<Match Review>
In September, about two weeks after the blue and red warriors were active in the national pitch, the Kyoto Sanga match. The league was interrupted due to the Japan national team's European expedition, and during this period, the team "adjusted the details of the tactics" (Coach Albert). And on October 1st, the Kashima Antlers match was welcomed on enemy territory. This season has 5 remaining matches. It can be said that it is the final 5 of the first year of the Albert regime, which is an important last 5. The Kashima match will be the start of that.
1st HALF - Gradually grasping the pace, approaching the Kashima goal
Missing captain Masato MORISHIGE in this match due to suspension. This season, there is an unpleasant data of 1 win and 4 losses in league matches without Morishige. However, Seiji KIMURA, who will form the center back with Yasuki KIMOTO, is expected to perform well. KIMURA, a young center back who returned to Tokyo from Montedio Yamagata this summer, has also attracted attention.
In the early stages, in front of Kashima's intense defense from the front line, the build-up of both players, Kimoto and Kimura, did not function well. In the first five minutes from kick-off, they were pushed back into their own half, giving Kashima the upper hand in the beginning.
The first shot in Tokyo came in the 12th minute of the first half. Leandro, who will face his former team, Kashima, picked up a pass mistake in the enemy's territory and aimed for the goal with his right foot, but it went to the left of the post. However, Tokyo gradually created opportunities to enter the enemy's territory thereafter.
Kashima is based on a 4-3-1-2 formation, with 2 forwards and 3 attacking midfielders putting pressure on Tokyo from the front, and the 3 defensive midfielders behind them forming a solid defensive formation in the central area. Tokyo also had many of their passes to the central area cut off by the opponent, but they started to create opportunities on both sides where there was space, in order to take advantage of the opponent's formation.
Scenes where Hotaka NAKAMURA and Ryoma WATANABE combine on the right side to penetrate the Kashima defense, and Kuryu MATSUKI moves to the left side from the center midfield, creating opportunities for Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Leandro to attack from a high position.
In the 28th minute of the first half, Matsuki player broke through with a long feed from Kimoto player and aimed for the goal with his right foot. In addition, in the 31st minute of the first half, Leandro player took a one-two with Diego Oliveira player and shot with his left foot. In the 36th minute of the first half, Diego Oliveira player took a middle shot from a dribble, and in the 44th minute of the first half, Leandro player took a shot after stealing the ball from Kashima with a high press, but none of them could shake the goal net. Despite coming close to Kashima's goal, the first half ended with no points.
2nd HALF - Strong defense and a dramatic final round goal
In the beginning of the second half, Tokyo maintained their pace. However, in the 11th minute of the second half, Kashima took advantage of a momentary gap and Suzuki player broke through. But at this moment, Kimura player calmly reacted and cleared the ball, avoiding any danger.
Immediately after, Kashif BANGNAGANDE passed the ball to Nakata player's left foot feed and ran towards the goal. He wanted to chest trap and shoot with his left foot... but unfortunately, he missed the chance to score a great goal as he couldn't meet the ball.
In the 14th minute of the second half, there was a shot from the combination of Leandro, Diego OLIVEIRA, and Leandro again, which was saved by Kashima's goalkeeper Hayakawa.
In the 20th minute of the second half, coach Albert Puig Ortoneda substituted in players Shuto ABE and Adailton. Just 2 minutes later, Adailton took a control shot from his favorite angle of 45 degrees on the left, but it went over the crossbar. In addition, Tokyo, who was looking to make a substitution strategy, brought in Luiz Phellype in the 28th minute of the second half. Phellype then took consecutive shots in the 30th and 36th minutes, accelerating the team's attack.
The match between Kashima and Tokyo was a back-and-forth battle, but while Tokyo had many opportunities to finish their attacks with solid shots, Kashima was unable to create any decisive chances despite their efforts. This was largely due to Tokyo's well-organized defense, with each player showing dedication and making strong tackles. On the right side, Nakamura was strong in challenges, while Kimura did not give the opponent any space to move freely, even in physical battles in front of the goal.
And then, player Abe, who had been increasing the defensive intensity along with them as a substitute, finally scored a long-awaited goal.
