＜Match Review＞
In April, Tokyo has been playing a tight schedule with 7 matches in 2 to 3 days. In the first three consecutive matches against AFC Champions League participating clubs, they achieved a record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. On the 13th, they faced Shonan Bellmare in the Levain Cup, and this match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in the J1 League was their 5th consecutive match.
Tokyo has been changing the composition of the team in every match during this series of consecutive games. In this match, Yasuki Kimoto, who missed the Urawa Reds match, returned, and Ryoya Ogawa, who scored his first goal of the season in the Shonan match on the 13th, returned to the starting lineup as a left back. The composition of the three midfielders remains unchanged, with Kensuke Nagai playing as the right winger and Ryoma Watanabe playing as the left winger in the front line.
Sapporo, who has been holding the ball including the goalkeeper from the beginning, continues to be pressed and pushed down by Tokyo, but Tokyo's pressing from the front line is easily broken. Even when they have the ball, they often lose it quickly due to coordination issues and the opponent's strong physicality, making it difficult to find a rhythm. However, even without being able to hold the ball, Tokyo created scenes where they penetrated the Sapporo penalty area directly without using many passes by exploiting the space behind Sapporo's forward line. Although they couldn't control the game by holding the ball well, they maintained the intensity of their pressing in the duels and dealt with the situation without allowing the game to become frantic until the finish. The scenes of ball possession increased towards the end of the first half. They used both long and short passes to widen the pitch and attempted to penetrate the opponent's goal from the sides. However, they couldn't find effective attackers from the sides, and their attempts to exploit the space behind the opponent also didn't result in any decisive moments as the first half ended.
Tokyo, who wants to grasp the rhythm, rearranges the left and right wings, placing Nagai on the left and Watanabe on the right. In the 5th minute of the second half, Nagai broke through to the deep inside the opponent's territory from the left side and carried the ball. He supplied a last pass aiming for the opposite side, but it was caught by the opponent goalkeeper in front of Watanabe, who had entered the goal area from the right side. In the second half, Tokyo continued to possess the ball, gradually entering the opponent's territory while avoiding their press. In order to activate the attack, Adailton was substituted for Nagai in the 13th minute of the second half. Adailton became a switch for defensive play from the front line, disrupting the opponent's build-up and recovering the ball in the midfield. This led to more opportunities for secondary and tertiary attacks in the second half. Although there was no room for the opponent to counterattack, in the 27th minute of the second half, Aoki Ryota took a shot near the goal line, but it was blocked by Jakub Slowik. In the 31st minute of the second half, Konno Kazuya was substituted for Watanabe to further activate the attack.
In the 34th minute of the second half, there was a dangerous situation from a set piece. The ball was headed in from a corner kick from the left, but player Swobik made a saving play and stopped the ball. The ball was pushed again, but Swobik quickly reacted and made a big save right on the goal line. In the 40th minute of the second half, player Konno initiated a play and player Abe Shuto broke through on the right side. He sent a fast cross ball into the goal area, but it narrowly missed connecting with anyone. In the 42nd minute of the second half, player Adailton on the left side crossed the ball to player Diego Oliveira in front of the goal, but Diego's header shot narrowly missed to the right of the goal. In the 44th minute of the second half, player Adailton dribbled deep into the left side of the penalty area, drawing out the goalkeeper and sending a final pass into the goal area. Player Matsuki Kusei made a sliding attempt to connect with the ball, but it narrowly missed.
Tokyo took the initiative in the second half, but failed to convert the chances that came in the final stages, and the game ended in a 0-0 draw for the second consecutive match. In the next match, they will return to their home stadium, Ajinomoto Stadium, and face Nagoya Grampus after a three-day break.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: please review the game.
A, for those who watched the game today, it was a very impressive match where both teams played aggressively. Both teams applied aggressive high press and fought offensively. There were periods in the game where we dominated and periods where we were dominated. In the second half, both us and Sapporo had decisive chances. As football is a sport where the outcome is determined by whether or not you can score a goal, some people may think that both teams played passively just by looking at the result of 0-0. However, I believe the only thing that was missing today was a goal.
I am very happy with the players' fighting spirit. As the games go on, the team has improved in dominating the matches. This team has only been started for about 3 months. I think it is worth evaluating how much it has grown in such a short period of time. The players are dedicated to winning every game and I am very satisfied and appreciative of their attitude.
Also, I would like to commend the opposing team. I am proud to have been able to compete against Coach Petrovic. It has only been a short time since I became a professional football team coach. I am still in the process of learning, so it is important to continue learning.
