<Match Review>
Albert Tokyo, who won the opening match for the first time in three seasons, aims for consecutive wins in the next match. They headed to SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium. There were two changes in the starting lineup from the previous match. Koki TSUKAGAWA was in the inside half, and Ryoma WATANABE was on the right wing. In addition, Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE, who made their first appearance this season, were on the bench, along with rookie Tsubasa TERAYAMA, high school rookie Yuta ARAI, and second-year pro Kota TAWARATSUMIDA.
During the pre-match interview, coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA said, "I expect the young players to perform well," and the emergence of a new hero was also expected in this match. Can they take advantage of the open spaces while breaking through the aggressive press of Kashiwa Reysol, who are aiming for their first home victory of the season? The battle in that area will be the key to victory in this match.
1st HALF - Despite conceding the first goal, they persistently catch up.
The intensity of the battle between the two teams, who value intensity, was evident from the kick-off with fierce battles in the ball and situations. In the midst of this, the first chance came in the 9th minute of the first half, when Yasuki KIMOTO fed the ball to Hotaka NAKAMURA, who broke through and entered the area to put in a cross ball. However, the lack of precision here did not lead to a chance. In the 16th minute of the first half, they welcomed a great opportunity. Diego OLIVEIRA, who picked up the opponent's clearance mistake, reacted to the ball that fell in front of the goal and took a shot. It seemed like the opening goal, but the ball went over the goal.
After that, the pace gradually shifted to Kashiwa. As scenes of the ball being moved in the midfield increased, in the 25th minute of the first half, a large swing from the right side to the left side resulted in a goal being conceded due to a through pass that the defense couldn't catch up to. Jakub SLOWIK reacted to Hosoya's shot, but it slipped through his fingertips.
After missing a great opportunity, it's common to bow your head, but Tokyo this season can still fight tenaciously. In the 36th minute of the first half, Koki TSUKAGAWA, who took the back of the opponent defender from the right side throw-in, sent a cross in the minus direction after taking it out near the goal. Adailton reacted to the ball that flowed to the front of the goal and scored the equalizer with one touch. They caught up in the first half and turned the game around.
2nd HALF - Draw as the game is dominated but not decided
In the second half, where they stood against the wind, there were many scenes where they won the ball with sharp movements. The starting positions of both fullbacks became higher and the movement of the ball improved, allowing Tsukagawa, who had not been able to play as well as he wanted in the first half, to become more involved with the ball and add depth to the attack.
In the second half, Diego had shooting chances in the 15th and 17th minutes in succession. Although he couldn't score, the flow of the game became more dynamic. After the 30th minute of the second half, there were more scoring opportunities. After a pass exchange with Diego, Nakamura took a powerful shot, and in the 35th minute of the second half, Henrique Trevisan and Ryoma Watanabe both had shots on goal with a header and half-volley respectively. However, an accident was waiting just after that. In the 37th minute of the second half, Nakamura received his second warning and was sent off. Despite continuing to push the opponent and attack, they were forced to fight at a numerical disadvantage in enemy territory.
