a very difficult match, and I believe this week's game will be similarly challenging. We will continue with away matches from here, and I think no team will be an easy opponent, so I expect tough games ahead. I want to keep winning and aim for the top.
Q: It was a difficult match, but what were the factors that allowed you to achieve consecutive wins?
A, I don't intend to make excuses, but since the season started, we have had many injuries early on, and we haven't been able to continue fighting with the same members. The players are returning and getting back into good condition. There are many good members in Tokyo. I want to make sure we progress steadily.
Q: What was the atmosphere on the pitch like before Diego TABA's goal was scored?
A, the opponent's team was also highly skilled, and they put pressure on us with a good flow after equalizing. They were a team that excelled in ball possession, so there were certainly moments when we felt the pressure. However, I believe we fought patiently and were able to seize the momentum. As the second half began, both teams showed signs of fatigue, leading to an open game, but we were able to control the match and secure the victory.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please review the assist for the opening goal.
A short counterattack was also one of our aims, so I believe that being able to win the ball in a good shape and move it forward quickly was one of the factors.
Q: Did the team have counter-attacks as an option?
While we keep the ball ourselves, when we try to defend in a way that the opponent dislikes, short counters and counters become effective and are also our strength. I believe there was a common understanding.
Q: I think Teruhito NAKAGAWA's shot was also wonderful. Did anyone say anything to you?
I was able to get an assist, so I said, 'Thank you' (laughs).
Q: As a team, we were caught up, and it was a situation where we pulled ahead with Diego OLIVEIRA's goal. Overall, did we want to maintain possession of the ball a bit more?
A, depending on the situation, I think we were able to kick long balls or connect with short passes to some extent in today's match. It may seem like we were under pressure for a long time, but it wasn't difficult to defend, and physically it wasn't tough to let them have the ball towards the end of the second half. It was tough to be stripped of the ball when pressing from the front, and I think the opponent also preferred us to retreat, so I believe that worked well.
Q: It was a victory in front of a large crowd of over 30,000 people. We are entering a series of consecutive matches, and it seems like we can build on this momentum.
I think you all have come to understand the kind of football we are playing to some extent, and we have started to have a common understanding of how to fight during the 90 minutes, so I hope we can translate that into good results.
Q: I got the impression that there was a strong awareness of the goal, both in the dribbling course for the first goal and in the vertical pass to Shuto ABE for the second goal.
Regarding the first goal, I focused on dribbling to change the body orientation of the opposing defender. For the second goal, the situation wasn't very good, so I thought it would be good to drop back, get involved with the ball, and create a numerical advantage, which successfully led to the goal.
Q: It seemed that receiving the ball in a low position was an unpleasant play for Niigata.
A, since they didn't put in as many players as I expected to counter us moving the ball around, I was able to find myself in a position where I was free. It worked out well, so that was good.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: It was an exciting match, but how do you feel looking back on it?
A, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Diego OLIVEIRA scored with their individual skills, and although there were tough moments, I believe the entire team was able to endure. We practiced counterattacks this week, so we were able to execute our plays as intended. We were able to win, but there are many areas for improvement both individually and as a team, so I want to make corrections.
Q: What specific areas need to be corrected?
As an individual, I hope to eliminate simple mistakes in the defensive midfielder position and have a more positive impact on the team's attacking play. I want to increase the time we hold the ball.
Q: As a team, do you want to increase the approach of not only relying on counterattacks but also maintaining possession of the ball while attacking to score goals?
I believe that every team ideally wants to win by maintaining possession of the ball and scoring points. While it's not possible to maintain possession at all times, if you have the ball, you won't concede goals. After scoring the first goal, if we can continue to hold the ball longer without retreating and aim to score additional goals, the team can become even stronger, and I think we have players who can achieve that. As a defensive midfielder, we need to increase the number of times we receive the ball and reduce simple mistakes.
Q: I think we only conceded a goal from a free kick today, and there were no dangerous situations during the flow of the game.
A, there were no decisive moments, but I have to reflect on the fact that my foul led to a goal against us. In order to compete for the championship from here, there are things we can improve on both as a team and individually, so I hope we can make corrections while winning.
Q: I think we were a bit pressured during the period from 1-1 to 2-1, but is that within your expectations?
A, we conceded a goal, so I felt that the opponent was gaining momentum, but we were not losing, so there was no mental issue. Although we spent a long time defending, there are players in Tokyo's front line who can score with a quick counterattack, so I was conscious of being able to attack immediately when we intercepted the ball.
Q, there was a scene where player Koizumi carried the ball from his own half to the front line, recovering territory.
In the defensive midfield position, such plays are necessary, and I am always thinking about what I can do individually even during tough times for the team.
Q: How was the voice of the Niigata fans and supporters that you heard for the first time in six years?
I felt that there were many Niigata fans and supporters from the warm-up, and it was nostalgic to hear the cheering songs after a long time. However, now that I am in Tokyo, I am only thinking about winning in Tokyo, so I hope to do what I need to do for Tokyo to win from now on.
