Review>
The return to the front line after 8 months was a ray of hope for the team, which had been plagued by injuries to midfield players.
The match against Sagan Tosu, as evident from the record, has always been a tough one for Tokyo. Whether it's a home game or an away game, even if the previous match had a good performance and result, something always seems to happen in the game against Tosu.
Even if it's for 90 minutes, "No, today is the day..." Even if it's a development that makes you feel that way, you can't let your guard down.
This match also became a back-and-forth battle where both teams had a high intensity in their challenges and shared possession of the ball equally. However, from the first half, there were many instances where Tosu's passes were disrupted, and Tokyo was able to quickly regain possession before being countered, resulting in Tokyo having more scenes of pushing their opponents while in possession of the ball.
Even in the second half, the ball often came back in a lucky way, but whether the pace matched or not, Tokyo was unable to create decisive chances as their final passes were off. However, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who made his first appearance in the J1 league, created scenes where he jumped out behind the opponent, giving off an atmosphere that they could break through the goal.
As the game seemed to be decided if Tokyo could make one more attack, the clock passed 90 minutes and the end of additional time was in sight. Just then, Jakub SLOWIK's goal kick was intercepted by the opponent's forward and they scored, ending the game. Once again, it was a dramatic ending with something happening.
The team faced a tough result, but there were not completely negative elements when looking ahead to the future. Tokumoto showed a strong presence in both offense and defense, despite it being his first time in J1. In addition, in the 27th minute of the second half, Takuya Aoki was substituted for Koki Tsukagawa. It was his first return to the field in 8 months.
Last season, until his injury in July, he was an immovable anchor and a key player in supporting the tactical foundation of FC Tokyo. It took some time for him to return, but his comeback was at a crucial time when the team was struggling with multiple injuries and struggling to find a balance in the midfield.
The man who is suitable for the anchor, who is the key to ball possession, returns, and from here, Albert Tokyo's counterattack begins.
<Match Preview>
In the 6th round of the J1 League, we lost 0-1 to Sagan Tosu, and in the following Levain Cup group stage 3rd round, we were completely defeated 0-3 by Gamba Osaka. Immediately after losing to Gamba Osaka and suffering two consecutive losses in official matches, Diego OLIVEIRA encouraged his teammates in the locker room, saying, "We are not a team made up of players with such low quality."
However, it is a great achievement for many young players to be given the chance to showcase their talents and make their presence known in the early stages of the season. One of those players, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who is in his first season with the team, made his J1 debut in the match against Tosu and energized the team with his aggressive play. TOKUMOTO stated, "I think I was able to show that I didn't lie about what I have done. I want to continue to prepare well for Tokyo to win."
This round, we return home to face Shonan Bellmare. In the previous round, Shuto MACHINO of Shonan scored 4 goals alone and achieved a great victory against Gamba Osaka. We must be cautious of their attacking power, which has scored the most 13 goals in the league.
As injured players continue to return one after another, the result of victory will generate the best energy to drive the team forward. The team will come together to hold back the strong Shonan and go for the 3 points to change the momentum.
Matchday Program here
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Ryoma WATANABE, Shuto ABE, and Hotaka NAKAMURA joined the practice. Are they likely to be involved in tomorrow's game considering their current condition?
A, fortunately all three have returned and joined us. They are in a condition to play, but each of them had a period of absence from the front line, so we would like to proceed cautiously.
Q: With player Yoshifu injured and out, isn't Nakamura's return significant?
A, it was a big blow for us that both Nakamura and Kashifu were injured and away. In addition, there were injuries to midfield players, and there were scenes where we lost the ball in the midfield position during the game, and we couldn't control the game. In other words, we couldn't play together as a team, like traveling together. Of course, Yuto Nagatomo and Shuhei Tokumoto each have their own strengths, but I think Nakamura and Kashifu are the ones who can play a more attacking game.
If we can dominate without losing the ball in the middle of the field, I think it will bring more depth to our attack, allowing our wingers and fullbacks to participate more. Therefore, I believe the number of attacks from both sides will also increase. I think we were able to do this until around the 2nd section of this season. After that, we had more injured players, but they are gradually returning. We are hoping to return to our initial state at the beginning of the season.
Q: In the recent Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka, Keigo HIGASHI was not included in the squad. However, I think he will take up the anchor position in this round. With him in the team, do you think we will be able to actively control the ball?
A, the noticeable mistakes throughout the game were losing the ball in midfield and not being able to control it. However, I believe it is worth noting that many young players were given the opportunity to play. Despite facing Gamba Osaka, who came close to their best lineup, the efforts of the young players deserve recognition. I don't mind receiving criticism for the 0-3 result, and I must accept and continue with my work. After the Gamba Osaka match, eight young players were on the pitch. At the same time, we are striving to improve our club's style and the maturity of positional play. For that, quality in midfield is required and essential. Of course, East Player is one who brings many things.
