<Match Review>
Tokyo, currently in 7th place with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss after 5 matches since the opening, faced their first match after a 2-week interval at Tosu, a place known as their "demon's gate" due to their current 7-game losing streak in league matches.
Keigo HIGASHI, who has been playing as an anchor since the opening, and Kuryu MATSUKI, a key player in the midfield, were both absent as they were selected for the Japan national team. Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who was also selected for the national team, was unable to play. On the bench were Takuya AOKI, who returned from a long-term injury, and 18-year-old Naoki KUMATA, who scored his first professional goal in last week's Levain Cup Sec. 2 match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
1st HALF - Unable to create scoring opportunities
It was a first half with time to attack from the side while holding the ball and time to defend patiently.
Tokyo reverted back to their traditional 4-3-3 system from the 3-back system they used in the previous league match against Nagoya Grampus two weeks ago. In the midfield, Kei Koizumi played as the anchor, with Koki Tsukagawa and Tsubasa Terayama as the inside halves.
While forming a shape that matches with Tosu, there was a feeling of opportunity when Adailton and Teruhito NAKAGAWA entered on both sides, but they were unable to create a decisive chance.
In the 11th minute of the first half, Adailton headed in a free kick from Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who made his J1 league debut. However, the shot did not meet its target. In the 21st minute of the first half, midfielder Terayama showed persistence and Nakagawa brought the ball to the shot, but the left-footed kick missed the frame.
On the other hand, around the middle of the first half, the time for Tosu to hold the ball increases. However, in the 23rd minute of the first half, Yasuki KIMOTO cleared the pinch from the corner kick, and in the 30th minute, Jakub SLOWIK saved the shot from Iwasaki player.
Towards the end of the first half, they continued to threaten the goal. However, Adailton's shot from the cut-in missed the goal and the counterattack in additional time ended without a shot.
2ndHALF - Unexpected Outcome from an Open Development
Tokyo, who wants to score the first goal, made a change in the second half by substituting Terayama for Tawarazumi and changing the system. Tawarazumi on the right, Adailton on the left, and Naka-gawa and Diego OLIVEIRA up front.
However, it did not lead to effective attacks. Player Tawarazumida made two attempts to break through the right side, but it did not result in a goal. The second half also continued with a back-and-forth development.
Tokyo, who wants to change the balanced situation, substituted Diego TABA and Tsukagawa for PEROTTI and Takuya AOKI, who made his first appearance this season, in the 27th minute of the second half. Furthermore, in the 37th minute of the second half, Kumada took the pitch and formed a twin tower with PEROTTI in the front line.
However, with little effect seen, the game entered an open phase towards the end. Both teams utilized the vast space and exchanged counter attacks, but no goals were scored and it seemed to end in a scoreless draw.
Just then, in the 45+5 minute of the second half, an unexpected final round was waiting. Jakub SLOWIK attempted to restart, but his short pass was intercepted by newly transferred player CACA, who then kicked it in, becoming the deciding goal as time ran out. It seemed like the losing streak against Tosu was about to end, but they were unable to bring any points back home.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO / Yasuki KIMOTO / Henrique TREVISAN / Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Kei KOIZUMI / Tsubasa TERAYAMA (46': Kota TAWARATSUMIDA) / Koki TSUKAGAWA (73': Takuya AOKI)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (82': Naoki KUMATA) / Diego OLIVEIRA (73': PEROTTI) / Adailton (82': Junya SUZUKI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE
GOAL
―
Sagan Tosu
Starting XI
GK Ilgyu PARK
DF Kosuke YAMAZAKI/Masaya TASHIRO/Kiriya SAKAMOTO (39' Ryonosuke KABAYAMA)
MF Akito FUKUTA/So KAWAHARA/Yoshiki NARAHARA (22' Jun NISHIKAWA)/Yuki HORIGOME (13' Taichi KIKUCHI)
FW Yoichi NAGANUMA/Yuji ONO (13' Atsushi KAWATA)/Yuto IWASAKI (13' Ayumu YOKOYAMA)
SUBS
GK Kei UCHIYAMA
MF Toshio SHIMAKAWA
GOAL
45+5 minutes into the second half: Atsushi KAWATA
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
Among many players who are absent from the front line, we played with various formations throughout the 90 minutes, aiming for victory along with the current squad. In the first half, we played in a 4-3-3 formation, but there were still parts that didn't function well, partly because Tsubasa TERAYAMA is young. In the second half, we changed to a 4-2-3-1 formation, and since then, I think we were able to create several decisive chances multiple times. However, I am very disappointed that we couldn't convert those chances into goals. And finally, we played in a 4-4-2 formation.
