＜Match Review＞
Tokyo won the opening match of this season at home, Ajinomoto Stadium, amidst cheers from the crowd. However, they have not won any of their last three official matches, with a draw in between, leading up to their home game after about a month. To change the tide, the strong support from the home crowd is essential.
In this important match, Coach Albert made changes to the team lineup. He started rookie player Tsubasa Terayama and Kota Tawaratsumida. In the center-back position, he paired Yasuki Kimoto and Henrique Trevisan, who also played together in the opening match.
1st HALF - Nakagawa extends the lead with his first goal after joining
The game starts off immediately. In the 5th minute of the first half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA receives the ball in an open position on the right side and passes it behind the opponent. Hiroki NAKAMURA, who had made a run into the right side of the penalty area, commonly known as the pocket, receives the one-touch pass while turning around and passes it in the negative direction. The ball reaches the feet of Diego OLIVEIRA, who had entered the center position in front of the goal. Diego shoots with his left foot while turning around and successfully scores the opening goal for Tokyo.
There were moments when we were pressed by the opponent's counterattack immediately after scoring, but left winger Tawaratsumida's dribbling created multiple opportunities to threaten the Yokohama FC goal. In the 16th minute, he made a move from a deep position on the left side, attracting two opposing players and creating a shooting chance for the free Kei Koizumi. In the 18th minute of the first half, Tawaratsumida aggressively broke through the goal line. Although his shot near the goal was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper, the winger's proactive attitude provided Tokyo with momentum.
In the 24th minute of the first half, when a direct free kick was given in front of the goal, Mita aimed directly at the goal with a shot that hit the crowded area and spilled in front of the goal. Nduka approached freely, but Jakub Slowik, who closed the distance at the perfect timing, avoided the danger by hitting his body.
There is a chance after the pinch. In the 27th minute of the first half, we pressed the ball side by side from the front line to create a chance. When Diego pressed the back pass to the opponent's goalkeeper, Koizumi followed and induced a pass miss. Nakagawa picked up the ball inside the penalty area and took advantage of the goalkeeper's advance to shoot a looping shot into the right corner of the goal, widening the lead.
Tokyo takes control of the game with coordinated pressing from the front line to recover the ball in a high position. In the 33rd minute of the first half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE crosses the ball from the left side, and Diego receives the ball on the far side. However, Tokyo Keigo jumps in but the header goes over the crossbar.
In the 36th minute of the first half, the ball was broken from the right side and a cross ball was played in front of the goal, but player SLOWIK cleared it with his right hand.
It seemed that the game would be turned around while keeping the lead, but in the 45th minute of the first half, a cross ball was put in front of the goal from the left side, and it hit the foot of player Kimoto who was trying to clear it, resulting in an own goal and one point was conceded, ending the first half.
2nd HALF - Expanding the lead with Diego's second goal for the 2nd win of the season
Tokyo made two substitutions at the beginning of the second half. Gabriel Henrique was replaced by Masato Morishige, and Teruyuki Terayama was replaced by Koki Tsukagawa.
In the 10th minute of the second half, Yuto Nagatomo, who was substituted in the latter part of the first half, intercepted the ball in a high position and launched a short counterattack. Kota Tawaratsumida, in a numerical parity situation, received the ball inside the penalty area, evaded the opponent defender, and had a shooting opportunity. However, the ball struck with his right foot was blocked by the opponent goalkeeper.
Tokyo took control of the pace from the start of the second half and created chances with short counters from the front line. In the 17th minute of the second half, Nagatomo made a run on the right side and crossed the ball into the box, evading the defender. Tsuchikawa acted as a decoy near the goal, and Diego, who was positioned in front of the goal, headed the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.
Jakub SLOWIK, who has repeatedly saved the team with fine saves in the first half, also made a big save in the second half. In the 24th minute of the second half, when the opponent was pressing in the vital area and took a shot, he stretched out his right hand and deflected the ball that changed direction after hitting a blocking player, and kicked it out of the goal.
As the game entered the final stage, Adailton and Yuta Arai, two attacking players, were substituted one after another. Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Arai got involved in a chance. Diego, who had positioned himself behind the opponent, swung his left foot just in front of the left side of the goal, hitting the post. The ball rebounded to the right side of the penalty area. Arai, who had jumped in before the opponent's goalkeeper could reach it, made a one-touch finish, but the shot went over the goal.
