Review of the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos
A goal conceded in less than a minute after the match started.
Ajinomoto Stadium was enveloped in a silence that seemed to carry over the atmosphere from the first half of the previous match against Vissel Kobe.
A three-match series against top teams such as Kashima Antlers, Kobe, and Yokohama F.Marinos. A difficult start where we conceded the first goal in all three matches. Moreover, in the match against Kobe, we conceded three goals in the first half, making it hard not to have a bad feeling cross our minds.
However, the Tokyo players stood up without bowing their heads, as if nothing had happened, and returned to battle with their heads held high. In the midfield battle for control, Yokohama FM, which has matured its build-up play, held the ball. However, once they regained possession, they quickly accelerated vertically to target space when they saw the opponent's defensive line was high, and if there was no space, they calmed the ball and pressed the opponent, attacking patiently.
The equalizing goal was created by quickly advancing vertically, while the winning goal was scored by pushing the opponent back, drawing them to the side, and dispersing the marking in front of the goal.
Although they found themselves at a numerical disadvantage midway through the second half, Tokyo's fighting spirit did not waver. They maintained their formation without dropping too deep, persistently sliding to the ball side to apply pressure, and seized the ball high up the pitch to launch quick counterattacks. In that moment, they displayed a determination to go straight for the three points without taking a step back.
If you only look at the result, it's the same 2-3 as the previous match against Kobe. However, the content was completely different. When Tokyo has the ball, something happens. They showed a passionate performance that made the viewers feel excited for the full 90 minutes.
Match Preview
The match against Yokohama F.Marinos saw us allow the first goal, but we turned the game around in the first half. However, after being at a numerical disadvantage towards the end of the second half, we allowed another turnaround, resulting in back-to-back losses.
The score is the same at 2-3, but the content is different. In the first half against Vissel Kobe, the intensity and performance did not improve, resulting in three goals conceded, whereas in the match against Yokohama FM, the team's condition did not drop at any point. Ultimately, we face the halfway point of the season with a record of consecutive losses, but the feeling of being able to fight that remains is different from before the last match.
The opponent, Gamba Osaka, has gone through a tough period, being at the bottom of the standings early in the season, but has gradually improved their ranking to 15th place. They are 6 points behind Tokyo. This season, they faced each other at Panasonic Stadium Suita in the group stage of the Levain Cup, losing 0-3. In the match at Ajinomoto Stadium, they won 1-0, making their record for the season 1 win and 1 loss.
In the 2nd Round of the Emperor's Cup held on the 7th, Gamba Osaka lost 1-2 to Kochi United SC, which belongs to the JFL, making this match a crucial home game for their resurgence. Furthermore, the point difference with the bottom team is only 1, and although they have improved their ranking, their situation remains difficult. The desire to earn 3 points in the last match of the first half of the league in front of their home fans and supporters must be even stronger.
For Tokyo, this season has been one of intense fluctuations in each match and within the 90 minutes. The key is whether they can firmly express the sense of being able to compete that they should have gained from the previous match against Yokohama FM on the pitch. Whether they can continue to deliver high performance is crucial.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: In this match, which is the last of the first half of the league, what do you want to prioritize in your battle?
A: Recently, Gamba Osaka has been transforming into a team that plays with higher intensity and actively engages with the opponent's ball. In any case, they are one of the larger clubs and are a dangerous opponent due to the high quality of their players. Moreover, this is a home game for them. I have memories of being able to play in a wonderful atmosphere at Panasonic Stadium Suita. We are in good shape right now. I have communicated to the players that they can play with confidence, so I encourage them to continue playing with that confidence. Of course, we will fight for three points.
Q: You are on a losing streak in the league, but you shouldn't worry too much about that, right?
A, the league matches are a long battle. The most important thing is what position we finish in when all the matches are over. The first half of the league was a tough time with many injuries. As a result, we couldn't continue fighting with the same members. During the large holiday period in May, we suffered consecutive losses in the matches against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, where we couldn't perform well. In the recent league matches, we faced two teams competing for the top positions. Regarding the match against Vissel Kobe, there were noticeable inappropriate plays in the first half, but I think we played well in the second half. In the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, we had a good game overall. We even made a comeback, but having a player sent off had a significant impact on the match. The first half of the league felt like we had many away games. In any case, the team is in good condition now. I have confidence in the team's situation.
Q: Please tell us what is important for a comeback in the future.
I believe it is important to increase the pace of play, deepen the understanding among players, and enhance the maturity of the team.
Q: It seems that you are struggling against opponents who strengthen their defense by pulling back.
