This will be the first match between these two teams in the J-League since September 2011. The last time they faced each other was on January 1, 2012 at the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo won the Emperor's Cup final. The upcoming match between Kyoto Sanga F.C., who have returned to the J1 League, and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who they faced on March 12, is expected to have a similar outcome.
Last season, Kyoto, who steadily accumulated points in the J2 league, had the characteristics of a high press from the front line and strength in ball battles. Even if the opponent's defense was organized, they could break through with individual skills, and Peter UTAKA, who could leave opponents behind with his speed on counter attacks, was a standout player in the J2 league. The team's momentum and the presence of their ace have not diminished at all since moving to the J1 league.
In the match against Hiroshima, who came in with sharp starts and kept coming to the ball side, we were unable to hold onto the ball and were forced to play a tough game. Even after winning, coach Albert Puig Ortoneda said, "Rather than being satisfied with today's match result, it is important to turn our focus towards ourselves. This season, it is most important to continue to work hard and grow," emphasizing the importance of using the content as a source of growth.
If that's the case, the key point of this Kyoto match will be whether we can prove our growth against an aggressive opponent who will also come forward. Can we take the right position, move the ball to relieve the opponent's pressure, and gradually push them back? Tokyo wants to dominate the ball and reduce Utaka's involvement in the game.
"It becomes difficult to maintain possession of the ball while playing in a style of constantly moving fluidly and observing the opponent's movements without getting too caught up in our own patterns."
After experiencing the midfield press in the Hiroshima match, player Shuto ABE pointed out a lack of flexibility as a point of reflection. Of course, even with a similar style, the players and formations are different. The phenomena that occur on the pitch cannot be said to be exactly the same as in the Hiroshima match. At that time, it becomes important for player ABE to emphasize the importance of "playing while considering the opponent's movements".
In the Júbilo Iwata match of the Levain Cup, which took place three days after the Hiroshima match, they were at a numerical disadvantage in the second half. However, unlike the match against Cerezo Osaka in the J1 League where they also played with one less player, they showed a strong attacking attitude and proved that the best defense is a good offense.
With each game, Albert Tokyo is steadily growing. He improves on his strengths and immediately solves any challenges. He will solve the challenges of the Hiroshima match and defeat Kyoto. He wants to leave his mark of growth in the ancient capital and bring back 3 points.
