＜Match Review＞
In the second season under the Albert regime. The season has arrived where the penetration of the "play with the ball" (by Coach Albert) style that has been worked on since last season and the team's evolution will be questioned. What we have been working on in the preseason is to systematically create a way to break through the defensive net after holding the ball and pushing the opponent in order to score goals. We have been increasing the maturity of the organization by repeatedly extracting and resolving issues in daily training, including practice matches, in a short period of time.
Facing off in the opening match, which demonstrated the evolution of the second year after a fulfilling preparation period, were Urawa Reds. With 100% capacity and unrestricted vocal support from all seats in the stadium, the "voice" without limitations returned after a long time. The opponent, who welcomed a new coach, is difficult to predict, but the preparations to advance the game under their own initiative are in perfect order. The blue and red, dominated by the attack, will make a comeback at Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - Attack after 30 minutes of the first half
From the start, the intensity is high and there is fierce competition. Especially, Urawa applies intense pressure from the front line, but Tokyo maintains possession of the ball while fluidly changing positions. They move the ball to a high position while evading the opponent.
In the midst of a back-and-forth game, in the 16th minute of the first half, SAKAI took a powerful shot, but the ball was saved by a fine save from SLOWIK. While there were moments of possession in the flow of the game, a period of time where mistakes piled up and the finish couldn't be reached continued. The period of time where they couldn't take control of the game continued, but after the 30th minute of the first half, Tokyo's coordinated press from the front line started to work, allowing them to win the ball in high positions and transition to attack.
In the 38th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA initiated a play from a deep position in the opponent's territory and tried to create a scoring opportunity in combination with Teruhito NAKAGAWA, but they were unable to convert. In the additional time of the first half, in the 45+1 minute, Hotaka NAKAMURA broke through on the right side and supplied a cross, but Kuryu MATSUKI narrowly missed the ball as he jumped into the goal area, and the game remained 0-0 at halftime.
2nd HALF - Securing scoring opportunities and winning the opening match
Changing the course of the game, which was struggling to find a rhythm, and in response to Keigo Higashi receiving a yellow card while also playing a crucial role in defense, Coach Alberto made a move during halftime. Shuto Abe was substituted for Higashi, aiming to change the midfield lineup and turn the situation around.
In the 3rd minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had the ball in a deep position on the left side, made a cross pass into the penalty area. Naomichi NAKAGAWA, who jumped in, controlled the ball and unleashed a powerful shot just in front of the left goalpost, but the ball rebounded off the crossbar. Despite missing a great opportunity, FC Tokyo, who held onto the ball, continued to push Urawa and dominate the game.
As the starting point from the side, gradually the gears of the team's cooperation begin to mesh by supplying effective balls to the opponent's goal. And in the 21st minute of the second half, they break the balance from the left side. Player Yoshifumi, who received the ball in a wide position, puts the ball into space, and player Abe breaks free and shakes off the opponent player with a sharp switch near the goal line, then checks the situation in front of the goal and puts a cross ball in the negative direction. Tokyo players also jump in, but the ball hits the opponent player and changes trajectory, rolling into the corner of the goal without the opposing goalkeeper being able to react.
Cutting the substitution card immediately afterwards can be the trigger that determines the outcome of the game.
In the 29th minute of the second half, Adailton received a throw-in from the right side and played a vertical pass. Diego received the ball and put pressure on the opponent's defender from behind. Without losing the ball, he sent it to the left side. Ryoma Watanabe, who was substituted in the 24th minute of the second half, took a shot while being free, and the ball that hit the opponent's player who blocked it flowed into the goal.
After expanding the lead, Tokyo had periods where they were pushed back by the opponent, but the team as a whole had a high defensive awareness and did not allow any decisive opportunities. As the game entered the final stages, they maintained possession of the ball without forcing attacks and successfully closed out the game while maintaining balance.
