＜Match Review＞
Finally, Alberto Tokyo has reached the day of his debut at Ajinomoto Stadium. It has been about 3 months since the last home game. Taking the first step in a stadium filled with warm weather that announces the arrival of spring and the expectations of the fans and supporters.
Takuya AOKI was suspended, and Yasuki KIMOTO was appointed as the anchor. Henrique TREVISAN, who has been absent since the opening match, formed a partnership with Masato MORISHIGE as the center back.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima took control of the early stages. They immediately pressed hard from the start, disrupting Tokyo's build-up play. Tokyo struggled to effectively move the ball against their sharp pressing, and they were constantly threatened by Sanfrecce Hiroshima's attacks in the first half. The momentum started to shift after around 25 minutes into the first half. In the 27th minute, Kusei Matsuki intercepted an opponent's pass. He passed the ball to Diego Oliveira, who initiated a quick counter-attack. Diego played a through pass to Adailton on the left side. Adailton broke free and took a powerful shot from a diagonal position on the left side of the goal, but the shot narrowly missed to the right of the goal. In the 33rd minute, Tokyo regained possession from a midfield battle and Diego managed to keep the ball despite being tackled by an opponent. Adailton picked up the loose ball and made a long pass to the right side. Koya Konno, who had made a run into the box, controlled the ball and took a shot with his right foot. The shot was blocked by a defender, and Konno attempted to push the rebound with his left foot, but he couldn't find the back of the net. The first half ended with a scoreless draw.
Tokyo, who wants to change the game, starts moving from the beginning of the second half. They send Hirotaka MITA onto the pitch instead of Henrique and Yuto NAGATOMO instead of Ryoma WATANABE.
Tokyo wanted to take the initiative after the substitution, but the game was decided by a set piece. In the 15th minute of the second half, Mita took a free kick from the left, and Morishige won the header on the far side. The ball, which went over the opponent's goalkeeper, was sucked into the top left corner of the goal, and Tokyo took the lead. Tokyo, with momentum, didn't stop there. In the 16th minute right after the goal, Diego received a pass from Mita and made a through pass. Shuto Abe broke free in the penalty area and took a shot from slightly right of center. It was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper, but Adailton followed up on the rebound and calmly slotted it into the bottom right corner, putting Hiroshima well behind in one go.
After taking the lead, Hiroshima continued to push Tokyo back. In the 29th minute of the second half, they faced a free kick near the penalty area, but the shot aimed at the goal was saved by player Jakub SLOWIK with a sharp reaction. Tokyo held on, but in the 29th minute of the second half, they were caught off guard. A through pass was played behind the defensive line, and Ayukawa Shun scored a one-on-one goal against SLOWIK.
As the opponent's momentum continued, we tried to break through by making substitution cards, but we were unable to possess the ball and control the game. However, the defense, led by player SLOWIK, held on in critical moments and secured a 1-0 lead, earning a significant 3 points in our first home game.
[Albert Coach Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A, we started in a way that was quite difficult to break through Hiroshima's intense press. It was very difficult to break through the team's defense, which came pressing almost like man-to-man marking.
From kick-off to 10 minutes, we couldn't break through for 15 minutes, and because of that, we couldn't start the game with a good feeling. After that, it's not like we were able to make good plays, but we were able to improve to a certain extent and play with more composure.
There were many simple mistakes in the attacking phase, and at the same time, our pressing in defense was often delayed, so it was not a good first half where we were able to make good plays.
We made adjustments at halftime and modified the starting position from the second half to a formation like 4-2-3-1. Kimoto was playing as a one-man midfield for the first time in a while, but he looked tired, so we made a double midfield adjustment. We also brought in Nagatomo on the right side of defense to improve our defense with his experience. And to calm the game down a bit more, we also brought in Mita in the midfield, aiming to make use of his technical skills and decision-making abilities.
