<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 consecutive matches during Golden Week and faced Avispa Fukuoka away in this match with only 3 days of rest.
Two months ago, in the second match of this season, we played against each other at the same venue in the second round of the Levain Cup group stage. At that time, Tokyo dominated the game by possessing the ball and pushing the opponent, despite having a team mainly composed of young players due to the impact of the new coronavirus infection. They created several decisive chances, including Ryoya OGAWA's free kick that hit the crossbar, but unfortunately lost 0-1 due to the opponent converting one chance. In order to repay the debt from that match, we will seek both performance and results in this away game and aim 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.
In the opening minutes, Tokyo was pushed back by Fukuoka's set plays, and in the midst of a series of corner kicks, Diego Oliveira was unable to clear the ball from in front of the goal, allowing the opponent to take the lead. Despite Tokyo's efforts to press the ball aggressively and quickly from the front, their build-up from the back was disrupted and they were unable to bring the ball up to the front line. Finally, in the 18th minute, they launched a counterattack, with Kuryu Matsuki sending in a cross from the left side that Adailton headed towards the goal, only to be denied by the opponent's goalkeeper. Fukuoka's intense pressing from the front line continued to make it difficult for Tokyo to settle on the ball, but they did not miss a momentary opportunity. In the 24th minute, in the midst of a midfield battle, Matsuki was quick to react to a short back pass from the opponent's defender to the goalkeeper, collecting the ball. He then dribbled past the goalkeeper and scored his first professional goal, equalizing the score.
The flow of the game changed with this equalizing goal. After the restart, Tokyo held onto the ball and moved it at a faster tempo than the opponent, gradually entering the Fukuoka territory. In particular, Yuto NAGATOMO, in combination with Adailton and Leandro, was involved in the attack from deep positions in the opponent's territory. He opened up wide to the touchline, played in the center, and participated in the build-up of the attack from positions where he couldn't 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 in the bottom right corner for a go-ahead goal.
In the second half, Tokyo wants to come out on the attack, but in the 3rd minute of the second half, Tatsuya TANAKA breaks through on the right side and crosses to Lukian, who heads it in near the goal to extend the lead. In the 13th minute of the second half, Leandro takes a direct shot at goal from a corner kick, trying to go over the opposing goalkeeper's head, but unfortunately it is deflected. In the middle of the game, while connecting passes, Tokyo looks for openings in the opponent's defense. In the 17th minute of the second half, a mistake in the build-up is taken advantage of by Yamagishi, who breaks away and scores against Jakub Slowik in a one-on-one situation. Tokyo, wanting to change the momentum, brings on Keita YAMASHITA, Ryoma WATANABE, and Kazuya KONNO in the 20th minute of the second half. In the 25th minute, Kensuke NAGAI, who came on as a substitute, crosses the ball into the box from the left side, but Diego's contested ball falls to Kazuya KONNO, who is unable to get a good shot off. On the other hand, in the 27th minute of the second half, a long ball is played behind the defense, and Lukian breaks away to make it 4-0. Tokyo continues to fight back until the end, trying to close the gap, but they are unable to create any clear chances and the game ends.
Despite facing a tough result, Tokyo is halfway through the challenge of implementing a new style. Without turning away from reality, we will continue to make adjustments and preparations for the upcoming home match against Sagan Tosu at Ajinomoto Stadium, just 4 days away.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
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, It was my first professional goal in the 10th game since the opening. Did it feel late for you?
A, I was aiming for a goal from the opening game, 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>
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.
