＜Match Review＞
In the previous match, Tokyo achieved their first victory in 5 league matches against Shimizu S-Pulse on enemy territory. Especially in the second half, they dominated the game by possessing the ball for most of the time. They demonstrated their desired style on the pitch, including defensive efforts from the front line, solid attacks, and creating moments to calm down while holding the ball. Coach Albert praised, "Today was the starting day when FC Tokyo's playing style began to change," and they returned with 3 points.
The match this time was a return to home after a long absence from victory, facing the top-ranked Kashima Antlers. For player Ryoya Ogawa, who has decided to transfer to Portugal's Vitoria Sport Clube, this was his last playing opportunity at Ajinomoto Stadium in the league. He faced this match with the desire to win for his teammates who have been active in Tokyo for seven and a half seasons.
Tokyo wants to hold the ball and calmly progress the game, but Kashima is fighting fiercely in the ball contest and pressing in coordination with the ball holder, making it difficult for Tokyo to find a way to enter the opponent's half. Even in situations where they took the ball and counterattacked, they easily lost the ball in their haste to attack, and were pushed back by Kashima, who attacked strongly and quickly. They struggled to create attacking opportunities, but in the 23rd minute of the first half, when they carried the ball deep into the opponent's half, Kusei Matsuki received the ball on the left side and made a through pass to Diego Oliveira, who had entered the central area of the penalty area. Diego attracted the defender and passed the ball through, and Ryoma Watanabe, who had come from behind, made a one-touch shot, but it went over the goal. They suffered from a continuous exchange of long balls, but in the 33rd minute of the first half, they changed the tempo of their passes to change the flow of the game. Ogawa, who had the ball in a high position on the left side, made a through pass to Watanabe in the central area. Watanabe and Diego attracted several opponents with a one-touch one-two, and Watanabe entered the space inside the penalty area that the opponents had vacated. Watanabe shot the ball into the right corner of the goal faster than the chasing defender and Tokyo took the lead.
Tokyo, who took the lead, got into the rhythm and started to function defensively in coordination with the ball side, regaining the ball in the midfield battle and increasing their possession time. In the 41st minute of the first half, Adailton player broke through behind the opponent and approached the goal, but the one-on-one situation with the opponent goalkeeper resulted in a blocked shot. Although it didn't result in a goal, Tokyo took advantage of the space and launched a fierce attack as the opponent pushed forward. In the 43rd minute of the first half, after repelling the opponent's attack, Adailton player received a through pass in their own half and quickly passed the defender on their back with one touch, then continued with speed towards the penalty area. Using Diego player who came to support, they couldn't make a shot but created space on the right side. Watanabe player, who jumped in front of the goal, unleashed a right-footed shot that was sucked into the top left corner of the goal, and Tokyo extended their lead as the game reached halftime.
Adailton player also created a chance in the early stages of the second half. In the 5th minute of the second half, he picked up a ball that seemed to go beyond the left touchline and carried it towards the penalty area while carrying an opponent defender on his back. He was brought down from behind while controlling the ball towards the goal, earning a penalty kick. In the 7th minute of the second half, Diego calmly slotted the penalty kick into the bottom left corner of the goal, extending Tokyo's lead to three goals.
It seemed like it would be the additional point that would decide the game, but in the 9th minute of the second half, a cross ball from the right side was put in, and Ueda Ayase scored a goal in the lower right corner, bringing the score to 1 point. As the opponent becomes more aggressive in attacking, spaces open up and opportunities to attack increase, but we are unable to make decisive shots while approaching the opponent's goal. In the 43rd minute of the second half, Adailton player attempted a short counterattack and entered the penalty area, but the shot ended up in front of the opponent's goalkeeper. Although we lost one point, the transition from attack to defense was smooth and quick, and we finished the game without shaking the net until the end.
We were able to win consecutive matches in the league before the break and gain a solid sense of growth in terms of performance. Without relying too much on the confidence gained from these two matches, we want to continue training and express further growth on the pitch in the Emperor's Cup and when the league resumes.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: please review the game.
A, Kashima has assembled a team with high-quality players and we expected them to come out with a high-intensity defense from the beginning. We corrected the mistakes we made in the Fukuoka match and prepared for today's game. If we concede a goal early on, it becomes a difficult game for us. We wanted to avoid that. The team is still in a growth stage. We haven't yet reached the point where we can confidently hold onto the ball against a team that plays with such high intensity in defense. However, today, it was expected to be hot and it was the last match in a congested schedule, so we also expected their intensity to drop after about 20 minutes in the first and second halves. After the water break, we were able to hold onto the ball well. From there, we were able to dominate the game along with the ball and create several decisive chances. Fortunately, we were able to score 2 goals from about 3 chances we created, and those goals had a significant impact on the flow of the game.