The remaining time, put Nagatomo on the right side back and move the game forward with an emphasis on not conceding. It was a game that we wanted to win, but we were able to take home at least one point considering the situation. After finishing the first two games, we have one win, one draw, and no losses. Next week, we want to restart in Kyoto, away from home.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique TREVISAN (45+5 minutes: Masato MORISHIGE)/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Kei KOIZUMI/Keigo HIGASHI/Koki TSUKAGAWA (35 minutes: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Diego OLIVEIRA/Adailton (42 minutes: Yuto NAGATOMO)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
MF Tsubasa TERAYAMA
FW Perotti/Yuta ARAI
GOAL
36' First Half: Adailton
＜Kashiwa Reysol＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masato SASAKI
DF Eiichi KATAYAMA/Yugo TATSUTA/Taiyo KOGA/Hiromu MITSUMARU
MF Tomoki TAKAMINE/Kota YAMADA (21st minute of the second half: Keiya SHIIHASHI)/Keiya SENTO (42nd minute of the second half: Ota YAMAMOTO)
FW Matheus SAVIO/Mao HOSOYA/Tomoya KOYAMATSU (27th minute of the second half: Keita NAKAMURA)
SUBS
GK Tatsuya MORITA
DF Naoki KAWAGUCHI/Takumi TSUCHIYA
FW Yuki MUTO
GOAL
First Half 25th Minute: Mao HOSOYA
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A, I expected the wind to be a major factor. The impact of the wind was greater than the quality of the soccer. I love soccer-specific stadiums, but because there are few roofs, I think the stadium was greatly affected by the wind. In the first half, when playing against the wind, I tried to take advantage of the space between the lines as usual, but I couldn't find that space easily, and Kashiwa also pressed well, taking advantage of the tailwind. Therefore, in the first half, we tried to break through by using long balls more than usual. Diego OLIVEIRA had a scoring opportunity in the first half as well. If we had scored first, the game would have taken a different direction. Considering the performance in the first half, I think it was fair to end the half with a draw.
On the other hand, in the second half we created multiple decisive chances. We took 18 shots and were able to create seven or eight clear-cut chances. And we did not allow Kashiwa to create any chances.
If we were to find a positive aspect in today's match, it would be that the team started the season with a focus on winning. Today, the players showed that attitude and played well enough to deserve the victory. I believe that continuing to play like this is the key to the growth of both the players and the team. However, due to the wind, it was quite difficult to break through the opponent tactically.
Today, I would like to celebrate the debut of player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA as a professional player. Naturally, I think it was a very difficult match for him to make his debut. There were also difficulties due to the wind, and it was a challenging situation for him. I feel joy for TAWARATSUMIDA's debut, but it is very unfortunate that player Hotaka NAKAMURA was sent off. I conveyed this directly to the referee after the match, but I think that if the first card is shown early in the game, there tends to be a higher number of cards. However, I do not think that today's referee's decision had a significant impact on the result of the match. One wonderful aspect of Japan is that even after a heated match, we communicate calmly and have a mutual awareness of learning from mistakes. I hope the referee also learns from the early cards.
I am satisfied that the players fought hard and continued to strive for victory. However, it is regrettable and frustrating that we were unable to score despite creating many chances. Nevertheless, the league is a long battle and we need to continue fighting. There are games where we play well but cannot win, and there are also games where we do not deserve to win but still do. Either way, I believe that games where we strive for victory like today are the path we should take. I think the one point we took away from the away game is an important point. When we returned to the locker room, I was very proud to see the players angry about not being able to win despite their determination for victory. I think that was the positive aspect of today.
Q: The midfield formation was fluid, what was Kei Koizumi's role?
A, it depends on the game, so you need to analyze and play. If it is a game that we clearly dominate, it leads to protecting the anchor by controlling the ball. Kashiwa's recovery of the second ball from long balls is one weapon. In that sense, there was a need to be cautious and protect the anchor. In the midfield system that we usually adopt, which is an inverted triangle, the three midfielders do not always maintain that inverted triangle, and it is common for them to form a regular triangle depending on the game situation. Today, what we were aiming for was for someone to come into the midfield and create a numerical advantage, but due to the influence of the wind, we couldn't execute the intended play in that aspect.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: please review the game.
A, it's still frustrating, isn't it? I want to win games like this and move up, so it's disappointing not to win in this kind of atmosphere.
Q, I think it was a good flow to catch up despite being scored against away in the first half.
A, there were many chances for us in the second half. It's endless to talk about whether we scored or not, but I think we pushed forward and the opponent had very few scoring opportunities, so that's the challenge. In football, that's what determines the outcome, so we have to be conscious of it and work on it from practice.
Q: What was the intention behind starting the second half of the opening match in a similar way to the start?
