＜Match Review＞
The feeling that Tokyo gained in the last two matches was a sense of accelerating the team's growth. In the match before last, they scored a large number of goals, 6, against Kashiwa Reysol and won by a large margin. In the previous match, they allowed Yokohama F.Marinos, who conceded 8 goals last season, to score 2 goals first, but they managed to draw with the pursuit and equalizer by player Koki Tsukagawa, who joined the team this summer. The team's performance was also able to compete evenly with Yokohama, who boasts one of the league's top attacking powers, without taking a step back.
To make the feeling more certain, this match against Gamba Osaka. At this timing, Luiz PHELLYPE, who has been a substitute since coming to Japan, made his first start in the center of the 3 top. "Because he has become accustomed to the team, I want to increase his use from here on in the consecutive matches," said coach Albert, explaining the reason for his selection as a starter before the game.
1st HALF - Despite numerous shooting opportunities, the score remains 0-0 The game starts with Tokyo threatening Gamba Osaka's goal.
In the 4th minute of the first half, Masato MORISHIGE, the last line player, made a vertical pass, and Yuto NAGATOMO, the left full-back who was positioned in the middle, turned forward and made a move. When he sent a pass to the center in front of the goal, Adailton received the ball and took a shot. It flew straight in front of the goalkeeper.
In the 14th minute of the first half, Mori Shige's vertical pass creates an opportunity. Watanabe Ryoma, who flexibly moves positions from the right wing, breaks through the left side vertically and calls for Mori Shige's pass. He then enters the penalty area and takes a strong left-footed shot, but unfortunately, the ball goes outside the goal frame.
After a chance, a big pinch. In the 15th minute of the first half, Gamba's Leandro Pereira fiercely pressed Morishige, who was trying to handle Adailton's back pass. Morishige was dispossessed, and then goalkeeper Jakub Slowik was targeted with a shot towards the empty goal, but it went wide. It was a tense moment.
As the game continues with a back and forth exchange of attacks and defenses, Tokyo is increasing their shooting awareness.
In the 38th minute of the first half, player Felipe passed the ball backwards from the scramble in front of the Gamba goal, and player Tsukagawa ran in and took a middle shot. In addition, in the 40th minute of the first half, player Adailton shot with his right foot after controlling the ball with his chest, but neither of them shook the goal net. In the 44th minute of the first half, player Felipe headed the ball, and in the 45th minute of the first half, player Adailton again shot with his right foot, but until the end, the goal was far away and the first half ended scoreless.
2nd HALF - A result of attacking and defending, ending in a draw In the second half, from the start, Gamba's aggressive play continues to put pressure on Tokyo in their own half. In the first half, Tokyo had been countering Gamba's powerful attacks led by players Patric and Pereira, with players Morishige and Kimoto putting in their best efforts. However, Tokyo's defense is now further strengthening their concentration against the intensified opponent's attacks.
In the midst of a tight game, in the 6th minute of the second half, they took advantage of a momentary gap. Adailton, who had run into a deep position on the left side, crossed the ball into the goal area, and there Luiz Phellype, who had been there, attempted a shot with a heel kick. Unfortunately, it missed the target, but the two players who had been creating chances since the first half came close to scoring a goal for Gamba.
In the 8th minute of the second half, Keigo Higashi carried the ball in the midfield and passed it to Adailton on the left wing. After making a move towards the center, he sent a pass and Tsukagawa, who was supporting, took a shot. It went over the crossbar.
In the 55th minute, Gamba's player Pereira broke through the final line, but Kimoto made a last-minute sliding tackle to prevent the shot. It was a defensive play that could change the course of the game.
Tokyo substituted Leandro for Felipe. He went straight into the center of the front three.
Both teams continued to exchange attacks and defenses rapidly, but the intense battle at the beginning of the second half settled down, and both teams struggled to create opportunities due to mistakes in the game.
In the 30th minute of the second half, Tokyo faced their biggest crisis of the match. Gamba's player Dawhan made a perfectly timed header shot, but it was saved by Tokyo's blue and red guardian, player SLOWIK, with a big save. It was a save that showed their determination not to allow the opening goal.
Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Tokyo had another opportunity. Player Watanabe sent a big cross from the right side to the opposite side of the goal, and there was player Shuto ABE waiting there. However, his left-footed volley missed the goal by a wide margin.
