Second match of the three consecutive games against AFC Champions League participating clubs. In the previous match, Tokyo created multiple decisive chances in the first half with short counters from high press against Yokohama F.Marinos. However, they were unable to convert and ended up conceding a goal early in the second half, leading to a defeat without being able to catch up.
Furthermore, Kuryu MATSUKI received two warnings and was sent off, resulting in a suspension for this round. How will they cover the absence of MATSUKI, who has played in every league match since the start of the season as a rookie? With the start of a busy schedule of consecutive matches, attention is focused on what decisions coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA will make regarding the team selection.
In particular, the midfield is filled with experienced and talented players. Yojiro TAKAHAGI, Hirotaka MITA, and Keigo HIGASHI have not yet had much playing time this season, but they have shown their potential in the Levain Cup and other matches, and they should have something to prove in this game. In the previous match, MITA was brought on as a substitute in the second half and used the space in the opponent's defense well, creating opportunities to score. HIGASHI also showed his attacking sense in the Levain Cup match against Shonan Bellmare, getting involved in decisive moments multiple times. For Tokyo, who wants to control the game by keeping possession of the ball, there is no doubt that they will bring a different attacking option than before.
The opponent Vissel Kobe has not yet won in the league this season. In the previous match, which was also the first match under a new coach, they lost 1-3 to Kyoto Sanga F.C. However, it is clear that they have one of the strongest teams in the J-League when looking at the players. Despite the long-term absence of Sergi Samper due to injury, the brilliance of Andres Iniesta remains and he continues to do dangerous work whether starting or coming off the bench.
Strongly inclined to possess the ball like Tokyo, they use their individual strength to increase ball possession and push the opposing team. For Tokyo, valuing the ball is a given, and even if it is lost, they quickly switch and try to regain possession, taking advantage of the opponent's transition to attack by launching a short counterattack.
Don't miss the showdown between coach Albert and players Iniesta and Bojan, who know the style of FC Barcelona. To deepen Tokyo's style, it may be helpful to take hints from the opponent's key players. We want to make this match an opportunity to accelerate the growth of Albert Tokyo without wasting any of these experiences.
