＜Match Review＞
In the previous match, Tokyo won 2-0 against Gamba Osaka in the first J1 League match held at the new Japan National Stadium, placing them in 4th position. They entered a series of matches during the Golden Week and faced Avispa Fukuoka away with only 3 days of rest.
About two months ago, in the second match of this season, we played at the same venue in the second round of the Levain Cup group stage. At that time, Tokyo controlled the game by possessing the ball and pushing the opponent, despite having a lineup mainly composed of young players due to the impact of the new coronavirus infection. We created several decisive chances, including a free kick that hit Ryoya Ogawa's crossbar, but the opponent capitalized on one chance and we lost 0-1. In order to repay the debt from that match, we aim for both the content and the result in this away game and want to bring back 3 points to Tokyo.
Masato MORISHIGE was injured and Henrique TREVISAN also avoided this match due to injury in the last game. Yasuki KIMOTO and Ryoya OGAWA formed the center-back duo. Interestingly, OGAWA played as a center-back in the second match of this season against Fukuoka and seeks revenge in the same position. Kashif BANGNAGANDE made his first start as a left full-back in the league this season. Leandro, who scored the winning goal as a substitute in the previous game against Gamba Osaka, also returned to the starting lineup. For the first time this season, three Brazilian players lined up in the starting lineup in the forward line.
At the start, Fukuoka was pushed back by giving away set pieces, and corner kicks continued. In the 3rd minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA entered the goal cover but couldn't clear the ball from the front of the goal, allowing the opponent to score first. Even after that, Tokyo couldn't bring the ball up to the front line smoothly as the opponent pressed hard and fast from the front. Finally, in the 18th minute of the first half, the team launched a counterattack, and Kashiho sent a cross ball from the left side, which Adailton headed in front of the goal, but it was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper. Despite Tokyo's struggle to settle the ball against Fukuoka's relentless pressing from the front, they didn't miss a momentary opening. In the 24th minute of the first half, in the midst of midfield battles, Matsuki quickly reacted to a short back pass from the opponent's defender to the goalkeeper, recovered the ball, dribbled it all the way to the front of the goal, evaded the goalkeeper, and scored the equalizer with his first professional goal.
This equalizer changes the flow of the game. After the restart, Tokyo keeps possession of the ball and moves it at a faster tempo than the opponent's pressure, gradually entering the Fukuoka's territory. In particular, player Yuto Nagatomo is involved in the attack in deep positions in the opponent's territory through combinations with players Adailton and Leandro. He opens wide to the touchline, plays in the central area, and participates in the construction of the attack from positions where he cannot be marked by the opponent, becoming the starting point on the right side. It seemed like they had taken control, but in the 39th minute of the first half, the ball entered the vital area and Yuya Yamagishi was unable to stop the opponent's breakthrough, allowing a shot to be placed into the bottom right corner of the goal, resulting in falling behind.
In the second half, Tokyo wanted to start aggressively, but in the 3rd minute of the second half, Tanaka Tatsuya broke through the right side and crossed the ball, which was headed in by player Lucian near the goal, widening the lead. In the 13th minute of the second half, player Leandro attempted a direct goal kick from a corner kick opportunity, aiming to go over the opponent's goalkeeper, but unfortunately, it was blocked. While connecting passes in the midfield and looking for opportunities in the opponent's defense, in the 17th minute of the second half, Tokyo made a mistake in the build-up play, allowing Yamagishi to break through and score against goalkeeper Jakub Slowik in a one-on-one situation. Tokyo, wanting to change the momentum, made substitutions in the 20th minute of the second half, bringing in players Yamashita Keita, Watanabe Ryoma, and Konno Kazuya. In the 25th minute of the second half, substitute player Nagai Kensuke crossed the ball from the left side into the goal area, but Konno's shot missed the mark. On the contrary, in the 27th minute of the second half, a long ball was played behind the defense line, allowing Lucian to break through and extend the lead to 4 points. Tokyo continued to fight back until the end of the game in an attempt to narrow the gap, but they were unable to create any decisive chances, and the game ended with the final whistle.
Although facing tough results, Tokyo is halfway through challenging the penetration of a new style. Without turning away from reality, we will continue to make adjustments and preparations for the Sagan Tosu match at home at Ajinomoto Stadium, which will be held in 4 days.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: please review the game.
In the match against Fukuoka, known for their strong defense, we anticipated that the first few minutes of the game would be crucial. However, we conceded a goal early on. This initial goal had a significant impact on the flow of the game.
After that, we were able to catch up to the tie, but I think we were able to control the game well before and after that time period, and we were able to respond well to Fukuoka's weapon, which is the counterattack. However, it is a fact that the second goal had a big impact. It was very disappointing because it was a goal conceded during the time period when we were dominating the game.
And in the first counterattack of Fukuoka at the start of the second half, we conceded the third goal, and we had to become more aggressive and push forward, and each time, we were troubled by Fukuoka's weapon, the counterattack. And it was a flow of conceding multiple goals.
