Review of the previous match against Kashiwa
The first away game of this season was held at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium, which left a good impression with a 6-3 victory last season. It was a match where we showed the full potential of the "new Tokyo" by breaking down Kashiwa Reysol's man-to-man press from the front line and scoring goals both through passing and counterattacks.
However, it is not guaranteed to go well every season. In the first half, we were struggling with strong winds, with a forecast of maximum instantaneous wind speed of 10 meters. We were pushed back by the opponent's long ball attack and forced to compete for second balls in intense battles.
In a frustrating development where they couldn't get a hold of the ball, they were caught off guard in the 25th minute of the first half when a through pass was played and Mao HOSOYA scored the opening goal.
Last season, Tokyo struggled to recover after being scored on first. They often had trouble attacking when the opponent focused more on defense. However, this season showed signs of growth.
In the 36th minute of the first half, on a throw-in from the right side, Koki TSUKAGAWA took advantage of a momentary gap in the opponent's defense and broke through behind their defensive line in response to Hotaka NAKAMURA's throw. He brought the ball near the goal and crossed it, but Ryoma WATANABE was blocked on the near side. Adailton, who had come into the goal area from the left side, followed up and equalized the score before the end of the first half.
With this, Tokyo, who gained momentum, attacked Kashiwa fiercely in the second half. They did not allow their opponents to freely kick the ball with their press from the front line, and they continuously recovered second balls and launched third attacks. However, unlike the first half where they were able to convert their chances, they were unable to score despite having many opportunities to enter the goal and take shots.
Despite taking a total of 18 shots throughout the match, the score remained 1-1. Despite unexpected events such as a player being sent off towards the end of the second half, we were able to take home 1 point and leave with many positive aspects to build on for future battles.
The second game of the away series, against Kyoto Sanga F.C., will not be an easy match that can be taken lightly due to the opponent's performance.
Kyoto has lost both of their first two matches and has yet to score a goal. However, under the guidance of coach CHO Kwi Jae, the team has been well-trained and has faced strong opponents such as Kashima Antlers and Nagoya Grampus with an aggressive and organized style of play, never backing down.
The team's core changed with the transfer of Peter UTAKA, who was the key player in attack, and Naoto KAMIFUKUMOTO, who was the fortress in defense as the goalkeeper. However, the addition of PATRIC, who has a solid track record in the J-League, strengthened the front line.
Last season's match was a record of 2 wins in 2 games, but in the early stages of the season, when we played away, we were unable to maintain a stable game due to the construction phase of a new style, and we were unable to create decisive chances. However, in the end of the game, we were able to secure a victory by scoring one point through a counterattack initiated by player Yasuki KIMOTO's long feed.
We want to firmly surpass the opponent in the basic aspects of intensity and speed, and then keep the ball and stick the opponent to their own goal, against an aggressive opponent. In the Kashiwa game, we failed to take advantage of the numerous chances we had in the second half and ended up with a draw. We will use that reflection to score goals and bring 3 points back to Tokyo this round.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Please tell us your impression of the opponent for the Kyoto match.
A, Kyoto is now in its third season with the current coach. They have also played against Niigata in J2, and I think their characteristic is high-intensity play. They value the ball, but there have been some changes in the players, so they seem to be playing a little more cautiously. Until the end of last season, they were involved in the battle to remain in J1. They were involved in the relegation battle, but I think it was difficult for any team last season to play against Kyoto, and their high-intensity play in both offense and defense makes it difficult for the opposing team.
Q: After the opening, there have been injured players. What are your thoughts?
A, there are no injuries, but Matsuki is also absent. Abe is injured. The other players have minor injuries such as discomfort and contusions that can be returned to the front line in a short period of time. I'm not worried about that. Nakamura cannot play in the Kyoto match due to the expulsion in the Kashiwa match, but the season is long and there will be injured players and players suspended from play. As a result, I think it is a normal flow for other players to have a chance. There may be teams that do not have injured players. Even such teams, I think they will eventually have injured players. One of the coach's jobs is to manage the team and maintain high team performance when players are absent due to injuries or suspensions.
Q, before the Kashiwa game, you said that you want to have the ability to attack not only by holding the ball but also by penetrating behind the opponent. That is exactly where it will become effective against Kyoto, don't you think?
