<Match Review>
Tokyo won the opening match of the season at home at Ajinomoto Stadium with cheers returning. However, there have been no victories in 3 official matches, with a draw in between, until the first home game in about a month. To change the momentum, the loud support at home 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 moving right away. In the 5th minute of the first half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA receives the ball on the right side and sends a pass behind the opponent. Hotaka NAKAMURA, who has jumped into the area on the right side of the penalty area, known as the pocket, turns around and makes a one-touch pass in the minus direction, to the feet of Diego OLIVEIRA, who has entered the center of the goal. Diego OLIVEIRA turns around and swings his left foot to slide the ball into the goal, and Tokyo successfully takes the lead.
After scoring, there were moments where we were pushed back by the opponent's counterattack, but left winger Kei KOIZUMI'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, drawing two defenders and setting up a shooting chance for the free Lins. In the 18th minute, Tsumaki Tada made an aggressive move and broke through the goal line. Although his shot was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper, the winger's proactive attitude gave Tokyo the momentum to move forward.
In the 24th minute of the first half, when a direct free kick was given in front of the goal, Mita player's shot hit the crowd and bounced off in front of the goal. Ndoca player approached freely, but Jakub SLOWIK, who closed the gap at the perfect timing, avoided danger by hitting his body.
After the pinch, there is a chance. In the 27th minute of the first half, we pressed the ball side in coordination from the front line to create a chance. When Diego Taba pressed the opponent's goalkeeper on a back pass, Koizumi made a pass mistake in desperation. Nakagawa picked up the ball in the penalty area and took advantage of the goalkeeper's rush to score 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, recovering the ball in high positions. In the 33rd minute of the first half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE from the left side crosses the ball, and Diego TABA on the far side returns it, but Keigo HIGASHI jumps in and heads the ball over the crossbar.
In the 36th minute of the first half, the ball was broken from the right side and crossed in front of the goal, but player Jakub SLOWIK managed to clear it with his right hand.
It seemed like we would go into halftime with a lead, but in the 45th minute of the first half, a cross ball from the left side was put into the goal area and hit the foot of player Kimoto who was trying to clear it, resulting in a goal. We ended the first half with a point lost due to an own goal.
2nd HALF - Diego's second goal extends the lead to 2 wins this 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 subbed in towards the end of the first half, stole the ball in a high position and launched a short counterattack. In a numerical tie, Tawara Tsumetai, who was in the penalty area, received the ball and evaded the opponent defender to create a shooting opportunity. However, the ball struck with his right foot was blocked by the opponent goalkeeper.
Tokyo, who took control of the pace from the start of the second half, created chances with their pressing from the front and short counters. In the 17th minute of the second half, Nagatomo, who made a move on the right side, crossed the ball into the box after shaking off his marker. Tsukagawa acted as a decoy near the goal, allowing Diego TABA, who was waiting in front of the goal, to head the ball into the bottom right corner.
In the first half, Jakub SLOWIK, who has saved the team multiple times with fine saves, also made a big save in the second half. In the 24th minute of the second half, when the opponent was pushing forward in the vital area and took a shot, the ball deflected off a blocking player and changed direction. Jakub SLOWIK stretched out his right hand and deflected the ball away from the goal.
As the game entered the final stage, Adailton and Yuta ARAI, two attacking players, were subbed off one after another. Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, ARAI got involved in a chance. Diego TABA, who had gotten behind the opponent's defense, swung his left foot at the ball just outside the left post, but it hit the post and bounced to the right side of the penalty area. ARAI, who had made a run into the box, was unable to reach the ball in time and his one-touch shot went over the goal.
After the score became 3-1, Tokyo continued to control the game by holding onto the ball. There were also moments where they were under attack after losing the ball, but with the support of loud cheers from the stands, Tokyo was able to maintain their lead until the final whistle. This marks their second win of the season, the first since the opening game.
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）/Hirotaka MITA/Towa YAMANE（0th minute of the second half: Ryoya YAMASHITA）/Tatsuya HASEGAWA（30th minute of the second half: Sho 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 PUIG ORTONEDA 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>
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>
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>
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.