And I would like to express my gratitude to the FC Tokyo fans and supporters who came to support us. Sapporo.D fans and supporters also applauded us, so I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. Whether it's Sapporo or Niigata, I thought that there are many good people living in the northern part of Japan.
Q, is it a negative result to have two consecutive goalless draws?
A, of course, the outcome of a soccer match depends on whether the ball shakes the net or not. Last season, when I was in charge in Niigata, there were many matches where we dominated the game but couldn't score goals.
In today's match, if either team scored a goal in the early stages of the game, it was a match that ended in a tie, for example, 3-3.
As a coach, I focus on the number of decisive chances created rather than the number of goals scored, or how many decisive chances were allowed by the opposing team. For example, today we allowed Sapporo to create 2 or 3 decisive chances, but that is not a significant number, so I am relieved. I believe we also created 4 or 5 decisive chances ourselves. I view that aspect very positively.
It is difficult to win a game here in Sapporo. I appreciate the attitude of fighting for victory throughout the 90 minutes. In that sense, I see today's game in a positive light. FC Tokyo never plays in a way that shows fear against any team.
Q: Player Matsuki is from Muroran City, Hokkaido. Please tell us about his recent performance and today's evaluation.
A, I think he has grown so much because he had good meals in Hokkaido (laughs). He is still 18 years old. He is a player who has just entered the professional world after playing in high school. I think the level difference is very big.
What are his strengths? I think it's the part that many Japanese players lack. His strong mentality, his determination to win, that's his strength.
I think Sapporo's young Nakajima player also has a wonderful mentality. Could it be that the air in Hokkaido creates a strong mentality?
The difference between European and Japanese players lies there, I think. It's not a difference in technical level. To compete at a high level in Europe, you need a winner's mentality, a mentality that is dedicated to victory, a strong mentality. I think it is highly commendable that 18-year-old Kuse already possesses that.
However, there are still areas that need improvement. For example, it is still a part that needs to be learned to have moments of calm play in the game. It is also necessary to improve not losing the ball easily. However, he continues to challenge even after making mistakes. That is his wonderful aspect. I think that is proof that he has a strong mentality. Only with such a strong mentality can you play at a high level. For example, Yuto NAGATOMO is also a player with a strong mentality. I think having a mentality like his is Kusei's weapon.
[Player Interview]
＜Jakub SLOWIK Player＞
Q, there were also some big saves, but how do you evaluate today's match?
A tough game against a difficult opponent like Sapporo. It was my first time playing at Sapporo Dome, and it was a different atmosphere than what I'm used to at our home stadium. It wasn't easy, but if we look at it positively, taking home 1 point is a big achievement for the team. Ideally, we wanted to win, but we will take the 1 point and return to Tokyo with a positive mindset.
Q, it was a scoreless draw for two consecutive matches, but in other words, we managed to keep a clean sheet for two matches in a row. What do you think about that?
A, my role is to firmly defend the goal, so in that sense, I think it was good that we were able to keep a clean sheet. However, keeping a clean sheet was not solely my achievement, but rather thanks to the cooperation of the defensive players. At the same time, I want to continue playing in a way that allows us to express our playing style as the start of our attack.
I think it's great that we were able to hold them to a clean sheet. However, it was a really happy result for us to win. I'm glad that we were able to bring back 1 point from Sapporo, a difficult place to play, against Sapporo Dome.
Q, I think the defense was also active, where do you feel was good?
A, one of our strengths was that the whole team defended together from the front. If even one player is missing, the defense cannot be built, so I think it was a good defense that resulted from everyone starting with concentration from Diego in the front. While keeping the good things from this time, I want to prepare by trying to improve the things we couldn't do within the team and bring about better results.
Q: How do you prepare while having consecutive matches without any preparation period?
A, there is not much time, but it is important to switch firmly and rest your body for recovery. It is important to deepen mutual understanding of team tactics during meetings and to deepen the penetration of team tactics while paying attention to condition. Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the fact that many fans and supporters came to support us all the way to Hokkaido, which was encouraging for both myself and the team.
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: There were also some close scenes at the end. Please reflect on today's game.
A, I haven't been able to score so far and I was aiming to contribute to the team by aiming for a goal, so the last scene was not well executed and did not result in a goal. However, I want to continue to strive to score more and more from here. I am always aiming for a goal, so when I have the opportunity to take a shot, I don't want to choose not to shoot and stop my growth. I want to be greedy and aim for it while also receiving help from senior players around me.
