Match Review
In the previous match, Tokyo suffered its first consecutive losses of the season after narrowly losing to Kashiwa Reysol. Furthermore, in the midweek Emperor's Cup 3rd Round, they were defeated by J2 League's JEF United Chiba after extra time, putting them in a difficult situation with three consecutive official match losses.
The match at the Japan National Stadium, in such a situation, is a perfect opportunity to break the current flow. A game at this sacred place, where we have remained unbeaten so far, is expected to be a must-win. There is only one change in the starting lineup from the match against Kashiwa. Keita ENDO has made it back to the starting members for the first time in about three months, replacing Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, while Matsuki, who will leave the club after this match, is waiting for his chance from the bench.
1st HALF - Starter Keita meets expectations with a goal
Just like the match against Kashiwa Reysol a week ago, where we took the lead in the second minute, the start of the game was fantastic. Yasushi ENDO, who played as a left winger, became the starting point for the attack, creating the first chance in the third minute of the first half. After winning the ball from a press back by Diego OLIVEIRA, ENDO carried it and delivered a cross towards the back. Kosuke SHIRAI, the right back who jumped in, swung his right foot, but it was blocked by a defender.
Nevertheless, Tokyo boldly attacked and scored the opening goal in the 6th minute of the first half. Connecting passes from their own half and breaking down the left side, Endo reacted to a through pass from Kei KOIZUMI. Without hesitation, he carried the ball towards the goal, regained control as he entered the area, created a shot angle, and unleashed a powerful strike. The fierce shot deflected off the opposing goalkeeper's hands and shook the goal net.
Tokyo took control with an early opening goal, but as time passed, the flow of the game settled down. While building up play from the two center backs, Yasuki KIMOTO and Teppei OKA, they created opportunities to invade the opponent's territory, but struggled to get shots off. Conversely, even when Niigata held the ball, they did not allow any goals in the final moments, maintaining a clean sheet.
Around the 30-minute mark of the first half, a missed pass in our own territory led to a dangerous situation, but Kimoto threw himself to block Taniguchi's shot. From the resulting loose ball, we transitioned to a counterattack, creating a chance for the third time through Endo's dribbling breakthrough, but the cross did not reach Diego TABA, and we could not add another goal.
2nd HALF—The long-awaited Leon goal secures an unbeaten record at the National Stadium.
In contrast to the first half, in the second half, Niigata took control with sharp starts. In the 5th minute of the second half, they faced a crisis. Their right side was breached, allowing Taniguchi to take a shot in the area, but it went wide, and they escaped danger. However, immediately after that, they were threatened again. A feed from Thomas DENG turned the situation around, and a one-touch pass from Taniguchi allowed Nagakura to break free. However, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who had returned desperately, closed in and prevented the shot.
In the final moments, Tokyo showed concentrated defense to maintain their lead, and in the 16th minute of the second half, Matsuki was brought on. Then, just two minutes later, there was an immediate opportunity. They aimed for a direct free kick, but it went straight to the goalkeeper.
Even so, Matsuki's entry onto the pitch clearly changed the flow of the game. In the 28th minute of the second half, Matsuki collected a loose ball in midfield and spread it to the left side. He received a return pass from Leon NOZAWA and aimed with his favored left foot, showing his eagerness to score.
Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Tokyo finally scored an additional goal. Exploiting the right side, Kei KOIZUMI burst into space and delivered a speedy cross to a teammate making a run up the opposite side. Nozawa, who had made a run into the goal area from the far side, calmly shook the net, scoring his first goal in the J1 League and his first professional goal in Tokyo.
Tokyo held on through the 6 minutes of added time displayed, achieving their first victory in 3 league matches and stopping a 2-match losing streak. At the moment of the final whistle, the chant for Matsuki echoed from behind the goal.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Yasuki KIMOTO (41st min: Masato MORISHIGE)/Teppei OKA/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Hiroshi TAKAU/Yoshiki KOIZUMI/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (41st min: Chikara HARAKAWA)
FW Diego Oliveira (16th min: Kuryu MATSUKI)/Keita ENDO (26th min: Leon NOZAWA)/Soma ANZAI (41st min: Yuto NAGATOMO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
FW Jája Silva
GOAL
6th minute of the first half: Keita ENDO / 33rd minute of the second half: Leon NOZAWA
<Albirex Niigata>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Koto ABE
DF Soya FUJIWARA/Ryo ENDO/Thomas DEN/Yuto HORIGOME
MF Hiroki AKIYAMA/Yuzuru SHIMADA (38th minute: Eiji MIYAMOTO)/Yota KOMI/Kaito TANIGUCHI (31st minute: Yuji ONO)
FW Motoki HASEGAWA (31st minute: Eitaro MATSUDA)/Motoki NAGAKURA (38th minute: Yoshiaki TAKAGI)
SUBS
GK Daisuke YOSHIMITSU
DF Takumi HASEGAWA/Kazuhiko CHIBA
GOAL
―
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please summarize today's match.
