The first match of the Levain Cup, aiming for the first championship in three seasons, was approached with a significant change in the lineup from the league matches.
Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who made his official debut in Tokyo, guarded the goal, and Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who made his first appearance after joining, played as a left back. In midfield, veteran Keigo HIGASHI was joined by rookie Tsubasa TERAYAMA and 16-year-old Ryunosuke SATO, who is registered as a type 2 player. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who has already made his league debut, started in the front line, and Leandro played on the right side.
The blue and red team, Gamba Osaka, arrived in Osaka with a fresh lineup and faced an important first match of the tournament.
1st HALF－Young players are active and creating opportunities
At the same time as the kickoff, two young players run around the pitch. Terayama and Sato, who have entered as inside halves, switch on and seize the momentum. In the 9th minute of the first half, they have their first chance. Leandro takes a direct shot at the goal from a free kick they earned in front of the goal, but it hits the wall directly.
Leandro player also took a shot in the first 15 minutes. He connected from the pass cut in the opponent's territory to the finish.
The flow of the game went back and forth for both teams. In the 17th minute of the first half, they faced a decisive pinch, but player Kato's header shot missed the goal and they escaped the danger. In the 22nd minute of the first half, player Tawaratsumida carved out the left side and crossed the ball with a negative angle. However, player Perotti, who was free, couldn't capture the ball with his left foot and missed the goal.
In the 25th minute of the first half, Tawaratsumida made another close shot. He picked up a loose ball near the area and aimed with his right foot, but Kim made a superb save to stop it.
Both teams showed attacking intent even in the late stages of the game, but they were unable to convert their chances. Just before the scheduled 2 minutes of additional time, the first half ended with a set piece being defended.
2nd HALF－Despite creating many chances, they couldn't finish them off.
Tokyo was the first to create a scoring opportunity in the beginning of the second half. In the 7th minute of the second half, starting from Seiji Kimura's direct pass, Perotti and Terayama connected, and finally Leandro showed a skillful cutback inside the area. However, the crucial shot missed the target and went wide of the goal.
After that, we were dominated by C Osaka, who attacked using the width of the pitch. In the 15th minute of the second half, Yasuki KIMOTO, Adailton, and Yuta ARAI were substituted in and the system was changed, but we couldn't change the flow of the game.
Nevertheless, without allowing any goals, the second half also entered the final stage. In the 35th minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was brought to the forefront as the last card. That player, Leon NOZAWA, impressed in the 39th minute of the second half. He turned forward inside the box and took a shot. In the following 40th minute of the second half, Leandro player headed the cross put in by Arai player. Unfortunately, it was caught by the goalkeeper, but they created scenes that threatened the goal one after another.
However, immediately after that, they were caught off guard for a moment. Unable to clear the long ball and facing a second attack, they were slow to react in the area and conceded a goal in the 41st minute of the second half. They conceded the opening goal at a difficult time.
In additional time, Adailton and Henrique TREVISAN had consecutive big chances from corner kicks, but they couldn't score, and the game ended 0-1. Despite having more chances than the opponent, they couldn't convert them and suffered a frustrating defeat by the opponent's one chance.
The team is currently in a situation of 2 consecutive losses without a win in 3 official matches. Four days later, they will aim for a victory in the Sec. 4 match against Yokohama FC at Ajinomoto Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Seiji KIMURA/Henrique TREVISAN/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Keigo HIGASHI (46': Kei KOIZUMI)/Tsubasa TERAYAMA (80': Leon NOZAWA)/Ryunosuke SATO (60': Yasuki KIMOTO)
FW Leandro/PEROTTI (60': Adailton)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (60': Yuta ARAI)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Junya SUZUKI
GOAL
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Cerezo Osaka
STARTING XI
GK Jin Hyeon KIM
DF Riku MATSUDA/Ryosuke SHINDO/Kakeru FUNAKI/Ryuya NISHIO
MF Riki HARAKAWA/Hinata KIDA/Shinji KAGAWA (18th minute of the second half: Hiroaki OKUNO)/Teruki NAKAHARA (23rd minute of the second half: Seiya MAIKUMA)
FW Satoki UEJO (35th minute of the second half: CAPIXABA)/Mutsuki KATO (18th minute of the second half: Leo CEARA)
SUBS
GK Keisuke SHIMIZU
DF Matej JONJIC
MF Reiya SAKATA
GOAL
41st minute of the second half: CAPIXABA
[Coach Albert's Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
After losing the game, it is natural to feel disappointed, especially when conceding a goal near the end. I conveyed this to the players, but today we lost 3 points in the Levain Cup. However, even though we lost points, I believe we gained many other things. It was significant that the players who have not had many opportunities to play in the league demonstrated their high level of ability. And the young players proved on the pitch that they are deserving of trust. That's why, although it is tough to lose a game, I also feel positive emotions. I am looking for a team that fights like we did today. I am looking for young players who aim for further growth and want to prove themselves on the pitch, and I think they demonstrated that they can dominate the game in the second half. On another day, with some luck, we will be able to score and gain 3 points by shaking the ball into the net.
