TOKYOism

<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo lost to Avispa Fukuoka in an away game. This week, with only 4 days of rest, they return to their home Ajinomoto Stadium and hope to bounce back from the disappointment of the previous match.

The recent match record against the opponent Sagan Tosu is not good at all. In the league until last season, the record was 5 consecutive losses, making them a very difficult opponent for Tokyo. However, that was with the soccer style until last season. With the arrival of coach Albert Puig Ortoneda, Tokyo is working on a new style and aims to dominate the game by possessing the ball, in order to dispel that sense of difficulty and grab 3 points. They faced this match as a restart for victory, with an undefeated home game this season.

In the early stages, there were some scenes where we were struggling against the opponent who was pressing hard from the front, but gradually we moved the ball while taking positions between the opponent's lines and players and entered the opponent's territory. In the 17th minute of the first half, we were pushed into the goal by a counter, but after being shaken wide, a shot was taken in front of the right goal, but Hotaka NAKAMURA blocked it with his body. There are times when the opponent holds the ball and pushes us in, and times when Tokyo peels off the press and pushes back to the opponent's goal. In the 28th minute of the first half, we pushed the opponent into the penalty area and moved the ball with a small number of touches, centered around Leandro, to find a finish. Kuryu MATSUKI, who received a pass aiming for a one-two, was fouled and won a free kick. In the 30th minute of the first half, Leandro took a direct shot from the free kick, but the ball that seemed to catch the corner of the goal was bounced off the crossbar. In the 34th minute of the first half, Kensuke NAGAI used his individual skills to leave the ball on the touchline and then launched a counter towards the opponent's goal. Shuto ABE, who came to support, broke through to the right side and put a cross ball in the minus direction in front of the touchline. Kuryu MATSUKI, who jumped in, took a one-touch shot, but it was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. In the 43rd minute of the second half, we were hit by a counterattack, and a cross ball was put in from the right side, and Nanasei IINO was headed in front of the goal in a free state, but Jakub SLOWIK somehow managed to keep his body and stretched out his arm, changing the trajectory of the ball with his fingertips and preventing it from going into the goal with a super save.

Both teams pushed each other using their respective positions to their advantage, and in some situations, they also mixed in counterattacks while attacking each other. The lead changed rapidly as the game reached its halfway point.

A pinch comes in the second half. Slowik, who couldn't handle a back pass from his teammate, handled the ball with his hand before it flowed into the goal, giving away an indirect free kick from the goal area. Slowik managed to save the opponent's free kick from a close distance and escaped danger. In order to change the slightly stagnant flow, Tokyo brought on Diego Oliveira, Adailton, and Kazuya Konno in the 14th minute of the second half. In the 23rd minute, Matsuki sent a perfect pass to the front line for a counter chance. Adailton broke through and took a well-aimed shot from the left diagonal position of the goal, but the ball hit the right post and went off the frame. While both teams were carrying the ball in front of the goal, set pieces became the deciding factor. In the 36th minute of the second half, a free kick was given near the penalty area from the flow of a corner kick, and Yuki Horigome was able to slide it into the right corner of the goal, conceding the first goal. Tokyo also launched a counterattack and created opportunities to bring it to the finish, but they were unable to shake the net and welcomed the end of the game.

In this season, against a team that has only one loss so far, we didn't back down at all in the game and even created chances that were blocked by the post twice, so it was a match where we felt the weight of the one goal we lost from a set piece. Although it's a season where we are pursuing the team's growth, we want to stop our losing streak. We want to mature our style even more for the next match against Júbilo Iwata.

[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]

Q, please look back on today's game.
A, speaking of the soccer aspect, the team has further understood the concept of ball possession and expressed it on the pitch. Growth was observed there. It was noticeable that they were gradually growing to be able to play with confidence in holding the ball. And they were able to create multiple decisive chances. There are still nervous parts in the finishing zone, and there are areas for improvement where they need to play more relaxed.
In terms of defense, I think we were solid. We allowed a few chances for Tosu, but it wasn't necessarily dangerous. Football sometimes has other elements that can greatly influence the outcome of a match. Of course, Tosu's goal came from a fantastic shot. However, I believe that factors other than football elements influenced the result of today's match.