In the 36th minute of the second half, Gamba Osaka took the ball from a coordination mistake in the opponent's territory and entered their own territory. However, player Patrick's breakthrough was blocked by player Morishige's brave defense. Following the fine plays by players Kimoto and Slowik, the captain's solid defense did not falter at this point.
In the final stage, Tokyo made a substitution, with Adailton being replaced by Keita YAMASHITA. YAMASHITA was positioned at the forefront, with Leandro on the left and Konno, who had already entered the pitch as a substitute, on the right. This formation change was made to launch a final offensive.
Entering additional time, 90 minutes + 3 minutes. Leandro player passes to Konno player running on the right side in the midfield. Konno player dribbles into the center and swings his left foot. The shot hits the opponent's defense and the ball goes into the air. Watanabe player, who was at the dropping point, hit a direct volley, but it was caught by Gamba GK Higashiguchi player's chest.
In the end, despite coming close to scoring multiple times, Tokyo was unable to break through Gamba's goal until the end. Contrary to the flashy game development, it ended in a scoreless draw.
In the final stage, as the ball flowed into their own vast space, player Keigo Higashi reacted to the ball one step ahead of the opponent with a fierce dash, avoiding a crisis. At that moment, the former captain, number 10 in blue and red, made a victory pose with both hands and roared. Although they didn't win, it was a scene that conveyed the determination for victory and points as the league approached its final stage. The defensive line defended devotedly, and the attacking line relentlessly attacked although they couldn't score a goal. Now, they focus their energy on the upcoming match. It was a match that conveyed the overflowing passion of the team.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA / Yasuki KIMOTO / Masato MORISHIGE / Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Shuto ABE / Keigo HIGASHI / Koki TSUKAGAWA (28th minute of the second half: Kazuya KONNO)
FW Ryoma WATANABE / Luiz PHELLYPE (18th minute of the second half: Leandro) / Adailton (39th minute of the second half: Keita YAMASHITA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Junya SUZUKI/Seiji KIMURA
MF Yuki KAJIURA
GOAL
ー
＜Gamba Osaka＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masaaki HIGASHIGUCHI
DF Ryu TAKAO/Genta MIURA (after 40 minutes: Shota FUKUOKA)/Gen SHOJI/Keisuke KUROKAWA
MF Juan ALANO (after 24 minutes: Yuya FUKUDA)/Mitsuki SAITO (after 24 minutes: DAWAN)/Yuki YAMAMOTO/Ryotaro MESHINO
FW Leandro PEREIRA (after 40 minutes: Musashi SUZUKI)/PATRIC
SUBS
GK Jun ICHIMORI
MF Shu KURATA/Wellington Silva
GOAL
－
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please give us an overview of the match.
A, we were not able to start the game in a good shape. In the first 30 minutes, we lost the ball frequently and couldn't control the game. It would be great if there was a magic that could give us confidence right away, but it never works that way. It is natural for the team to lose confidence in the process of growth, for example, when the opponent presses from the front line or when the play doesn't go well.
After that, we were able to regain control of the game. We continue to communicate this to the players, but when we can firmly control the ball, we can create opportunities. It was the same today. It was a great match against a formidable opponent, but we were able to create decisive moments when we had possession of the ball. However, there are challenges in defense. We want to address them properly and prepare for the next match.
Today, I am very satisfied with the mentality of the players who continued to aim for victory until the very end of the match, who continued to aim for the opponent's goal. FC Tokyo has often struggled against teams that were previously in the lower ranks. However, in that aspect, the players continued to maintain the attitude of overcoming their weaknesses until the very end, and I am proud that they continued to express their desire to win rather than settle for a draw.
We must not lose the ball so many times. I would like to continue to make efforts in that regard. And I would like to take this opportunity to praise Keigo HIGASHI, who has not played as a defensive midfielder until now, for his wonderful performance today.
I would like to prepare for Wednesday's Vissel Kobe match. We will walk the path we should take and address the challenges as we face the Kobe match.
Q, was Gamba's performance in the first 30 minutes different from what was expected? Or were there issues with confidence and technique?
A, it was a 30-minute period with many challenges for us if I may comment without considering the opponent team's play. I have been commenting repeatedly that we need time to grow. It takes time for players to understand and express various concepts.
We were unable to hold the ball in the first 5 minutes. So if we couldn't hold the ball, I think the players could have controlled the game by expressing the concept of cherishing the ball on the pitch. However, we couldn't do that today. I think it's not a tactical mistake, but a matter of understanding the concept well. And it takes time to understand it.
