<Match Review>
In the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, which aimed for a third consecutive victory, we were held to only two shots and suffered a defeat throughout the 90 minutes. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA had a stern expression, especially towards the performance in the second half where we were unable to take any shots. From there, we had two days of rest and then traveled to the northern land for the final match of the three consecutive games during the Golden Week to face Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.
As a change in the starting lineup from the previous match, Masato MORISHIGE, Enrique TREVISAN, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, Kei KOIZUMI, and Adailton returned to the starting lineup. In addition, Soma ANZAI, a specially designated player while attending Waseda University, made his league debut, and PEROTTI was used as a starter for the first time in the league. It is a tough away match with a tight schedule, but the team is united in their efforts to stop the losing streak and earn 3 points in this match.
1stHALF - Struggling with man-to-man defense, allowing the lead
Tokyo wanted an opening goal for victory, but they conceded the first goal in the 8th minute of the first half before the direction of the game was determined. After losing the ball just before the half-line, it was carried by player Kashiwa and allowed for a last pass. Player Asano, who received the ball just outside the penalty area, swung his left foot after trapping it with his right foot, and the shot that went against Jakub SLOWIK was sucked into the goal.
The first chance came to Tokyo in the 16th minute of the first half. Kuryu MATSUKI's corner kick was headed by Morishige, but unfortunately it missed the goal. However, it was a threatening scene for the Sapporo goal. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Adailton, who received a long ball, also created a scene where he dribbled alone and took a shot.
After that, Sapporo struggled to break through the man-to-man defense even after taking the ball. Adailton's dribbling and power created opportunities to take shots, but they were unable to create a strong attack and all attempts ended up being one-off.
On the other hand, in defense, in the 28th minute of the first half, when the third player started moving, Kobayashi was able to take the defense line behind him, and Suga was able to kick it back and widen the lead.
The bad streak continues. In the 37th minute of the first half, with the support of VAR, player Yoshifumi Kashiwagi was judged to have fouled player Fukumori in the penalty area and a penalty kick was awarded. This was converted by player Kaneko, extending the lead to 3 points.
Tokyo, who wants to return one point in the first half, will approach the goal again from Adailton's physical play in the 42nd minute of the first half, and Matsuki will aim for the ball that has spilled out with his right foot. The shot that pierced the course was rejected by the crossbar, and Adailton's shot in response to the second ball could not catch the frame. The game was turned over without being able to close the lead.
2ndHALF - Nakagawa scores 1 goal to change the flow of the game with a player substitution
Tokyo, who was trailing by 3 points, made 3 substitutions from the start of the second half. They brought in Diego Oliveira, Teruhito Nakagawa, and Takuya Aoki, changed their system, and tried to break the bad flow and bring in a good flow.
However, the game situation remains unchanged even in the second half.
In the 4th minute of the second half, they invited danger from a set piece, but it was saved by player Jakub Slowik. However, in the following 5th minute of the second half, they were broken down by a series of precise passes in front of the goal, and in the end, player Kan was able to score the 4th goal.
The game finally settled down here, but Sapporo still maintains control. However, Tokyo is still trying to find a way to fight back and maintained their attitude of going for one goal. In the 28th minute of the second half, Adailton, who broke through the right side, crossed the ball and Nakagawa scored, finally connecting their fighting spirit to a goal.
After scoring one point, Tokyo's gear went up and they created chances for additional points. However, they hit the crossbar or were blocked by the opponent, just falling short. On the other hand, in additional time, player Kaneko scored his second goal of the day on a counter attack, and the game ended.
After winning three consecutive official matches and changing the flow, we entered a series of matches, but here we have suffered our first consecutive loss of the season in the league. Next week, we will return home to Japan National Stadium to face Kawasaki Frontale in the Tama River Clasico. We vow to make a comeback in the league in this big match against Kawasaki.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yakubu Swobick
DF Soma Anzai/Masato Morishige/Henrique Trevizan/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (Substitute at 10 minutes in the second half: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
MF Kei Koizumi/Shuto ABE (Substitute at 0 minutes in the second half: Takuya AOKI)/Kosei Matsuki
FW Ryoma WATANABE (Substitute at 0 minutes in the second half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/PEROTTI (Substitute at 0 minutes in the second half: Diego OLIVEIRA)/Adailton (Substitute at 32 minutes in the second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
28' 2nd Half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
STARTING XI
GK Takanori SUGENO
DF Shunta TANAKA/Daihachi OKAMURA/Akito FUKUMORI (38th minute of the second half: Kiria NAKAMURA)
MF Takuro KANEKO/Takuma ARANO/Hiroki MIYAZAWA (28th minute of the second half: Haruya BABA)/Daiki SUGA/Yuya ASANO (38th minute of the second half: Milantucic)/Yoshiaki KOMAI (28th minute of the second half: Yuki KOBAYASHI)
FW Tsuyoshi KOBAYASHI (19th minute of the second half: Lucas FERNANDEZ)
SUBS
GK Kuson Yun
MF Supachok/Lucas FERNANDES
GOAL
8 minutes into the first half: Yuya ASANO/18 minutes into the first half: Daiki SUGA/38 minutes into the first half: Takuro KANEKO/5 minutes into the second half: Daiki SUGA/45+3 minutes into the second half: Takuro KANEKO
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, I think the flow of the game was decided in the first few minutes. There were also moments where we didn't enter the game with a strong focus. In the middle of the game, there were many ball losses, which Sapporo took advantage of and intercepted. Especially in the first 15 minutes, we had a game plan to attack from behind, but we weren't able to execute it well and ended up receiving the ball at our feet, leading to more ball losses and resulting in Sapporo's first and second goals.