Q, it seems that Matsuki is able to organize his role and play.
A, I have been told by my senior players that I am free to do whatever I want on the pitch. I try to be proactive in terms of my physicality, hard work, and ball recovery, which are my strengths. I am not a skilled player myself, so I also want to aim for goals in a gritty manner.
Q, today's match was the first official game in Hokkaido.
A, I approached the game as usual. However, my parents were here to watch today, so I wanted to leave a good result and repay them, but that will have to be carried over to the next time.
Q: How was it to compete against player Nakajima, who is from the same generation as you?
A, I think we will continue to have fierce battles with each other in the future, and I think we had a good game today.
Q: It has been two months since the opening. How do you feel about your own growth?
I participated in the Dubai Cup as a member of the A, U-21 national team, and I felt that there are many things that are expected of me from those around me, so I feel like I am able to think about what I can do to contribute to the team and work towards scoring goals.
Q, after the match, player Miyazawa was exchanging jerseys.
A, I may not remember, but when I was in elementary school, Miyazawa player came to my local team and took a picture with me. I admired the stage (that Miyazawa player was fighting on), so I was glad to be able to play soccer with that senior.
Shuto ABE player
Q, how was the reflection of the 90 minutes?
A, we were able to get 1 point with a draw in the end, but there were also scenes where we had to make decisions. It was a game where I felt that we need to create a few more chances.
Q: How did you feel about the opponent's attempt to cross from the side?
A, Sapporo.D came with a unique attack, but we were able to defend tactically under the coach's guidance, so even though we allowed crosses in the end, we had enough players and our defense was not a problem.
Q: What kind of adjustments did you make in the second half, even though the game was evenly balanced?
A, the coach told us that the space behind the opponent's 3-back is empty. While considering myself or Kuryu Matsuki jumping out from the second row, there were also scenes where we were able to break through and create chances in the second half. However, I want to increase the number of times we do that even more.
Q, I think we were able to create a good opportunity with the attack after taking the ball from Player Abe.
A, ball retrieval and ball contests are also my strengths, so I think it's important not to lose in those areas, and I believe that if we win there, it will become an opportunity. I think it's also a matter of mindset, so I want to play firmly.
Q, how are you preparing for the next Nagoya match?
It will be a consecutive match in 3 days, but I will prepare well and play in order to deliver 3 points to the fans and supporters as it is a home game.
＜Player Takuya Aoki＞
Q, it was a fierce match. Please reflect on the game.
A, I think it was a game with many opportunities created from mistakes on both sides.
Q, the matches against Coach PETROVIC always seem to be intense.
A, yes. I thought that the key would be how far I can play patiently without getting impatient.
Q, I think the three midfielders had a lot of movement today as well. How was their relationship today?
I think all three of them were able to slide at a good timing. I think we were able to do things that needed to be changed during the game, so I want to continue doing this without breaking this relationship.
Q, I think you are always conscious of being the starting point of offense and defense. How was your play in that aspect today?
A, because it was an opponent who came one-on-one, there weren't many scenes where I touched the ball, but I played with a greater awareness of risk management after making a mistake.
Q: The consecutive matches are still ongoing. Please share your enthusiasm for the home match against Nagoya, which we will face in three days.
A, as it is our home ground and we have been drawing recently, we also need a victory. We want to approach the game with a strong sense of unity and determination.
Diego Oliveira player
Q: Today's opponent played with a 3-back formation. Did you find it difficult to play against?
Whether it was a 3-back or 4-back formation, we played without any particular concerns. It was more difficult to play away from home.
Q, we were performing strong defense from the front line.
A, I think we were able to do as the coach instructed because a strong defense from the front line, which the coach was aiming for, was also a theme. After taking the ball, I wanted to score on the attacking side. It's disappointing that it didn't lead to a goal.
Q, I think he was creating chances by breaking through from behind.
A, I was aware of the space behind the opponent's defense as they were playing with a 3-back formation, so I made an effort to make runs behind their defense.
Q, how was the coordination of the front line?
A, there were difficulties when the season started, but as time passed, I gradually began to feel better and look forward to it. I still believe it will continue to improve in the future.
Q: What goals do you have in mind for the next match as you continue to possess the ball?
A, I think the theme for us is that we can possess the ball but we haven't been able to score. In soccer, you can win even if you can't possess the ball as long as you score, so we want to connect it to scoring while playing our own soccer.
