<Match Review>
This past week, Tokyo has experienced tumultuous times. On the 14th, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA resigned, and on the 16th, the appointment of Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI was confirmed. However, since the new coach will join the team after the 20th, the final match of the Levain Cup group stage against Kyoto SANGA F.C. will be temporarily led by Head Coach Takayoshi AMMA.
Although the situation is very difficult for advancing to the prime stage, Tokyo's attitude of striving to win each match ahead remains unchanged. On the eve of the match, Captain Masato MORISHIGE emphasized, "We must show our fighting spirit for the fans and supporters who come all the way to the away game and deliver a victory."
Victory is the minimum requirement to advance to the next stage. This season, we have only won 1 official match, showing our determination in the away game, and we are facing a crucial match to reclaim the title for the first time in three seasons.
Tokyo started with a formation featuring Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI as double defensive midfielders, with Ryoma WATANABE playing as an attacking midfielder. Kei KOIZUMI took the right side back position, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who has been a starter in all matches of the Levain Cup so far, was entrusted with the goal.
1st HALF—Morishige's powerful strike and Nakagawa's skillful shot
Under head coach Takayoshi AMMA, Tokyo has been reviewing the fighting spirit that forms the basis of soccer, showing high concentration from the start. Just over 5 minutes into the first half, they earned three consecutive corner kicks. On the third one, it was player Mori-shige who connected with Matsuki's ball. He shook the net with a powerful header. After the goal, as teammates rushed in joy, the player wearing number 3 headed straight to the bench to share the joy with head coach AMMA and celebrate with the bench members.
However, after taking the lead, we struggled against Kyoto's press. There were more contact plays in midfield, and we couldn't maintain possession of the ball, leading to noticeable counterattacks after losing our ball. Then, in the 18th minute of the first half, we were penetrated deep into the left side, and we failed to clear the cross, allowing Hirato to score the equalizer.
Even after the match returned to square one, the game's tension did not settle. Both teams' aggressive attitudes stood out in a good way, presenting a thrilling match with clashes between them. In this context, Tokyo created a chance in the 28th minute of the first half. After pushing the opponent into the penalty area, they patiently moved the ball to find space, and Matsuki made a run into the space on the right side of the penalty area, crossing it back in front of the goal. Teruhito NAKAGAWA scored into the far side netting, regaining the lead once again.
After that, both teams had battles in front of the goal, but the score did not change, and Tokyo maintained a one-point lead as they headed into halftime.
2nd HALF - Defended the lead and advanced to the Prime Stage
In the second half, Kyoto replaced two players in their defense line, while Tokyo started without any substitutions.
After a balanced first half, the focus shifts to the battle for control in the second half, where Tokyo steps up the pace and outmatches their opponent in intensity.
In the 4th minute of the second half, Diego OLIVEIRA, Koki TSUKAGAWA, and Ryoma WATANABE pressed in succession from the front line. Ryoma WATANABE carried the ball he won up to the goal, and finally made a last pass to the free Diego. With the goalkeeper drawn towards Ryoma WATANABE, Diego calmly slotted the ball in to extend the lead.
After gaining a 2-point lead, Tokyo managed the game with some ease, and in critical moments, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA made fine saves to protect the goal.
As the match entered the final stages, Kyoto launched a counterattack and began to press, but player Morishige and Henrique TREVISAN held the center firm, maintaining high concentration and continuing to repel the attacks.
Even in the 7 minutes of added time, the sharpness of their start did not diminish. When they lost the ball, everyone rushed to defend, and when they were pushed back, they quickly pressed back to close down the ball side, preventing Kyoto from creating good opportunities.
Maintaining concentration until the end, we reached the time-up with a score of 3-1, stopping the official match losing streak at 3 and achieving our first victory in an away game since the league match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima on April 22 in Sec. 9.
Despite finishing in 2nd place in the Levain Cup group stage behind Gamba Osaka, the team secured a spot in the Prime Stage by ranking among the top 3 teams in the group of 2nd place finishers across all 5 groups. After the match, the chant of 'The City That Never Sleeps' echoed through the stadium as players and staff shared joy with fans and supporters.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kei Koizumi/Masato Morishige/Henrique TREVISAN (45+5 minutes: Kanta Doi)/Yuto Nagatomo
MF Shuto Abe/Kuryu Matsuki/Ryoma Watanabe (19 minutes: Keigo Higashi)
FW Takaki Tsukakawa (19 minutes: Koki Tawara)/Diego OLIVEIRA (25 minutes: Perotti)/Teruhito Nakagawa (25 minutes: Leon NOZAWA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO
GOAL
8th minute of the first half: Masato MORISHIGE/27th minute of the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/4th minute of the second half: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Kyoto Sanga F.C.>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoya WAKAHARA
DF Shogo ASADA/Rikito INOUE (Substituted at 0 minutes: Hisashi APPIAH TAWIAH)/Kosuke KINOSHITA
MF Taiki HIRATO/Teppei YACHIDA (Substituted at 20 minutes: Shinpei FUKUOKA)/Fuki YAMADA (Substituted at 25 minutes: Takumi MIYAYOSHI)/Taiki HIRATO/Hibiki SATO (Substituted at 0 minutes: Shinnosuke FUKUDA)
FW PATRIC (Substituted at 20 minutes: Kosuke KINOSHITA)/Yudai KIMURA
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
MF Temma MATSUDA
GOAL
18th minute of the first half: Taiki HIRATO
[Comments from Head Coach Takayoshi AMMA at the Press Conference]
Q, please review the game.
