<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo achieved a 2-game winning streak in official games by winning the away game in Hiroshima. In this match, they will face Albirex Niigata, where coach Albert Puig Ortoneda was in charge until 2 seasons ago. It will also be a match against the former team for players Ryoma WATANABE and Kei KOIZUMI. Niigata, who achieved promotion to J1 for the first time in 6 years, will continue their attacking style of soccer with momentum, while Tokyo, who is improving their form, will face them at home at Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - Tokyo takes the lead with goals from TERRY and DIEGO in an attacking battle.
The match will be a back-and-forth battle from the beginning, with both teams pushing for an attacking stance. Tokyo will have moments where they possess the ball and push forward, as well as moments where they take advantage of the opponent's aggressive positioning to launch quick attacks.
In a clash where either team could have taken the lead, it was Tokyo who struck first.
In the 8th minute of the first half, Watanabe received a loose ball from a vertical pass and skillfully dribbled past an opponent near the center circle after stopping their attack just outside their own penalty area. As support players came in from both sides, Watanabe chose to pass to Nakagawa on the right side. Nakagawa controlled the ball in the penalty area and scored a well-aimed shot into the left corner, giving Tokyo the lead.
However, the pressure from Niigata's front line will increase from here. In the 12th minute of the first half, when they tried to attack to push back, they lost the ball and were judged to have committed a foul just outside the penalty area. They were scored directly from this free kick, and the game was reset.
Both teams use powerful attacks to bring the ball to the opponent's penalty area and look for opportunities to score. There were also moments where Tokyo was pushed back by Niigata's short passes, but they gradually increased their possession time and used both fast and slow attacks to try and take the lead.
Tokyo's attack bore fruit in the 34th minute of the first half. Breaking through the opponent's press from their own half, Shuto ABE received the ball on the right side, just barely onside, and carried it deep into the opponent's half before making a final pass in the negative direction. Diego OLIVEIRA, who had entered the penalty area in front of the goal, received a pass in the center and evaded the opponent who had come to close him down while keeping an eye on the position of the opponent's defender. In the blink of an eye, Diego created space and time, and then unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot. The ball flew into the top right corner of the goal, just out of reach for the goalkeeper.
Niigata quickly counterattacks. In the 38th minute of the first half, Ito takes a shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball flies to the left corner of the goal and is deflected by Jakub SLOWIK's outstretched left arm.
Tokyo in the first half of 45 minutes. Kuryu MATSUKI heads in a corner kick from the left, but the ball flies to the opposite side and narrowly misses the left side of the goal.
Tokyo maintained a one-point lead as both teams nervously attacked each other.
2ndHALF - Maintain the lead by controlling the game on both offense and defense
Tokyo takes control in the second half.
As the opponent's goal approaches, the number of scenes where the attack ends with a finish increases. In the 12th minute of the second half, Nakagawa was fouled after dribbling and 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 from kicker Diego TABA narrowly missed the left goal.
However, Tokyo not only relies on their strong attacking momentum, but also controls the game by maintaining possession of the ball. Even when the ball is taken away, they quickly aim to regain possession and, in difficult situations, they immediately retreat and form a solid block to defend against Niigata's counterattacks.
It's not easy to break through the goal, but we surpass the opponent in the intensity of the ball, the speed of the press, the speed of the press back, and the possession of the ball, and protect the lead of one point until the end.
In the final stage, the game was pushed by Niigata, who launched a fierce attack, but they formed a defensive block, closed the center, calmly dealt with attacks from the sides, and welcomed the end of the game.
The consecutive matches played in one week during Golden Week resulted in the best start of the season with the first winning streak in the league.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yakubu Swobick
DF Hotaka Nakamura (45+3 minutes: Yuto Nagatomo)/Yasuki Kimoto/Masato Morishige/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (22 minutes: Shuhei Tokumoto)
MF Kei Koizumi/Shuto ABE/Kusei Matsuki
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Diego Oliveira (40 minutes: Adailton)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (22 minutes: Keigo Higashi)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Seiji KIMURA
FW PEROTTI
GOAL
8 minutes into the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/34 minutes into the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Albirex Niigata＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Koto ABE
DF Soya FUJIWARA (33rd minute of the second half: Naoto ARAI)/Michael James FITZGERALD/Kazuhiko CHIBA/Yuto HORIGOME
MF Yuji HOSHI (18th minute of the second half: Gustavo NESCOWSKI)/Takayuki TAKAU (39th minute of the second half: Jo SHIMADA)/Shusuke OTA (18th minute of the second half: Yoshiaki TAKAGI)/Ryotaro ITO/Shunsuke MITO
FW Kaito TANIGUCHI (18th minute of the second half: Yota KOMI)
SUBS
GK Haruki NISHIMURA
DF Daichi TAGAMI
GOAL
First Half 12th Minute: Ryotaro ITO
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, today's match was against a very difficult opponent. This is because they are a team that plays fantastic football. They have a very fast playing tempo. In that sense, I would like to once again praise today's opponent. I think the players and staff of Niigata are doing a great job.