In order for the team to continue growing, it is important to have high-quality players involved in the game. Once again, we have high expectations for Ryunosuke SATO. This is because he is a player who can express plays where the ball sticks to his feet. Players with such unique qualities are one of the players we need. Of course, we also value defensive skills in our center-back players, but we also expect them to have a more attacking style of play. As for midfield players, it is a position where they cannot afford to lose the ball easily. I am looking for players who can distribute the ball to the front line in a good way. I believe that by having players with such profiles involved and growing in the game, it will lead to the growth of the club.
Q, Shonan Bellmare is in good form in the recent matches.
A, it seems that they have been in good form in recent matches, but the impression was that they did not have good results from the opening. I feel that they have been getting into a good state in this short period of time. On the other hand, we have been caught in a bad flow in this short period of time. We conceded a goal in an inadvertent way in the match against Sagan Tosu, and we lost 0-3 to Gamba Osaka in the Levain Cup. Of course, that's soccer. Soccer is a sport where evaluations can change with each match. If we were to lose to Shonan tomorrow, it would be said that we would be involved in the relegation battle, and if we were to win against Shonan, it would be speculated that we could also participate in the AFC Champions League. However, the league has just started and we are approaching the 7th section. Taking all of this into consideration, Shonan seems to exhibit more strength against opponents who possess the ball. They tighten their defense in the middle zone and launch quick attacks after winning the ball. Continuing from last season, they have been demonstrating their strengths as their characteristic.
Q, I think the first goal will be important.
The match between Shonan Bellmare and Gamba Osaka in the previous round ended with a score of 4-1. Gamba Osaka conceded a goal from a mistake, and Shonan capitalized on that by scoring multiple goals. Shonan formed a solid defense, successfully stole the ball in good positions, and created chances as the game progressed. Therefore, the first goal has a significant impact on the flow of the game. The first goal is crucial, not only in the next match but in all matches. For example, in Spain, it is unlikely for the top-ranked team to lose to the bottom-ranked team, but in the J-League, it is different. This is because the overall level of the league is highly competitive.
Q: Please tell us your evaluation of player Kumada. How do you want to utilize him as a team to make him shine even more?
Player A, Kumada, is still a young player. I also think that he needs to adapt more to the team. However, he is a player with unique characteristics that other Japanese forwards do not have. There are many players with similar characteristics in South America and other places, but there are few in Japan. His ability as a finisher in the box is high, but his play away from the goal is still in the growth stage. We also want to further increase his contribution to the team. If he can play more in a pushed-up position as a club, he will become an indispensable center forward for the club. As I mentioned earlier, his biggest weapon is his ability to work in the box. I hope that his growth and the club's growth will progress simultaneously and that his weapon can be utilized even more. However, we must proceed with our feet on the ground.
[Player Interview]
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q: How did you spend the period from when you got injured to your return?
I felt a little tired because I participated in the A-League and the Levain Cup. I approached the Yokohama FC match after adjusting with care before and after practice, but I felt discomfort when sprinting. I was able to stop playing and substitute before it got worse, which led to a minor injury, so I think it was good in the end. Thanks to the efforts of the trainers and doctors, I was able to return quickly and return to a good condition. I am grateful to everyone who was involved in my treatment.
Q: Did you have any moments of encouraging each other with player Abe, who also left the team?
A, since our rehabilitation time was the same, we worked together while encouraging each other.
Q: It was an injury during a good condition. Did you also have a desire to return quickly?
A, I was frustrated when I got injured during the game while feeling good and in good condition. There were some things that bothered me. However, I realized once again that when my feelings are heightened, it is important to put my feet back on the ground and align my feelings with my body to avoid injuries. During the 3-4 weeks of absence, I was able to have a dialogue with my body and discover more about myself. I hope to connect my feelings and body well.
Q: Are you ready to face the Shonan match in perfect condition?
A, I can do it without any problems now. I don't know how it will affect the game, but I want to play with all my strength without thinking too much about injuries.
Q, there was a scene in the Gamba Osaka match of the Levain Cup where the ball was lost as a side back.
I don't think it's just a problem with the fullbacks. There are patterns where the opponent is able to trap us at the stage when the pass comes to the fullbacks. There are difficult situations where the supporting players or forwards don't show their faces at the right timing. Of course, the fullbacks need to improve their ability to strip the opponent and keep the ball in difficult situations. However, if the team is able to defend from the front line, it becomes necessary to instantly judge where to pass the ball without getting trapped and where the space is open. I would like to demand more from the fullbacks in that aspect, and as a team, I feel that we need to enhance our common understanding and decision-making speed. I think it's not about ball possession for the sake of possession, but about how quickly we can enter the opponent's territory and reach the goal. We must not lose sight of that, and I feel that we must not misunderstand that as a team, including myself.