In the 36th minute of the second half, he picked up the second ball from the opponent's clearance and unleashed a right-footed volley from the middle range. The ball grazed the outstretched hand of Kashima goalkeeper Hayakawa, who also graduated from Meiji University, and pierced the goal net. This became a memorial goal, marking Tokyo's 1,000th point in J1.
Tokyo united, a moment of joy. Yuto NAGATOMO and Go HATANO, among others, rushed to join the circle of joy from the bench, and in front of the away stadium, Kashima Soccer Stadium, where the supporter stands gathered, they performed a cradle dance for Junya SUZUKI, who recently had his second child.
Tokyo, who heard the strong whistle of the time-up, maintained their defensive concentration and intensity until the end. In addition to the dramatic winning goal, the growth of player Kashif BANGNAGANDE who showed tough defense in the absence of captain Morishige, and the comeback of player Nakamura who suffered from injury for a long time, as well as the dedication of young player BANGNAGANDE who moved up and down the left side until the end, all contributed to the team's victory with a perfect 3 points.
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Seiji KIMURA/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (42nd minute of the second half: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Keigo HIGASHI/Kuryu MATSUKI (21st minute of the second half: Shuto ABE)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (42nd minute of the second half: Kazuya KONNO)/Diego OLIVEIRA (21st minute of the second half: Adailton)/Leandro (28th minute of the second half: Luiz PHELLYPE)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Junya SUZUKI
GOAL
39' Shuto ABE
＜Kashima Antlers＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoki HAYAKAWA
DF Rikuto HIROSE/Ikuma SEKIGAWA/Kento MITSUKURI/Koki ANZAI
MF Yuta HIGUCHI (41st minute of the second half: Yuta MURAMATSU)/Shintaro NAGO (20th minute of the second half: Ryuji IZUMI)/Diego PITUCA
FW Hayato NAKAMA (13th minute of the second half: Ryotaro ARAKI)/Arthur CAIKE (39th minute of the second half: Everaldo)/Yuma SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Sun Tae KWOUN
DF Min Tae KIM
MF Shoma DOI
GOAL
ー
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
First of all, I think the first half was the most fantastic development in this season's match. They played wonderfully in terms of the concept. Holding the ball, aiming for the goal, playing aggressively in defense. Each player made the right decisions during the course of the match. They were able to create several decisive chances. As a coach, my goal is always for the players to enjoy playing soccer. That was the case in the first half. The players were playing happily on the pitch, and sometimes even smiling. That's what I think the first half was like.
On the other hand, the second half became more challenging. It is naturally a game at the home of a great club. I did not expect things to go smoothly. Today, I am delighted as a football professional to be able to play in front of the wonderful supporters of Kashima Antlers in this magnificent stadium. And I am very grateful that many supporters from Tokyo have come here and supported us.
Towards the end of the match, Kuryu Matsuki, who had felt a little unwell last night, needed to be substituted, and Shuto Abe came on as a substitute and scored a fantastic goal for us. Seiji Kimura had just returned from the U-21 Japan national team's European tour three days ago. Despite it being his first match back, he played exceptionally well. After scoring a goal, we anticipated that Kashima Antlers would aim for a more direct approach to scoring, so we changed our system to try to secure the match result and end the game. Yuto Nagatomo had only just returned from the Japan national team's expedition two days ago, but his experience and wisdom contributed to finishing the match. I believe his contribution in such a difficult situation is evidence of his greatness as a player. I hope that young players can learn a lot from Yuto Nagatomo.
Q: How would you evaluate the performance of player Yuto NAGATOMO, who has returned from the national team?
Regarding Yuto NAGATOMO, I believe his greatness is proven by the numbers. Not only has he been a member of Inter Milan, a top-level club in Europe, for many years, but he has also continued to play, which is something that many people may not understand how difficult it is. He is also on the verge of his fourth World Cup appearance, which is further evidence of his greatness. I think you can understand how difficult it is to play in the World Cup four times, even from a global perspective.