After the score became 3-1, Tokyo continued to control the game by holding onto the ball. There were moments when they faced counterattacks after losing the ball, but with the support of the loud cheers from the stands, Tokyo maintained their lead until the end of the game. They secured their second victory of the season, which was their first since the opening match.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (38th minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique TREVISAN (0th minute of the second half: Masato MORISHIGE)/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (29th minute of the second half: Yuta ARAI)
MF Kei KOIZUMI/Keigo HIGASHI/Tsubasa TERAYAMA (0th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA/Diego OLIVEIRA/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (21st minute of the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW PEROTTI
GOAL
First half 5 minutes: Diego OLIVEIRA/First half 27 minutes: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/Second half 17 minutes: Diego OLIVEIRA
Yokohama FC
STARTING XI
GK Kengo Nagai
DF Takumi Nakamura/Boniface Nduka/Katsuya Iwatake/Kento Hashimoto (22nd minute of the second half: Kotaro Hayashi)
MF Yuri Lara (0th minute of the second half: Shion Inoue)/Keiki Mita/Towa Yamane (0th minute of the second half: Ryoya Yamashita)/Tatsuya Hasegawa (30th minute of the second half: Shota Ito)/Koki Sakamoto (22nd minute of the second half: Caprini)
FW Koki Ogawa
SUBS
GK Akinori ICHIKAWA
DF Kyohei YOSHINO
GOAL
First half 45 minutes: Own goal
[Coach Albert's Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A, about the first half today, I have never played so badly before. It was a first half where we were leading and could have scored more goals, but it wasn't the kind of play we expected. There were many plays where we were afraid to possess the ball, and overall positioning was not appropriate. There is a situation where we have about three high-quality midfielders absent, but that cannot be an excuse. The play in the first half today is an area that needs improvement. It's not just about possessing the ball. An important element in my style is the quick transition from high press to offense and defense. I think we were able to play well in that aspect today. It's not about aiming for a quick defensive transition in everything. Sometimes, I expect us to calm down, build up from a low position, and move forward in a good shape. However, we couldn't do the latter today. Especially in the first half, we couldn't play calmly. In the halftime, by bringing in Morishige and Tsukagawa, we saw improvement in terms of composure. Continuing from the first half, we were able to win the ball from high press and make quick transitions in the second half as well. We were able to create several decisive chances in that way. I think it was also possible to score more goals. Today, we earned 3 points. However, I am not satisfied at all with the play in the first half. I am satisfied with the content of the second half and the performance of the young players. I think many people noticed the talent of 18-year-old Tawaratsumida today. He is a promising winger. I hope he continues to work hard with a humble attitude and grows into a great player.
Q, it appeared that Nakamura was substituted due to injury in the first half, and Bangnagande was substituted due to injury in the second half. As a coach, did you struggle with managing the players?
The team that trained during the preseason had some great players. However, unfortunately, there are many players who have withdrawn from the team due to injuries or have been selected for the under-category representative team. Some players were also suspended due to warnings. Abe's injury was muscle-related, but for the other players, it was due to accidents, which is very unfortunate. It is a difficult situation with many players out of action. We have a team that can play closer to our ideal if everyone is available. However, we must adapt to the situation of having many players out of action. It is in this kind of situation that we can expect young players to shine. The J1 League is a highly competitive league. We want to overcome this difficult situation by combining the strength of everyone and accumulate points firmly at this time. And when the players who are currently out of action return, we want to further accumulate points with the quality of everyone.
Q, please tell us your evaluation points and areas you think are challenges for player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA.
A, he is in a position similar to that of player Matsuki in the previous season. In order to succeed in the professional world, you must have two abilities. First, a strong mentality that is dedicated to winning. Without it, you cannot succeed in the professional world. And the second is to have a clear weapon. In the case of player Matsuki, it is the ability to demonstrate technique and defensive skills in the midfield. As for player Tawaratsumida, it is attacking in one-on-one situations. If you have these two elements, what do you need to do to grow? You need to have opportunities to play. That's why I think young Japanese players need opportunities to play. By playing, you can promote the growth of players. And I think the J-League is a league that is suitable for young players to grow while playing. Therefore, I think it is appropriate for young players to stay and play in the J-League, grow, and then challenge overseas when they mature, while the Japan Football Association, the J-League, and the teams cooperate. I do not think it is appropriate for young players in the process of growth to go abroad. I want to give young players a chance and promote their growth.
[Player Interview]
＜Teruhito NAKAGAWA player＞
Q: How do you feel about being able to score points early in the season?