Although it took time for us to demonstrate our strengths within the tension unique to official matches in the first half, we were able to effectively bring the ball into the opponent's penalty area and convert the chances we seized through our offensive pressure in the second half. Tokyo's attack is still in the developmental stage. Without loosening our grip, we will use this victory as a catalyst and head towards the away game against Kashiwa Reysol in the next match.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA / Yasuki KIMOTO / Henrique TREVISAN / Kashif BANGNAGANDE (24th minute of the second half: Yuto NAGATOMO)
MF Kei KOIZUMI / Keigo HIGASHI (0th minute of the second half: Shuto ABE) / Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (24th minute of the second half: Ryoma WATANABE) / Diego OLIVEIRA (43rd minute of the second half: Perotti) / Adailton (35th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA
GOAL
21 minutes into the second half: Own goal/30 minutes into the second half: Ryoma WATANABE
Urawa Reds
STARTING XI
GK Shusaku Nishikawa
DF Hiroki Sakai (36th minute of the second half: Ayumu Ohata)/Alexander Scholz/Marius Hoibraten/Takahiro Akimoto
MF Atsuki Ito/Ken Iwao/David Moberg (11th minute of the second half: Kaoru Matsuzaki)/Yoshio Koizumi (24th minute of the second half: Takahiro Sekine)/Tomoaki Okubo
FW Bryan Lissen (24th minute of the second half: Shinzo Koroki)
SUBS
GK Zion SUZUKI
DF Tomoya INUKAI
MF Kai SHIBATO
GOAL
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[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please look back on the first half.
A, you can look back on the first half in two phases. In the first 30 minutes of the first half, we didn't play poorly, nor did Urawa play exceptionally well. We made some simple mistakes and struggled to find the rhythm of the game for the first 30 minutes. We particularly struggled with Urawa attacking our anchor. In addition, Urawa was able to effectively counter our high press with long balls and midfield balls from the goalkeeper, which made it difficult for us. In response, we tried to set up wide wingers on both sides to launch attacks, but we couldn't establish a good distance between the wingers and midfielders, so we couldn't create effective attacks from the wings. Also, the early yellow card for Keigo HIGASHI had an impact on our plan. After that, we dominated the game for the remaining 15 minutes of the first half. From there, the wingers were able to take positions in the center and create numerical advantages, allowing us to attack well. The fact that Keigo HIGASHI had a yellow card and our anchor was being attacked led to a player substitution and a change to a double pivot in the midfield at the start of the second half, which improved our performance. The 4-2-3-1 formation is one of the systems we have been training with during this preseason. Of course, we respect Urawa, but I believe we were the ones dominating in the second half. In the second half, we also controlled the ball and had good transitions between offense and defense.
Today, Captain Masato Morishige was absent. He is currently sidelined due to an injury sustained during the final preseason training. However, I believe it is significant that we were able to achieve victory even without him. Seiji Kimura also suffered an injury during training and was unable to be called up. With injuries in the defense, we now have more attacking options on the bench.
Finally, I would like to show the utmost respect to the coach of Urawa Reds. I believe he is a great coach who has achieved a lot of experience and success so far. I think he will do a great job in Japan.
Q: Changing the composition of the midfield, you completely transformed the game in the second half, which was impressive. Besides that, is there any other reason why the performance improved in the second half?
A, not only in the second half, but also in the remaining 15 minutes of the first half, I think we were dominating the game from there. There were some concerns before today's opening match. Despite having built up from last season and having prepared well in the preseason, there is a worry that the players will lose confidence after conceding a goal from a small mistake. However, in reality, the concerns turned out to be groundless, and the players played with confidence that they had shown in the preseason even in this opening match. With this victory, I believe the team and the players will gain confidence and play even better in the future. It is unfortunate that we couldn't give debut to Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who we called up this time, but I think you all know that I love young players. Sooner or later, the moment will come for him to make his debut. Also, today we let PEROTTI, the newly joined player, play in the last few minutes. I believe that even playing for a few minutes will contribute to his adaptation to the J-League, and I also wanted to close the game with his participation. From next week, Kuryu MATSUKI will be absent due to national team activities. I am delighted that young players have grown. I will continue to encourage the growth of other young players as well.
Q, congratulations. Did you feel the sense of accomplishment in pursuing your own style of football in this match?