I think the fatigue was also affected by the fact that we had two long trips in a row due to this tight schedule and long distance travel. In the midst of two days, I think it also led to not being able to recover from fatigue due to the long trips to Kyushu and Hokkaido. As I have commented many times before, this J1 league is a very competitive league. Therefore, any team can win and there is also a possibility of losing in this league. That's why which team scores the first goal will have an impact on the game result. Today, because we conceded the first goal and an additional goal, we had to aim for more goals and it became a back-and-forth battle for goals.
In the first half, we were not able to play well, but we were able to create some chances. In the second half, the players who came on as substitutes gave their all and fought well as a team. It was a completely different 45 minutes from the first half. We were able to create some decisive chances, and if some of them had gone in, I think the game would have had a different outcome.
I think it's important not to give up the first goal in the early hours. The fact that we gave up the first goal there had a big impact on the subsequent game. I want to fix it firmly from today's mistake and move on to the next one.
In the world of soccer, there are also games like this. Not everything goes well, and it's a game where everything goes well for the opposing team. We were also able to create multiple decisive chances. However, unfortunately, some shots hit the post and there were also situations where penalty kicks were not given.
Q, What adjustments did you make at halftime?
A, we tried to reduce the number of ball losses. And we confirmed to move the ball quickly and attack the opponent's back again. It was also something we had prepared as a pre-game plan. However, I don't think we should be affected so much by just one goal.
Q, the fourth goal was a result of many players gathering around the opponent's throw-in and conceding a goal.
A, I think that soccer, like life, is greatly influenced by mental state when it comes to action. When things are going well, we are able to make appropriate judgments and actions. On the other hand, when things are not going well, especially if it continues, a negative cycle can occur where mistakes increase in actions and judgments. I think that was the case today.
In the first half today, the opening goal and additional goal in the first 15 minutes had a significant impact on our play and the course of the game. I don't think we should have been affected so much by the opening goal. Our play in the first half was very poor. There are also games where the opponent doesn't take their chances even if we play poorly. However, in regards to today's game, not only was our play poor, but every single action by Sapporo went well and all of their chances ended in goals.
Sometimes, even if we can't create many chances, those few chances can lead to a goal and a victory. Even if we play well, there are times when we lose. That's the world of football. Today, our play was terrible and we were unlucky, while the opposing team's play went perfectly.
I'm not sure if the travel for the away 2-game series affected us with fatigue, but it may have had an impact. The J-League decided on this schedule, but there are some parts that are difficult to understand. We have a home game next, but after that, we have an irregular schedule with more away games, which is hard to understand. However, as a team aiming for the top, we must overcome these obstacles. In that sense, I believe we must firmly overcome this barrier.
[Player Interview]
Masato MORISHIGE
Q, it was a tough result. Please tell us your honest feelings right now.
A, we invited trouble from our own mistakes. We conceded 3 goals in the first half and put ourselves in a tough situation. It's a big point of reflection.
Q, How are you organizing what you want to do on the defensive side within the team?
A, we accept the result of 1-5 because we were not organized. We need to organize what kind of soccer we want to show. If we continue to play vaguely, it will lead to today's situation. Both in attack and defense, it became a mediocre game.
Q, Next week we have the Tama River Clasico against Kawasaki Frontale. What are the team's challenges and where will you start?
A. First, it's defense. Without a stable defense, we cannot play good soccer. Of course, we will play an attacking soccer, but the balance between offense and defense is crucial. Just playing offense won't guarantee a win, so if we want consistent results as a team, I believe it is essential to make adjustments in our defense.
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, it was a tough game. Please tell us how you feel right now.
It was a game where we lost to the opponent's determination, and it is the part that we are lacking the most right now. Regardless of long distance travel or consecutive games, our fighting spirit was not able to surpass the opponent's. I think that is the most important thing for Tokyo right now. It's not a problem with soccer. There were also scenes where we conceded goals from 1-on-1 situations with the opponent. Like the fourth goal, there were also scenes where Tokyo players were all in front of the goal, but couldn't win the ball. We were losing in all aspects of the individual battles. I think Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo was also actively targeting the ball in the air. Against an opponent who defends in a man-to-man style, we lacked plays to turn the game around, pass rhythmically to our teammates, pull the ball to the side to create space, and use that space.
