＜Match Review＞
The 6th match of the 7 consecutive matches played in the crowded schedule of April was the postponed 2nd round of the J1 League. FC Tokyo, who had been under the command of former coach Kenta Hasegawa until the end of last season, welcomed Nagoya Grampus led by him to the home Ajinomoto Stadium. Tokyo, who had drawn 0-0 in the previous 2 league matches, was often noted for not being able to win, but they had a definite sense of accomplishment in terms of the content of their soccer, so it became a match where they wanted to gain 3 points and confidence in their growth at home.
Tokyo, who held the ball from the start, moved the ball at a fast pace and invaded the opponent's territory. In the 8th minute of the first half, player Kensuke Nagai received a pass from the left side of the penalty area and took a curved shot aiming for the bottom right corner of the goal, but he couldn't shake the net in front of goalkeeper Langerak's fine save. After that, there were times when Nagoya had possession of the ball, but after regaining it, Tokyo moved the ball forward with few touches and aimed for the opponent's goal. In the 30th minute of the first half, they pushed the ball into the goal area from a set-piece chance, and player Shuto Abe took a powerful one-touch shot outside the penalty area, but the ball that flew towards the goal after escaping the crowd was saved by Langerak once again. In the 40th minute of the first half, they took advantage of a momentary gap in Nagoya's defense. They targeted the space behind the advancing full-back and player Ryoya Ogawa made a vertical pass. Kensuke Nagai, who reacted quickly, dribbled to a deep position, leaving his marker behind with his speed. He sent a pass in the negative direction near the goal line, but it narrowly missed player Kusei Matsuki, who had run into the near side.
In the second half, we wanted to strengthen our attacking posture, but in the 49th minute of the second half, Yoichiro KAKITANI was able to take the space behind the defense. Jakub SLOWIK came out of the penalty area but was dribbled past by KAKITANI, however, SLOWIK managed to recover and extend his body and arm to clear the ball and avoid a dangerous situation. After the close call, a chance came. In the 53rd minute, Nagoya player Matsuki made a wide play and Nagai broke through the right side space towards the Nagoya goal. His powerful shot hit the right post and the rebound was pushed in by Diego OLIVEIRA, but the shot hit the crossbar and did not result in a goal. After that, we created several opportunities to penetrate the Nagoya penalty area, but we were unable to finish and the game ended with a tie.
After playing the 5th match of the group stage of the Levain Cup in 2 days, there will finally be a break of about 1 week. The next league match is against Gamba Osaka on April 29th at the Japan National Stadium. Even though we have had 3 consecutive draws, we want to share the joy of victory with the fans and supporters at the Japan National Stadium, which will be the first J1 League match held there.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
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, We had three consecutive scoreless draws. How do you, as an attacking player, feel about it?
A, I feel responsible because we haven't been able to score despite having chances, but I also appreciate that our defense has kept clean sheets. I hope we can score a goal and create a positive momentum.
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.
＜Player 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 player
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.