A, indeed, yes. Today, I am proud that the players played with a focus on their own style. The style that Tokyo aims for is by no means a copy of any other club. From my experience, some may imagine the style of FC Barcelona, but that is a mistake. I myself want to apply it to the J-League, understand the characteristics of the players, and establish Tokyo's original style.
[Player Interview]
Ryoma WATANABE
Q, how do you look back on the scoring scene?
A, Diego player passed the ball into space in a good way, so I was wondering whether to shoot it as it is or trap it, but the player I was facing was Sakai player, so when I tried to hit it directly to the far side, it hit the opponent player and went in nicely.
Q, how did you feel in the scene just after coming on as a substitute?
A, it was good that I was able to think carefully about what to do based on the situation of the game and participate in the game. I had a strong desire to win with my own goal.
Q: What instructions did you receive from the coach?
A, there were no specific instructions. Until now, I had many opportunities to play on the right side, but today the player on the left side was being chased in defense for a long time, so I was substituted with that player and I thought I had to contribute in defense as well. In that situation, I was determined to go forward whenever I could.
Q: How did you feel about the team's efforts in tackling the pocket and executing intentional attacks during the camp?
A, personally, I think I need to do more. Regarding today, I think it was good that I was able to score in a small number of opportunities, but I think I can do more, so I want to increase it.
Q, although it is only 1/34 of the whole, how about taking it as the first step?
A, I have been working on new things at the camp, and I think I have learned from both my achievements and reflections, so I think I have become clear about what I should do in the future. I think it's a good thing to learn something new while winning a game and be able to connect it to the next step. While taking a positive approach, I would like to aim even higher.
Q: How do you feel about being able to score in the opening match, considering that you mentioned your personal focus on results?
A, if it ends here, it would be meaningless, so I want to continue.
Q: "How was it to perform 'Shah' in front of many fans and supporters?"
I was happier to be able to do it in the opening game than in front of many fans and supporters. I think it's the first step for the team to improve, so I was glad to be able to leave a "shah" there and get results.
Q, he said he was struggling during the camp, but today he seemed sharp and his body looked light.
A, I am aware of the importance of not overthinking and playing without hesitation, as I have realized through self-analysis that I can demonstrate my abilities when I no longer have excessive thoughts, whether they are positive or negative.
Q, did your body move naturally today?
A, I think it was good that I was able to play without thinking too much about the details while recognizing my role. I also realized that it is important to play boldly, as if I had more time to think about the scoring scene, I might have trapped the ball.
＜Kashif BANGNAGANDE player＞
Q, please reflect on today's play.
I was not able to produce results such as assists or goals. The most important evaluation is the result, so I personally want to strive for better results this season.
Q: Did you have any specific awareness when facing the opponent's right back, Hiroki SAKAI?
I think he is the best side back in the J-League in terms of skill level. Before the game, I watched videos of Sakai and Moberg's plays multiple times and prepared for the match, but we had a few dangerous moments in the first half.
Q: You started in the opening match, what kind of season do you want to have this season?
A, I want to focus more on scoring and assisting than ever before. And I want to fight each and every game in front of me firmly.
Q, there is also player Nagatomo in the same position, are you aware of that?
Not only Nagatomo but also Tokumoto has something that I don't have, so I am inspired by them. I ask about positioning in every practice and study every day, and I think we can improve each other.
Q: Do you receive any advice from player Nagatomo?
I receive advice every day. It is said that in order to compete in the world, you have to become a player who can defend alone. I am learning from a player who is of a higher level than me.
Q, Is there any part where you personally feel growth in the past year?
A, I want to increase the variety of crosses. Some of them connected, but there were many crosses that didn't connect, so I want to improve the quality.
Q, how do you communicate with the players who enter the goal area?
A, communication has become more frequent than before. I have a sense that crosses are connecting during practice.
Q, have you become more confident in expressing yourself now, whereas before you were hesitant?
A, I think I've become able to say it (laughs).
Q, how do you look back on the game?
A, I also wanted to dominate the ball, but I was thinking of fighting for second balls and in the areas of the ball. I knew it would be that kind of game, and we talked about it before the match. It wasn't good as a start, but I don't think it was bad either. It left an impression of being like an opening game.