In the first half, I think we were able to enter the game in a good shape. We were able to start aggressively. I think it was an impressive first half. The first 20 minutes or so were a difficult time for us as we struggled to control the game, but we were able to score the opening goal from a quick transition from defense to attack after winning the ball. On the other hand, we gave away a free kick and conceded an equalizing goal. The second goal was scored by Diego OLIVEIRA, who proved himself to be a player of great quality.
In the second half, there were times when we dominated the ball and times when the opponent had possession and we had to defend, but we were able to control the game while defending.
We could have ended the game in a more calm manner if we had scored the penalty kick afterwards, but unfortunately we couldn't. However, this is something that can happen in football. In the last 10 minutes of the game, we were put under pressure by Niigata's high-quality attacks, but we were able to finish the game without giving them any clear chances.
Personally, today's game was difficult and challenging. There were various emotions. Both teams on the pitch were teams that I have coached, and the team I am currently coaching, so I felt like they were my own players.
Today, we are grateful to have many Tokyo fans and supporters come to the stadium. And, we would also like to express our gratitude to the fans and supporters from Niigata. They have been wonderful supporters as always, and we have heard that over 7,000 people have come to support us. Please take care on your way home as well.
Q, please tell us your emotions immediately after the end of the match.
A, I have never experienced such a difficult match in my life. The two years I spent in Niigata were filled with various things and memories. Many of the players who were under my command at that time are now wearing orange uniforms and standing on the pitch, and playing against the team I am currently leading. This brought up various emotions, including difficult and painful feelings. I value human connections more than soccer, so in that sense, today's match was a special one for me.
[Player Interview]
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, Was it your intention to shoot between the opponent's legs?
A, it went as planned. It was good that it flew through the crotch and landed in a good spot.
Q, we were able to score early in the game, so it was a good flow.
A, It was good that we were able to score from a good defense, as it is Tokyo's strength to have a good attack, but we immediately conceded a goal, so I think that is an area that needs improvement.
Q: Are you able to progress through the game by coordinating and making adjustments with the same team members playing in multiple games?
A, It is important for us to make corrections while winning, so we must be able to respond flexibly to the opponent's attack. We want to increase not only the build-up, but also the scoring scenes like today.
Q, there was a long distance dribble. Did you have any thoughts for the team?
A, I wanted to make it our ball. In that scene, whether we can carry the ball forward or not, I think it will change the team's morale. Also, by getting a foul in that situation, we can create our own time, so I value it. I was thinking that it would be good to shoot or even go to the opponent's side from that flow.
Q, After the substitution, you jumped out of the bench and called out to your teammates. Can you tell us about your thoughts and feelings at that time?
It's something that Yuto NAGATOMO also does, and it's also something that I've cultivated at Yokohama F.Marinos. By speaking up for the team, our positioning changes and the players who are playing in the game also feel the urge to "do it". So, I was thinking of doing it for the team.
Q, I could see a lot of passion from the players today.
In the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we were able to secure 3 points while holding our ground, and we wanted to continue the positive momentum when we returned home. We were able to win this important match and our opponent was Albirex Niigata, so Coach Albert was the most fired up. It was great to be able to deliver a victory and I was also able to score a goal. As for the performance, it's not exactly what we envision, but we are still winning in tough matches like this, so we will continue to make adjustments while winning.
Q, I think you are feeling a little bit of momentum.
A, as it will be a series of consecutive games, I think we need to come together as a team and do our best. I also believe that the desire to do it for the team is emerging in each individual, creating a positive cycle.
Q, I think there have been more scenes where the ball has been placed at Teruhito NAKAGAWA's feet.
A, finally, I think we have come to understand each other's strengths. We are conscious of connecting from behind, so there may be some small mistakes, but we want to improve our skills while playing the game.
Q, did you not have the intention to take the penalty kick?
A, I won't kick. I'll tell Diego TABA, "Don't miss" (laughs).
Q: It was a shot like a model of "do it like this".
I'm looking forward to that video because I talked to the PR team about it (lol).
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, it was a great goal. What was your aim when you took the shot?
A, I aimed to shoot while keeping the ball, even though the trap was too big for the pass from the right side. I was able to take a bold shot.
Q, it was a wonderful trajectory.
A, thank you very much. It's great to score from a good shot, but I feel even more value in being able to win in front of many fans and supporters.
Q, we have won the league match in a row.
A, the previous Sanfrecce Hiroshima match was also like that, and this match was also a very difficult game. We will continue to have consecutive away games from here, but every team is not an easy opponent, and I think difficult games will continue. We want to keep winning and aim for the top.