A, I have updated my defensive approach from last season and have been getting into scenes where I talk on the pitch and with the coach, and follow people. It depends on the opponent, but I want to make it more clear.
Q: Are there any areas for improvement for the next match, other than finishing?
A, it would be nice if we could calm down a bit. Today, there was also wind, so in a very severe environment where one mistake can lead to a goal against, I hope we can calm down and create situations where we can take care of the ball.
Q: Do you think it's not bad to take 1 point away even with a player sent off, but do you still feel frustrated because the goal for this season is high?
A, regardless of home or away, we have to win, so it wasn't a good game to draw, and there were chances to win. We need to be more hungry for victory and keep going.
Q, what is necessary to thoroughly implement our football even in such games as our football is becoming more popular?
A, I'm sorry to make excuses, but the number of injured players has increased, and young players are on the bench, so it's a total team effort to see who can come out from there. There are 34 games, so I think the strength of the players who come out as replacements is being tested, and on the other hand, it's an opportunity. I don't think there were any scenes where players who came on as substitutes performed well today. In the opening match against Urawa, the substitute players performed well and we were able to bring it to victory, so I think it's also a challenge for the 18 players who came on the expedition to do it with that kind of feeling.
Q: As for yourself, I think there was also frustration in being substituted in the first half of the opening match. In today's game, were you able to overcome that frustration?
A, it hasn't changed since the opening game, but I would be happy if it leads to victory. Personally, today was my 350th appearance in the J1 League, so I remembered the feeling when I made my debut before the game, and I have had various experiences over the 350 games, both enjoyable and frustrating. Among various thoughts, I wanted to express the joy of playing and approached the game with that mindset, so it would have been great to win. I also want to do my best aiming for the 351st game from the practice after the off-season.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q, this was my first start of the season.
A, I have gained various opportunities, but I believe that my lack of ability is the reason why I couldn't make the team win.
Q, there was also an assist scene that led to a tie, please reflect on it.
A, in that scene, Watanabe player entered the space well with a cross that took advantage of the opponent's gap, and he collapsed well. I think it was good that Adailton player scored the flowing ball firmly.
Q, there were many difficult scenes in the first half, and in the second half, there were many chances to score if we could finish them.
In the first half, the opponent also came with momentum because they had the wind at their back. I was considering dropping back to receive the ball, but I took a position in front to support Diego and Adailton when they received the ball. There were many times when I couldn't get involved with the ball, so I thought about dropping back and changing my position. However, the team as a whole had a strong consciousness of moving forward, so I didn't drop back because I thought it wouldn't be good. But I think the game would have been different if I had dropped back more and been able to develop the ball.
Q, I think it was the minimum result of 1 point away.
A, I have been saying since the opening that it was a match that we had to win because we are aiming for the championship. I don't think we should be satisfied with this result.
Q, was it difficult to choose to connect more in the first half?
There were times when I judged it to be effective when I came down, but I played thinking that it would be better to be on the front line and pick up the second ball.
Q: There was a comment about winning the championship. I think we need to win a game like today's in order to become champions. Can you please reflect on today's match?
I think we need to finish what we decide. I believe that the important thing is the attention to detail, so I want to further pursue it in the future.
Q, there were scenes where it seemed that points such as the use of Waki by player Higashi were being studied.
A, today I played as an attacking midfielder, with players Higashi and Koizumi in a double pivot, so there wasn't much space on the sides. There was a scene where Matheus SAVIO received the ball in the middle, but that position should have been covered by the fullback or center back. Since we played with a double pivot today, it was necessary to clarify who would go to press. I think it will be necessary to organize such aspects in the future.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, what were you conscious of throughout the game while taking positions in detail according to the situation?
A, I thought it would be a game where we would compete for second balls because of the sunlight and wind. So, I was conscious of not losing in competing for second balls. In the build-up phase, I wanted to be more involved. There were good moments and we were able to create many chances, so I think it's just a matter of finishing. We were able to do the fundamental fighting, and although there were tough scenes with players being sent off, we were able to secure at least 1 point, so I think it was a game that leads to the next one.