A, I think it is important for the team to score in that way. It was good that I was able to score for now. However, there were still chances to score more goals, so I want to improve my accuracy.
Q, I scored a goal at home at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, I think it's the most important thing. From now on, I want to work not only on scoring points but also on contributing to the team's victory, including assists. I want to continue this momentum into the next game.
Q: Did Diego OLIVEIRA intentionally play in a way that allowed him to control the ball so well?
When I entered Diego, I was conscious of staying as close as possible without getting in the way, and I think I was able to coordinate while maintaining balance. I feel that the accumulation of practice is gradually being expressed in the game.
Q, how was the awareness of connecting the ball and rushing, which was raised as a challenge in the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match?
A, I think we were able to make good judgments in this game according to the situation, but there were also times when we couldn't push back the opponent after Hotaka NAKAMURA was substituted in the first half, so we need to improve on that as a challenge.
Q, how was the second half?
A, I think it was significant that we were able to create chances right from the start of the second half and bring the game under our control. As a team, we were particularly conscious of starting the second half with more momentum than the opponent, and it was good that we were able to express that.
Q: How do you feel about looking back on the coordinated press in the scoring scene?
A, it was also a place I was aiming for. When I took it, I was only looking at the ball, but the press fit well and I think it led to a goal in a good way.
Q, What is the relationship like on the right side with player Nakamura?
A, as a team, we are conscious of aiming for the pocket when one of us has the ball on the side. We have been able to score points in actual games, so we hope to continue aiming for the pocket as a team.
Q: This season is your first full participation. Are you satisfied?
I am able to play soccer while enjoying it in good condition. I want to tighten my focus and continue to do my best in the next away game against Nagoya Grampus, while maintaining our momentum.
Diego Oliveira player
Q, how do you feel looking back on the first goal?
A good ball came from Hotaka NAKAMURA on the right side, so I was able to score from a good trap and turn. I think it was a good goal that boosted the team's momentum at the beginning of the first half.
Q: I think scoring from a turn is your strong play, but were you aiming for it from the beginning?
I had the image of shooting directly with a cross, but the ball went a little behind, so I chose to trap and turn.
Q, the second goal was a cross from Yuto NAGATOMO.
Also, the second goal was from a ball from the right side, and it was a very good cross from Yuto NAGATOMO, so all I had to do was score. Today, I happened to score the goal, but I think the most important thing is that the team wins no matter who scores. I am very happy that we were able to win.
Q, last season you struggled with injuries, but how do you feel about overcoming them and scoring goals?
A, last season, I couldn't play satisfactorily because I had pain and had to endure it. I am very happy now that I can play without pain. I am truly grateful to all the fans and supporters.
Q: For strikers, do you think the first goal of the season is important?
As a forward, I think the first goal is very important, and I'm glad I was able to score today. I was also able to score the second goal, so I think we have a good momentum for the future, and I want to score a goal in the next game as well.
Q, after the goal or after the game, there was a loud "Diego call" echoing in the stadium, how was it?
A, today's support was very helpful. Of course, it was encouraging to have support even during the last season when I was not in good condition. But today, I was also happy to score a goal myself. I think it was a very good game where I could celebrate with the fans and supporters.
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q: please review the game.
A, we were able to score and have a good attack from the first half, but there were also dangerous situations, making it a difficult game. When the opportunity to play in the game came to me, I was able to enter the game firmly. I was happy to contribute to the victory by leaving the result of an assist for the first time in a while.
Q, I entered the game as a substitute due to an accident. How did you feel when you entered the game?
A, I participated in the game with a strong desire to win. I wanted to be involved in scoring, so I made sure to contribute to the attack while also defending properly.
Q, there was another accident and there was a change in position to left fullback.
A, I have had many experiences so far, and I think that I was able to play without rushing because I have data called experience value.
Q, did you achieve the intended result with the assist?
I valued the spirit of competition. I practiced shooting from crosses many times during training. Since players like Diego TABA were coming into the box, I thought even if I didn't aim precisely, the ball would still go in.
Q: How do you feel about having more sharpness than usual?
A, I will be 37 years old this year, but personally, I feel that my speed has increased. I think this is the result of my training. Now, I am also sharing my training experience with players like Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and young players. Because my speed and propulsion have increased, I have reaffirmed my belief that my training was not wrong.
Q: Despite being in good condition, I have not been selected to start the game.
