＜Match Review＞
Tokyo, who lost two away games against Sagan Tosu in the league and Gamba Osaka in the Levain Cup without scoring a goal, wanted to change the momentum in an important match. They returned to their home, Ajinomoto Stadium, and faced Shonan Bellmare.
Tokyo, which has been plagued by injuries since the start of the season, saw the return of player Hotaka Nakamura to the starting lineup today, and player Shuto Abe made his first appearance in the squad since the opening match. In addition, player Ryoma Watanabe, who was injured in the second round, also made a comeback. With key players returning both tactically and individually, they will face Shonan, who has been on a winning streak and improving their form in April.
1st HALF - Nakagawa scores the opening goal from a combination with Matsuki
Tokyo demonstrated their strengths from the beginning. They surpassed their opponents in speed and strength in the duels, and after recovering the second ball, they carefully connected their own passes to push the opponents back into their own half.
The attacking posture was clear from the start. In the first minute of the first half, Shuhei Tokumoto received the ball from about 5 meters in front of the opponent's penalty area and boldly swung his left foot. The shot ended up in front of the goalkeeper, but it was a play that demonstrated Tokyo's determination.
Tokyo prioritizes establishing rhythm while moving the ball in their own half as soon as they see the opponent's formation, and speeds up vertically when it is time to attack. Gradually, they increase the time they possess the ball in the opponent's half and create scenes where they finish their attacks.
In the 14th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA reacted to a through pass and swung his right foot in front of the goal, but the shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
The game started to become stagnant around the 30th minute of the first half. Teruhito Nakagawa made a dribble from the right side and cut inside. He sent a diagonal pass, which was received by Kuryu Matsuki inside the penalty area. Matsuki dribbled vertically and swung his right foot. Although the opponent goalkeeper initially blocked the shot, Nakagawa picked up the loose ball, performed a one-touch trap, and then volleyed the ball into the goal, giving Tokyo the lead.
In the 38th minute of the first half, there was a scene where the vital area was attacked and a decisive shot was taken, but the shot that flew to the upper left corner of the goal was saved by Jakub SLOWIK with an astonishing reaction, stretching his arm and clearing it from the goal.
In the latter part of the first half, there were more scenes where we received the opponent's attacks in our own half. However, in the moments where we had to withstand, we compacted our formation and responded by sliding together as a team on the ball side. Although they were able to bring the ball to the finish, we firmly closed the gap and did not allow them to take shots freely, thus maintaining our lead as we entered halftime.
2nd HALF - Henrique equalizes with a goal after temporarily falling behind
Tokyo's rhythm remains unchanged in the second half. In the 5th minute of the second half, they launched a counterattack, and Nakagawa player carried the ball from the center of the goal and made a horizontal pass to Watanabe Ryoma player who came in for support on the left side. The shot, which was perfectly timed, was unfortunately blocked by the left post.
It seemed that we were able to control the flow of the game, but in the 8th minute of the second half, we gave the opponent an opportunity to counterattack due to our own mistake.
The corner kick was given away after a pass mistake in our own half. After conceding the equalizer from a short corner, we were then attacked on the right side and pushed back in front of the goal, resulting in a turnaround in the 14th minute of the second half.
Tokyo, who became the chasing team, quickly made three substitutions in the 18th minute of the second half. Adailton was substituted for Nakagawa, Nagatomo was substituted for Nakamura, and Abe was substituted for Higashi. These substitutions immediately led to results.
In the 20th minute of the second half, Adailton player was fouled while trying to break through the center and earned a free kick opportunity. The kicker, Matsuki player, used Adailton player who was positioned on the left side instead of directly putting the ball in front of the goal. After shaking off the opponent's mark with a feint, Matsuki player delivered a sharp right-footed in-swinging cross ball into the goal area. It was Henrique TREVISAN player who showed the height of the contact point. With a jump one head higher than the opposing player in the contest, he made a header shot and the ball was sucked into the left corner of the goal.
The player who further boosted Tokyo's momentum with a tie is player Nagatomo. He becomes the starting point in a high position on the right side, and with determined play and voice, he encourages the team by taking the ball away from the opponent and turning it into Tokyo's ball.
