<Match Review>
In the previous round, Tokyo achieved a victory in their away game against Hiroshima, making it their second consecutive win in official matches. This round, they will face Albirex Niigata, who were previously managed by coach Albert Puig Ortoneda two seasons ago. It will also be a reunion for Ryoma Watanabe and Kei Koizumi, who will face their former team. Niigata, who returned to J1 after 6 years and continue to play an attacking style of football, will be met by a Tokyo team that is gaining momentum and will play at home in Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - Tokyo takes the lead with goals from Terry and Diego in an attacking battle
The match will be a back-and-forth battle from the beginning, with both teams pushing for an attacking stance. Tokyo will have moments where they possess the ball and push forward, as well as moments where they take advantage of the opponent's aggressive positioning to launch quick attacks.
In a clash where either team could have taken the lead, it was Tokyo who struck first.
In the 8th minute of the first half, Watanabe received a loose ball from a vertical pass and skillfully dribbled past an opponent near the center circle after stopping their attack just outside their own penalty area. With support players coming in from both sides, Watanabe chose to pass to Nakagawa on the right side. Nakagawa controlled the ball in the penalty area and scored a precise shot into the bottom left corner, giving Tokyo the lead.
However, the pressure from Niigata's front line increases from here. In the 12th minute of the first half, when trying to attack to push back, the ball was lost and a foul was called near the penalty area due to a counterattack. They scored directly from this free kick and the game was reset.
Both teams have been carrying the ball to the opponent's penalty area with powerful attacks when in possession, looking for opportunities to finish. There were also moments where Tokyo was pushed back by Niigata's short passes, but they gradually increased their ball possession time and utilized both quick and slow attacks to aim for a lead.
Tokyo's attack bore fruit in the 34th minute of the first half. From a coordinated play in their own half, they broke through the opponent's press and Shuto ABE received the ball on the right side, just barely onside. He carried the ball deep into the opponent's half and made a final pass in the opposite direction. Diego OLIVEIRA, who had entered the penalty area in front of the goal, received a pass in the center and, while watching the position of the opponent's defender, evaded the opponent who had come to close in on him, turning towards the goal while still inside the penalty area. In a split second, Diego created time and space and then unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot. The ball flew into the top right corner of the goal, just out of reach for the goalkeeper.
Niigata quickly counterattacks. In the 38th minute of the first half, a shot was aimed at Ito, but the ball that flew to the left corner of the goal was deflected by Jakub SLOWIK with his left arm.
Tokyo in the first half of 45 minutes. Kuryu MATSUKI player heads the corner kick from the left, but the ball flew to the opposite side and narrowly missed the left side of the goal.
Both teams attacked each other and the tense situation made Tokyo maintain a one-point lead at halftime.
2ndHALF - Maintain the lead by controlling the game on both offense and defense
Tokyo takes control in the second half.
As the opponent's goal approaches, the number of scenes where the attack ends with a finish increases. In the 12th minute of the second half, Nakagawa player was fouled after dribbling and entering the penalty area, and the decision was made for a penalty kick with the support of VAR.
It was a great opportunity to pull away from the opponent, but the shot from kicker Diego TABA narrowly missed the left goal.
However, Tokyo not only relies on their strong attacking momentum, but also controls the game by maintaining possession of the ball. Even when the ball is taken away, they quickly aim to regain possession and, in difficult situations, they immediately retreat and form a solid block to defend against Niigata's counterattacks.
It is difficult to open up the goal, but we surpass the opponent in intensity of ball play, speed of pressing, speed of pressing back, and maintaining possession of the ball, and hold onto a one-point lead until the end.
In the final stage, the game was pushed by Niigata, who launched a fierce attack, but they were able to hold their ground by forming a defensive block and calmly dealing with attacks from the sides, and the game ended with a tie.
The consecutive matches played in one week during Golden Week resulted in the best start of the season with the first winning streak in the league.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (45+3' Yuto NAGATOMO)/ Yasuki KIMOTO/ Masato MORISHIGE/ Kashif BANGNAGANDE (22' Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
MF Kei KOIZUMI/ Shuto ABE/ Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE/ Diego OLIVEIRA (40' Adailton)/ Teruhito NAKAGAWA (22' Keigo HIGASHI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Seiji KIMURA
FW PEROTTI
GOAL
8 minutes into the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/34 minutes into the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Albirex Niigata＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Koto ABE
DF Soya FUJIWARA (33rd minute of the second half: Naoto ARAI)/ Michael James FITZGERALD/ Kazuhiko CHIBA/ Yuto HORIGOME
MF Yuji HOSHI (18th minute of the second half: Gustavo NESCAU)/ Takahiro KO (39th minute of the second half: Yuzuru SHIMADA)/ Shusuke OTA (18th minute of the second half: Yoshiaki TAKAGI)/ Ryotaro ITO/ Shunsuke MITO
FW Kaito TANIGUCHI (18th minute of the second half: Yota KOMI)
SUBS
GK Haruki NISHIMURA
DF Daichi TAGAMI
GOAL
12' Ryotaro ITO
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A, today's match was against a very difficult opponent to play against. This is because they are a team that plays fantastic football. They have a very fast playing tempo. In that sense, I would like to once again commend today's opponent. I think the players and staff of Niigata are doing a great job.