Q, I think the performance against Yokohama FC was excellent.
A, the scoring scene was depicted as both a team and individual effort. Finally being able to make a play that led to a goal was a personal achievement. As a team, our build-up play wasn't going well, and I also had the ball taken away from me a few times as an individual. The plays that contributed to the goal were good, but there weren't any other impressive plays.
Q, I think this will be an important match that will have an impact on the final result, whether it will stagnate here or rise again.
A, until now there has been no difference in points throughout the league, so if you win once, you can go to both the top and bottom. I think the difference in points will gradually widen from here. In that sense, I think we had to take 1 point in the Tosu match, and if we drop points from here, the gap with the top will widen, so I want to fight with all my might.
Q, what do you think of the image of Shonan Bellmare?
I think Shonan has a clear idea of what they want to do. The offensive and defensive formations are also well-established, so it is important to figure out how to express their own style of soccer within that framework. Even top teams have lost when facing Shonan because they always fight head-on. I believe that is the strength of Shonan. The key will be whether they can choose to play in a way that bothers the opponent.
Q, how did you deal with your body while aiming to come back?
A, there is no end if I list the details, but I had many discussions with the trainer about what is necessary to prevent injuries. Then, I spent three weeks while also collecting data to prevent injuries.
Q, what do you think about the possibility of participating in the match?
A, I will play with all my strength given the time.
Q: Did you feel down after getting injured, or did it actually motivate you?
A, I am surprised myself, but I am not feeling down at all. This season, I am determined to play at 100% and I don't mind what others say from the outside as a result. I have to be aggressive. I believe that soccer is also a mental sport. Right now, I think my mental state is good.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q: How do you feel about joining Tokyo this season and making your J1 League debut in the Sagan Tosu match (Sec. 6 of the J1 League) on April 1st?
I was confused by Tokyo's style of moving while considering positioning, but I have been working steadily without rushing. I was able to grasp the feeling of being able to play in two Levain Cup matches and the J1 League match against Tosu, and to bring out my own strengths in the fight.
Q, do you feel like you are adapting well to the new team?
A, yes. I have been preparing to play in the game at any time since practice, and even when I was not in the lineup, I was able to train with the intention of cheering up the players outside the lineup, so I was fulfilled.
Q, you mentioned that it is difficult to position yourself during training camps. Is the style of play demanded in Tokyo completely different from what you have experienced so far?
A, I think there are few teams in the J-League that have the full-back taking the position of the defensive midfielder, and when I was with Fagiano Okayama, I played as the left center-back in a back three, so it was a completely different starting point. However, I think I can do it now because I did it a little during my time with FC Ryukyu. I really feel the challenge now, and I choose whether to receive the ball inside, outside, or make a run behind the defense while observing the ball holder. I think I have a good relationship with the side midfielder, center-back, and defensive midfielder.
Q, I think that playing as a side back is the most ball-touching soccer, but isn't it fun to play?
A, It's fun because the ball comes to me. By playing with the ball, I feel like I'm being watched by the fans and supporters more often. I feel a sense of accomplishment.
Q, the league matches have been unstable so far with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Where do you feel the challenges lie?
I strongly feel that if I don't score in situations where I should, it will become difficult. There is also the problem of many injured players at the moment, but the members who can stand on the pitch must give their all and produce results. In that sense, I think it's a chance for me.
Q, When injuries occur and the best players cannot be assembled, the team's strength is truly tested.
A, In the summer and second half of the league, it is common for injuries to increase, but Tokyo has had a lot of them in the first half. In a long season, everyone's strength is absolutely necessary, and right now we want to work hard together and reach the place we are aiming for as a club.
Q, What kind of plays and characteristics will you appeal?
A, I think it is key for me to create calm plays in order to become an escape route for passing. I will make sure to send good passes to the midfield players and I was able to express that a few times in the Kyoto and Tosu matches. I want to increase that number and distribute balls to the forward players so that they can play in a positive manner.
Q, there are high-level players like Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Yuto NAGATOMO in the left full-back position.
I am enjoying this situation where I can compete with high-quality players for positions. I realize that if I can produce results in Tokyo, I can get closer to the Japanese national team. Even when I can't play in the game, I intend to continue learning from the plays of players like Yoshifu and Nagatomo.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for this round.
A, I haven't been able to play a home game in the league yet, so I have a strong desire to play with the support of the passionate fans and supporters at Ajinomoto Stadium. Once I step onto the pitch, I will give my all with 120% of my strength. Thank you for your support.