Regarding the second half, we expected to struggle at the start. However, it was crucial that we were able to score additional points during that time. We expected to finish the game while maintaining possession of the ball after making it 3-0, but unfortunately, we conceded a goal at an early stage, which had a significant impact on the course of the game. However, I believe we were able to respond well after that goal. From there, we anticipated two scenarios. One was to lower the defensive block and use long balls more frequently. However, I thought that lowering the defensive block would be very dangerous because Kashima has high-quality players in the front line. I always believe that the best defense is a possession-based defense, so I chose that option. Even in a simple situation where we could settle if we cleared the ball during a difficult period, the team chose to connect passes.
Rather than a counterattack, we were able to create opportunities to score additional points by switching between offense and defense in a good manner. In order to finish the game, the players showed a fighting spirit and continued to fight even in the late stages. As people who live in the world of competition, it is very important for us to fight firmly. As I always say, our big goal for this season is to grow every day. The opponents have various ways of fighting and playing styles, but we aim to further grow through matches against opponents with different characteristics, and I think we were able to grow through this match.
I would like to once again praise today's opponent, Kashima. I also met the coach of Kashima for the first time, and I would like to praise him as well. I felt that he is a wonderful person and is leading the team in a great direction. I also want to praise the fans and supporters of Kashima. Many fans and supporters came to Ajinomoto Stadium and passionately supported the team. I also want to praise the referees. I think they made excellent decisions. Finally, I want to praise our fans and supporters. In this wonderful weather, many people came to support (Ryo) Oga's last game as a home game and created a great atmosphere. Thank you very much.
Q: There was a discussion about the opponent's intensity dropping after 20 minutes. Did you communicate this to the players before the game or during the water break?
A, I have informed the players in advance and prepared for it. After the first half's water break, I anticipated that the opponent's intensity would decrease, so I gave instructions to (Ryoma) WATANABE to play more centrally.
Q, I would like to ask about Watanabe's positioning. It was expected that one of the double volantes from Kashima would come to catch Aoki, but was it the intention to play in the center in order to use the space around the remaining player?
First, I aimed to create a numerical advantage by having (Matsuki) Kuryu come down beside Aoki. As the next phase, I aimed to create an even greater numerical advantage by placing (Abe) Shuto and (Watanabe) Ryoma next to the opponent player who remained in a one-lunch-like position. I had this game plan, but I think there are times when it works well and times when it doesn't work well.
Q, FC Tokyo achieved its 300th victory in the J1 League.
A, and for me, it was a commemorative match for my 100th game in the J-League. There are various things to celebrate today, so I want to celebrate a lot tonight with champagne. Of course, I am happy to have achieved such a commemorative victory. We have completed approximately the first half of the season in the past few months. It is a form of ending the first half of the season with a short and dense schedule, but we also struggled with the coronavirus at the beginning of the season. We also overcame a difficult period when we had many injured center-backs. Leandro's injury also lasted a long time, which was a big obstacle. In the midst of these various obstacles, we have faced a few months of clear changes in playing style.
I believe there is clear growth when comparing the initial few games of this season and the recent team play. So, I am very proud of this team. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the club and the fans/supporters for patiently and warmly supporting the team. I want you to imagine that if the club and the fans/supporters had become nervous and caused anxiety for the team during this process, the outcome would have been different. Now, we are in the process of building the foundation of the team. And we are at a stage where we are promoting the growth of young players who will carry the future of the club. Because we are thinking in the long term, I do not immediately set goals such as winning titles or achieving many victories. This is because winning a game is influenced by many factors. I think Liverpool also had a great season this year, but they did not win all the titles they wanted. On the other hand, I don't think they failed either. I cannot accept the value of evaluating only winning. This is because winning or losing is influenced by many factors. However, if we can continue to do the things we need to do and do a good job, I believe the team can grow to a position where they are always competing at the top.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoma WATANABE Player＞
Q, please reflect on today's two goals.
It was a goal that won in the battle with the goalkeeper. The intention was to fake a kick to the far side and score near the goal. For the second goal, I thought the first goal was still in my mind, so I was able to score on the far side.
Q, I think there were instructions from Coach Albert to play more inside.
A, it was the same from the Shimizu game, but I was able to grasp the timing myself and create good opportunities while watching the game. The coach told me before the game that he wanted me to show that scene, and I think that's why it went well today.
Q, there was a shot that led to Ogawa's goal in the previous match. Has your kicking feeling been increasing from your usual training?
I think it was good that I was able to score two goals today because there were many games where I felt like I could score from the Levain Cup but couldn't. However, we are only halfway through the season, so I think there are still many opportunities to score more goals. I am not satisfied with today's result and I want to keep going.
Q, I think you have had the opportunity to play in various positions so far this season. Please tell us about the current situation and challenges.
A, no matter what position, 100% of what you do doesn't change, but I am originally an attacking player, so I have a strong desire to be involved in scoring, and that doesn't change even if I am a side back. Recently, I have been told less, but defense is a challenge and I have to improve it, and that doesn't change even in the attack, so I think I need to enhance the defense of hard work + individual tactics.
Q: What do you need to do in order to score goals in the future?
A, I want to approach any position with the consciousness of making my own decisions and with courage, without forgetting the feeling of today or the feeling of when I am at my best, and aiming for results such as goals and assists that are expected of me.