Q, Nakagawa's presence encouraging his teammates was also seen.
A, because it was a losing situation. When the numbers were equal, we couldn't take the ball, so we were communicating in those situations.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
A, I was able to score myself, but there were also scenes where I missed. I think the flow changed by scoring. First of all, we need to improve ourselves so that we don't give the opponent the first goal.
Q, What preparations are you making for the upcoming Tama River Clasico next week?
A, Avispa Fukuoka, we had a frustrating experience in the 2-game series against Sapporo. I believe that the only way to overcome this frustration is on the field. How well can we play in front of a large crowd? It's not about going back to basics, but in order to regain our strength in personal battles, we need to train fiercely and rigorously. Otherwise, I don't think we can compete against the highly skilled Kawasaki Frontale.
Q, It seemed that changing some members in consecutive games had an impact on the match.
A, I think it all depends on everyone's awareness. The players who are given the chance must produce results in the game. Since there are no established players, it is important for each player to express themselves in each game, which will benefit the team and lead to victory. The players who played in the game should reflect on their individual performance and try to overcome it as a team. In order to aim for the top and break the bad flow, I think we need to approach the Kawasaki game with a challenger's mindset in order to bring joy to the fans and supporters.
＜Kei KOIZUMI player＞
Q, did giving up the opening goal affect the game?
First of all, we knew that Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo was a team that could score points from the start of the first half, so we were careful. However, we conceded a goal in just 8 minutes, which was less than 15 minutes. We thought that the start of the game was very important, but by conceding a goal there, the game turned into a situation where Sapporo was allowed to score multiple goals. We wanted to make it a game where the outcome would be decided by just one goal. Today, in a game where the start was more important than any other game against other teams, we conceded a goal first, which gave the opponent rhythm and momentum. We need to reflect on this.
Q, in a similar flow to the previous match, we were unable to establish our own rhythm in the early stages.
A, The opponent is different, so the defensive approach and build-up method are different every time, but I think the outcome would have been different if we were able to keep the second ball more in our possession in the initial stage today. There are differences in tactics and the opponent's strengths, but I think we were fundamentally losing in the first place.
Q, it was a tough match with a difficult schedule of consecutive away games involving long distance travel.
A, Sapporo had a home series and we had an away series, and on top of that we only had 2 days in between, but once we step onto the pitch, I don't think the schedule matters. We still have to win. I think the simple fact is that we are lacking in our own abilities, which is the realistic difference between us and Sapporo right now. I don't want to use the schedule as an excuse, I don't think it was the reason we lost today.
Q, we want to use this losing streak as a springboard to show our resilience in the next game.
With the match being held at the Japan National Stadium and facing Kawasaki Frontale, I believe many fans will come to watch, so we cannot afford to have a disappointing game. We have been having these kinds of matches, so I think as a team, we need to make some changes if we want to aim for a higher ranking. I would like to discuss with everyone and organize before the Kawasaki match.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q, this was my first appearance in the league and my first time starting.
A, I feel deeply frustrated because the team suffered a big defeat. I am sorry for the fans and supporters who came all the way here and had to witness this result.
Q, When were you informed that you would be playing today?
A, I have been participating in practice since this Thursday and was informed of my starting lineup just before today's game. However, I was already in the starting lineup during practice, so I was mentally prepared. I couldn't sleep well last night.
Q, What thoughts did you have when you stepped onto the pitch?
A, I was thinking of boosting the team's momentum by playing in the Avispa Fukuoka match, but unfortunately, the result did not follow and I ended up being involved in conceding a goal, which makes me extremely frustrated.
Q, there were also plays where he left the opponent behind with his dribbling skills.
A, My strength is being able to add an accent to the team's attack, but today I couldn't show my usual performance and there were still a lot of passive plays, so I need to do more.
Q, how do you feel about playing as a side back?
A, I feel that I can play anywhere and that is my strength, and I also feel the appeal of playing as a fullback, so I don't feel uncomfortable playing as a fullback.
Q, it seemed like you got into the game smoothly. Did your teammates say anything to you?
A, We were able to create a comfortable environment by having everyone talk to us before the game. Kei KOIZUMI told us to "go for it" and Masato MORISHIGE and Ryoma WATANABE also gave us encouragement from the nearby side. I wanted to repay everyone's help with my performance, but unfortunately it turned out to be a disappointing play.
Q, Was there any part where you felt you could make it in the professional stage?
A, I thought I could do my fighting and ball-winning parts here as my strong points. I still feel like I have a long way to go today, but I want to practice and come back to this pitch by looking back from scratch.
Q, What kind of player do you want to become after your league debut today?
A, I think I need to be a player who can give momentum to the team and help the team win on both offense and defense as a side back.