In the first half, I think we were able to enter the game in a good shape. We were able to start aggressively. I think it was an impressive first half. The first 20 minutes or so were a difficult time for us as we struggled to control the game, but we were able to score the opening goal from a quick transition from defense to attack after winning the ball. On the other hand, we gave away a free kick and conceded an equalizing goal. The second goal was scored by Diego OLIVEIRA, who proved himself to be a player of great quality.
In the second half, there were times when we dominated possession and times when the opponent had the ball and we had to defend, but we were able to control the game while defending.
If we had firmly scored the subsequent penalty kick, we could have ended the game in a more calm manner, but we were unable to do so. However, in football, these things happen. And in the last 10 minutes of the game, we were troubled by Niigata's high-quality attacks, but we were able to end the game without giving them any decisive chances.
Personally, today's game was difficult and challenging. There were various emotions. Both teams on the pitch were under my command, and now the team I am leading, so I felt like they were my own players.
Today, we are grateful to have many Tokyo fans and supporters come to the stadium. And, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the fans and supporters from Niigata as well. They have been wonderful supporters as always, and we have heard that over 7,000 people have come to support us. Please take care on your way home as well.
Q, please tell us your emotions immediately after the end of the match.
A, I have never experienced such a difficult match in my life. The two years I spent in Niigata were filled with various things and memories. Many of the players who were under my command at that time are now wearing orange uniforms and standing on the pitch, playing against the team I am currently leading. This brought up various emotions, including difficult and painful feelings. I value human connections more than soccer, so in that sense, today's match was special to me.
[Player Interview]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: Did you intentionally shoot between the opponent's legs?
A, it went as planned. It was good that it flew through the gap and landed in a good position.
Q, we were able to score early in the game, so it was a good momentum.
A, it was good that we were able to score from good defense, which is Tokyo's strength, but we immediately conceded a goal, so I think that is an area that needs improvement.
Q: Can you progress the game while coordinating and making adjustments because the same members are playing in several matches?
A, it is important for us to make adjustments while winning, so I think we need to adapt our attacking style flexibly depending on the opponent. We want to increase not only the build-up but also scoring opportunities like today.
Q: Did you have the intention to dribble long distances for the team?
A, I wanted to make it our ball. I think the team's morale will change depending on whether we can carry the ball forward in that scene or not, and by getting a foul in that situation, we can also create our own time, so I consider it important. I was thinking that it would be good to shoot from that flow or even go to the opponent's side.
Q, after being substituted, you jumped out of the bench and called out to your teammates. Please tell us about your thoughts and feelings.
A, it is also something that Yuto NAGATOMO does, and it is also something that I have cultivated at Yokohama F.Marinos. By calling out to the team, our positioning also changes, and the players who are playing in the game also feel the urge to "do it", so I thought I would do it for the team.
Q, today we could see the passion from many players.
In the A, Sanfrecce Hiroshima match, we were able to win 3 points while holding on, and we wanted to create a good flow even after returning home, so we were able to decorate this important match with a victory, and the opponent was Albirex Niigata, so Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA was the most motivated. It was good that we were able to deliver the victory and I was able to score a goal myself. As for the content, it is not yet what we envision, but we are winning even in such a tough match, so we want to continue to make adjustments while winning.
Q, I think you are starting to feel a sense of progress little by little.
A, because it will be a series of consecutive matches, I think we need to come together as a team and do our best. I believe that the feeling of playing for the team is emerging individually, so it is becoming a good cycle.
Q: I think there have been more scenes where the ball is at Teruhito NAKAGAWA's feet.
A, finally, I think we have come to understand each other's strengths. We are conscious of connecting from behind, so there may be some small mistakes, but we want to improve our skills while playing the game.
Q, did you not feel like taking the penalty kick?
A, I don't kick. I'll tell Diego TABA, "Don't miss" (laughs).
Q: It was a shot like a model example of "do it like this".
A, I'm looking forward to that video because I also talked to the PR team about it (laughs).
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, it was a fantastic goal. What was your aim when you took the shot?
A, the trap became too big for the pass from the right side, but I was aiming for the timing to shoot while keeping the ball. I was able to take a bold shot.
Q, it was a wonderful trajectory.
A, thank you very much. I am happy that a goal was born from a good shot, but I feel more value in being able to win in front of many fans and supporters.
Q, it became a winning streak in the league match.
