＜Match Review＞
Tokyo, who played one league match and one Levain Cup match, faced Cerezo Osaka away in their second league match. After the limited squad match against Avispa Fukuoka on March 2nd, they had a three-day preparation period, with many players returning from recovery from COVID-19. They approached this match based on the squad from the opening match against Kawasaki Frontale.
From the start, Tokyo aggressively pressed the ball and launched quick counterattacks to establish their rhythm. In the 2nd minute of the first half, Yasuki Kimoto narrowly missed connecting with a near post corner kick from the right side, while Shinjiro MoriShige attempted to finish on the far side. In the 15th minute of the first half, Kazuya Konno's cross from the right side was not fully cleared by the opponent's defender, and Adailton attempted a bicycle kick on the loose ball, but narrowly missed the goal. In the 18th minute of the first half, Adailton, receiving a pass from Kimoto, made a powerful shot, but was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper.
Tokyo, who press high, possess the ball, and execute short counters effectively, continued to play the game at their own rhythm. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Matsuki Kusei, on the left side in a high position, stole the ball from the opponent. Adailton picked it up and entered the penalty area. With a slightly negative ground pass, Konno entered the goal front and smoothly placed the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal from the trap, scoring Tokyo's first goal.
Tokyo, who did not let up the pressure, launched a short counterattack from high positions with interceptions in the 36th and 39th minutes of the first half. Adailton and Diego OLIVEIRA both took shots, but neither could shake the net.
In the 40th minute of the first half, the only clear chance was created. The ball was stolen near the penalty area, and a cross was delivered from a deep position on the right side. A header shot was taken near the near post, but Jakub SLOWIK made a sharp reaction and cleared it from the goal. They controlled the game at their own pace and reached halftime.
In the second half, substitutions were made early in the game. Kensuke Nagai was replaced by Kono, who scored the opening goal, and Higashi was replaced by Abe. By bringing fresh players to the front line, they wanted to maintain a high press and control the pace of the game. However, in the 17th minute of the second half, Takuya Aoki received his second yellow card and was sent off. The game situation changed as they were reduced to ten men.
Tokyo changed the lineup and system, maintaining a compact formation while withstanding the opponent's attacks without retreating too much into their own half. However, there were more scenes where they were pressed closer to their own goal compared to the first half. In the midst of being pushed back, SLOWIK's play shines. In the 33rd minute of the second half, he reacted to a ground shot that flew towards the bottom left corner of the goal after a direct free kick from the center position. In the 39th minute of the second half, SLOWIK astonishingly dove to deflect a volley shot from KIYOTAKE outside the penalty area that flew towards the top left corner of the goal.
Thanks to the repeated outstanding performance of the goalkeeper, FC Tokyo endured a difficult time in the second half and achieved their first victory in the milestone 700th J1 League match, with Alberto Kyo securing the win.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please look back on today's game.
First of all, the players showed a high intensity of play in the first half. They were able to steal the ball and create many decisive chances. I think there were many times when the press fit well in the consciousness of wanting to steal in the center rather than the side. I wanted to score 2 or 3 more points in the first half and enter halftime, but it didn't happen. I think we were able to dominate the game in the first half. Cerezo Osaka is a dangerous team that plays with care for the ball. I think it was good to be able to dominate the game for the first 45 minutes against such opponents.
Considering that the physical condition has not returned to a good state, we expected to struggle in the second half. Perhaps due to the physical condition, there were mistakes in the pressing from the front, and Aoki ended up in a situation where he had to foul and was sent off, which was unfortunate. A good team knows that they have to struggle to win. And today, our players proved through their play that they know how to struggle for victory even when they are one player short compared to the opponent for about 30 minutes. Moreover, we were able to train with a full squad only once in the past two weeks. In such a difficult situation, I can easily imagine how proud I am of the efforts of the players who were determined and firmly won the match. And this will be the third match of the season, but I think the team is growing steadily. The fact that we were able to dominate the game and control the ball for a long time in the first half is proof of the team's growth. I am proud of all the players, but especially today, I would like to commend Kubo, who stopped decisive moments that could lead the team to victory.
Q: It was mentioned that you were expecting to struggle in the second half. Considering physical condition and other factors, what kind of plan were you trying to implement? What adjustments did you make after the player was sent off?
First of all, in the second half, which we expected to be difficult, we approached it with a plan to dominate the ball and the game. It was very unfortunate that Aoki, who had been leading the team to do just that, was sent off. I believe that as the team continues to grow, we will be able to finish the game by dominating the ball and the game even in a poor physical condition. The players have only spent about six weeks together with a new playing style. I think the fact that the team has grown this much in those six weeks is proof that we have high-quality players. If the team continues to grow in the future, I have no doubt that they will learn to dominate the ball and the game and finish the game even with one less player.
