<Match Review>
In the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, which aimed for a third consecutive win, we were limited to just two shots throughout the 90 minutes and lost. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA showed a stern expression, especially regarding the lack of shots in the second half. After just two days, we traveled to the northern land to face Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, concluding a three-match series during the long holiday.
As for the changes in the lineup from the previous match, Masato MORISHIGE, Henrique TREVIZAN, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, Kei KOIZUMI, and Adailton have returned to the starting lineup. Additionally, Soma ANZAI, a specially designated player currently enrolled at Waseda University, made his league debut, and PEROTTI was used in the starting lineup for the first time in league play. This match comes amid a tight schedule with two away games involving long-distance travel, but the team united to face this match with the aim of stopping the losing streak and securing three points.
1st HALF - Struggled against man-to-man defense and allowed the lead
Tokyo wanted an opening goal for victory, but they allowed the first goal in the 8th minute of the first half before the game's momentum was established. After losing the ball just before the halfway line, it was carried by player Kobayashi, leading to a last pass. Player Asano received the ball just before the penalty area, and after trapping it with his right foot, he struck with his left foot, sending a shot that caught Jakub SLOWIK off guard and into the goal.
The first chance for Tokyo came in the 16th minute of the first half. Kuryu MATSUKI's corner kick was headed by Morishige. Unfortunately, it went wide of the goal, but it was a threatening moment for Sapporo's goal. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Adailton received a long ball and created a scene where he broke through alone to take a shot.
After that, there was a difficult period where we couldn't get past Sapporo's man-to-man defense even after regaining possession of the ball. However, there were moments where Adailton's dribbling and power created opportunities to take shots. Still, we couldn't build up our attack, and each attempt ended up being isolated.
On the defensive side, in the 28th minute of the first half, after the movement of the third player, Kogashi was able to get behind the defense line, and Sugai kicked in the return pass, widening the lead.
The bad trend continues. In the 37th minute of the first half, with the support of VAR, it was determined that player Yoshifumi fouled player Fukumori in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick. This was converted by player Kaneko, extending the lead to three goals.
Tokyo, wanting to score at least one goal before halftime, approached the goal again in the 42nd minute through a play utilizing Adailton's physicality. Matsuki aimed for the loose ball with his right foot. The shot, which was on target, was denied by the crossbar, and Adailton's follow-up shot also failed to hit the target. They went into halftime without closing the gap.
2nd HALF - Substitutions changed the flow, and Nakagawa scored a goal in the counterattack
Tokyo, trailing by 3 points, made three substitutions at the start of the second half. They brought in Diego OLIVEIRA, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, and Takuya AOKI, changing the system to break the bad flow and bring in a good one.
However, the flow of the match does not change even in the second half.
In the 4th minute of the second half, a set piece created a crisis, but it was saved by a fine save from Jakub SLOWIK. However, just after that, in the 5th minute of the second half, they were broken down with a series of precise passes in front of the goal, and finally conceded the fourth goal to Sugai.
The match finally settled into a calm flow here, but Sapporo still maintained control. Nevertheless, Tokyo persevered in searching for a way to counterattack, determined to first score one goal. In the 28th minute of the second half, Adailton's cross from the right side was pushed in by Nakagawa, and their counterattack finally led to a goal.
After scoring one goal back, Tokyo stepped up their game and created chances for additional goals. However, they hit the crossbar and faced blocks from the opponent, falling just short. Conversely, in stoppage time, Kaneko scored his second goal of the day on a counterattack, leading to the final whistle.
After achieving three consecutive wins in official matches and entering a series of games, the team has now faced its first consecutive losses in the league this season. Next week, they will return home to battle Kawasaki Frontale in the Tamagawa Classico at the Japan National Stadium. They vow to make a comeback in the league in this crucial match against Kawasaki.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Soma ANZAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique Trevisan/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (substituted in the 55th minute: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
MF Keisuke Koizumi/Shuto ABE (substituted in the 45th minute: Takuya AOKI)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted in the 45th minute: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Perotti (substituted in the 45th minute: Diego Oliveira)/Adailton (substituted in the 77th minute: Kota Tawara)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
28th minute of the second half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA
<Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Takanori SUGENO
DF Shunta TANAKA/Daihachi OKAMURA/Akito FUKUMORI (38th minute: Kiriya NAKAMURA)
MF Takuro KANEKO/Takuma ARANO/Hiroki MIYAZAWA (28th minute: Haruya BABA)/Daiki SUGA/Yuya ASANO (38th minute: Milan TUCIC)/Yoshiaki KOMAI (28th minute: Yuki KOBAYASHI)
FW Go KOBAYASHI (19th minute: Lucas FERNANDEZ)
SUBS
GK Kwon Sun-yong
MF Supachok/Lucas FERNANDES
GOAL
8th minute of the first half: Yuya ASANO/18th minute of the first half: Daiki SUGA/38th minute of the first half: Takuro KANEKO/5th minute of the second half: Daiki SUGA/45+3 minutes of the second half: Takuro KANEKO
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
I think the flow of the match was determined in the first few minutes. There were moments when we did not enter the match with full concentration. We lost a lot of balls in the midfield, and Sapporo effectively capitalized on that with interceptions. Especially in the first 15 minutes, we had a game plan to exploit the space behind, but we were not able to do that much, and we ended up receiving the ball at our feet more often, leading to continued ball losses, which resulted in Sapporo's opening goal and the second goal.
