＜Match Review＞
The Levain Cup entered the second half of the group stage in the 4th round. Gamba Osaka is welcomed at home, Ajinomoto Stadium. In order to redeem the frustration of the previous round's defeat, where they conceded goals in succession towards the end of the away game, they want to gain 3 points at home with the support of the home crowd, by all means.
Tokyo announced the signing of JFA/J.League designated player Anzai Soma, who started in the lineup. Anzai played as a right back, while Nagatomo Yuto was deployed as the left back. The veteran duo of Higashi Keigo and Aoki Takuya formed the double pivot in midfield, tightening the team's centerline with the inclusion of many young players in the forward line.
1st HALF - Player Anzai, who made his professional debut, is active
The opponent kept possession of the ball from the beginning, and we had to chase the ball from the front line. Even after we regained possession, the ball didn't settle down easily, and we couldn't bring the game under our control.
However, after about 15 minutes, the flow starts to shift towards Tokyo. They thoroughly connect the ball from the backline, evading the opponent's pressing from the front line, while players like Higashi and Aoki gradually penetrate into Gamba Osaka's territory.
When Tsukagawa Koki and Watanabe Ryoma, who moved to the top position, received the ball near the opponent's penalty area and created time, multiple players supported the ball holder and activated the attack.
Player Anzai, who made his official debut in the J-League, actively took a high position and aggressively attacked the opponent's defense from behind. Although he did not make plays that led to a finish, he showed strength and quick reaction in ball contests, not inferior to professional players. In one-on-one situations with opposing players, he attempted to dribble past them and even showed scenes of regaining possession by putting his body in during defense.
With the dynamic power of fresh players, Tokyo took control of the game and reached halftime.
2nd HALF - Acquired 3 points with Tsukagawa's first goal of the season
Tokyo's attitude remains unchanged even in the second half. They continue to prioritize strength in duels, not easily kicking the ball away but instead moving it back to maintain possession and build attacks.
There were moments where the ball was lost due to a mistake during the build-up, and the ball was quickly carried to the goal. However, we applied pressure on the ball holder by putting numbers forward from the front line, and even after winning the ball, we continued to connect passes and move aggressively towards the opponent's goal.
While holding the ball, the tide changed in the 26th minute of the second half, as Gamba Osaka's player Yamamoto received a red card for a dangerous play. With a numerical advantage, Tokyo intensified their offensive.
In the 29th minute of the second half, after stopping the opponent's attack near their own penalty area, Adailton picked up the ball on the left side of their own half and started dribbling. With speed, he ran up the left side, feinted a cut-in to create space, and crossed the ball with his left foot. The ball, which was moving away from the goal, passed over Perotti's head, who was marking near the goal, and Koki Tsukagawa, who was coming in from behind, volleyed the ball with his right foot. He spectacularly placed it into the bottom left corner of the goal.
Tokyo does not let up on the attack even after taking the lead. They actively aim for the opponent's goal and compact their formation, pushing up from the back. This allows them to quickly recover the second ball even if they lose possession and launch a strong attack.
In the final stages of the match, there were moments where we were unable to maintain possession of the ball and were subjected to the opponent's quick attacks. However, by fighting for the ball and maintaining our concentration, we were able to protect our one-goal lead until the final whistle.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Soma ANZAI/Seiji KIMURA/Henrique TREVISAN/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Keigo HIGASHI (36th minute: Leon NOZAWA)/Takuya AOKI/Koki TSUKAGAWA
FW Ryoma WATANABE (14th minute: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Naoki KUMATA (14th minute: PEROTTI)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (24th minute: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Junya SUZUKI/Renta HIGASHI
GOAL
29 minutes into the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA
＜Gamba Osaka＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masaaki HIGASHIGUCHI
DF Shota FUKUOKA / Ryu TAKAO / Kyung Won KWON / Yusei EGAWA (substituted in the 36th minute: Hiroki FUJIHARU)
MF Rihito YAMAMOTO / Ryotaro MESHINO (substituted in the 27th minute: Naohiro SUGIYAMA) / Aki KURATA (substituted in the 36th minute: Wataru YANAGISAWA) / Jiro NAKAMURA (substituted in the 27th minute: Hiroto YAMAMI)
FW Takashi USAMI (substituted in the 18th minute: Hideki ISHIGE) / Takeshi SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Kei ISHIKAWA
DF Yota SATO
GOAL
―
[Coach Albert's Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A, in the first half, there was a long period of time where we were able to dominate the game with the ball. Ryoma WATANABE and Koki TSUKAGAWA were able to construct good attacks in the attacking midfield position. With the two of them playing well between the lines, they were able to create a good distance, and Akira ANDO, the right fullback, was able to become free and create chances from there.
I think we were able to create the same flow at the start of the second half. There was a player from the opposing team who was sent off, and during that time, Adailton was brought in and his performance led to a goal. I think the last 7 or 8 minutes after Keigo Higashi had to be substituted due to cramps were an area that needs improvement as we were not able to play well. Our ideal is to defend by keeping possession of the ball and finish the game, but we were not able to do that. I hope the young players learn that keeping possession of the ball is the best form of defense.