Q, there was a scene in the first half where Kei Koizumi and Higashi placed the ball in front of their bodies and fought hard. Is this determination towards victory a matter of attitude?
A, especially this team focuses on older players, not losing in physicality, not losing in intensity, not losing in picking up second balls, and we practice these things from training. Even before today's game, they conveyed that to the younger players. It's important when experienced players like Nagatomo and Higashi speak strongly about it. There are various tactics, but they teach us that "if we don't win there, we can't win the game." I myself think that it's a position where I can't afford to lose there first, and if we don't lose in terms of intensity against any team, I think this team can definitely win the championship. However, it's still just one game, so I want to switch to the next game and be conscious of intensity.
Q, the shape of the midfield changed after player Abe came on in the second half.
A, we were playing with a double pivot in practice as well. I knew that the opponent wanted to use the central space, so I made sure not to leave it open. I wanted to let Matsuki play more forward and focus on playing defensively myself.
Q: Are players Abe, Koizumi, and Matsuki coordinating their positioning? Is it based on intuition?
Both player A and player B are players who can hold the ball and play with high intensity, so I made sure to let them play freely. Personally, I wanted to let player A and player B go forward and get involved near the goal rather than me going aggressively forward. I tried to eliminate dangerous situations myself and tried to go forward when it seemed tough.
Q, I am impressed by the ability to bring out the skills of player Matsuki.
A, what he originally has is amazing. He also has various attention and expectations, but regardless of that, I want to let him play freely with confidence. I think that can be done by players in the same position like myself, John HIGASHI, and Abe. I hope we can be conscious of that and do it.
Q, were you able to do what you came for in the second half?
A, I always thought that there would be a chance to score somewhere, so I was conscious of increasing the intensity of the ball and the areas where I should continue without getting impatient. I think it was good that we scored and didn't concede any goals while we had a comfortable lead.
Q: In the second half, Tokyo was in a state of being heavily pressed. Scenes like the ones we saw during the camp, where they continued to dominate in front of the goal, appeared. Is the system change related to the soccer we saw in the second half?
A, Higashi player and I wanted to avoid receiving a yellow card and being one player short, so we became a double pivot. In defense, the two of us were able to consciously close the spaces, and with Abe player playing as a number 10, we were able to press the opponent's anchor position. Abe player is also good at holding the ball, and from there, I think our counterattacks, including Diego player, Adailton player, Nakagawa player, and the substitute players, are powerful. So, I hope that we can continue to adapt our system and positions flexibly depending on the situation, and I think it would be great if we can continue to think for ourselves in the future..
Q, did you not touch the goal?
A, I haven't touched it (laughs).
Q, we were able to win.
It was the opening match and also my first game since transferring and becoming a member of Tokyo. I really wanted a result no matter what and it was a situation where I had to produce results. Rather than the quality of the performance, I really wanted the outcome, so the most important thing is that we won. I want to continue from here and give even more.
Q, How was the atmosphere at the stadium?
A, it was good. I have played as an away player before, but it was my first time playing as a home player and it feels great when the crowd cheers when I score a goal or make a good tackle, or when they cheer when I slide. It makes me happy and motivated as a player. It felt good and reassuring to play.
Q, he performed various positions smoothly in the opening game, ran to participate in the attack until the end, and showed us various Kei Koizumi players. Do you think you can show us even more potential in the future?
Whether I am good or bad, as long as Tokyo wins, honestly anything is fine. I came here to win. I think the team that wins the championship is a team that continues to win, and we have only won one game so far, so the coach and players were saying after the game that we should tighten up and keep going without being satisfied. I definitely think everyone has confidence.
Shuto ABE player
Q: Even when watching the practice matches during the camp, I could see moments where the opponents were being pushed back. Is this season going to be more offensive in terms of soccer?
Regarding the first scene, I think it is difficult for any team to deal with the way the ball escapes and is received. I think it is also difficult to mark when the second-row players jump out, and I hope we can increase the number of goals by continuing to deliver them this season.
Q, how was the game looking back?