I think the impact of fatigue was due to this congested schedule and the two long-distance expeditions. In the short span of two days, the long travel to Kyushu and Hokkaido made it difficult to recover from fatigue. As I have commented many times before, this J1 League is a very competitive league. Therefore, any team can win, and there is also the possibility of losing. That is why who scores the first goal can influence the outcome of the match. Today, because we conceded the first goal and an additional goal, we had to aim for more goals, leading to a back-and-forth battle for goals.
In the first half, we weren't able to play well, but we did create a few chances. In the second half, the players who came on as substitutes gave their all, and the team fought hard together. I believe it was a completely different 45 minutes compared to the first half. We created some decisive chances, and if a few of those had gone in, I think the match would have had a different flow and result.
I believe we should not allow an opening goal in the early stages of the match. Conceding that first goal had a significant impact on the flow of the game afterwards. I want to make sure we correct the mistakes from today and carry that forward to the next match.
In the world of soccer, there are matches like this. Everything does not go well for us, while everything goes well for the opposing team. We also created several decisive chances. Nevertheless, unfortunately, there were moments when our shots hit the post and we were not awarded a penalty kick.
Q: What adjustments did you make at halftime?
We tried to reduce ball losses. We moved the ball at a good tempo and confirmed that we would aim for the opponent's back again. This was also something we had prepared as part of our pre-game plan. However, I believe that one goal conceded should not have such a significant impact.
Q: I think the fourth goal was conceded because many players gathered around the opponent's throw-in.
A, I believe that soccer is like life in that the state of one's mental condition greatly influences actions. When things are going well, one can make appropriate judgments and take actions. On the other hand, when things are not going well, especially if it continues, a negative cycle can occur where mistakes in actions and judgments increase. I think today was such a development.
I believe that the opening goal and the additional goal in the first 15 minutes of today's first half had a significant impact on our play and the flow of the match. I think we should not be so affected by the opening goal. Our performance in the first half was very poor. Even when we play badly, there are matches where the opponent fails to capitalize on their chances. However, in today's case, not only was our play poor, but every action by Sapporo went well, and every chance ended in a goal.
It can be difficult to create chances, and sometimes those few chances lead to goals and victories. Even if we play well, there are matches we can lose. That's the world of football. Today, our performance was poor, we were unlucky, and everything went well for the opposing team.
I don't know if the fatigue from the two consecutive away games affected us, but it might have had an impact. The J-League set this schedule, but there are parts that are a bit hard to understand. Next, we have a home game, but after that, we have another away game, which makes for an irregular schedule that is difficult to comprehend. However, teams aiming for the top must overcome such barriers. In that sense, I believe we need to overcome this barrier firmly.
[Player Interview]]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: It was a tough result. Please tell us your honest feelings right now.
We created a crisis from our own mistakes. We conceded three goals in the first half, putting ourselves in a difficult situation. This is a significant point for reflection.
Q: Regarding defense, how does the team organize what they want to do internally?
I believe that the result of 1-5 is due to our lack of organization. We need to clarify what kind of football we want to show. If we continue to play in a vague manner, we will end up with a situation like today. It also became a half-hearted match in both offense and defense.
Q: Next week, there is the Tamagawa Classico against Kawasaki Frontale. What challenges does the team face, and where will you start addressing them?
First, defense is important. Without stable defense, we cannot develop good soccer. Of course, we will play attacking soccer, but a sense of balance between offense and defense is crucial. Just focusing on offense will not lead to victory, so if we want stable results as a team, I believe that adjustments in defense are essential.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: It was a tough match result. Please tell us how you feel right now.
It was a match where we lost to the opponent's intensity, and it's the part we are currently lacking the most. Regardless of long-distance travel or consecutive matches, our fighting spirit has not surpassed that of our opponents. I believe that is what Tokyo needs the most right now. This is not just a matter of soccer. There were scenes that led to goals conceded from one-on-one situations with the opponent. In the case of the fourth goal conceded, even though Tokyo's players were gathered in front of the goal, there were moments when we couldn't take the ball away. We were losing in every aspect of one-on-one situations. I think Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo was also actively targeting the ball in those situations. We lacked movements such as plays to turn the situation against a man-to-man defending opponent, passing rhythmically to teammates, drawing the opponent to the ball side to create space, and utilizing that space.