I think it was a good three points. The players approached the game with a very good attitude and worked hard. Together with the many fans and supporters who came to the Japan National Stadium, we fought for the three points we earned with Kuryu MATSUKI. Regarding the first half, I think there were moments when we were able to show good things in our attack when we had the ball, but I believe we could have used the spaces available to us a bit better. However, we were able to move towards the goal effectively within that context. We showed good movement and connections towards the goal, which led to the goal, but I think we could have attacked more by utilizing the spaces available to us a bit more. In the second half, we had to work hard. I believe there could have been a bit more time for us to control the game. Nevertheless, it was a good point that we were able to score the second goal in the way we designed it and finish it off.
I really want to express my deep gratitude to the fans and supporters who came here today. I believe they have become something special for both the players and Matsuki, and I want to deliver this 3 points to them.
Q: Please tell us the reason why Ryotaro ARAKI, who has been selected for the Japan national team for the Paris Olympics, was not included in the squad.
A, there were 3 matches in 7 days. There was a match in the midweek as well, and for us, today was the third match in a row. He has played in many matches this season and has provided us with something wonderful. I believe he was selected for the Japan national team because he played in a way that we can be proud of as a club. Our decision for today's match was to use as many fresh players as possible. Matsuki has been performing very well this season, and I am looking forward to him playing in the Olympics. Of course, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA is also included in that. Matsuki was a bit tired, so we decided to rest him and fight with fresh players today.
Q: Today's match was held in front of a large crowd of 57,885 people. How was the content of the football played?
A, when we had the ball, we were able to play dangerously for the opponent. We want to become a team that can do that. We also want to be a team that can take advantage of the opponent's weaknesses to score. In today's match, it would have been good if we could control the game, and if we could have done that, I believe we could have been more aggressive. There were moments in our movements and plays where we were in a good flow, and I think we were a threat to the opponent. And we scored two good goals. I am proud that Leon NOZAWA scored the team's second goal. He executed what we practice every day and was able to connect it to a goal. The important thing is that we are a team that is growing. We want to continue to grow and develop our way of fighting.
Q: What kind of growth has Kuryu MATSUKI experienced on and off the field in the past year and a half?
From the first day I started working with Matsuki, I had a passion to bring out the best in this player. This is the same for all the players. I believe his attitude, dedication, and commitment are truly inspiring. You may have been surprised that he became the captain this season. I think the qualities of leadership he possesses are special. This has also contributed to his growth as a young player. I really believe he has delivered exceptionally well up to this point. Of course, I think he always has "blue and red" in his heart, and I believe the club FC Tokyo and the entire Tokyo area are looking forward to his second chapter.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: We achieved a victory in the match immediately after the announcement of the team's departure.
A, my peer Leon NOZAWA scored his first goal in the J1 League, and I know how hard he has worked. I feel proud to see my contemporaries succeed and be able to go overseas. Before today's match started, Kei KOIZUMI said to everyone, "For Kuu," and since we were able to win, I can leave the team feeling good.
Q: You came on as a substitute, but what were you focused on when entering the match?
A, I entered the game when the score was 1-0, and I was thinking of pulling ahead. The defense had been in a blocking state since the first half, so I was trying to adapt to that and exert my strength during counterattacks. I will never forget this victory.
Q: How do you reflect on what you have gained from being involved with the Tokyo club for about three seasons, including participating in practices?
A, I don't think I would have been able to play in matches if it weren't for Tokyo. Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, the former manager, consistently used me as a starter from the opening match, and I was appointed captain by Peter CKLAMOVSKI. I had a truly great experience in my career as a football player, and I believe this experience will definitely be beneficial in the next stage. I want to stay grounded and continue to work hard.
Q: When speaking in front of fans and supporters, you mentioned wanting to become a player who leaves a mark in the club's history.
From now on, it will be a battle with myself, and I want to perform in a way that I can be called the most successful player in Tokyo while playing overseas.
Q: What have you gained in terms of play from your time in Tokyo and from serving as captain?
I think I have gradually developed my composure and ability to control the game. There were times when it was really difficult to keep things together as a captain, both in good times and bad. I couldn't have done it alone; I received support from my seniors and juniors, and I am truly grateful to Masato MORISHIGE and Koizumi.
Q: Will being able to depart with many fans and supporters seeing you off be a source of strength in the future?
