<Match Review>
The 6th match of the 7 consecutive matches played in the congested schedule of April was the postponed 2nd round of the J1 League. Nagoya Grampus, led by former Tokyo coach Kenta HASEGAWA, who had been in charge until the end of last season, was welcomed to the home Ajinomoto Stadium. Tokyo, who have drawn 0-0 in the last 2 league matches, have been criticized for not being able to win, but they have a solid sense of accomplishment in terms of the content of their soccer, so it was a match where they wanted to get 3 points at home and gain confidence in their growth.
Tokyo, who has been holding the ball since the start, moves the ball at a fast pace and invades the opponent's territory. In the 8th minute of the first half, Kensuke NAGAI, who received a pass from the left side of the penalty area, aimed for the right corner of the goal and took a curved shot, but could not shake the net in front of LANGERAK's fine save. After that, there were times when Nagoya had possession of the ball, but after regaining it, they moved the ball forward with few touches and aimed for the opponent's goal. In the 30th minute of the first half, they pushed forward in a set piece opportunity and Shuto ABE took a powerful one-touch shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball that flew towards the goal was once again saved by LANGERAK. In the 40th minute of the first half, they took advantage of a momentary gap in Nagoya's defense. Ryoya OGAWA passed a vertical pass, targeting the space behind the advancing side back. Kensuke NAGAI reacted and used his speed to dribble past his marker and send a pass in the negative direction near the goal line, but it was just out of reach for Kuryu MATSUKI who was running in from the near side.
The second half, where we want to strengthen our attacking posture, but in the 4th minute of the second half, Yoichiro KAKITANI was caught in the space behind by the player. Jakub SLOWIK jumped out of the penalty area, but was avoided, but he stretched his body and arms while matching KAKITANI's dribble, and kicked the ball out to avoid danger. After the danger, a chance came. In the 8th minute of the second half, Nagoya player Nagai took advantage of the wide development of Matsuki and escaped to the right side space towards the Nagoya goal. The powerful shot hit the right post and the rebounded ball was pushed in by Diego OLIVEIRA, but this shot was also bounced off the crossbar and did not become a goal. After that, there were many scenes where they entered the Nagoya penalty area, but they couldn't bring it to a finish and the time was up.
After playing the 5th match of the Levain Cup in just 2 days, there will finally be a break of about 1 week. The next league match will be against Gamba Osaka at the Japan National Stadium on April 29. Even though we have had 3 consecutive draws, we want to share the joy of victory with our fans and supporters at the first J1 league match held at the National Stadium.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, we knew Nagoya's potential from before the game. We imagined that Nagoya would continue to press aggressively a little earlier, but when we opened the lid, it turned out to be a defensive setup with the block slightly lowered.
In the first half, we aimed to make runs into space and fielded players who were good at it. In the second half, we played with the intention of bringing on players who were better at playing with their feet. However, we struggled to attack against the opponent who dropped back and defended, and the game continued without being able to score.
The team is currently in a growth stage, but improvements have been seen in their ability to dominate the game with the ball without making significant mistakes. However, there is still room for improvement in the aspect where Nagoya's counterattack was triggered from our small mistakes.
In the J1 League, there have been closely contested matches. Therefore, I think the outcome of the matches can be determined by small details, which can tilt the game in favor of either team. In the second half, we had a chance where we hit the post twice in a row.
Today, I am satisfied that the players were able to dominate the game for a long time with the ball. It has only been about 3 months since the team started, but the team has grown steadily and has grown to dominate the game with the ball. The understanding between the players has also increased with each game. As a result, they are able to make good plays automatically.
And the players are showing their commitment to the game at a high level. Everyone is giving their all for the team. For example, Morishige continued to play for the team despite suffering from intense pain towards the end of the match, which symbolizes the team's determination to give their all for victory. Furthermore, we highly appreciate the players who came on as substitutes towards the end of the match and delivered an outstanding performance despite the challenging circumstances.
Q, Nagoya made three substitutions at the same time after having a long period of ball possession, and it seemed to change the momentum. Please also explain the roles expected of the three players.
A clear thing is that Tokyo always plays to win. Today, we are still catching up with the top by gaining 1 point. Some people may be satisfied with that. However, we always play to win and it is frustrating when we cannot achieve victory.
When three substitution cards were played, Nagoya was controlling the game, but in order to win, they made substitutions and the team took action in a good way. And I think it became a development where they dominated the game again.
What we asked of them was first and foremost, high-intensity attacking play. And also, to make bold plays for victory. The decision to bring in Hotaka NAKAMURA was because Ryoya OGAWA was tired, so we asked for his contribution in defense. The substitutions of Mita and Keita YAMASHITA were for the attacking aspect, as we asked for plays towards the goal in pursuit of victory.
I think cutting a total of 5 substitution cards was a risky move. As a result of taking that risk, we ended up in a situation where Morishige couldn't be substituted despite being injured towards the end. However, I believe that we can't win anything without taking risks. Neither Tokyo nor I are cowards.
Q: There was a pinch right after the start of the second half when the opponent attacked from behind, but there was a great defense by player Jakub SLOWIK. Please evaluate.
A, there was a decisive pinch, but if my memory is correct, it was a pinch that originated from our mistake. It was good that Kubá (Słowik) reacted wonderfully there. I recognize that it was not a counterattack as they intended, but a scene that originated from our mistake.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO Player＞
Q: As a defensive player, you have had three consecutive shutouts. How do you perceive the current situation where the team is not scoring?