It was great to be able to score the opening goal from a set piece in such a flow. It was also a plus that we were able to score an additional goal from a quick transition of attack and defense after taking the lead. While we were leading the game 2-0, it was unfortunate that we lost the ball due to our mistake and conceded a goal from a short counterattack.
In the second half, there were times when we were able to control the game to some extent, but it was not continuous, and unfortunately, we were unable to control the game throughout the 90 minutes.
The team has just started to grow and build. It is also worth noting that Henrique has returned to the official match after a long time. It is possible that Kimoto's first play as a defensive midfielder did not work, which is understandable at the start of the season. Instead of being satisfied with today's match result, it is important to focus on ourselves. This season, it is crucial to continue making efforts and growing. It is also necessary for the players to give their all on the pitch, just like today. The next match is coming soon, so we want to concentrate on preparing well in a short amount of time.
Q: I think we were expected to be pressed by the opponent, but what do you think was the factor that made it difficult for us?
A, we pressed them with equal numbers in the opponent's defensive line and also in the front line. I think their defense is structured with such numerical risks.
If we were able to skillfully break through and create multiple decisive chances while the opponent took risks and pressed high, but today we were unable to do so. When we were unable to do that, we lost control of the game.
Since Aoki was sent off in the previous match, we decided to use Kimoto, who had previously played as a defensive midfielder. However, the team situation was such that he had no choice but to play as a defensive midfielder, which is not his usual position in Tokyo. I think this also had an impact on today's performance.
Q, among them, I think it is commendable to adhere to the instructions given by the coach to win.
A, I am truly happy that we were able to earn 3 points, but I also think that when we win, we need to reflect on ourselves more. The players have high quality. The team is still in the growth stage. I think there will be games that don't go well, like today. However, I think this is the first game in the fourth match of the season, and it was a game where we couldn't play with a good feeling from the start of the game.
Q, please tell us the reason for choosing Captain Morishige again and evaluate his performance.
First of all, I chose him as the captain because he is evaluated as a representative player of the team. He is one of the players highly valued by his teammates. I also appreciate that he has been playing for this club for a long time. I see him as someone who will continue to carry this club even after retirement. And this season, I am grateful for the many contributions he has made to the team as captain. He continues to take appropriate actions as captain. Along with Diego, the 2nd captain, he is leading the team in the right direction. And as the 3rd captain, I have chosen four other veteran players who are helping to lead the team in a positive direction. I am proud of them and grateful.
[Player Interview]
Masato MORISHIGE
Q, it was the long-awaited home opening game. I think the first half was a tough situation.
A, it was a tough situation. I am glad that we won the game, but I feel that there is still a lot to be done because the performance did not match.
Q: While Ryo AOKI was absent, what specific defensive aspects were you paying attention to?
A, I thought that the things we had to do were simple, so I thought it was about doing them without any big mistakes. In that process, I feel like we were lacking in our variations and ideas.
Q: How did you feel when you scored your first goal of the season, which was assisted by player Hikaru Mita?
A, it was all I could do to hit it with my head, so luckily it flew to a good spot.
Q: Looking back at the challenging situation, how do you feel Hiroshima's press was able to break through?
A, I felt that we were too attached to what we have been doing, so I felt that it would have been better to be a little more flexible and change our positioning and other things.
Q, it seemed like Coach Albert was observing the game situation in the first half. On the pitch, what kind of communication were the players using to outmaneuver the opponents?
A, there were also times when we were unsure about how we should proceed. After today's match, we will discuss it thoroughly with the coach and work towards the next game.
It is a good thing that the team can grow while winning, so regarding today, it is a good thing that we were able to earn 3 points at the minimum today, but I want to keep in mind that we need to improve the quality of our game even more and prepare for it.
Q: There were times when we couldn't find the rhythm of our attack. What were you conscious of during those times?
A, it was difficult to attack because the opponent was able to defend as an organized unit from the beginning. However, regarding today's match, I was conscious of fighting and I wanted to play thoroughly in that aspect.
Q, Adailton's additional goal showed his quality. Looking back, how was it?