Q: What did you say to player Ogawa who challenged overseas in the same year?
A, when I first went abroad, I struggled with the language, so as I spent 1 or 2 years, I gradually learned the language. However, I realized how difficult it is when communication doesn't go well, so I think it's important not to forget to make efforts in that area.
Diego Oliveira player
Q, what goals did you have as a team going into the game?
I thought it would be a tough battle against Kashima, and they have high-quality players. It was an important game to see if we could play our usual style of play, such as playing in our own rhythm and defending in the opponent's territory. I think being able to express that well and score the opening goal was a major factor in today's victory.
Q, I think we were able to work hard throughout the game.
A, I think the results have been achieved because we have been able to practice at a high level of quality from our regular training. Not only the 18 members who have joined, but also the entire team, including the players who have not been able to join, have been able to practice at a high level of quality, so the results of our hard work are reflected in the matches. I think these factors are strong.
Q, I think we were able to effectively use the space of the opponent's gap.
I have been able to receive the ball in the gap since the previous match. However, it is not only my role to enter that space, so I think it is important to play based on the goal. I think it was good that I was able to make plays related to that and quickly switch when the team lost the ball.
Q, we saw plays involving 2 assists and a goal.
A, I have been unable to score goals recently, so I thought I needed to contribute something to the team. I am happy that I was able to make 2 assists as a result. I will continue to contribute to the team by scoring goals and making assists, and I will do my best to achieve results.
＜Ryoya OGAWA player＞
Q, (In the league match) It was the last game at Ajinomoto Stadium, how did you approach it?
A, I always had the same feeling, but I just wanted to win no matter what form it took.
Q, there have been times when the team has struggled to score goals, but in the last two matches, we have been able to score multiple goals. What improvements do you feel have been made in the attacking aspect?
I think we are able to improve the quality in vital areas and share the players' image well. We can play calmly even in front of the goal. Instead of forcing shots or dribbles, we can reliably connect with our teammates, take good positions, and score goals from a good flow where we can shoot at the best timing. I think we are able to play the soccer we want to play.
Q, there are only 2 more league matches left. How do you want to approach them?
A, since I can only play a maximum of 2 matches (in the league), I absolutely want to earn 6 points and raise the team's position as much as possible.
Q, please reflect on the first scene.
A, Ryoma WATANABE showed his face between the opponent's defense and midfield, and before that, Diego pulled the opponent's defense by slipping behind, which made Ryoma WATANABE even more open. The goal in the Shimizu match was also like that, the choice changes depending on whether the ball is put diagonally and the opponent comes forward or not. In this case, we were able to break through with a one-two because the opponent came forward, and if they didn't come forward, there was space in front to take a shot, so I think diagonal passes were effective in terms of attack.
Q: Do you study the language before playing overseas?
I have heard discussions about what players who have experienced overseas should do, and since the outbreak of the coronavirus, I have been studying English, so I think I can communicate to some extent. However, the other day, (Albert) coach told me that English doesn't work in Portugal, so I want to do my best to learn Portuguese from now on.
Q: What kind of words did you receive from Professor Yuichiro Honda (former coach during your time at Kashiwa High School of Commerce) regarding this transfer?
A, the coach of the current Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School is Mr. Masahiro ENOMOTO, and when I first told Mr. Enomoto, he was very happy and told me to produce results.
Q: Do you have any thoughts or images in your mind about what you need to do or what you want to achieve in order to follow the ideal path, considering that there is a player like Nagatomo who has been successful overseas and can serve as a good role model?
A, one amazing aspect of Kunitomo SUZUKI is his incredible communication skills, which allow him to adapt and fit in wherever he goes. I believe that this aspect is crucial when going abroad, so I also want to value and prioritize it in my own career.
Q, I have been saying that I want to make use of my left-handed strength in playing on the left side. How specifically do you want to fight in that area?
A, I think there is a unique feeling or way of holding it that is unique to left-handed people, so I want to make the most of that, and I think that being able to hold the ball openly will expand the range of play. Also, I want to increase my assists with crosses from the left side.
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, we won against the top-ranked Kashima with 3 goals.
A, we knew that the opponent would press high from the front line, and we talked as a team that if we could break through it, it would be our chance, so we were able to progress the game easily by scoring a goal at a good time.
Q, I think I was able to score chances reliably.
A, since the finishing has been improving, which has been a challenge before, I would like to continue focusing on that.
Q, the team was able to maintain a conscious effort to connect passes despite the opponent's intense pressing from the front line.
As Coach Albert Pobor mentioned, we were able to consciously maintain our style and apply high pressure, which I believe will be beneficial in the future. I expect that the opponents will analyze us more closely going forward, but we still want to play our own football.
Q, immediately after scoring the third goal, we conceded a goal. What kind of communication did the team have?
A, in that situation, we let our guard down. I thought the game would go in a bad direction if we continued like this, so I had Morishige and other players gather together and give good encouragement.
Q: How do you feel about the maturity of the new style?
A, I think we were able to move the ball while working together. If we can further develop this style, I believe we will be able to play our own game throughout the 90 minutes.