In the professional world we are in, results are highly valued, and I understand that as well. If we were to win today, everyone would appreciate that the team has grown dramatically. On the other hand, if we were to lose the game, even if the same game was played, the team would be evaluated as having stopped growing. We expected there to be difficult and challenging games in our first season. Today, I don't think we played in a way that deserved to lose. In the sport of soccer, playing well does not always guarantee a win, and playing poorly does not always result in a loss. I understand that there are various factors that can influence the outcome of a game, and that things outside of soccer can also have an impact on the result. Looking back on today's game, I want to evaluate that the players played with more confidence and took care of the ball more than usual, and that the team has taken a step forward.

Q: Today, Makoto OKAZAKI was selected for the match. Please tell us the reason why he was not selected for the Fukuoka match. Also, please tell us the reason for Yuto NAGATOMO's absence.
Regarding the Fukuoka match, we considered Fukuoka's strength in aerial battles when selecting the players. We chose (Ryoya) OGAWA because we believe he can better handle the strong and physical forwards of Fukuoka in aerial battles.
And regarding today's match, I thought it was a game where we should value the ball more. Today, Okazaki responded to expectations and I think he played particularly well in the attacking aspect. As areas for improvement, he needs to play more calmly and avoid using long balls too often, but today he improved on that and contributed to the attack with a good balance.
Regarding Nagatomo, he was excluded from the squad as a precaution due to discomfort in the Fukuoka match. I don't think it's a serious injury. We hope he will be ready for the next Iwata match.

Q: Why does Tokyo keep the same three midfielders and not change the lineup?
Both Kuryu MATSUKI and Abe are young players. For young players, we want to encourage their growth with a long-term perspective rather than short-term goals. MATSUKI has been steadily growing and living up to expectations. There are still areas for improvement where he needs to settle down at the right timing, but I believe he will continue to grow, including in those areas.
Kusei and Abe are playing with a very high intensity. Their play has become a crucial factor in the quick transition of attack and defense, which is a big weapon at the start of the season.
Regarding AOKI, he has been consistently used and valued due to his stability as a defensive midfielder in the 4-3-3 system.

Q: Abes player used to play mostly on the left side of the midfield until last season. What is the intention behind using Matsuki player and switching left and right?
Regarding the two positions of inside half, we give them freedom. However, it is easier for right-handed players to play as the right inside half and for left-handed players to play as the left inside half, as it allows for a more natural expansion of the attack to the left and right. On the other hand, when using right-handed players on the left and left-handed players on the right, it gives them more time to push the opponent and there are many situations where left-handed players play as the right inside half and cut in to shoot with their left foot, so I think it is effective to use them on the opposite side of their dominant foot. In any case, if we divide the pitch into three parts, we tell the players to play more freely in the last third, the finishing zone.
If we talk about today's match results, I think there were many games in the first 10 matches of this season where we quickly headed towards the goal in a straight line. While doing that, I think the team is gradually adapting to changes in playing style and growing.

In aiming for a style of play with a high possession rate that we expect, I think it is natural to lose games at this stage of growth. There were many difficult matches in the first season in Niigata as well. And now, in the season after I left, Niigata is playing well and competing for the top position.
The world of football is known for its focus on match results. While continuing in Niigata and improving the team's completion level was one option, I am interested in challenging myself with something new and building something new. I hope to put my energy into building something new at this club.
I am very happy that all the fans and supporters are patiently supporting the team. I think Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool FC) is a great coach. There is no doubt that he is one of the greatest coaches in the world. Do you know how many seasons he has been leading the team? Of course, everyone expects to win the game, and I am also a person who wants to win. However, I believe that the direction we are aiming for will lead to greater success by taking time. Therefore, we want to continue on this path.