More than 57,000 fans and supporters, including those of Albirex Niigata, gathered to watch, and I could see that while playing. I want to soar while carrying everyone's expectations.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q, this was your first goal in Tokyo. Please review the scoring scene.
A, that goal was part of the team's plan, and the player on the opposite side was supposed to move in. I made eye contact with Kei KOIZUMI and thought the ball would definitely come to me. Until now, there have been chances like that where I couldn't finish, so I felt I had to score this time. It was more about the feeling than the technique that pushed me to score. I remembered the scenes where I had missed before, but I had practiced a lot since then, and that goal was the result of all that effort. I really want to thank all the many people who supported me, and that's why I was there, and the ball came to me, allowing me to score. I want to express my gratitude to the players and staff in Tokyo, and most importantly, to the fans and supporters who have continued to cheer for us until now.
Q: I think you have spent a lot of difficult times until today.
Since becoming a professional, I have really gone through a tough season. However, I believe that the goals I was able to score were thanks to the many people who have continuously supported me. I think today's match has been a significant opportunity for my growth, so I want to take that positively. I feel like I have finally reached the starting point today, so I want to leave my mark in the next match as well to contribute to our victory.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Kashima Antlers.
A, today as well, during the away match of the 2024 J League YBC Levain Cup, you were singing my chant, and your support has been an incredible source of strength for me, so I want to express my gratitude. I was finally able to respond to that support with results. Thanks to all the fans and supporters who have continued to push me forward, I want to give back even more from now on.
<Keita ENDO>
Q, please review the scoring scene.
A, it was an angle I am good at. I believe what is expected of me are plays that lead to goals, such as shots and crosses in that situation, so I am glad I was able to score with a good shot there.
Q: It has been a difficult period since the injury.
Even though I couldn't play in perfect condition, I was able to adjust from a short amount of time and play without worrying about myself. I'm glad I was able to change the bad trend of consecutive losses in the league.
Q: You have been going through a difficult period with three consecutive losses. What preparations did you make for today's match?
A difficult match against Avispa Fukuoka, Kashiwa Reysol, and JEF United Chiba, the support from the fans and supporters during these three matches was the best encouragement, and even while sitting on the bench, we were talking with other players. Among that, it was the entire team, including ourselves and the staff, who could not respond with results. Today, I believe everyone approached the match with the feeling of fighting for the fans and supporters who came to cheer for us after our poor performance against Chiba.
Q: I think next week's match against Kashima Antlers will be important for improving our ranking. Today, many people came to the game, setting a new record for the highest home attendance in the club's history. Please share a message for those fans and supporters.
Since there are no midweek matches, I want to prepare thoroughly. It is not a given that people come to watch our matches even when we are not getting results, and it is not just because it is the Japan National Stadium or Ajinomoto Stadium; we must play soccer for the fans and supporters who cheer for us. I want to play soccer while feeling the joy of being able to play, for those who have even a little expectation of us.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: It has been a while since the last clean sheet. How do you feel about the overall match?
It was important to win for sure, so I am glad we were able to accumulate points. I believe we are a team that can win, but in recent matches, we have made the games difficult for ourselves. We focused solely on delivering results without being overly pessimistic about the three consecutive losses. In that sense, I truly think it was great that we were able to win for sure today.
Q: You have been conceding goals, but what aspects did you focus on for today's match?
A, on a personal level, I still had many things to learn and I think I was lacking in study. It is important to maintain an attitude of continuous learning, but constantly making mistakes and continuing to learn from goal difference can be a burden on the team, and I felt that as a goalkeeper, I needed to rise to a higher level quickly. That’s why I’m glad we achieved a victory today. As a team, I believe it is important to continue communicating with each other and to respect the plays each of us decides on, while continuing to support one another.
Q: After this, you will leave the team to join the U-23 Japan national team. What kind of preparations are you making for the national team activities, and what results do you want to achieve and bring back?
A, representing Japan, it is difficult to simply express the weight of this responsibility in words, but I want to fully understand that I am standing there and fight through it. Regardless of the outcome, I want to spend the tournament in a way that leaves no regrets like "I should have done this." The league matches will continue even after returning to Tokyo, and I have not given up on the league title at all. From here on, I believe that dropping points will make the battles more difficult, so I want to secure victories.
Q: Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters who sent you off with loud cheers.
I really want to show plays that can encourage those who are supporting us. Of course, I feel that I must meet the expectations of those who are cheering for us, so I believe that failure is not an option. However, it is important not only to make good plays but also to consider how to rise up after a failure.I hope that I can be a reason for those who support us to feel motivated to do their best that day, even if just a little.
