Match Review
In the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C. for the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 28, aiming for the first victory after the break. Tokyo has struggled with a lack of scoring, having gone three matches without a goal, so they want to focus on attacking while controlling the flow of the game.
The team made two changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. In goal, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who has been supporting the team with a series of great saves, is set to start. The final line features Hotaka NAKAMURA as the right back, known for his high work rate, while Kanta DOI has been named as a center back, starting for the fourth consecutive match since the break. Replacing Masato MORISHIGE, who suffered a concussion in the last match, is Tetsuhei OKA, and Yuto NAGATOMO is positioned as the left back. In midfield, Takahiro KO and Keisuke KOIZUMI form a partnership as defensive midfielders, with Ryotaro ARAKI playing just behind the forwards. The three forwards remain the same as in the previous match, with Diego OLIVEIRA in the center, Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right, and Keita ENDO on the left.
In addition, the bench includes four forwards, including the new player Ewerton Gaudino, who is expected to make his debut. The team united to aim for the long-awaited goal and victory in the match.
1st HALF - Pressed by the opponent's early moves, we fell behind by 2 points.
The match was overwhelmed by the momentum of Kyoto, who launched an aggressive press right after the kickoff.
When the aggressive press caused a disruption in the build-up and the ball was lost in a high position, Rafael Elias took a powerful left-footed shot. This was deflected away by Nozawa's diving save, but from that corner kick, Rafael Elias headed the ball into the net, resulting in a goal. This completely caught us off guard, allowing the opening goal just 2 minutes into the match.
After that, there were times when we were pressed by the opponent and struggled to connect passes, but with Takahashi as the focal point, we calmed the game down and gradually increased our possession rate, leading to more play in the opponent's half.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Diego TABA capitalized on a loose ball from Araki's left corner kick, and in the following 32nd minute, Nakagawa aimed for the goal after receiving a through pass from Araki inside the penalty area, creating scenes of pressure on the opponent's goal.
However, in the 34th minute of the first half, Kyoto launched a powerful long-range shot from a counterattack. Although it was deflected by player Nozawa, they conceded a painful additional goal from this corner kick, headed in by player Hara. The lead was extended to two points. It was a regrettable goal considering they had started to create opportunities to control the pace and push forward.
Tokyo, wanting to make a push, enters the attacking third and looks for chances, but the first half ends like this. The counterattack will carry over to the second half.
2nd HALF - A fierce counterattack was thwarted by the crossbar and did not bear fruit
In the second half, chasing a 2-goal deficit, Tokyo substituted Soma ANZAI for Nagatomo. He immediately took his place as the left side back, trying to enhance the attacking power.
However, Kyoto continued their high press from the kickoff of the second half, actively attacking from a high position. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Kyoto made a perfect connection from a corner kick, but Nozawa showed sharp reflexes and made a diving save. They are struggling to boost the team's momentum through defense.
However, Tokyo is unable to connect the ball as they wish due to the intense press from Kyoto. In the 5th minute of the second half, they suffered a wave of attacks from a loss on the left side, and their defensive line was broken in the penalty area, resulting in the loss of the third goal.
The difficult situation continues. Anzai, who was just brought on in the second half, was injured in the 8th minute of the second half due to contact with an opponent. He was forced to be substituted, and Keigo HIGASHI entered the midfield, while Kei KOIZUMI was scrambled into the left side back position. The situation relied on tactical insight and experience.
Tokyo struggled to create chances. In the 67th minute of the second half, Diego received a right cross from Nakamura and executed a right-footed volley. It seemed that Nakagawa had scored with a technical bicycle kick from the rebound, but the goal was disallowed because Nakagawa was in an offside position at the moment Diego took the shot. It was a brilliant shot, but unfortunately did not result in a goal.
In the 24th minute of the second half, coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI makes adjustments to the front line. Ewerton, making his debut for Tokyo, comes on as a right winger in place of Nakagawa, and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA is sent onto the pitch in place of Araki.
In the 30th minute of the second half, Higashi, who had switched positions with Koizumi and moved to the defensive midfielder role, spread the play from the center to the left side. Receiving the ball, Ewerton sent it towards the goal with his strong left foot, and Takahashi, who made a run, headed it. Takahashi quickly reacted to the rebound that was blocked by the crossbar and aimed again with his left foot, but this went over the goal, failing to score the equalizing goal.
Tokyo wants to increase the pressure from the front line. In the 39th minute of the second half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who had just been brought on, made a strong dribble from the left side and struck with his right foot. This was thwarted by a good reaction from the opposing goalkeeper, but the attackers are trying to break through by boldly challenging from both sides.
In the final stages, while enduring with Nozawa's excellent saves, there were scenes where Tawaramizuki aimed for a goal, but they couldn't break through Kyoto, who solidified their defense while aiming for a counterattack after widening the score gap.
There were unexpected accidents, but the match developed in a way that fell into the opponent's trap, resulting in three goals conceded, including the start of both halves, and leaving a frustrating outcome of four consecutive matches without scoring.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Kanta DOI/Teppei OKA/Nagato YUTO (Substituted: Soma ANZAI at 0 min of 2nd half) (Substituted: Keigo HIGASHI at 13 min of 2nd half)
MF Yu HIRAKI/Kei KOIZUMI/Ryotaro ARAKI (Substituted: Go KOBAYASHI at 24 min of 2nd half)
FW Diego Oliveira/Keita ENDO (Substituted: Kota TAWARA at 38 min of 2nd half)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (Substituted: Ewerton Gaudino at 24 min of 2nd half)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
―
<Kyoto Sanga F.C.>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Soen YUN
DF Shinnosuke FUKUDA/Yuta MIYAMOTO/Yoshinori SUZUKI
MF Shimpei FUKUOKA/Takuji YONEMOTO (substituted in 24th minute: Sota KAWASAKI)/Taiki HIRATO (substituted in 45th minute: Ryuma NAKANO)/Kyo SATO
FW Marco TULLIO (substituted in 45th minute: Murilo COSTA)/Taichi HARA/Rafael ELIAS (substituted in 38th minute: Sora HIRAGA)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Kazunari KITA/Lucas Oliveira
GOAL
2nd minute of the first half: Rafael Elias/36th minute of the first half: Taichi HARA/5th minute of the second half: Taiki HIRATO
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please review the game.