A, as I mentioned before, Tokyo intends to possess the ball and use all weapons effectively in their attack. In Japan and abroad, the tactics of the winning team are often praised, while the tactics of the losing team are not evaluated. Kashiwa had only 1 or 2 clear shots on goal. We have created 9 clear chances. In the first half, despite the difficult situation of playing against the wind, we created opportunities by utilizing long balls behind the defense. What I mean is that the result of the game always has a significant impact on the evaluation. For example, even if the opposing team creates many chances and the team in a fatigued state scores 1 or 2 chances to win the game. In that case, it is often written that they won a difficult game by solidifying their defense, and the winning team is evaluated. The course of the game is something that no one can predict before the game. In that sense, I want each player to start the game, understand the flow of the game, and judge what plays the opponent dislikes. For example, if Kyoto presses from the front with a man-marking approach, it will create a 1-on-1 situation and numerical equality in our front line. In response to that, I think using long balls to penetrate behind the defense is still an effective option. I always say that I want this team to play as the protagonist of the game while controlling the ball. For that, it is important to make appropriate judgments and play based on the flow of the game and the situation of the opposing team. It does not mean that our play is determined by the way the opposing team plays. In any world, the tactics and evaluation of the coach change depending on the result of the game, right?
Q, I think it is important to figure out how to defend the anchor side space of Higashi player in the Urawa and Kashiwa matches. Have you made any adjustments?
A team must be well prepared to defend the anchor's side space. Urawa was trying to get their wingers inside and attack Higashi's side. Kashiwa was putting long balls into the front line and aiming to recover the second ball and attack Higashi's side. The players have gained experience. No matter how the opposing team plays, if they come to attack the space next to our one defensive midfielder, we must adapt well and defend. The preparation for that is in place. I think the three midfielders need to adjust their positions according to the game situation. On the other hand, if we want to solidify our defense in the course of the game, it is also an option to have two defensive midfielders lined up and defend in a double pivot style. I want the midfielders to defend cleverly. I think it is always a challenge to adapt well to the side space when adopting a one defensive midfielder.
Q: What do we need to win against Kyoto?
A, regardless of home or away, we are committed to going for 3 points. Depending on the course of the game, I think 1 point away is a valuable point. On the other hand, I think we were able to play deserving of a victory against Kashiwa. I was frustrated that we couldn't get 3 points. Regardless of home or away, I want to always be on the pitch for the sake of 3 points as Tokyo.
[Player Interview]
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Kyoto match.
Regardless of whether I start or come off the bench, my enthusiasm for the game never changes, and I always continue to prepare well. I just do what I need to do to contribute to the team's victory.
Q, what do you need to do to win?
To win, it is important to have passion, compete for the ball, switch between offense and defense, and do the basics well. In the game, there are various strategies and tactics, but we want to play our own soccer and surpass the opponent. If we can do that, I believe victory will come.
Q, the team seems to be in a good condition, but I think the presence of players like Nagatomo and Morishige is significant.
A, I think it is more important that young players approach the game with awareness than our existence. Even if there is someone who can lead, if each individual does not have awareness, a good team like the current one cannot be formed. I believe that the current team's good condition is evidence that each player's awareness has changed and they are performing with a high level of consciousness.
Q, please tell us your thoughts on winning the league.
In my soccer career, I have a strong determination and resolve to win the league championship. I also play with passion for that goal.
Q: You scored your first goal of the season in the previous match. How is your condition?
A, the season has started and I am very happy to be able to score early. The condition is also good, but I want to continue practicing and bring it to an even better state. I hope to contribute to the team with goals.
Q: Did you think the ball would come your way during the scoring scene?
A, I have been practicing entering the goal area from the camp. In the Kashiwa match, the forward players were able to enter the goal area with power in response to crosses from the side. In the scene of scoring, it was good that the ball rolled to a good position and I was able to score.
Q: The season has started and we have played two matches. How do you feel about the team's performance? Please also let us know about any challenges.
Not only the players who are participating in the game, but also every player is always prepared to contribute to the team's victory from their daily practice. I think we have created a situation where anyone can play. I think both matches were good, including the content, but in the previous match, although we were able to create chances, we couldn't convert them into goals and couldn't accumulate 3 points. In the Kyoto match, we want to continue expressing our own soccer while firmly scoring if there are chances to score.
Q: What is your impression of Kyoto, the opponent in the next match?
A, the opponent has not yet been able to accumulate points, but I feel that they are a good team including quality. I think it is important to first show our own play and achieve good results, rather than focusing on the opponent.
Q, don't you have a good impression of scoring in the previous match?
In the previous match, we were able to achieve good results. This time, I want to give my all and contribute to the team with goals.
Q, what are you asked by the coach? I think Adailton's dribbling will also become important.
A, I have been told by the coach to maximize my abilities. I want to continue to showcase my playing style, which is also my unique characteristic. I believe that the players have gained the trust of the coach and are able to play with confidence. The team is in a really good state.
Q, finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
It will be an away game, but your support will be a source of strength. I would be happy if you could come to the venue. The season has just begun, but I want to give my all and do my best so that we can all celebrate in the end.