Q, there were many scenes where the game was interrupted.
It was a game where we could have taken 3 points, and a game we should have taken. However, I don't think every game will go well. Today, I think it was good that we were able to take at least 1 point away from home despite having a player sent off. However, in order to aim for the championship, we need to take 3 points in games like this, otherwise the gap with the top team will widen. So, we want to prepare for the next game in order to win.
Q: Did you aim for victory even after the player was sent off, rather than settling for a draw?
A, even when there was a player sent off, we were encouraged not to go into defense. With one less player, Kaua and I took care of the counterattack. Towards the end, there were also scenes where we had to play with a sense of resignation. I think we need to continue fighting.
Q, have you gotten used to playing as a double pivot?
A, I play in the game as an inside half, and in defensive scenes, I defend in a position like a double pivot. When attacking and switching to defense, I need to use my head more and be more involved in the build-up to carry the ball forward.
Q, in the scene where Matheus SAVIO player came inside and played, he became free. Isn't it necessary to organize who will mark him?
It is difficult for both center backs and midfielders to go. I think it is also difficult for midfielders to see. I think the team will be analyzed and they will continue to aim for the same space in the future, so I want to take care of it firmly. Even if that space is used, I want to respond firmly afterwards.
Q: How do you feel about facing your former team?
It was a team that I was with for a year and a half. I played against Kashima and Tosu as well, and I think there were some fans and supporters of Kashiwa who personally supported me, so it was good to be able to show that I am doing my best even in a different team.
Q, were you able to show your efforts?
A, if I were to say, I wanted to win and I'm frustrated because I wanted to show a better performance. The league continues and the next game is also an away game, so I want to do my best.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, it was my J debut.
A, I am happy to have made my debut. However, I want to continue working hard without being satisfied with this.
Q: What instructions did you receive from the coach?
A, I was told to play boldly and not be afraid of mistakes and to play my own game.
Q: I think it became a difficult situation with a player being sent off, what did you keep in mind?
A, no matter what the situation, we must move for the team's victory. Even in a situation with one less person, I wanted to defend firmly and make plays that lead to goals.
Q, were you nervous?
A, I was on edge. It was beyond just being nervous.
Q, the first play was calm, wasn't it?
First of all, I was told to focus on defense, so I was conscious of it.
Q, did you think about pressing back and actively initiating it yourself?
A, no matter how good the attack is, if you can't defend, you can't continue to play in the game. I was thinking about focusing on defense first.
Q, have you felt anything in the offensive part?
A, I felt that I could do it as a sensation. So, if there is a chance to play next and dribble, I want to keep challenging.
What are you feeling now after making your Q, J debut?
A, I want to achieve results even with a short playing time. First, I want to steadily build up towards one assist and one goal.
Q: What kind of encouragement did Player Nagatomo give?
A, it's okay to make mistakes because you're young. I was encouraged to keep going and go for it.
Q: What are the future challenges?
A, I think it will change depending on the situation of the game, but even in a numerical disadvantageous situation like today, I want to devise off-the-ball movements to showcase my strengths and communicate more with the players around me to make them understand me better. I think the ball will come out more if I do that, so I want to be conscious of those aspects.
Q, did your parents come to watch?
A, yes. I came to watch. First of all, I think I was able to make a debut, so I want to express my gratitude.
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on scoring your first goal of the season.
A, I am very happy with my first goal. The result was not what we wanted, but if we think calmly, I think it's not bad that we were able to get points away from home.
Q, this was the third consecutive goal at this stadium.
A, you're very lucky. I hope you continue like this and score more goals.
Q, I was the top scorer for the team last season. I think there are expectations for me to lead the team in scoring this season as well.
The coach always says that each individual should maximize their own abilities. I think that if I can score goals and contribute, it would be great. Even if I can't score goals, I hope to contribute to the team in other ways and celebrate with everyone at the end of the year.