I truly appreciate the fans and supporters who came here to cheer us on. It has been an incredibly challenging week, but I want to thank the players for having the courage to play and for successfully moving forward in a match where we had to advance.
Q: Please tell us the reason for adopting the 4-2-3-1 formation and how you decided on the game plan to move the ball forward quickly.
A. When we had to advance with the current players, I thought this formation was the best. By placing Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI close together, I believe everyone was able to move fluidly in and out of the space created without separating. Furthermore, by combining with the center backs, I think we were able to maintain stable ball distribution, which led to spectacular goals like the second one. Additionally, in terms of risk management, we had been receiving continuous counters, so the intention was to absorb that with one more player. Of course, we can't prevent all counters, but the scene where everyone came back to defend like at the end of the first half was a play we haven't seen much of lately. While the attacking power is important, it has been a while since we were able to show such defensive intensity, and since it is a core part of our strategy, it was good.
Q: It seemed like the players were playing as if they were liberated. What did you emphasize?
A, this week we had intense training and also did some intensive work. In response, the players reacted very well, and when I asked, 'How do you feel?' they replied, 'I'm looking forward to the match.' They showed that attitude even before the game.
Q: Among many key players, we appointed Taishi Brandon NOZAWA as the goalkeeper.
A, since we have fought all matches in the Levain Cup with Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, we should not avoid this match but rather have Taishi Brandon challenge again. As for the substitutions in the second half, there are many attacking intentions, which is no different from our previous choices.
[Player Interview]]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: Please reflect on the match.
It was a match where I felt the emotions of all the players. Throughout the 90 minutes, I believe that our strong mindset led to this result. Regardless of the form, it was a battle we approached to win, and I wanted to score a goal at all costs, and I think that feeling was transmitted to the ball for the opening goal. I want to continue the attitude of everyone working together to score and defend goals like we did today.
Q, you were caught up at one point, but your fighting spirit without looking down was impressive. I think there was a different atmosphere on the pitch than before.
A, everyone worked hard on both offense and defense without stopping. Chasing after a single ball desperately, aiming for the opponent's goal, and being able to fight for 90 minutes for victory was a good thing, regardless of the result.
Q: In the post-match interview, you mentioned "for Coach Anma." Please share your thoughts about Coach Anma again.
A, we have discussed various things with Head Coach Anma, and we have fought together during tough times. I believe that not just me, but everyone had a strong desire to win for Head Coach Anma, who has been supporting us, which was reflected in our play during the match.
Q: It was a match that felt like a new step for the team. How will you elevate the team from here in the upcoming matches?
I want to continue and further enhance the sense of unity we had today. With the new coach's appointment confirmed, I want to show more of our fighting spirit as a team, just like we did today. I want to demonstrate our passionate fight for the fans and supporters.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, a wonderful breakdown led to the goal. Please review it.
I would like to thank Kuryu MATSUKI. We were able to express the parts we shared as a team regarding how to connect and break through with the ball during the match. That led to the results. Everyone was really invested, so we finally scored and it was great to win.
Q: In the last match against Gamba Osaka, you seemed quite regretful, saying it was "my fault."
A, I wasn't really aware of it, but I think this victory is the result of various emotions and thoughts from everyone on the team. I believe that a strong team is one that can overcome difficult times together, no matter the situation. We were able to win with the style of football the team is trying to play, overcoming such a steep wall. We weren't able to perform well for the entire 90 minutes, but I think we did particularly well in the first half, and we started the second half with momentum and were able to score. I believe this victory clearly expressed what the team is trying to achieve at a minimum.
Q: How do you want to build on this victory for the next match?
We must not forget the momentum and spirit we showed in this match as we fought together in an away game. We have a home match next, and in order to bounce back as a strong Tokyo team, we need to approach every match with the intention of winning; otherwise, we won't achieve our goals, and I don't think the fans and supporters will be satisfied. I want to fight to win every match. Especially this season, we had only managed one win away, so I believe we have finally been able to repay the support of our fans and supporters.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q: You entered the match in a situation where you were winning. What were you conscious of?
A, we were winning, and it was a time when the team's stamina was starting to drop, so I approached it with the mindset of stepping up my game and saying, 'Let's go for more.'
Q: I think you have often been harsh in your evaluations of yourself in the matches you have played so far. How do you evaluate your performance today?
I played as a winger and was used in the front line, so naturally, I wanted to score. However, I feel that I was able to contribute through pressing and moving the ball. I wasn't able to achieve personal results, but in terms of contributing to the team's victory, I think I was able to do more than in the previous matches I've played, and I feel like I've grown.
Q: During halftime, I was called by name by the fans and supporters. I think it was a sign of their expectations.
When I am called by that name, I feel that there are expectations for me, and as a player, it motivates me to deliver even more joy to the fans and supporters. I want to respond to the support of everyone who always stands by me with results, so I want to delve into it once again.
Q, doesn't it hold significance that the match in which Leon NOZAWA participated and the team won was under the guidance of head coach Takayoshi AMMA?
A, Head Coach Anma taught me various things, and this time, he believed in me and included me in the team, allowing me to participate in the match. I was able to achieve a victory under that trust, so in that sense, I think I was able to meet expectations. However, on a personal level, there are still many things I need to work on, so I want to grow more and repay not only Head Coach Anma but also the supporting staff and all the fans and supporters.