A, today I was not in the starting lineup but came on as a substitute, so I think I need to produce results in order to stand on the pitch. It was not an assist, but it became an own goal, but I want to leave more numbers.
Q: I think there was some frustration about falling behind a little at the camp, but how do you feel about it leading to solid results?
A, because I started the season with an injury, there was also frustration, but every day towards the opening, I have been seriously doing what I can. I think that the accumulation of that effort was able to be shown in today's game. I want to continue diligently and work on it every day without neglecting it.
Q: It was my first game in the number 8 uniform.
A, I want to work hard to let everyone know that the number 8 in Tokyo is Shuto ABE.
Q: I think Tokyo fans feel fresh that number 8 wears the captain's armband.
A, today I happened to be near Diego TABA, who is also the 3rd captain, so he called me and gave me the captain's armband. It was the first time I wore the captain's armband since becoming a professional, and I felt the responsibility and weight while playing.
Q, in a game where we had a 2-point lead, I felt that continuing to play with the awareness of taking the ball firmly, even if we dropped back a little at the end, led to our victory.
A, if we retreat, we will be pushed back and put in a situation where we have to endure. Therefore, I think the opponent would dislike it if we go to steal the ball ourselves and play with the intention of scoring another goal. I think if we aggressively attack from the front, the opponent will have no choice but to kick the ball long, so we talked about playing like that for the entire 90 minutes, and I think we had a good performance.
Q: Isn't it great that we were able to win the first match while emphasizing on the competition this season?
I learned today in the game that winning the ball and running more than the opponent are fundamental to soccer. I want to continue doing what I did in today's game and further grow.
Q, what possibilities do you feel this season?
There is an impression that it has improved from last season, including practice matches. First of all, the player base has become stronger, and there is a feeling that good competition is born from appealing in daily practice and upgrading. I myself am also participating in the competition, so I thought I had to play so as not to lose.
Q, it was impressive to see Nagatomo shouting towards the pitch while warming up on the bench.
I think that in order to achieve victory, we need to fight not only with the players on the field, but also with the players and staff on the bench. Nagatomo is a truly exemplary senior player, and even when he is not on the field, he behaves as if he is standing and speaks up, so I felt that I also need to do the same.
Q: Do you think that when a substitute player scores a goal amidst intensifying competition, it creates further competition within the team and leads to a positive cycle?
A, Watanabe TSUBASA also scored a goal from a substitute appearance, and I think that when substitute players bring momentum and produce results, the team will improve. So, I want us to compete and elevate each other while approaching the game.
Q, is it emphasized within the team to surpass the opponent in terms of ball control and running distance?
The coach also says that we need to do the basics first, especially with Nagatomo as the center on the pitch, and that we can't win without doing so. I thought that was definitely the case today, as it resulted in a positive outcome on the pitch. We want to be more intense than any other team.
Q: Have you clearly upgraded from last season?
A, yes. Last season, there were parts where the players were doing their best to adapt to the new style. This season is the second year, and I feel that the coach's desired style of soccer is permeating through the team. In addition, I think it is important to firmly execute the basics of soccer, such as winning the ball.
Yuto NAGATOMO player
Q, What were you conscious of in your dealings with Hiroki SAKAI?
A, player Sakai is such a wonderful player, and he is a key player even in the Japan national team, so I always keep him in mind. I played today with a strong desire not to lose and a feeling of respect.
Q, you completely held them back, didn't you?
A, because it was synchronized as a team. I call it "Tamagiwa" (soul boundary), but I think everyone showed the "soul" part of the duel.
Q, the first official match after the World Cup has ended. Were you able to show what you wanted to show to the fans and supporters?
A, something that resonates with the hearts of everyone who came today. I can't perform fancy plays, so I wanted to show a passionate spirit of diving in and giving it my all, and deliver inspiration. In terms of technique, I still feel there is room for improvement and challenges, such as scoring scenes, but I think I was able to show that eagerness to go in there. I think it was very good for the team as well.
Q, Was it a game where the team was able to show their determination?
A, as you can see, we were fighting with all our soul. It's fundamental, isn't it? Before tactics and everything else, I believe that you can't win a game if you can't fight with all your soul.