A, both the previous Sanfrecce Hiroshima match and this match were very challenging. We will continue to have consecutive away matches from here, but every team is not an easy opponent, and I expect difficult matches to continue. I want to keep winning and aim for the top.
Q, please tell us the factors that allowed us to win despite the challenging game situation.
A, I have no intention of making excuses, but since the start of the season, we have had many injuries early on and have not been able to continue fighting with the same team. The players are also returning and getting back into good condition. Tokyo has many good players. I hope to continue winning steadily.
Q, how was the atmosphere on the pitch before Diego TABA's goal?
A, the opponent team was also highly skilled, and they put pressure on us in a good flow (to catch up with the tie). They were a team that was good at ball possession, so there were certainly scenes where we were under pressure. In the midst of that, I think we were able to patiently fight and seize the flow. As we entered the second half, both teams showed signs of fatigue, and the game became open. However, we were able to control the game and win it.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please look back on the assist for the opening goal.
A, one of the aims was also a short counter, so I think one factor is that we were able to quickly take the ball and move it forward in a good shape.
Q, did the team also have the option of a counterattack?
A, even if we keep the ball ourselves, when it comes to trying to defend against the opponent's dislike, short counters and counters become effective and also our strength. I think there was a common understanding.
Q: Teruhito NAKAGAWA's shot was also fantastic, but did you say anything to him?
I said "Thank you" for getting an assist (laughs).
Q, as a team, we were caught up and then pulled away by Diego OLIVEIRA's goal. Did you want to keep possession of the ball a little longer in the overall flow?
A, depending on the situation, I think we were able to kick long balls or connect with short balls to some extent in today's game. It may seem like we were under attack for a long time, but it wasn't difficult to defend and it didn't become physically demanding in the late stages of the second half. It's tough to be pressed from the front and it's not pleasant for the opponent if we retreat, so I think it worked well.
It was a victory in front of an audience of over 30,000 people. We are entering a series of consecutive matches, so we should be able to keep up the momentum.
A, I think you all have come to understand the soccer we are playing to some extent, and we have also come to have a common understanding of how to fight within the 90 minutes, so I hope we can achieve good results by doing that.
Q, both the course of the first dribble and the vertical pass to Shuto ABE for the second goal gave me the impression of a high awareness towards the goal.
Regarding the first goal, I was conscious of dribbling in a way that would change the direction of the opponent defender's body. In the situation of the second goal, it wasn't very favorable, so I thought that if I could come down and get involved with the ball while creating a numerical advantage, it would be good, and it led to a successful goal.
Q, it seemed like receiving the ball at a low position was a disliked play for Niigata.
A, because they didn't put pressure on us by increasing the number of players around us while we were passing the ball, I was able to find some space. It worked out well, so that's good.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, it was an impressive match, but how do you look back on it?
With the individual skills of players such as Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Diego OLIVEIRA, they were able to score goals for us, even in difficult times. I think the whole team was able to endure together. We practiced counterattacks this week, so we were able to play as planned. We were able to win, but there are many areas that need improvement both individually and as a team, so we want to make adjustments.
Q, what specific parts need to be modified?
As an individual, I want to eliminate simple mistakes in the defensive midfield position and have a positive impact on the team in terms of attacking. I want to increase the time of ball possession.
Q, as a team, do you want to increase the number of times you try to score by keeping possession of the ball on the attacking side, not just relying on counterattacks?
A, I think it is ideal for any team to hold the ball, score points, and win. Although it is not possible to hold the ball at all times, if you have the ball, you will not concede. After scoring the first goal, we should continue to hold the ball without retreating and aim to score additional goals. By doing so, the team can become even stronger, and I believe we have players who can do that. As a central midfielder, we need to increase the number of times we receive the ball and reduce simple mistakes.
Q, I think there were no dangerous situations within the flow of the game, except for the goal conceded from a free kick.
A, there were no decisive moments, but I have to reflect on it because it led to a goal from my foul. In order to compete for the championship from here, I hope that both as a team and as an individual, there are things that can be improved and corrected while winning.
Q: Do you think the period from 1-1 to 2-1 was a bit of a push, but within the expected range?
A, I felt that the opponent was also gaining momentum because we conceded a goal, but we didn't lose, so there was no problem mentally. The defense was long, but Tokyo has players who can score with short counters in the front line, so I was conscious of being able to attack immediately when intercepting.
Q, there was also a scene where Kei KOIZUMI carried the ball from our own territory to the front line and recovered the territory.
A, even as a defensive midfielder, that kind of play is necessary, and I always think about what I can do individually during difficult times for the team.
Q: How was the voice of the fans and supporters of Niigata that you heard for the first time in 6 years?
I felt that there were a lot of fans and supporters from Niigata since the warm-up, and it was nostalgic to hear the cheering songs after a long time. However, now that I have come to Tokyo, I am only thinking about winning in Tokyo, so I hope to do what I should do to help Tokyo win in the future.