A, I was able to calmly decide while watching the opponent's goalkeeper's position in response to the ball that spilled over.
Q, why is the team able to continue fighting without conceding even in situations where the team's situation worsens?
Reducing goals conceded and dominating the game to achieve victory is the game plan that the coach is seeking. There may be times when it doesn't go well, but I hope that we can strengthen ourselves as we continue to practice. We aim to reduce goals conceded and dominate the game.
Q: Do you want to continue defending in a high position, including the goal, and be able to launch a quick attack by stealing the ball?
A soccer that defends by stealing from the front line and connects to a counterattack is one of the patterns of attack, so I want to improve the quality in order to score a goal.
Shuto ABE player
Q, I think there was information that the opponent would press from the front, but it seemed like we were directly affected by it from the beginning.
A, the opponent's intensity was high, and we ended the first half without knowing how to break through while being quite stuck. There were some parts that we were able to fix during halftime, but overall, we couldn't play the kind of soccer that we are aiming for.
Q, in the middle of the first half, there were scenes where we were able to create chances by winning the ball in a high position and launching a short counterattack. However, were you still unsatisfied with the first half?
A, it was our intention to take the ball away from the front, so that part went as planned, but on the other hand, we couldn't play the soccer we wanted to. We really wanted to break the press, control the ball well, and push the opponent back to progress the game.
Q, how was the communication on the pitch in terms of improving during the game?
A, today the distance between the players was far, so when the center back passed to the side back, it ended up getting stuck. We were trying to improve by getting closer, but it didn't work out well and we played.
Q: Where do you think the factors for improvement in the second half lie?
A, I changed my position and formation a little, so there were some places where I fit in, but the only good time was when I was able to score a goal, so if I could have held the ball for a longer time, I think the game would have been more settled.
Q, I think we are in a stage of growth through trial and error as we work on a new style. Do you have any points for improvement to grow for the next game?
When facing high-intensity pressure from the front in a man-to-man style, it is important to think about how to break free. Otherwise, the same situation will occur in the Levain Cup match against Iwata and the league match against Kyoto. We need to move more fluidly without getting too stuck in our formation, observe the opponent's movements, and think while playing. Otherwise, it becomes difficult to maintain possession of the ball and play in a style that involves holding onto the ball.
Q, is it more about improving as a team tactic rather than individual tactics?
A, it is necessary to create a triangle at all times, so it is necessary to aim for the back as well as the feet, so you have to determine whether it is a connecting point or a point to push the ball forward.
Q, however, can we evaluate the part where we won?
The coach said that even though the performance was not good after the game, it was important to earn 3 points, so I think it's a positive thing that we were able to win even though the performance was bad.
＜Hirotaka MITA player＞
Q, how was it looking back on your performance coming on in the second half?
A, although I was able to show some good parts, I spent a lot of time defending, so I wish I could have made plays that could have helped the team more.
Q, what did you keep in mind when playing in the match?
A, while watching the first half, the situation was unsettled with the ball, so I wanted to change the flow when I entered the game. There were some parts that I was able to do, but after taking the lead, there were many long balls and I didn't get the ball to myself often, so I am not satisfied with myself.
Q, I wanted to be more involved with the ball and play a role.
I was told by Coach Albert that I wanted to calm the game down while touching the ball more. It was a game of half and half, what I could do and what I couldn't do.
Q, the opening goal was a goal that created the team's momentum in a difficult situation. Was the assist for the first goal as intended?
Player Mori is not aiming for it, butit was good that the goal was scored as he had been practicing to pass the ball quickly.
Q, how was the second point also the starting point of the attack?
I think it led to a goal that we were able to defend from a high position rather than drawing immediately after the first point. I hope we can combine well the strategy of breaking while holding the ball and launching a quick attack.
Q, could we have had a calmer game development?
A, I think we can do it. Since it is still a new style and the period is short, we should not be satisfied with this content, and I think the fans and supporters were happy that we won, but I am not satisfied with the game content, so I want to continue working on it without forgetting that.