The final stage, which has become an open development, saw both teams attacking with numbers, defending and countering each other, creating thrilling scenes as they approached the goal. In additional time, Tokyo had a chance from a corner kick in a crowded goalmouth, but lacked the final touch and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (18th minute of the second half: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique TREVISAN/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Kei KOIZUMI/Keigo HIGASHI (18th minute of the second half: Shuto ABE)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (18th minute of the second half: Adailton)/Diego OLIVEIRA/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (0th minute of the second half: Ryoma WATANABE)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE
FW Naoki KUMATA
GOAL
First half 30 minutes: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/Second half 20 minutes: Henrique TREVISAN
Shonan Bellmare
STARTING XI
GK Daiki TOMII
DF Koki TACHI/Kazuki OIWA/Daiki SUGIOKA
MF Hirokazu ISHIHARA (44th minute: Takuya OKAMOTO)/Tarik (36th minute: Naoki YAMADA)/Ryota NAGAKI (0th minute: Kohei OKUNO)/Taiyo HIRAOKA (44th minute: Yamato WAKATSUKI)/Yoshihiro NAKANO
FW Shuto MACHINO/Hiroyuki ABE (41st minute: Akito SUZUKI)
SUBS
GK Hiroki MAWATARI
DF Kazunari OHNO
GOAL
9 minutes into the second half: Daiki SUGIOKA/14 minutes into the second half: Tarik
[Coach Albert's Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
I had a desire to dominate the game with passes and technique. However, the team is currently struggling in that aspect. In our daily training, that part is improving. We are able to connect the ball well, but we are struggling to express it specifically in the game. As the coach of this club, I have a desire to leave something for the future. Because I believe that the style of cherishing the ball, which I love, brings many things to the team and academy players. I think there are various styles in soccer, and I respect all ways of fighting. A style that only functions when certain players are included in the lineup does not bring long-term stability to the club. On the other hand, as I mentioned earlier, my beloved style will bring stability and success to the club. If we cannot express the style of cherishing the ball firmly, we will suffer as we did in today's game.
It is very disappointing that we conceded goals due to mistakes in the build-up in some areas. It was unfortunate to concede goals despite Watanabe's return and the team creating better opportunities in the second half. There was also a scene where Watanabe's shot hit the post. With his introduction, it seemed like the team played with more confidence in the second half than in the first half, but unfortunately, we made mistakes in a short period of time and conceded goals. The simultaneous introduction of Nagatomo, Adailton, and Shuto ABE created a different positive dynamic. I am satisfied that the players showed a strong commitment to winning until the end. I have a clear idea. Last season, we responded more clearly and flexibly, but if we continue with the same style in the second year of this season, we won't be able to change anything. Therefore, I want to continue to focus on daily training and make small adjustments. I also hope that young players who are suitable for this style will grow and overcome this hardship. By progressing in various aspects simultaneously, I believe that in the near future, my desired style will permeate this club and achieve various successes.
Q: It appeared that you made three substitutions at once and changed the shape of the midfield. What was your intention as the coach?
The team started to function as a team due to the mental stimulation and influence caused by the substitution of three players. For example, I think that bringing in Adailton caused anxiety for the opposing team. We were in a situation where we had to catch up and turn the game around after being reversed. Adailton and Shuto ABE are players who can go straight to the goal. If the whole team can go towards the goal without falling apart, I recommend players who have a strong determination to go towards the goal. When thinking about the future of this club, I believe it is important to continue to adhere to and pursue this style. In today's match, Nakamura, ABE, and Watanabe returned. Since each of them has been out of the battle for a long time, it is not possible for them to play as they have been in official matches. They will need a little more time.
However, I want you to remember our opening goal. The starting position of the play was the goalkeeper. If we can create such goals, I want to convince the players again. Connecting the ball carefully from the back created chances and produced goals. It was a clear and exemplary sequence of events. It was a play that could serve as a model, like Manchester City or FC Barcelona. We were able to create such an opening goal, which I think is proof of our daily efforts. However, in the subsequent play, scenes of easily losing the ball were noticeable. And there were many times when the tempo of the play was slow. Although we can express it well in training, we have no choice but to continue doing it in order to express it firmly in the game.