(After Aoki was sent off), we wanted to keep the defensive block as low as possible, but it was a difficult situation. For example, in such a situation, one of the young players, Kuryu Matsuki, contributed to the team in a wonderful way. Keigo Higashi, along with his experience, led the team in the direction of controlling the game with great plays. However, if the physical condition was better, I don't think we would have struggled so much even with one player less. We want to continue growing little by little.
Q, what kind of emotions came out when you won?
First of all, at the moment when the final whistle of the match sounded, I didn't know whether it was the whistle for the end of the match or the whistle for a foul. First of all, I was frustrated that we couldn't get results despite playing well in the two matches leading up to this. So I was happy that we were able to win in a way that swept away that frustration. In addition, we have struggled over the past two weeks due to the impact of the coronavirus. I was happy to have achieved this victory after going through that hardship. Personally, the first thing that comes to mind after this victory is the faces of my family. And when my team's players give their all like they did today for the sake of victory, and when they win, the coach feels proud. Cerezo Osaka is also a team that plays good soccer, but I can easily imagine how proud I am of the team that played such a wonderful soccer today against that opponent, and of the players who achieved the struggle for victory.
[Player Interview]
Jakub SLOWIK
Q, please look back on the game, there were many great plays.
First of all, I am happy that we were able to win today's game. At the same time, I feel that every member of the team contributed to the victory, and as a result, we have become a stronger team.
Q, we took the lead by scoring in the first half, but what were you conscious of while playing with one less player in the second half?
A, we were able to create a lot of chances in the first half and control the game. As a result, we were able to score the opening goal. In the second half, after being reduced to ten men, Cerezo Osaka pressed us high up the pitch, which made it difficult for us to keep possession in advanced areas. However, I believe that the result of everyone, including myself, continuing to play without losing focus led to the victory. I am proud that everyone contributed to winning this match.
Q, what kind of positive impact do you think this victory will have on the team?
A, I think this victory is a very important win. The fact that we were able to win even with one less player and the fact that we were able to show our strengths will definitely lead to the next step. I want to continue this attitude from our daily training, continue to achieve good results, and strive to become champions.
On the other hand, although we have big goals for this season, we believe it is important to focus on daily training and fight each game in front of us, rather than thinking too far ahead and to build up step by step.
＜Player Kazuya KONNO＞
Q, in both the Kawasaki Frontale match and the Avispa Fukuoka match, we created many chances but couldn't score. What was the team's focus on the offensive side for today's game?
A, I think we were able to show a great attacking form as a team. The coach also said that we should continue to believe because the goal will come someday, so I had the desire to score my first goal if I had a chance, and I was able to produce results, which was really good.
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
When Adailton cut the ball, I was free, so I had the image of trapping it and shooting to score. Adailton gave me a good ball, so all I had to do was trap it and put it into the side net.
Q, there were also difficult developments in the second half, but what kind of communication was happening on the pitch?
A situation where we had a player sent off and were pushed back in the second half continued, but my teammates ran and sacrificed themselves, so I am grateful that they protected the lead from the goal I scored.
Q, it was the first goal and first victory of the season as a team, which will boost our confidence.
Both the Kawasaki and Fukuoka matches were far from a single point, but I believe that goals will be produced in the next game as well. I think we can continue to create good attacking opportunities, so I want to contribute to the team's victory by scoring not only this one point but also more goals.
Q: Last season, there were injuries and other factors. Please tell us about your thoughts for this season.
A, I think it will be a very intense schedule and a total battle, but I want to contribute to the team firmly within the time given to me. I think the one-on-one situation on the side will become very important, so I would like to polish it and prepare my condition while trying to create opportunities.
Q: How do you feel about Konno's goals, which were the last of last season and the first of this season?
A, I wasn't really aware of it. In terms of this season, I didn't score in the Kawasaki and Fukuoka matches that I played in, so I approached the game with the determination to score my first goal myself, and I'm really happy that I was able to achieve that.
Q, is it safe to say that your participation in the Avispa Fukuoka match contributed to the outcome this time?
I think it was difficult to adjust the condition in the match against Avispa Fukuoka. It was difficult to maintain the condition away from home against Avispa Fukuoka and Cerezo Osaka, especially when we couldn't practice. However, I think everyone's efforts to fight within the given time led to victory.
Q, was it important to trap the ball firmly without letting it float when it comes to scoring?