Q: We also saw Nakagawa inspiring his teammates.
A, because we were in a losing situation. When the numbers are equal at the back, we can't win the ball, so I was encouraging the team in that regard.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
A, I was able to score, but there were also moments when I missed. I believe that by finishing those chances, the flow of the game would have changed. First of all, we need to improve on not giving the opponent the first goal.
Q: What preparations are you making for the Tamagawa Classico next week?
We had a frustrating experience in the two consecutive matches against Avispa Fukuoka and Sapporo. I believe the only way to clear this frustration is on the field. With many fans filling the venue, I wonder how well we can perform. It's not about returning to the basics, but I think we need to practice intensely and rigorously to regain our strength in one-on-one situations before the match, or else we won't be able to compete against the highly skilled Kawasaki Frontale.
Q: It seemed that changing some members during the consecutive matches affected the game.
I think it depends on everyone's awareness. Players who are given a chance must deliver results in the match. There are no players with established positions, so expressing oneself in each match will benefit the team and lead to victory. Players who participated in the match should reflect on their individual performances, and we want to overcome challenges as a team. To aim for the top and break the bad flow, we must approach the match against Kawasaki with a challenger's mindset; otherwise, I don't think we can bring joy to our fans and supporters.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: Did allowing the opening goal at the start have an impact?
A, first of all, I knew that Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo was a team that could score from the start of the first half, so I was cautious, but we conceded the opening goal in just 8 minutes, not even 15 minutes in. I thought the initial phase was very important, but conceding a goal there allowed Sapporo to score multiple goals. We wanted to make it a game where the outcome was decided by just one goal. Today, more than in any other match against any other team, the start was crucial, and conceding the first goal gave the opponent rhythm and momentum. I think we need to reflect on this.
Q: Similar to the previous match, we couldn't establish our rhythm in the early stages.
A, since the opponent is different, the way we defend changes each time, and the way we build up also varies. However, I think if we could have secured the second ball a bit more at the start today, the outcome would have been different. There are differences in tactics and the opponent's characteristics, but I believe we were fundamentally losing in that aspect.
Q: It was a tough schedule with away matches involving long-distance travel.
A, Sapporo had a home game series while we had an away game series, and it was a situation with only two days in between, but I believe that once we step onto the pitch, the schedule doesn't matter, and we have to win regardless. I simply think that our lack of strength is the realistic difference between us and Sapporo right now. I don't want to use the schedule as an excuse; I believe that the reason we lost today is not because of that.
Q, I want to use this losing streak as a springboard to show resilience in the next match.
A, since we are playing at the Japan National Stadium against Kawasaki Frontale, I believe many fans will come to watch, so we cannot afford to have such a pathetic match. Since we have been continuing to have these kinds of matches, I think the team needs to change something in order to aim for a higher ranking, so I would like us to discuss and organize things before the match against Kawasaki.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: This is your first appearance in the league and your first time starting.
A, the team suffered a crushing defeat, so I honestly feel a strong sense of regret. I feel sorry for the fans and supporters who came all this way for this match result.
Q: When were you informed that you would be playing today?
A, I participated in practice starting this Thursday, and I was informed about being in the starting lineup just before the match. However, since I was in the starting group during practice, I was mentally prepared for it. I didn't sleep very well last night.
Q: What thoughts did you have when you stepped onto the pitch?
A, since the team was losing against Avispa Fukuoka, I thought I would enter the game to gain momentum, but the results did not follow, and I ended up being involved in the goals conceded, leaving me with a very frustrating feeling.
Q: There were moments where you left your opponents behind with your dribbling.
A, my strength is being able to add an accent to the team through my offense, but today I couldn't showcase my usual performance, and I played too passively, so I need to do more.
Q: How do you feel about playing as a full-back?
A, I believe my strength is being able to play anywhere, and I also find the excitement of being a full-back, so I have no discomfort in playing as a full-back.
Q: It seemed like you entered the match smoothly. Did any of your teammates say anything to you?
From the beginning of the match, everyone encouraged me and created an easy environment to play in. Kei KOIZUMI told me, "Just go for it," and on the nearby side, Masato MORISHIGE and Ryoma WATANABE also cheered me on. Everyone helped me, so I wanted to repay them with results, but I ended up playing poorly.
Q: Did you feel that there were aspects where you could compete on a professional stage?
As for my strong points, I felt that I could fight and compete for the ball here as well. Although I still feel that I have a long way to go today, I want to practice so that I can reflect on everything from the beginning and return to this pitch.
Q: What kind of player do you want to become, starting with your league debut today?
I believe that I must become a player who can energize the team and a full-back who can help the team win on both offense and defense.