Please direct your complaints and criticisms as fans and supporters towards me as the coach. However, I believe that advancing this style is our path. I am not speaking only for myself. I have done the same during my time at Albirex Niigata. In the near future, I hope that you will understand and support this style as well. Of course, I want to bring joy to the fans and supporters. However, if we do not achieve growth with our soccer style, we cannot create stable success for the club. What I want you all to understand is that the players are making efforts to express themselves on the pitch.
[Player Interview]
＜Teruhito NAKAGAWA player＞
Q, please look back on the scene of the opening goal.
A, Kuryu MATSUKI player, facing forward and moving forward, so I was prepared to react quickly, thinking that a shot or cross would come. The ball that the goalkeeper deflected came in front of me, so it was a difficult position, but I was able to calmly score.
Q, I think we were heavily pressed by the opponent and had a tough time.
I think Shonan Bellmare's strength is coming strong in defense against people. On the contrary, if one person can be removed, it can lead to a chance, so I thought it was important to remove the opponent. The opponent also had momentum in the first half, and there were parts where they couldn't be removed just by passing, so I was conscious of removing as an individual. Shonan's press is also fast and intense, so there were difficult scenes, but I feel that if we can increase the number of times we can enter the attacking third by shaking it up like the first goal, we can create more chances.
Q: This season, you have created many opportunities through individual efforts, but how is the team's ability to break down the opposition's defense?
A few games ago, there were many injured players and the team's condition was not very good. With the change in members, there were slight deviations in the play. The plays that were possible during the camp became impossible, but now that the injured players have returned, I believe we can fight with sufficient strength from here on. Each individual has a high quality, so we want to polish our combination and threaten the opponent.
Q: Today, there were many scenes where you dribbled from a low position. What was the intention behind receiving the ball from a lower position than your usual position?
A, Shonan is a team that presses from the front, so there were scenes where the pass route disappeared when the ball was passed from Yasuki KIMOTO to Hotaka NAKAMURA. I positioned myself in a slightly deeper position because I thought that if we could increase scenes such as one-twos to break through that, or gather the opponent players on the right side and then pass to the open space on the left side, it would bring more stability to the team. I was thinking of supporting NAKAMURA as much as possible.
Henrique TREVISAN
Q, it became a goal that saved the team.
A, I was personally happy to score a goal. However, it is disappointing that we couldn't win today's match.
Q, we took the lead but ended up being reversed.
After conceding a goal, we lacked concentration and ended up conceding additional points. However, after equalizing, the match became closely contested between both teams.
Q, what do you think is necessary to overcome the difficult situation that continues from the current situation?
A, we are always playing games to win. It is unfortunate that we have not been able to win. With the return of injured players and the improvement of the team's situation, we would like to make good preparations to win.
Q, we conceded a goal from a build-up mistake.
Regarding the 2 goals conceded, the factor was a lack of concentration. Therefore, we will work on correcting it in practice and aim to face the next match.
Q: "Brazil Festa" will be held at the Cerezo Osaka match next week. We look forward to the performance of Brazilian players.
A, Tokyo is the same, but Japan welcomes us Brazilians very warmly. This is my third season and I have always been able to spend time comfortably, and my wife also really likes Japan. Since the Brazil Festival will be held, we want to perform well and win.
＜Ryoma WATANABE player＞
Q: I entered the game in the second half. What were you conscious of when entering the game?
In the first half, there were many situations where it was 1-1, and as a result, we had an 11-11 game. At such times, I felt it was necessary to stand in space and create a numerical advantage, so I approached the game with that in mind.
Q, I think the team has been performing well since Shuto ABE joined the game.
A, I can find spaces more easily because he receives the ball in a high position and takes positions between opposing players, and I can also receive the ball in a higher position.
Q, there were also close shots that seemed likely to score.
If I had been able to score that shot, I think the situation would have been different. I think in order for the team to move up, we need to score shots like that, so I think we need to practice more.