The most surprising thing about him was his reaction when I talked about considering using him on the right side instead of the left side at the beginning of this season. I asked him to learn to play in the central area as well as a full-back, and he accepted it. Many players of his age and experience might think, "What can you teach me? I can teach you soccer," when pointed out by a coach. However, he did not take such an arrogant attitude and took a different approach. He has two important elements to become a great player. The first is a strong mentality, a strong mentality that is committed to winning. And the other is the willingness to continue learning. These two are the reasons why he is a player that many young players should learn from. And it is also necessary not only for soccer players but also in life. Soccer and life are connected. What is necessary in soccer is also important in life. Additionally, it should be added that he is a wonderful person. Yuto Nagatomo is truly a wonderful person.
[Player Interview]
<Shuto ABE>
Q, please look back on today's goal.
It was 0-0 and I was thinking of swinging my right foot. I had a good feeling during shooting practice this week, and when I took the shot, I had a sense of hitting it well, so I'm glad it went in.
Q: What instructions did the coach give you when you came on as a substitute?
A, once again, I want you to bring out the intensity of your play. This also aligns with my strengths, so I entered with the intention of showcasing my own play.
Q: Was it difficult to come in from the bench, unlike starting in the lineup?
A, it was difficult to adjust to the intensity of the game when I entered in the middle, and it was quite tough, but since I stepped onto the pitch, I couldn't make excuses, so I played thinking about running firmly and maintaining the intensity.
Q, wasn't it significant that it was decided during that time period with a score of 0-0?
A, we were able to score at a good time, and in the end, we were able to defend. It was a relief for the team to score at that moment, and we were able to refocus afterwards. It was good.
We had a lot of fans and supporters come all the way to Kashima, and it was really reassuring. When we scored, we naturally shared our joy with the supporters behind the goal, and I think today's victory was thanks to the fans and supporters.
Q, today's goal in the match marked the 1000th goal in J1 history.
A, I was just asked in an interview. I am very happy to be able to leave my name in the history of FC Tokyo.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q, how was it to participate in the game?
A, until now I have always been a substitute and have only played on the left side of the three-back. I didn't concede any goals there, but it was said that "if I conceded a goal in that playing time, I wouldn't be useful." So, I think being able to play for a full 90 minutes today without conceding a goal will be a significant result in my future soccer career. It was a really good result that will greatly affect how I can contribute to the remaining 4 matches.
Q, I think it was a really challenging task to fill the gap without Morishige.
A, Mori and I have different characteristics, so while there is a need to fill the gap, I didn't think of trying to be like Mori. Instead, I entered the game with the intention of showcasing my own strengths and contributing to the team by giving my best.
Q, throughout the 90 minutes, the opponent had many tough players such as Suzuki player. How was the match against them?
A, I think it's important not to lose in the ball and aerial battles, which are my strengths, no matter who the opponent is. I think I was able to handle that well. It's still a long way off, but with the Paris Olympics coming up, I don't think I can compete on the world stage if I can't handle it here, so I think it was good in that sense as well.
Q: I think the strength of player Kimura has improved a lot, and I believe it was conveyed to the fans and supporters in Tokyo today.
A, yes. I haven't had the opportunity to be seen by Tokyo fans and supporters for a year and a half, but I think I was able to show what I have built up, so I want to continue fighting for the rest of the season in this good condition.
Q: Do you think we can aim for a spot in the ACL in the remaining 4 matches?
The coach said that it is important to play our own football and win. He talked about becoming a great team that will be remembered by many people, so if we stick to our style and win firmly, I think we will eventually enter the ACL zone. I want to fight with the whole team without being conscious of that.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, I think you were courageously crossing from the side, but did you have a specific aim?
A, I knew that the side space would open up during the pre-match scouting. The coach also told us to keep attacking there, and we were aiming for it from the first half. Although there were times when the crosses didn't work out well, we were able to finish by taking shots from the loose balls after the crosses, so I think it was good and went as planned.
Q: How did you feel about the opponent playing while valuing the ball?
There were moments when we were pushed back by the opponent, but since the first half, we were able to control the game ourselves, so I think we were able to proceed with the game without getting flustered.
Q, how was the game looking back on it, even though you were side by side with player Kimura?