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[Player Interview]
＜Makoto OKAZAKI＞

Q: What preparations have you made between the Fukuoka match and this Tosu match?
A, I watched the Fukuoka game on DAZN because I was not in the squad. While Ogawa was playing as a center back, I felt that I should not lose in the connecting part. Personally, there were many things that didn't go well for me this season, so I am grateful for the opportunity I received at this timing, and I wanted to win today because it was a chance to look back.
The training period was not long, but while the players around me did not change much, I was able to easily enter the game because I had been watching from the outside how I could choose to play to make the team roll in a better direction. I have been focusing on practicing while adhering to what Coach Albert is saying and also showing my strengths.

Q, how well were you able to express what you had envisioned in the game, including the build-up?
A, it wasn't as good as I thought, but I think it's a slightly positive aspect that we only conceded one goal from a free kick in the end.
I felt that I needed to pass more myself, and I think I need to improve the accuracy of side changes in order to compete with players like Morishige and Henrique. That's why I really didn't want to lose today and I'm frustrated because I was betting on today's game.
It's about what the coach is looking for from daily practice, and I think practice leads to the game, so it's only about improving the quality there. Today, there was a chance to play in the game, but I hope to approach it with a sense of crisis and bring out the goodness from practice.

Q: What kind of communication did you have with players like Ryo AOKI and Kokoro AOKI during the game?
A, I didn't talk about anything special. I played with Kimoto and understood his characteristics, so we talked about covering each other and the minimum lineup. Aoki was told to play normally. He was in a good position and moved so much as an anchor, so it was easy to pass and we communicated to make defensive and offensive adjustments and played.

Q: Was there any instruction for the scene of the indirect free kick in the second half?
In my soccer career, I hardly have any memories of scenes like that, so in that situation, with everyone on the line and not knowing how the Tosu players would come, I thought that if it was Silva, he could stop them, and we were just playing to make sure they couldn't pass through us. I did receive a yellow card, but I think we were able to play with concentration and agility, and it was a difficult situation, but I think we were able to defend well. That's why I felt it was a waste for the opponent to score from a direct free kick.

Q, how do you think about the balance of the ball that is placed in front of Okazaki's characteristics and the long ball that connects to the front line?
From coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, I am always told about that point, and I also tend to aim for the next one if I can pass through the front line once. I believe that it becomes a chance if the pass actually goes through. The coach tells me to judge that (decision) while looking at the situation during the 90 minutes. I hope to be able to judge while showing my own characteristics and also being able to see the whole picture.

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＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞

Q, it was a starting lineup as a right back. It is a position where Nagatomo is being used, how do you evaluate today's play including the relationship with the winger?
A, if I can create time for myself as the opponent's formation and pressing, and if I can hold the ball in a good state, I can lure out the opponent's wing-back and left shadow player, and I can make a vertical pass to bypass the opponent's pressure in one go and also overlap with speed. (Nagai) Kensuke-kun and (Yamashita) Keita-kun, if they have the ball in a good state, I thought we could quickly turn the tables on Tosu's defense and gain momentum in our attack. So, while observing the positions of the shadow and wing, I wanted to take my position and become a lubricant.

Q, I think you stood out more in the part of moving and carrying the ball rather than defense, but it seemed like you were following the principles of positional play after Konno entered in the second half.
A, as for the feeling... In the league matches, it was my first time starting as a regular player. Until now, I have been used as a substitute in many matches, so the role given to me when starting from the beginning and when entering as a substitute is different. Sometimes things go well when I challenge myself during the game, but there are also many errors. However, I immediately organize each one of them during the game and try not to make the same mistake again, and I have to quickly think about why I was able to do it now and make it my own. I spend my days practicing every day.
In the past, while watching from the bench, I have had my own thoughts and learned a lot from Nagatomo's play. I would think, "If it were me, I would do it like this." There are still many challenges, and we are currently losing 0-1 in reality, so I think it's meaningless if I don't become a player who can win. Even if Nagatomo is not here, (Hotaka) Nakamura is here, so I have to make sure people think it's okay.