I think the first half was a closely contested match. We had several chances, as did the opponent. There were some difficult situations when the opponent advanced well and lowered their defensive block. However, I think we were able to play better in the second half. We created several chances, but unfortunately, we couldn't find the back of the net. That's how football is. We may have had more chances, but Cerezo, who scored with fewer chances, won and earned 3 points.
I am proud of the players who played today. I am proud that a 16-year-old youth showed a great performance in a difficult match against Cerezo, where there are wonderful players. I am truly proud that young players showed a great performance in a wonderful stadium under difficult pressure. I am also proud that 18-year-old Tawarazumi player made a last pass that led to Perotti's decisive chance by cutting the side in the first half. Araki, who came on as a substitute in the second half, also created chances in a good way from the side, and I am proud of his play as well. And Terayama also played well as a starter and proved that he is a player who can compete fully in the league.
It is good news that players Tokumoto, Kimura, and Leandro, who have not had many opportunities to play in the league, as well as other players, have proven that they can perform well. I also think that Nozawa Reion, who played in the last game, made a good play that was involved in a decisive chance. I think it was a game deserving of a win, but we lost. In that sense, I feel frustrated. However, although we lost 3 points, I also feel that we have gained many other things.
Q: Please provide a detailed evaluation of player Ryunosuke SATO, who made his debut.
A, I think Sato has many characteristics that remind me of players at FC Barcelona. Specifically, he has the talent to play as if the ball is always stuck to his feet. I think he is a player who can demonstrate high-quality technique even in tight spaces. He has been participating in training since the preseason, but he came seeking improvement in defensive aggressiveness. Now, clear improvement in that aspect can be seen. I am truly proud that a player belonging to the U-18 team, who is accustomed to playing on artificial turf, has performed so well in a game with such professional pressure. I think the Tokyo supporters are proud of the young players' achievements and growth. They must be proud of the performances of Matsuki, Kumada, Tawaratsumida, and Sato, who made their debut today.
[Player Interview]
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA＞
Q: please review the game.
A, as a team, we have been experiencing disappointing results. We have been challenging ourselves to achieve what we set out to do as a team, so we wanted to achieve good results.
Q: What kind of discussions were there before the game, considering that many players who haven't had many opportunities to play were participating?
A, we were talking about fighting with confidence and courage. Today, many players who have had few opportunities to play so far have appeared, so I wanted to win at all costs and give momentum to the team.
Q, the game continued with a back-and-forth battle, and we managed to keep a clean sheet, but we conceded a goal in the end.
I believe that what is required of a goalkeeper in a team that attacks with the ball is to concentrate and defend against the few pinches that occur during the 90 minutes. I feel really sorry for the team because I couldn't fulfill that role today.
Q, throughout the match, his height and other strengths were evident.
A, we will continue to do that part.
Q, please review the scene of conceding a goal.
A, I wish I could have stopped it. Once I came out, Tokyo players thought I would hit the ball with my body and send it out, so I think the goal cover was delayed. That scene was a situation where I could stop and handle it calmly, so I think the situation would have been different if I had made that judgment.
Q, I think I can participate in the league matches if we look at the personal technical aspects.
A, I believe in what I have. I think what is required is to make each judgment with high quality. From now on, I think it is important how much I can bring out what I have. I will always be prepared to participate in the game.
＜Player Shuhei TOKUMOTO＞
Q, this was my first appearance after transferring.
A, it was fun. It was also fun to play with a focus on positioning, and through playing like this, I realized once again what I need to do in order to contribute to the league matches. I want to continue making appeals that lead to league matches in the future.
Q, there were also situations where it was possible to throw a long throw-in.
A, because Tawaratsumida also stopped. We were able to talk about how running there would make the opponent's center back run outside and result in a corner kick or lead to the next chance. I think Tawaratsumida will believe and run next time, so it's good.
Q, I felt that I was able to do the parts such as the standing position that I was struggling with during the camp without any problems today. How do you feel about the response to that?
A, the opponent's intensity was lower in the second half than in the first half, so at this timing, I ran 2 or 3 times and one of them resulted in a pass. From there, it led to Leon NOZAWA's shot, so I think it was good.
I also told Adailton that I am running into space, so I think it will be effective in the future, and even if the pass doesn't come, I think it's my strength to keep going, so I want to continue.
Q, the team lost the game with a disappointing goal conceded at the end. Please share your enthusiasm for the future.