Q, I think you have been watching the team from the outside for the past month. Did you feel any gap when you actually stood on the pitch in today's match?
A, I think there was a clear difference between the first half and the second half of the game due to several players being substituted in the second half. We want to firmly integrate as a team and as players, and show that we can win the game.
Q: Do you feel relieved to have returned?
A, I thought I couldn't play as I wanted, but considering it was the second half, I think I was able to play as usual. However, my condition is still not at its peak and my body hasn't caught up with my mind yet, so I will continue to adjust.
Q: As a member of the team, how do you want to proceed from here?
A, I was really happy to be able to make a comeback at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. I want to continue accumulating points even away from home.
Q: Before the opening, you mentioned that it is important to know what can be done during difficult times. What do you think is necessary now to break through?
A, I played in a situation where we were winning today. We wanted to score another goal, but instead we conceded a goal. The final score was 2-2, but if you only consider the time I was on the field, we lost 1-2. First and foremost, I believe it is most important to make the team win, so I think I need to reflect on that. After the team's victory, I want to work on my own challenges. First, in order to become a player who can make the team win, I want to prepare my condition and show an even better performance than today's game.
Shuto ABE player
Q, I think it was the first league match in a long time since the injury in the Urawa game.
In the official match after a long time since the opening game, I am finally able to come back. I'm glad that I was able to finish today without any injuries.
Q, How did it feel to play?
I have only played for about 25 minutes, but it was physically tough, so I will work on improving my condition from practice. I think I was able to handle the ball and intensity in my own way, but I believe I can play with higher intensity if my condition improves even more.
Q, how was the game looking back?
A, in the first half, there were many times when things didn't go well, but we were able to score the opening goal with one chance. On the bench, we were talking about how even if we were attacked by Morishige, we could score a goal in a good way once. In the second half, we gave the momentum to the opponent due to mistakes, so we need to eliminate those parts and we need to win in the future.
Q, what instructions did you receive from coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA when you entered the game immediately after being reversed 1-2?
A, there were no specific instructions, but I was told during yesterday's practice that I would be used in the game, so I was preparing for it.
Q: How do you perceive the situation of not being able to win?
In a situation where we couldn't win easily, today's game was one where we could have won. It's really frustrating, but we have no choice but to switch gears. We want to train with high intensity as a team leading up to the next match against Cerezo Osaka.
Q, what were you conscious of when you entered the pitch in the second half?
A, because the opponent's anchor was the center and was passing the ball, I entered the position of the attacking midfielder like in the Urawa game and was conscious of thoroughly defending.
Q: What was the difference between the team that watched from the outside due to injury and the team that actually entered the game?
A, while I was injured, it was a difficult situation where I couldn't win easily. I had a strong desire to come back and do something for the team. I felt that the substitute players also need to play in a way that can change the flow of the team. I think it is important to be able to change the flow and decide the game, not only the starting 11 players but also the substitute members.
Q: What changes occurred in the team when player Abe entered the game?
A, the formation also changed when I entered. There were also scenes where I received the ball between the opponent's defense and passed it to Adailton. Watanabe is also a player who receives the ball inside, so we were able to circulate the ball in a good shape. I think it is also a factor that fresh players have been coming in one after another.
Q, there may be factors such as time zone and opponent fatigue, but I had the impression that the team played better when a player was placed in the attacking midfield position. How was it playing in the attacking midfield position?
A, being able to move freely in any direction is my characteristic. In terms of being able to show my face anywhere, playing as an attacking midfielder is very easy, and I think we were able to create a situation where we could pass the ball in the second half. I think midfielders need to come up with ideas to be able to pass the ball without being attached to a specific formation.
Q, how would you evaluate the offensive aspect?
A, I wanted to be more involved in the attack. I also want to increase the number of plays where I aim for the opponent's back from my position. I think if we don't increase these kinds of plays, we won't be able to break down the opponent's defense, and if we can reach the opponent's territory, our chances will increase. Even if I can't deliver a cross, if I can hit the opponent, I might be able to get a corner kick. I want to work hard to make progress as a team.