Many players are not accustomed to this playing style. For example, Keigo HIGASHI, who is currently playing as a defensive midfielder, is a player who has not played in that position before. I think many people had doubts about converting him to a defensive midfielder a few months ago. It is a time for players to make various efforts and understandings to play in an unfamiliar style and position.
It's not about struggling with how the opponent presses, but about responding firmly to various pressing methods and being able to dominate the game and build up in many matches. In that sense, I think we made a lot of mistakes today because we had challenges. Of course, tactics are important. However, the most important thing is individual tactics. I think it's about each person's tactics.
[Player Interview]
Q, please reflect on the game that had a scene of a big save.
A, of course, I aim to keep a clean sheet in every match. We haven't been able to keep a clean sheet in the past few matches, but today, not only myself but also everyone's hard work resulted in a clean sheet. However, I don't just want to end the match with a clean sheet, I aim for the team to win and earn 3 points. So, in that sense, while firmly accepting that we couldn't earn 3 points today, if we continue to keep the goals at bay, there is a possibility of leading to a victory, so I want to aim for another clean sheet in the next match.
Q: How do you feel about not conceding a goal for the first time in 5 matches?
A, the defense players were able to coordinate well, and everyone pressed the opponent together, always communicating, which led to everyone having a high defensive awareness and resulted in no goals conceded. I am very happy to have been able to contribute to that result, even if only a little.
Q: Based on today's match, what kind of preparations do you want to make for the next match?
A, of course, I think we were able to achieve these results from our better communication, and I think the biggest factor is that everyone sincerely hoped for good results. However, we couldn't get 3 points and ended up with 1, so first of all, we need to recover and adjust our condition properly. We have a match against Kobe on Wednesday, so I want to make good preparations for the next game while reflecting on the good and bad parts.
＜Player Keigo HIGASHI＞
Q, the final part was defended with the players, including Tokyo players, risking their bodies.
It is quite difficult to dominate the game for the entire 90 minutes, so there are times when it is difficult to stay calm due to the away situation or the opponent's ranking. However, today we were able to keep the back players at zero for the first time in a while, so I feel like we want to continue to develop the ability to patiently take one point. In defense, we were able to make big saves with Kubo and defend as a team, so I would like to continue that.
Q, the veteran player in his 30s defended bravely until the end.
A, (laughs) I am inspired by watching players like Morishige and Nagatomo play up close, and I feel that I can still grow from my daily training. I want to lead the team and bring victories in games like today, so that I can continue to play for a long time.
Q, wasn't it a big burden during the first half when you couldn't hold the ball for a long time?
The coach also told me that he wanted me to calm the ball down in my area, rather than having a chaotic development. I played while watching the opponent's situation and taking positions behind. I have only been playing as an anchor for about three months, so I am still experimenting, but I am enjoying playing while thinking about how to move in the game.
Q, it seems that the defensive awareness is increasing with each game.
I am also learning the timing and way of defense, so I am approaching it with a fresh feeling.
Q: Did you intentionally come down to the final line and play today?
A, there were also times when we were under pressure from the opponent, so I dropped back a bit and played while observing their movements. There was also an intention to calm the game down.
The quality of playing in the opponent's territory is still lacking, so I would like to improve on how to break it down when the opponent pulls back the block.
Today, we were able to keep the goals conceded to zero and it was a positive point that we were able to defend against the opponent's counterattacks with great effort.
Q, has the flexibility of play emerged in both the team and individual?
A, there are advantages to having the opponent come out. If they can create a solid block, I think there is still room to improve our patterns of breaking through and ideas from communication between players, so I want to enhance that.
Masato MORISHIGE
Q, we were able to finish the game with a clean sheet after a long time.
A, I knew that the opponent would come aiming for a counterattack, so I thought that if we could suppress Leandro Pereira and PATRIC, there would be no problem. Today, it was a development where I wanted a goal.
Q, in the end, veteran players like Morishige, Nagatomo, and Higashi risked their bodies and defended until the end.
A, I feel like that's what today's work was, and I think it's a part that I was able to do.
Q, how was the defense against crosses?
We discussed and approached the game with the intention of focusing on organizing and improving the part where we win or lose in a one-on-one situation in the final part before the goal, as well as conceding goals from crosses.
Q, there is another away game against Kobe in 3 days.
A, there are parts that were done and parts that were not done in today's game. By making fine adjustments to those parts and repeating the training, I think the accuracy will improve even more.