Q, It was a difficult game, but please tell me the reason for the consecutive wins.
A, I have no intention of making excuses, but since the start of the season, we have had many injuries at an early stage and have not been able to continue fighting with the same members. The players are also returning and are gradually returning to good condition. Tokyo has many good members. We want to continue winning firmly.
Q, What was the atmosphere on the pitch like before Diego Taba's goal was scored?
A, The opponent team was also highly skilled and put pressure on us in a good flow (to catch up with the tie). They were also good at ball possession, so there were definitely scenes where we were under pressure. In the midst of that, I think we were able to endure and grasp the flow. As we entered the second half, both teams showed signs of fatigue and the game became more open, but we were able to control the game and win it.
Ryoma WATANABE
Q, please review the assist for the opening goal.
One of the reasons was that we were aiming for a short counter, so we were able to quickly take the ball and move it forward in a good shape.
Q, Did the team also have counterattacks as an option?
A, even when we keep the ball ourselves, short counters and counters become effective when we try to defend against the opponent's dislike, and it is also our strength. I think there was a common understanding.
Q, Did you say anything to Teruhito NAKAGAWA about his great shot?
I said "Thank you" because I got an assist (laughs).
Q, as a team we were caught up, and it was a development where we were pulled away by Diego OLIVEIRA's goal. Overall, did you want to hold onto the ball a little more?
A, Depending on the situation, I think we were able to kick long balls or connect with short balls in today's game. It may seem like we were under pressure for a long time, but it wasn't too difficult to defend and we didn't struggle with our physical strength towards the end of the second half. It's tough to be pressed high up the field, so I think it was better to retreat and make the opponent uncomfortable. I think that strategy worked well.
It was a victory in front of an audience of over 30,000 people. We are entering a series of consecutive games, so we should be able to keep up the momentum.
A, I think you all have come to understand the soccer we are playing to some extent, and I hope that we can all have a common understanding of how to fight within the 90 minutes and achieve good results.
Q, the first goal was a great dribble, and the second goal was a vertical pass to Shuto ABE, giving the impression of a high awareness towards the goal.
For the first goal, I was conscious of dribbling in a way that would change the direction of the opponent defender's body. In the second goal situation, the circumstances were not very good, so I thought that if I could come down and create a numerical advantage while being involved with the ball, it would lead to a good goal.
Q, it seemed like a bad play for Niigata to receive the ball at a low position.
A, we were able to float one sheet because we were not multiplying the number of balls we were rotating more than we thought. It was good that it worked out.
＜Kei KOIZUMI player＞
Q, it was an impressive match, but how was it when you look back on it?
A, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Diego OLIVEIRA's individual skills helped us score points, and there were tough times, but I think we were able to endure as a team. We also practiced counterattacks this week, so we were able to play as planned. We were able to win, but there are many areas for improvement both individually and as a team, so we want to make corrections.
Q, what specific parts need to be modified?
As an individual, I want to eliminate simple mistakes in the defensive midfield position and have a positive impact on the team in terms of attacking. I want to increase the amount of time I hold onto the ball.
Q, Is it fair to say that as a team, you want to increase the number of times you score by holding onto the ball on the offensive side, not just relying on counterattacks?
A, I think it is the ideal for any team to hold the ball and score points to win, and while it is not possible to hold the ball at all times, if you have the ball, you will not concede points. Even after taking the lead, if you can hold the ball for a longer period of time without pulling back, the team will become even stronger and I think we have players who can do that. As a central midfielder, we need to increase the number of times we receive the ball and reduce simple mistakes.
Q, I think there were no dangerous situations in the flow of the game, except for the goal conceded from a free kick today.
A, There were no decisive moments, but I have to reflect on it because it led to a goal from my foul. In order to compete for the championship from here, there are things that can be improved both as a team and as an individual, so I hope we can make corrections while winning.
Was the time period from Q, 1-1 to 2-1 a bit of a push, but within the expected range?
A, I did feel that the opponent was gaining momentum because we conceded a goal, but we didn't lose, so there were no mental issues. The defense was under pressure for a long time, but Tokyo has players who can score with short counters, so I was aware of being able to attack immediately when intercepting.
Q, There was also a scene where Koizumi carried the ball from his own territory to the front line and recovered the territory.
A, even as a defensive midfielder, it is necessary to make plays like that, and I am always thinking about what I can do individually during difficult times for the team.
Q, What was the voice of the fans and supporters of Niigata like after 6 years?
A, I felt that there were a lot of Niigata fans and supporters from the time of the warm-up, and it was nostalgic to hear the cheering song after a long time. However, now that I have come to Tokyo, I am only thinking about winning in Tokyo, so I hope to do what I need to do to help Tokyo win in the future.