And today, I would like to praise the performance of player Anzai. Despite it being his debut match as a professional, he showed an outstanding performance. He demonstrated that players of his quality can adapt to the team and excel even in a short amount of time.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Koki Tsukagawa＞
Q, the play of running around the pitch was impressive.
A, I went back to the starting point and became aware of what I should originally do. I wanted to make it a game to express running for my teammates once again. I am not satisfied, but I am happy to have contributed to the team's victory.
Q, it was an impressive goal. How do you feel looking back on it?
A, Adailton sent me a good ball. I just had to hit it well, so I am grateful to Adailton.
Q, he ran through and scored a goal. It was a super play.
A, I think it was a well-executed shot.
Q: How do you look back on today's overall play?
It was a game where we focused on sending vertical passes as a team. In particular, we were able to play with a good relationship with Ryoma WATANABE. However, it left an impression that there were not enough plays where he turned forward or got involved in goal-scoring opportunities after receiving the ball. From here, I want to work together with my teammates more firmly.
Q, it was our first victory in an official match in April. It seems that a good momentum will be created for the league matches from here.
A, the team needed a victory. Yuto NAGATOMO has taken the lead and energized the team, instilling a mentality of winning at all costs. As for the game itself, there is still a need to further refine the gameplay, but I believe it was a match where we were able to demonstrate our determination to win.
Q, I think it was a game where young players and experienced players blended well and functioned effectively.
It was a game where the desire to win as a team came together. We have young players and experienced players, but today we were able to unite and demonstrate our strength in both offense and defense.
Q, I think Tsukagawa's strength is shown in his ability to make plays in those scoring opportunities.
A, this season I couldn't get involved in such chance scenes, so I want to work hard again to become a player who can run, play box-to-box, and show up in front of the goal.
Q, was the shooting course perfect?
A, it was perfect. I just let it meet without resisting against the cross. I was relieved that it went into the goal securely. As an individual, I also wanted results, so I want to work even harder for the team from here.
Q, the play that made the most impression was Tsuyoshi NAKAMA's ability to make the most of his teammates.
A, running for the sake of teammates, creating space, not losing in ball contests, running diagonally to create space on the opposite side, and being conscious of giving teammates many options. There is also a term called "useless running," but I personally think it is the most necessary play for the team's victory.
Q, I think the combination with Soma ANZAI, who made his debut in today's match, was also good.
A, it was a great play with full commitment, so I felt it was easy to adapt. It was a strong and impressive play that didn't seem like a debut match.
Q: Please share your thoughts on shouting "Sha!" with the fans and supporters.
A, it was a little embarrassing, but I want to cherish the moments where I can share joy with the fans and supporters from now on.
＜Player Soma ANZAI＞
Q: How was it to look back on your professional debut match?
A, I challenged this match with a really strong feeling after the starting lineup was announced. Tokyo hasn't been winning, so I didn't want to be said that I lost when I played, so it was really good that the team won first.
Q, what did you focus on during the game?
Since it was my first appearance, I just played with all my might. I was conscious of not becoming timid and fighting aggressively even if I made mistakes.
Q, how did you feel about being the starting point of the attack?
A, there were still many ball losses, and the accuracy as a place kicker was also poor, so I think I can improve more. I think being able to play for 90 minutes here is a plus for me in the future, so I want to further improve the quality.
Q, I think it was a play in which I had cramps in my legs at the end, but I felt that the fighting spirit was fully expressed.
A, since I had already used up all the substitution slots and couldn't afford to be absent, I fought with the determination to run even if I had to collapse in the end.
Q, did Tsukagawa enter the inside and Anzai become free on the side, as we saw in the practice?
When creating on the left side, I think we were able to execute the formation as practiced, with players like Tsukagawa and Watanabe creating opportunities in the middle, and myself competing on the outside.
Q, what are the points that you were not satisfied with?
A, there was a player today who had a strong heading ability, but the kicks often drifted to the far side, so I apologize for that.
Q: How was the practice of adjusting in set plays? I think we haven't done enough, but what do you think?
A, I was conscious of kicking a ball that would allow me to compete because there are strong players in the center, but I couldn't kick it well because I was tense.
Q, the strength of the play was evident.
A, I believe that my strength is showing my fighting spirit, so I was able to challenge with a strong determination to win, even in a situation where Tokyo was not winning.
Q, were you nervous?
A, it was a complete mess (lol).
Q: How did you feel from the moment you found out the starting lineup until the game?
A, I found out after yesterday's practice at Kodaira Ground, but I had a sense of what was going on during yesterday's practice, so I spent the night organizing my thoughts and imagining how I would play in the game, and I prepared for it.
Q, How was it to play at Ajinomoto Stadium?
I have been watching the pitch from the stands since my academy days, so I was really happy to be able to stand here again. However, I think this is the real start, so I want to do my best to produce results and participate in the league matches.
Q: The victory was the first in five years, how was it?
A, it was hot. I was supported by the cheers even during the game, and seeing the fans and supporters made me feel motivated to fight again. It was truly reassuring.