There were parts where we couldn't defend properly, but we can't win the game without scoring. It's not just the responsibility of the forward players, but everyone needs to play with more tension. I think if each player has a strong awareness of winning this game and grabbing a regular position for Tokyo, we can score.I think I could have played better to score more goals, so I want to focus on myself and move in that direction.
Q, do you think you took a step forward towards playing in the league match?
A, I think it's a passing point.In my mind, I was doing it with the feeling of starting from the Levain Cup without rushing, and as a result of continuing to practice without rushing, I was able to be included in the squad for the league match against Kyoto. I think that such an attitude connects everything, so I hope I can show the young players a good example and I don't think it's enough to be a good player only when I'm on the field. I am at a good age, so I want to do my best to contribute to the team.
Ryunosuke SATO player
Q: please review the game.
I am very happy that I was able to make my debut, but it is frustrating that I couldn't achieve results while seeking victory.
Q: You seemed nervous, but how was the start of the game?
A, I wasn't that nervous. It's not like I wasn't nervous at all, but there were also many fans and supporters who came, so the excitement was greater. Being able to play in this kind of environment also boosted my confidence.
Q, I gradually started to show my play from the camp, which led to my starting appearance today.
I wanted to participate in the first match of the Levain Cup since the training camp, so I am happy to be able to play in the game I was aiming for, despite the influence of injured players and others.
Q: Have you contacted the coaches and parents you have been involved with so far?
A, my mother and younger brother came to watch the game. I received a lot of encouraging words from the coaches, such as "Go for it" and was able to play with all my might.
Q: How do you plan to build on today's game and continue moving forward?
A, the 60 minutes I played were the most intense moments of my soccer life so far. I think I need to build on this experience, whether I continue to play for FC Tokyo U-18 or the top team, and I want to work on being able to do things that I couldn't do before.
Q, I think you showed your strengths in shooting and final passes.
I thought I could have made the pass to player Leandro myself. I'm really frustrated because I couldn't make any decisive passes or shots.
Q: Shinji Kagawa was also on the same pitch. I feel that his playing style is similar to that of Sato, but what kind of presence does he have?
A, I was watching on TV all the time and it was a dream existence, so I was very happy to be able to stand on the same pitch. There were also scenes where we matched up, and it was a lot of fun.
Q, it was my official game debut, but I was playing in tight spaces like the center.
A, I was conscious of dribbling calmly and moving forward while facing forward because it is my strong play. I'm glad that I was able to play as usual in this game.
Q, the coach said that he is a type of player who is at FC Barcelona.
A, I also want to maintain the trust in that part because the coach also appreciated my ball control. I think I could have expressed what the coach expects from me on the pitch more.
Q: I am still a high school student, but do you do any physical training?
At the camp, I felt that I couldn't compete at all with my current physical condition. From there, I started to seriously work on improving my physical strength, and I am still continuing to do so. When I played with top-level players once, I felt the desire to reach that level myself. Since technique alone is not enough, I am consciously working on changing my physical condition and strength right away.
Q, have you felt anything different from before?
A, I feel the ease of being able to receive faster passes than before and having players run to where I want to pass.
Q, are there any places where you can play relying on the surroundings more than in academy matches?
A, there is some. There are parts where I think they will be able to receive even tight passes.
Q: Last season and when you were a member of FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi, there were consecutive matches without spectators. Today, you were surrounded by many spectators. How was it?
A, it felt amazing. Until now, I had only experienced games with around 4,000 spectators at most, so I heard that today's game had over 10,000 people. I think it was an unbeatable venue to play a match.
Q, Ryunosuke YADA call was echoing.
A, I could hear it very well. I will continue to practice hard even after returning so that I can participate in the game at Ajinomoto Stadium.
＜Player Leon NOZAWA＞
Q, there were some close scenes, right?
A, I thought I had it, but the feeling was also really good, so I'm disappointed.
Q, did you think about aiming for the goal the moment you had the ball?
A, I hesitated a little, but since the defender in front of me was leaning to the left, I decided to take a shot. At the moment I hit it, I thought it would go in, but it was too weak.
Q: How was it to make your first appearance in an official match after returning from a loan?
A, I was surprised to be selected for this team because I hadn't been able to participate in practice matches much since my return from injury. However, I feel that I was able to accumulate daily training and individual training after practice, so it is disappointing and frustrating that it did not lead to results. I think it's because I still haven't accumulated enough.
Q: Did you have the desire to be substituted in quickly while sitting on the bench?
A, well. It may have been a short time as a substitution period, but for me, it was a big deal that I got 15 minutes of playing time in an official match, not zero minutes. I was excited and the game was really fun. However, since I played as a forward, I wanted to score a goal.
Q, were you able to demonstrate your strengths in defense?
A, regarding defense, I don't feel a good response. There were also parts where I could have gone to defense from the front, and there were also ordinary mistakes, so considering the reason why I am needed in the team, I think I can't survive if I don't show my strengths more.