Now, amidst many players who are currently absent from the front lines, we continued to fight for 90 minutes with our existing strength in various ways, aiming for victory. And towards the end of the game, as humans, we are prone to making mistakes. It is regrettable that we conceded and lost due to such mistakes. However, as the head coach and overall leader of the team, I feel responsible for those mistakes. Of course, the fans and supporters may also feel disappointed that the team did not win. As the coach, I want to take full responsibility for this defeat. All we can do is stand up firmly from this loss and prepare for the next one.
[Player Interview]
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, it seemed like you were playing very calmly in your J1 League debut match.
I knew that if I could play like I did in the Levain Cup without feeling nervous, I would be fine, so I was able to smoothly get into the game and I think it was good that I was able to play for 90 minutes.
Q, there was an impression that Adailton was playing well, switching between the inside and outside.
I knew the strengths of player Adailton, so I talked to him firmly and understood that if there were times when he could break through, the opponent would collapse. I also asked interpreter Mr. Iino about things I didn't understand from practice. I also conveyed my own thoughts of "I want to do this", so it was unfortunate that we lost, but it was good that we were able to create combinations.
Q: Do you have any deep feelings about being able to step on the pitch of the J1 League in your 6th year as a professional after graduating from university?
I think I was able to show in my play that I didn't lie about what I've done so far, and I think the viewers could feel that too. I want to continue to persevere with a strong spirit, whether I'm playing or not.
Q, so it was a game we wanted to win.
I think the debut match in the J1 league will remain in my memory forever, so I wanted to win. However, since we are entering a series of consecutive matches, I want to make good preparations for Tokyo to win.
Q: With injured players coming out and the team struggling to gather members, how do you plan to overcome this current situation?
A, I think that if you don't play this game with the feeling that it's the last chance, you won't be able to win even the games you can win. I don't think there are always players who can play, so I approached the game with the feeling that there is no chance anymore. If there are more players like that, when injured players come back, they will not be guaranteed a starting position, which I think will also give them a sense of tension. I want to show it with a stronger feeling, play, and my back.
Q: In April, there will be many consecutive matches. How will you adjust for this?
A, I think it is a happy thing to be able to have many matches. It is best to improve in the matches, so I want to enjoy consecutive battles.
Q, there were also decisive moments in the second half, but it would have been good if you could have taken a shot.
A, I think there was a lack of ideas or it was a scene where I should have taken more initiative, so I think it would have been good to occasionally show an attitude of "doing it myself!"
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: please review the game.
A, I wanted to get 3 points. We were unable to hold the ball and take the initiative as we wanted, and instead, the opponent held the ball and took the initiative for a long time. I think we also lost in that aspect because we were unable to pick up the second ball. I think we need to be able to evade the opponent after receiving the ball. Even in the scene of the last goal conceded, I think the situation would have changed if I had been able to show my face. We have consecutive matches, so I want to switch and keep going.
Q, applause echoed during the player introduction before the match.
Although I was only with the team for a short period of one and a half seasons, I am grateful that I was welcomed with applause instead of boos. I will continue to do my best to be able to greet everyone properly when we compete against each other in the future.
Q, the situation continues where there are many injured players and the team members are not able to gather.
A lot of things are overlapping, but I think we have to fight among them. I think it's up to me, including myself, whether I can seize this opportunity. Since the result didn't come out today, I think I have to step onto the pitch with even more sense of crisis and responsibility.
Q, I think it was a game where we had to at least get 1 point.
We were in a situation where we had to get 1 point, but since there are continuous matches in April, I don't think there is time to look down. I think the next match after this kind of match becomes even more important. There is no good in getting too depressed, so I think we need to improve the areas that need improvement and switch gears and keep going, so I want to do what needs to be done properly.
<Takuya AOKI>
Q, how does it feel to be back on the pitch after a long time?
It was great to be able to play in a match after a long time. I hope to improve even more from now on.
Q, I think there were some tough physical aspects as well.
A, there was absolutely no game sense. However, I think that game sense will not return unless you participate in the game. I think it will gradually improve.
Q, the game ended in a disappointing result.
A, Tokyo hasn't been able to win against this opponent for a while, so I really wanted to win.
Q, the situation continues where players are unable to gather due to injuries and other factors.
I think players who step onto the pitch must take responsibility and play. Even in the current situation, I believe we must achieve results. I want to continue making efforts every day so that the players who participate can achieve results.
Q, do you want to participate in the Levain Cup even with consecutive matches?
A, I think if I don't participate in the game, I won't be able to regain my game sense, so I want to participate.
Q: You mentioned in a recent interview that you wanted to enjoy the game. Did you have fun?
A, I thought it was very grateful that I was able to stand on the pitch today. If I can participate in the next Levain Cup, I want to contribute to the team's strength.
Q, please say a word to the fans and supporters.
A, it is regrettable that we were not able to produce results. However, I believe that it is good to continue from here, so I hope that we can improve as a team and as individuals.