A team that organizes a compact block in the middle area aims to intercept our vertical passes and quickly transition to attack. It is important to move the ball effectively against such teams and to lower the opponent's defensive line with runs behind. In Wednesday's Emperor's Cup match against Fukushima United FC, while we created many chances, we only managed to score three goals, indicating room for improvement. Additionally, we were unable to perform well during the last 15 minutes of the match.
Q: We have been struggling in away games.
A, last season we fought with the speed of transition between offense and defense as our weapon. From that perspective, I think we had a tendency to achieve better results in away games. This season, the team is continuously growing. Following that trend, it feels like we are able to play more comfortably in home games. Of course, we must express the same level of play regardless of the environment, and I believe that is an area for improvement.
[Player Interview]
＜Takuya AOKI＞
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Gamba Osaka.
Looking back at the matches against Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos, I have the impression that when we were able to defend well, it created a good rhythm for our attack. While attacking is certainly important, I want to start the match with solid defense first.
Q: Please tell me what is important to avoid conceding goals in the early stages of the game.
A, I don't think there is anything we are not careful about, but I believe we need to keep emphasizing the importance of staying focused. It is important for the entire team to be aware and to win the match in 90 minutes. I think game planning and control are crucial.
Q: What kind of communication will you have with your teammates from the midfield position?
A. In a match, there are definitely both good and bad periods. Especially when entering a bad period, it is important for the players on the pitch to have the ability to quickly make adjustments to each other. If the players cannot make adjustments, they will not be able to reach higher rankings. I want to create a situation and atmosphere where adjustments can be made quickly.
Q: How does Aoki feel about his own performance?
A, there was a practice match with Kawasaki Frontale in mid-May, and since then, I have the impression that my condition has improved quite a bit. This time, I definitely want to win, and I want to play a game that the viewers can enjoy. The matches against Yokohama FM and Kobe had the same score, but the content was completely different. I want the viewers to enjoy it, and on top of that, I want us to win. I want to have a match where fans and supporters can leave the stadium with smiles.
Q: How do you approach defensive coordination?
A, there are many players in Tokyo who are strong in one-on-one situations, so coordinated play is important. I personally think we were able to create scenes where we could compete for the ball in the match against Yokohama FM. I also believe that if the defense is not working well, it is important to regroup and organize.
Q: Please tell us about the image of Gamba Osaka and the key points that determine wins and losses.
A, from what I can see in the footage, they have an image of solid standard defense, so I think it will be a difficult game. The key is whether we can express what we want to do. Even in times when we can't or during bad phases, I hope we can still defend well and score, even if it's not perfect.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: You scored 4 goals in the last 3 league matches. It seems like you are getting into form.
A, my condition is getting better. I have overcome the injuries I sustained last season and can play without pain. Of course, there are still areas where I need to improve in order to score goals, so I want to further enhance my condition.
Q: This is a match against Gamba Osaka, who are on a winning streak in the league. What kind of game development do you want to see?
A difficult match is expected against our opponent, but we also have good players. Since this is an away game and the last match of the first half of the league, we want to start strong and focus on the game from the beginning.
Q: This season, we have already faced each other twice in the Levain Cup. How do you perceive Gamba Osaka's style and approach to the game?
A. Both matches we played this season were very difficult games. As I mentioned earlier, tomorrow's match is an away game, and I think it will be a tough match. Against Gamba Osaka, who have a strong defensive lineup, I want to firmly show our winning attitude and seize victory.
Q: The first half of the league season will conclude this round. How would you briefly reflect on the league matches so far?
A, of course, this is not the result we had envisioned, and we are not satisfied. As you know, the J1 League is highly competitive, and victories are not easily obtained. Looking back at the first half of the season overall, there were matches where we played well but did not achieve victory, as well as matches where we managed to win despite poor performance. In the second half of the league, we want to continue playing good games and strive for victories.
Q: Does Diego OLIVEIRA have any particularly memorable matches from the first half of this season?
A, this is the match against Kawasaki Frontale in Sec. 13. Approximately 57,000 people filled the stands for the Tamagawa Classico held at Japan National Stadium. As everyone knows, Kawasaki is a very wonderful and strong team. The fact that we were able to achieve victory in such a difficult match against such an opponent is what stands out the most.
Q: Finally, please share your enthusiasm for the match against Gamba Osaka.
A, there were many matches in the first half of the league where we couldn't achieve good results in away games. Although there were stretches of away games in the first half, I believe all clubs are in the same situation. To take a new step starting from tomorrow's match, I want to win firmly and bring a good flow to the team.