This season, we are working on significant changes. In that sense, accidents like today's can happen. I would like to commend today's opponent, Fukuoka. We understand that our playing style leads to accumulating points consistently. Of course, we have many areas for improvement. However, in order to always aim for the top, we believe that our playing style is effective, so we want to continue on this path.
And today, despite the defeat, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Tokyo fans and supporters who applauded us after the game. It was evident from the applause that they are supporting us on the path we are taking.
Q: Please explain the intention behind lining up three Brazilian players for the first time this season, with Leandro in the center and Diego OLIVEIRA on the side.
A, we aimed to create a numerical advantage in the center of the midfield with this formation. And I believe it was effective enough. We expected Fukuoka's center-back to be strong. Therefore, we aimed to fight in a different zone instead of fighting there. Especially in the first half, we were able to create a numerical advantage in the center of the midfield and create chances from there.
However, soccer is a sport that competes for the number of goals, and it is clear that Fukuoka scored more goals than us and achieved victory today. In soccer, the game result is the most important. And for us, today's game was a negative result. However, we have another game on Sunday, so I hope to be able to express a solid growth.
Q: Were there any areas where the defense became weak as the offense became stronger?
A, the first goal was conceded from a corner kick. The second goal was not conceded due to poor defense from the front, but rather due to a mistake in the defense line. In that sense, I don't think our defense from the front was bad. And I think the goal conceded in the second half was due to a failure in risk management during our attack.
Fukuoka has a strong physical two-top in the front line, and if they are given space, they can play very dangerously. And it is very difficult for Fukuoka to have a game development where they have a lead that allows them to defend. Because the game developed in such a way, I think it became a game where their weapons were more effective. That's why I regret the second goal. I think it greatly determined the flow of the game.
Q: Please evaluate player Matsuki who scored the equalizing goal.
A, I think he has been playing well. He has been consistently growing this season. Although he has had chances in recent games, he hasn't been able to score, so I'm glad he was able to score today. I am very satisfied with his play. However, there is still room for growth and I think he needs to grow more to become a great player. I think he can continue to grow by playing with our play style.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, it was a frustrating result. On the other hand, you also scored your first goal in the J-League.
A, it would have been good if I could have been encouraged by my own goal, but I couldn't do that, so I didn't do any work other than scoring and it was a game with remaining challenges.
Q, please look back on the goal scene.
A, I initially thought about shooting to the left after looking at the goalkeeper, but I felt that the distance between the goalkeeper and myself made it difficult to take the shot, so I changed my mind and calmly placed the ball into the goal.
Q, what do you think about scoring a goal as a professional?
A, I also expect results. I couldn't lead the team to victory in the form of a goal, but personally, I hope to gain momentum with this goal and continue to play seeking results from the next game.
Q, was it your first professional goal in the 10th game since the opening? Did you feel it was late for yourself?
A, I was aiming for a goal from the opening match, so I think it was a bit late.
Q: How did you approach the new lineup with three Brazilian players in the front line?
I was thinking that Leandro could move freely, Adailton could create space, and Diego could play in the middle, and I and Abe could interact with each other in that plan, but we ended up adjusting to the opponent's play. I think it would have been better if we received the ball more in the middle and increased the number of through passes to the front line.
Q: Did you feel any changes in your feelings after celebrating your 19th birthday the day before yesterday?
I feel that being 18 and 19 years old is a big deal for me. There are many players who are active in their teens overseas, so compared to them, I feel that I still have a long way to go in terms of both technical and mental aspects. I want to focus more on achieving results.
＜Ryoya OGAWA player＞
Q, how was the game looking back?
A, we let the opponent play the way they wanted and couldn't execute our desired play. I think that's why the result turned out like this.
Q, how was it playing as a center back?
A, not only in the first half but also in the second half, we conceded a goal at the start of the match, and we were being pushed back by the opponent even before conceding the goal, so as a center back, I think I should have pushed up from the back and bounced the ball back.
The second goal was also eventually broken through by dribbling, but I think if I had been able to bounce back properly from where I lost in the competition, it wouldn't have been a goal. I knew they were a team that would send long balls, so I wish I could have bounced back more.
Q: This time, the three players in the front line were Brazilian players, and I think the emphasis on attack was significant, which indirectly placed a heavy burden on defense. What are your thoughts?
A, there are some unavoidable parts, but we wanted to raise our own line a little more. There were also times when we couldn't pick up the second ball and the game was prolonged, so I think we need to fix the pressing of the defense line and the front line.
Q, I think it was a game where I felt the difficulty of being a center back.
A, I think the game against Fukuoka in particular would be the busiest for the center back. It was a match where the ball was fiercely contested, so I think that as the center back, I had to do my best to handle it.
Q, how do you plan for the future?
Whether it's as a center back or a side back, if I'm playing in the game, I have been entrusted with a position to help the team win, so I must play with all my strength and contribute to the team's victory.
Q, many fans and supporters came to support.
A, I apologize for the inconvenience of coming all the way to Fukuoka to support us. I will do my best to make you happy in the next Tosu match.