A, yes. I wanted to shoot with my left foot, so I concentrated on trapping the ball tightly because I thought the opponent would come and cut it off. I aimed for the side net and swung it.
Q, how do you think the team has been performing in terms of offense so far?
A, we are able to create a good attacking shape while controlling the ball. The players who are playing also have a good feeling, so I think we can play even more interesting football if we improve the completion level.
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, it was really good that we were able to score early in the first half, and it was also good that we were able to defend as a team until the very end.
Q: In the first half, we were able to control the game in our favor. What kind of plays were you focusing on?
First of all, I was conscious of the overall balance. Also, throughout the game, I was constantly aware of aggressively pressing when the ball entered the opponent's double pivot. We were able to effectively press when the two pivots were engaged, and we were able to prevent them from playing freely.
Q, what were you conscious of during that period when it was difficult for a long time with one less player in the second half?
Since the anchor position was vacant, I played with (Higashi) Keigo-san and went forward to collect second balls and recover the space in front of the center back. I discussed with Morishige-san and Kimoto-san how to play in that area.
Q, I think it was a special situation, please tell me your impressions of playing 90 minutes in a professional game for the first time.
A, it was a very tough situation, but I think we can play our own style of soccer in the second half if there are no ejections, so I want to prepare our condition for the next home game. We were able to achieve our first professional victory, but I think what comes next is important, so it's good that we were able to take the first step.
＜Ryoma WATANABE player＞
Q, please reflect on the 90 minutes.
A, I had one dangerous scene myself, but apart from that, I think we were able to move the ball as we wanted in the first half and were in a good condition. I also think that we were able to defend with high intensity from the front, so I think we were able to score the opening goal. As for the second half, the way we fought changed when we had a player sent off, but I think we fought together with all our strength throughout the 90 minutes.
Q, how was it for you to play with the defense that was linked to the press from the front line and the push-up from the back in the first half, and then create short counters from there?
First of all, I was conscious of playing while observing the opponent's position, such as taking the inside position when Konno opens up, so that the players do not overlap. If I can become a player who can change the flow of the game for better or worse, I think the ball will naturally circulate and we can proceed with the game advantageously. So, I am working on it while being conscious of that in both offense and defense, even when there are no games, while studying.
Q: In the first half, there was a scene where Watanabe TSUBASA player was able to create a numerical advantage by carrying the opponent on his back and then turning to move the ball towards the opponent's goal.
A, I want to move forward as much as possible, and I think it would be good for the team if I can peel it off myself. If we can do that better, I think we can progress the game more advantageously as a team.
Q, it means a lot to the team that we were able to play the same kind of football as in the first half and win.
If we can play that kind of soccer for 90 minutes, I think the results will come. It's not about whether we can do it or not, but I believe there is meaning in continuing to do it, so I hope we can pick up results while doing it.
＜Yasuki KIMOTO player＞
Q, first of all, please look back on the 90 minutes.
A, in the first half, we were able to pass the ball in a good shape, and not only at our feet but also by using the back, we were able to make the opponent uncomfortable. We had several chances to score, and we were able to score one goal. There was one dangerous scene, but Kubo stopped it, and we had a good game in the first half. In the second half, we had a difficult time due to a player being sent off, but I think we were able to work hard as a team and strive to win.
Q, it seemed that Kimoto was able to control the game well by using his feet and the back of his foot in different situations during the build-up.
A, I think we were able to use short passes and long passes effectively while using good long balls. There was some criticism that there were few balls behind in the Kawasaki game, so I think we were able to use short passes and long passes well.
Q, was the press from the front line and the push from the back smooth, and did it fit the team's intention?
As a team, we have a strategy of immediately going forward to regain possession of the ball after it is taken from us, and we value the ball. In terms of the first half, the forward players have been defending well, so it is easier for the backline to push up and we have a sense of being able to recover the ball.
Q, there were many difficult moments in the second half, weren't there?
A, I think there will be tough matches with players being sent off as we go through the season, but I believe that winning is what is truly valued. In that sense, even though we were under pressure, it left an impression that we focused on getting 3 points.
Q, considering that we were able to firmly demonstrate our own style in the first half, can we say that we have proven our growth with a victory?
A, I think everyone who is watching can feel the soccer we want to play in the first half, and the players who are playing are also able to aim for the goal while valuing the ball, so I can feel the growth.
Q, I'm looking forward to going back home.
A, personally, I have a desire to play at home as soon as possible, and we have been struggling in away games, but we can return home after winning one game, and the consecutive matches will also end, so I want to make good preparations and strive to win with good soccer.