A, as a result, we have finished three games without conceding a goal, but there are still some difficult situations, and we have been able to earn one point thanks to the goalkeeper's big save, so we want to focus on not allowing more chances.
Regarding the fact that we haven't scored any points, it's not just a problem with the front line, but also the distribution from the back hasn't been successful in the past few games, so we need to improve the distance and quality of the ball between the back and the front.
Q: At the beginning of the season, there was a clear style of high pressing, but now I think we are at a stage where we have built up various things. How do you recognize the challenges at this stage?
A, there are also parts where we were able to demonstrate the fast-paced style that we had until last season, so I think that if we cannot differentiate between the fast-paced parts and the slow-paced parts, our chances will not increase.
Q, I think that "late attack" means that it takes time to build, but what do you think needs to be tried?
A, I want to challenge with more power. I think we need more ingenuity, such as moving to the back and using bold direct passes. It's better to do it without fear of mistakes, and at the beginning of the season, there were areas where I, including myself, needed to challenge more, so I think that's necessary.
Q: It was a match against your former team, but I think there were players like Kashiyama who made it difficult. What were your thoughts after playing against them again?
There are players with high individual skills such as Yoichiro KAKITANI and Matheus, who played together last season and were reliable players, so I have the impression that we were struggling today.
Q, is it correct to say that there are still areas for improvement even without conceding any goals, as there was talk about not allowing any chances?
There were scenes where we were able to defend well and coordinate with the defensive line, but there were also moments where we were able to steal the ball because of the opponent's mistakes. In that sense, we were able to finish the game without conceding any goals, but I feel the need to further improve our defensive level.
Kensuke NAGAI
Q: It was a match against Nagoya's coach Hasegawa. How did you feel about it?
It felt strange to be playing against opponents this year after fighting together for four years.
Q, please reflect on the play that hit the post in the 8th minute of the second half.
A, Matsuki made a good pass and I was able to trap it well, so I could take a shot, but Langerak touched it and it hit the post.
Q, it was a scoreless draw for the third consecutive game. How do you, as an attacking player, perceive it?
A, I feel responsible because we haven't been able to score in the chances we've had up front, but our defense has been keeping clean sheets, so I hope we can score one goal and create a good flow.
Q, I think the team is working on valuing the ball and connecting it, but there seems to be a lack of power compared to the beginning of the season.
I think not being able to score is everything, and I think that when we score, the tempo and flow will improve, so I want to focus on scoring goals.
Q: How did Nagoya, managed by Coach Hasegawa, look today?
When I was in Tokyo, we didn't play with a 3-5-2 formation, so it's quite difficult to explain in words, but we had a strong attacking duo up front, so we prepared ourselves as a team to adapt to that.
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q, how was the reflection of the 90 minutes?
It is a game where we were able to get 3 points, so it is very disappointing that we couldn't get them. Both Tokyo and Nagoya had chances against a tough opponent, so I think a draw is a fair result.
Q: How did you feel about protecting dangerous scenes with big saves multiple times?
A, my job is to protect the goal, and of course it's not just my own effort, but if the team can achieve a result without conceding a goal by me protecting it in the end, then I will give my all to that. I think it was very good that the team as a whole ended the day without conceding a goal.
Q, there were scenes where we were pushed back, but I think we were able to defend with concentration. What kind of encouragement were you giving during the game?
A, there were also difficult scenes throughout the game, so I made sure to build a solid defense line and overall defense, and I gave instructions on what kind of defense to play.
It is unfortunate that the fans and supporters cannot cheer out loud, but it is an environment where instructions are easy to hear, so I think we were able to maintain concentration and have a good organization. However, it is disappointing that we ended up with a draw today. As a team, we want to make solid preparations to overcome this situation and secure 3 points.
Q, we have been drawing continuously, but please give us your enthusiasm for the next game.
A, all players hope to win, and regarding the next league match, we can play the game as our home game against the wonderful opponent Gamba Osaka at Japan National Stadium, so we want to practice and prepare well from the training to deliver 3 points to the fans and supporters.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, how was the reflection of the 90 minutes?
A, I couldn't create many chances, but I'm very frustrated that I couldn't convert the limited chances I had. On the defensive side, I think it was a positive outcome that we were able to keep a clean sheet.
Q, I think there were also moments where we were able to break through and create opportunities on the side.
A, I was conscious of playing while being told by the coach that there should be space from practice. However, there were scenes where it became a chance if I kept running, so I think it would have been better to increase the number of times.
Q: How was the match against Sapporo and Nagoya with a 3-back opponent in the previous round?
A, the opponent had a 3-back formation, so it was difficult to break through their defense as the side players dropped back and the midfield was crowded. In order to score, we need to increase the movement of the third player and find a way to break through, so I think we have no choice but to practice and coordinate together.
Q, I think we were able to compact our defense from the second half.
A, there weren't many scenes where the defense was broken, but the way we lost the ball was bad and we had a few moments where we were countered, so I think we can improve by getting better at not losing the ball.
Q, there were several good scenes in the attack after taking the ball.
A, it will be a tough situation if we don't score a goal with a reliable attack after taking the ball in a good position, and there is also a physical loss due to the power exerted there. I think we need to have the ability to score a goal after taking the ball in a high position.
Q, what kind of preparations do you want to make for the next league match at Japan National Stadium?
Since we have not scored in the last three matches, we have the Levain Cup this weekend to vent our frustration. We will prepare well together and aim to earn 3 points at the national stadium to give as a gift to the fans and supporters.