My goal is to contribute to the team in any way possible, whether it's by winning games or lifting the trophy. I can contribute by starting in the matches or by coming off the bench and tightening the team. I want to fulfill the given role.
Q: Please share your impression of player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who is 18 years old, when you played together.
During the training at the Okinawa camp, I was beaten by him in a one-on-one situation. At that time, I realized that this player is something special and that we must not let him slip away. I felt that he is a player who can make a difference with that one play. Since then, we have been training together and I have given him a lot of advice. He is gaining more and more confidence and is becoming more dynamic, but I still think he has room to grow. Although his condition may not be perfect due to consecutive matches, I once again felt his overwhelming speed.
＜Tsubasa TERAYAMA player＞
Q, How was it playing at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, Ajinomoto Stadium is a stage that I have admired since junior high school. I am very happy to be able to play at Ajinomoto. The team has lost two consecutive games, so I was determined to win this match.
Q, there are many contact plays and I am also worried about injuries.
AI think it is necessary to defend rigorously in the ball contest in order to compete with strong opponents. I think we were able to do that.
Q: How was it playing on the left side with Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, both academy graduates?
A, also because they are academy graduates, we talked about dominating the left side with three people the day before the match. It was good that we were able to play together.
Q: What are your thoughts on Coach Albert's evaluation of player Tsubasa Terayama's mental state?
A, Kuryu MATSUKI is in a lower grade than me. I have been watching him perform in Tokyo since last season. In that sense, having such a player nearby is a great inspiration. I have to do more, and MATSUKI's presence has had a positive impact on me.
Q, I think Tsubasa TERAYAMA and Matsuki have a strength as a person before their skills.
A, thinking about how I can contribute to the team and playing in a way that showcases my strengths is also beneficial for myself. I am always conscious of demonstrating my strength during the game.
Q: How was it to play at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time as a professional? How did it feel to win that game?
A, I felt the joy and excitement of the fans and supporters when the final whistle blew. As the end of the game approached, I could hear the sound of the city that never sleeps. It reminded me of when I used to watch games at the stadium in junior high school. It was really exciting to be able to hear it on the pitch this time, and I felt the realization of becoming a professional.
Q, what do you think of Ajinomoto Stadium when you become a professional and see it from the pitch?
A, To put it simply, it was a really beautiful view. With the support of many fans, I felt the weight of the emotions and fought hard, and I felt it even more deeply with today's victory. I want to continue winning and bring joy to the fans in many more matches.
Q, I think there were times when various emotions were swaying without any victories in the first 3 matches.
A, when I look back on my play, it was a frustrating 45 minutes. However, I believe that Tokyo winning is the most important thing. It was a difficult situation without any victories in the past two matches, so I think it was great that we were able to win. The veteran players, led by the team, have been uplifting us since before warm-up. I think I was able to get on board with the good atmosphere.
Kota TAWARATSUMIDA player
Q, we created several chances from the left side. How do you feel about getting used to the professional level?
A, I felt that there were many scenes where my dribbling was effective, and I was able to play with confidence.
Q, please reflect on the finishing part.
A, it's a challenge. We have to make a decision. I have an idea, but I think I lack the final technique. In order to make a decision in the game, we have to practice it regularly, so I want to practice it thoroughly.
Q: Did you have a clear image of scoring even in one-on-one situations with the opponent's goalkeeper?
A, I thought it was important to have a calm mind because I panicked when I saw the GK after dribbling past one opponent.
Q: The player I was facing was former FC Tokyo's Takumi NAKAMURA. What kind of negotiations did you have?
A, regardless of the opponent, I had to focus on my own play in order to survive, so that's all I was thinking about. I rely more on my own instincts than on the opponent, so I try to go for it when I think I can.
Q, are you playing based on your instincts rather than consciously choosing between dribbling and passing?
A, the part where I dribble and break through is based on my instincts, but I carefully consider decisions such as passing and have also learned from my seniors.
Q: High school rookies are getting involved in games as a matter of course. How do you feel about it yourself?
Player Matsuki showed us last season that even high school graduates can play in J-League matches if they can perform well. I was thinking of using that as a reference and making a strong appeal by showing my determination. When Matsuki was performing well in the top team at the time when I was judged to be promoted from U-18 to the top team, I decided to aim for that and surpass it.
Q: Did you also have the desire to achieve your own results today, considering that player Kumada has been performing well in the U-20 Asia Cup?
Player Kumada has scored goals for the national team, but first it is important to focus on oneself, so I also want to improve my finishing ability in the final moments.