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q, I think that defending until the end with all our might led to keeping a clean sheet.
A, in a difficult situation, the opponent also had momentum, but I feel the team's growth in being able to protect dangerous situations by putting their bodies on the line. Regarding ball possession, there were a few mistakes, but we are improving while taking on challenges, and although there have been many goals conceded in previous matches, I think it was good as a defender that we were able to keep a clean sheet today.
Q, I think players like Nagatomo and Morishige, who are the core players, have especially put their bodies on the line.
First of all, we need to show a fighting spirit, and I am aware of that myself. I think it is an important aspect. When the team's morale is low, I want to be a player who can show it with my back and with my play.
Q, although he was a left back, I could sense his determination to further improve.
Under coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, a new modern style of playing as a side back is required, and I am also learning a lot in that aspect. Playing on the side has been my role for the past 15 years as a professional, but I am being shown a new side of myself and I feel that I am still growing despite the challenges. I want to aim for plays where I can smoothly contribute to the team's possession and go into the attacking zone while improving my accuracy.
Q, do you want to focus on keeping a clean sheet as a defense precisely because the team's style has deepened and they have become able to score?
A, of course. The coach tells us every day to play attacking football, but as defenders, we need to defend solidly and keep the score at 0. If we don't concede, we won't lose, so we are strongly aware of that. We want to keep possession of the ball and build our base. I am confident that we are steadily improving, and I personally want to strive to evolve my own play.
Shuto ABE player
Q, I felt that Gamba Osaka pressed more aggressively than expected. How did you feel about that, especially in the first half?
Rather than coming out from the front, it is more of an impression that we were targeted because of our own mistakes. I think we suffered because of our own mistakes.
Q: What do you think was the cause of the confusion and commotion there?
A, (immediately after the game) I still don't know the cause, but today there was an impression that everyone's body felt heavy. Without being accustomed to the unique heat of Osaka, the start of the first half was not good and there were many mistakes.
Q, is it growth that we didn't collapse throughout the entire first half, including the end?
A, if we could have grasped our own rhythm from the beginning of the first half, when it got better after 30 minutes, it would have been a more comfortable development and I think we could have increased our chances of scoring by moving the ball smoothly.
Q, what about not conceding any goals?
A, Kubo made another big save today, and the two center-backs also defended bravely, so I think ending the game without conceding a goal will lead to something positive.
Q: What do you need to be careful about for the Kobe match based on today's game?
A, since the start of the game today was not good, I would like to prepare for the next match so that we can proceed at Tokyo's pace from the beginning of the first half.
Q, what is your impression of Kobe?
A, although there is an impression that it has not been going well this year, the players are all together, so regardless of the ranking, I would like to prepare to win with my feet on the ground.
Q: Did you feel the determination of Gamba Osaka, today's opponent, to remain in J1?
A, of course Gamba is also desperate, and the next Kobe is also fighting to avoid relegation, so it will be difficult to play against such opponents, but in order to keep up with the top teams, we have no choice but to win, so I want to secure 3 points in the next match.
＜Ryoma WATANABE player＞
Q. It was a frustrating game, but please reflect on the game.
A. I think the start of the first half was a problem with positioning, but it didn't go well. One possible factor is that it was a bit stretched out overall. No matter what the situation, even if the opponent was coming from the front, we have to be conscious of positioning and I feel that the start was a waste, including myself.
Q. How do you feel about your performance, as you feel your presence is increasing with each game?
A. I am not satisfied at all with today's game. I actually think it's below average and I feel like I need to get more involved in the chances. It's becoming difficult to score goals, but I also need to produce results that show in the numbers. While I may feel like I have a presence because I am touching the ball a lot, I haven't been able to deliver the results.
I feel that in order for me to become a player at a higher level, I need to pay attention to the numbers.
Q. Is it because the receiving position has improved that you need to do more decisive work?
A. Today, I gave Leandro a through pass, but I think I need to do scenes like that not just once, but many times. I have also been told by the coach to eliminate scenes where I receive the ball in the middle and lose it, so I think it's my own challenge even without the coach telling me. If I can receive the ball in the middle and take it to the shot and score, I think I can evolve more, so I want to pursue it further.
Q. The next game will be in three days. Please tell us your enthusiasm for the away game against Kobe Univ.
A. Today is frustrating, but it doesn't mean we lost, so I want to keep going without looking down. I want to make use of the parts that didn't go well in the first 30 minutes and win the next two matches no matter what.