It was one of my goals to reach the top. Personally, when I first watched a game at the stadium when I was young, it was Tokyo vs Kashima at Kashima Stadium. I played on the same side as player Kimura and we had a clean sheet, making it the best day.
Playing on the same side, if our concentration wavered even a little, we would have been beaten. So, we communicated with each other during each play and I think that was the factor that prevented our defense from collapsing, as we were able to do it repeatedly.
Q: What kind of encouragement did you give during halftime?
A, in the first half we played good football and in the second half we just needed to score goals, so we talked about the importance of taking those opportunities and making the most of them. We also discussed making some adjustments in the finer details because we were put in difficult situations twice.
Q: What kind of preparations do you want to make for the next game?
It is important that we were able to earn 3 points against Kashima away, and if we don't win the next match, the meaning of this victory will be lost. I think whether we can continue this and make it into the ACL zone. I want to fight every game as if it were the final round, so that we can definitely win at the next home game.
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q: please review the game.
A, Captain Morishige was suspended due to accumulated fouls, so Kimura played instead. I had the opportunity to play in place of Nagatomo, who had returned from the national team. Before the match, I had a conversation with Kimura, saying, "Let's give it our all in today's game." As a team, we also talked about playing our own style of soccer and winning, so I think we were able to play a game with a lot of passion.
Q, it was an impressive match with one-on-one battles happening in various places. There were some gaps, but how was the condition?
A, this season was difficult for me in various ways, but I was prepared to respond whenever my turn came, so there were no issues with my condition. The opponent's player Anzai was taking a high position and kept attacking, so I thought I absolutely had to stop him. I think it was good that we ended the game without conceding any goals.
Q, we would like to see a passionate performance in the home game against Shonan. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, regardless of whether I am in the starting lineup or on the bench, I will continue to run for the team. I will do my best to make the fans and supporters happy at home Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: please review the game.
It was a good game where we were able to demonstrate our strengths from the first half, so I think that ending with a draw and winning by one point will also contribute to our confidence in the future. I think it was a good victory.
Q, the game was characterized by intense changes in offense and defense from the first half.
There was a strategy of not sitting back and defending, but rather going forward to steal the ball. We knew the opponent would also come forward, so the use of long balls and short passes, especially in the first half, felt effective and made it difficult for the opponent to catch up. Also, Seiji KIMURA did a great job of stopping the opponent, so I want to thank him for that as I didn't have many opportunities to play today.
Q, it seemed like they were also aiming for a goal from a set piece.
A, although it was difficult to score, I think if we can score from set plays, the game will become easier, so I want to value set plays.
Q, today many fans and supporters came to support us. Please say a few words.
A, it was great that you came all the way to support us in Kashima and we were able to deliver a victory. We have two consecutive home games from here, so we will switch gears and prepare ourselves. We hope to receive passionate support again.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, it was a wonderful victory.
It was known from before the match that it would be a difficult game as there were many high-level players on the opposing team. I am very happy that we were able to stick to our style of play and earn 3 points.
Q, there was a strong play by Diego TABA in the first half, where he dribbled through the center area. It was very pleasing to see such plays from Diego TABA, even though he has a role within the team.
A, I also got injured in January, and there are also parts where I play a defensive role tactically, so I haven't been able to show scenes like that so far, but I am happy that I was able to play for the team's victory, not just that scene.
Q, I'm looking forward to scoring in the Shonan match.
A, I haven't been able to score for a long time, so I really want to score. However, there are always times like this, and because I haven't been able to score, I am working hard in practice. I feel that the fans and supporters are giving me strength at the stadium, so I will do my best to score in the next game.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q, I played in the game as a closer.
A, I'm relieved that I was able to finish as 'Closer Nagatomo'.
Q, what role did you play in the game given by the coach?
I think it was good because I was told to not concede any goals and to finish with a win.
Q, I was also shouting from the bench in the first half.
A, we were able to carry the game at our own pace because we had a great game from the first half, and the positional soccer, which is the base of Coach Albert's, has become the base and I think the team is improving.
Q: What do you need to do to take another step forward?
A, I would like to focus on improving the accuracy of the final attacking third and the scoring ability.