A, I am very regretful about today's score. Kyoto deserved to win and outperformed us in key areas. The important thing is to reflect on our play and learn from it. I think there were points where we needed to be sharper. There was a difference between when we played well and when we did not, and it turned into a very difficult match. We started the game poorly, and goals change the course of the match. Kyoto took the lead from a corner kick, which was the best start for them. After that, we were close to taking control of the game, but at that point, we conceded another goal from a corner kick. Such things should not happen, as they change the flow of the match. We needed to take control of the game there. The players fought hard and gave everything. Kyoto capitalized on dangerous situations in front of the goal effectively. As a result, we lost 3 points.
Q: Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA was brought in to replace Ryotaro ARAKI. Was there an option to use both players at the same time?
A, that option is also one of the possible choices. Koshikawa made dangerous plays for the opponent when he came on. (Regarding his appearance from the middle of the game) he is still in the stage of getting his body rhythm, which is important for his future. There was also a feeling that Diego OLIVEIRA would do something. I wanted to see the combination of Diego OLIVEIRA and Ewerton. It was a judgment from that perspective.
Q: What do you think are the reasons for not being able to win and not being able to score since entering summer?
A, we are currently in a very difficult situation. I believe that winning is a habit, and in that sense, we are in a challenging situation. During tough times, I think it is often the case that the flow does not come our way. Today, we were unable to score, but we created several chances. There were two instances where we hit the crossbar, and there was also a goal that was disallowed for offside. When things are going well, I believe those situations turn into goals and tilt in our favor.
We talked about this a few weeks ago, but times like these are important, and we are being tested in this difficult situation. As we prepare for the next match, I believe it is crucial to consider how we will respond and what actions we will take. Our process does not change, and we will thoroughly analyze our performance. Within that, we need to learn where we can improve effectively. This situation can lead to the greatest growth, and it is essential for everyone to work hard to overcome it. We want to take it step by step and work towards achieving results. There are 10 matches left with 30 points available. We believe we can improve even more.
[Player Interview]
＜Takahiro KO＞
Q: Wasn't it a difficult match receiving high pressure from the opponent from start to finish?
I think not being able to effectively avoid the opponent's press was everything in today's match. This has happened many times before, and since we keep repeating the same mistakes, I believe this reflects the current team's shortcomings. We need to clarify what we should do, have thorough discussions, and each of us must take responsibility. There were moments in the first half where we could move the ball, but I want us to be able to do that from the start of the game, not just after conceding a goal. If we only react to the opponent, we will always be one step behind. I believe we can only move forward by having a shared awareness as a team.
Q: What aspects did you aim for but were unsuccessful in?
A, the second balls were indeed rolling to the opponent quite often, and when facing Kyoto SANGA S, if we could have firmly controlled that situation, the momentum would have come our way. The fact that the momentum rolled to the opponent is proof that our preparation is still lacking. First and foremost, we need to surpass the opponent in the essence of football: fighting, running, and the mental aspect. Personally, and as a team, I want us to play with a strong mindset in that regard once again. Even today, despite being an away game, the fans and supporters created a wonderful atmosphere and continued to cheer us on until the end after the match. I feel very regretful and sorry that we couldn't respond with a victory. However, there are still matches to come, so I believe we can only continue to face the same direction and keep going.
Q: Everyone involved with the team is currently going through a tough time. Please tell us the most important thing you want to focus on for the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, after all, it is important how much each individual truly has the feeling of wanting to win. It is precisely at times like this that we are challenged to confront the opponent in front of us. I believe we can only do this through training, so while being thorough and particular, each person should focus their efforts inward rather than directing them towards others or outside.
<Ewerton Gaudino>
Q, this was your first official match after joining Tokyo.
It was my debut match in Tokyo, and I am very disappointed that the team lost 0-3 and that I could not contribute with plays that led to goals. However, the next match is coming up soon. I want to work hard in training with my teammates next week and keep looking forward to seize victory in the next match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Q, I think there was a high level of contribution in defense, not just in offensive play.
A, today I came on as a substitute on the right wing, but regardless of which position I played, I believe it's just about expressing the plays necessary for the team's victory, as required by Coach Klamovski and my teammates.
Q: Once again, is there anything you couldn't fully express on the pitch in official matches?
I played for about 20 minutes as a substitute, and since it was my first time playing in the J-League, I think it was a tough match with various difficulties, especially coming in when the team was losing. From here, I want to first improve my condition to increase my playing time and contribute with plays that lead to goals.
Q: There are 10 matches left in the league. How do you want to contribute from here on?
A, today's match is no exception, and recently, not only we players but also all the fans and supporters have been going through tough times. However, in order to win the remaining league matches, I want to prioritize unity and moving forward. Your support has been a great encouragement, and for the next match against Hiroshima, we players want to work hard in training and focus solely on victory to respond to your cheers.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: Although the situation is tough, what do you think is necessary to change the current circumstances?
A, we are also trying various things, but we are in a situation where we cannot create chances, cannot score, and easily concede goals. We have to change something. It must be changed by ourselves.For the pride of fighting as part of this team and for the fans and supporters who cheer for us. Another match will come soon. We will all work together again for victory.