Q, I sent a good pass to Leandro. I think it went as planned, but how did it feel?
A, I also thought that if I could take a good position, I could draw out the opponent's wing and create space for myself to break through with one-two passes. It was a part where the image became a reality. I think I have expanded my range in terms of how to peel off the press. I want to improve my accuracy and be able to send balls that lead to more chances.

Q, the team as a whole has not been able to score as much as we would like in the league matches. Even though we have been able to create many chances today, the impression is that there have been many attacks from the sides. Coach Albert has mentioned about attacks from the center, but how does it look to the player who starts the build-up?
A, I think it is objectively true that we lacked disruption in the center and couldn't score the final points. Even within our team, not being able to score at the end is something that comes up in our discussions.
Of course, it is natural to value possession of the ball with positional play, but it is not positional play for the sake of positional play, but positional play to score points. If we don't take risks with vertical passes or offensive plays, the opponent won't mind, so players are discussing the need to not be afraid and continue to do so.
I think it's the wall we're hitting and we're struggling, so we haven't been getting results, but we need to continue to work on positional play to score more goals in practice. Communication is happening within the team, so I want to continue.

Q, I think that players like Yamashita and the substituted Diego player had very few opportunities to touch the ball, is what we talked about earlier the reason for this?
A, in terms of attacking positioning, if there is no play where a risk is taken and a forward vertical pass is made, the movement involving the third person will not come out. It is also important for the passer to be able to see that. It is not just a matter of the passer, but also whether the forward player is in the correct position, so communication needs to be improved within the team. Just because one problem is solved doesn't mean everything is solved, so we have to keep talking among the players. It may take time, but we are also in the middle of trying various things, so please be patient with that.

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<Yasuki KIMOTO>

Q, please look back on today's game.
A, in the previous match, the way we started the game wasn't good, so today we made a conscious effort to enter the game together and I think that part was good. There were times when we were pushed back a bit, but everyone was able to concentrate and endure, and there were also parts in the second half that we were able to do as planned, so it's disappointing that the results didn't come.

Q: Today, Hotaka NAKAMURA joined as the right full-back. Did you have any specific considerations when forming a partnership with Nakamura?
When I played with Nagatomo, there were moments where he would motivate me with his voice. Although I also contribute by using my voice, I was being pulled along by him. So today, I made a conscious effort to motivate Nakamura.
I think we were able to build a good relationship overall, and I think we did well playing together for the first time since the start.

Q, considering today's defense line, I think Kimoto player needs to play with leadership. Please reflect on your own play.
In the absence of both Nagatomo and Morishige, I think there were things I could have done better, and I felt the importance of having players who can lead the team.
I felt that it's not enough to just be pulled along in these two matches, so I want to play with more self-awareness, grow, and play in a way that allows me to win for the team.

Q, I think we have recovered from the 5 goals conceded in the previous match and now we are in a situation where only victory matters. Please tell us your determination for the next game.
A, I think we were able to prove today that we can make adjustments in terms of individual concentration and emotions. We need to continue this and although we conceded a goal from a set piece, we must strive for a clean sheet and above all, we must focus on the results.
Since our goal for this season is to focus on results and continue to grow, we aim to bring a victory in the next match without fail.

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Kensuke NAGAI

Q, how was the reflection of the 90 minutes?
It was an important match where we had to make sure to score when we had the chance and take the lead firmly.

Q, I think we were able to launch quick attacks after stealing the opponent's ball.
There is a soccer that the coach is aiming for, which is to value the ball and also score within that. I feel that it is important to build up step by step in order to advance as a team.

Q, there were also scenes where the sides were effectively used to break through the center.
A, I want to increase the number of times. There are also scenes where we can break through and go to the finish, so I want to be able to do that more and build patterns of attack after pushing in. There are many tasks that we have to do more.

Q: How was the coordination, considering that the members have changed a little since the previous match?
A, I want to focus on playing to score goals because I am able to reach the finish.

Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the next game.
A, I want to make good preparations from practice so that we can earn 3 points next time.