<Match Review>
Tokyo, who maintained the momentum of winning the "Tama River Clasico" at the Japan National Stadium where about 56,000 people gathered, entered Kashima Soccer Stadium. The starting lineup remained unchanged from the previous match, and Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who showed a goal and an assist in the Kawasaki match, started as a left back.
The Levain Cup against Cerezo Osaka will be sandwiched in the middle of the week, and then the league will enter a three-game stretch against top teams such as Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, and Yokohama F.Marinos. This game holds great significance in predicting the future of Tokyo's season. First, let's welcome the kickoff of this first game.
1stHALF - Equalized with Diego Taba's penalty kick
Kashima's strength during their 5-game winning streak was indeed real. In the 6th minute of the first half, they were caught off guard on the side and a cross was sent in by left back Yasunishi. The ball found its way to player Kakita, who was free between Yasuki Kimoto and Masato Morishige, and he headed it in to give the opposing team the lead.
However, by taking the lead, Kashima's defensive awareness was heightened and they rarely applied pressure from the front, allowing Tokyo to smoothly enter the enemy's territory. They were also able to win many second balls, prolonging the time they pushed the opponent into their own half.
And in the 21st minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA, who received a pass from Ryoma WATANABE, turned forward and made a final pass to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who took behind the opponent's defense. Unfortunately, it was cut off by the opponent's defender and did not lead to a scoring opportunity, but it created a way to break down the opponent.
Afterwards, Tokyo continued to play the game in the opponent's half and earned a penalty kick in the 25th minute of the first half. Shuto ABE made a looping pass from near the penalty area corner, and Diego TABA was fouled from behind by Sekigawa. Diego himself calmly converted this chance, and Tokyo equalized before the end of the first half.
After returning the score to the starting point, the game once again became a back-and-forth battle. Despite Kashima's increasing intensity, Tokyo continued to move the ball carefully and progress the game. Although they were unable to shake the net, they ended the first half while maintaining a good rhythm.
2ndHALF - Tsukagawa's volley shot hits the left post
Tokyo was the first to move in the second half. Koki TSUKAGAWA was substituted for Nakagawa, and TSUKAGAWA moved to the left wing while Watanabe slid to the right wing. These two players did not stick to their wide positions, but frequently exchanged positions to draw out passes and activate the attack.
Kashima also put in players Doi and Sano in the early stages of the second half, using the power of fresh players to compete for control of the midfield and aim for a winning goal.
As the game progresses, spaces begin to open up on the pitch, leading to both teams increasing the number of scenes where they quickly switch between attacking and defending to approach the goal. There have also been more set pieces from deep positions, but both defenses have remained highly focused, resulting in no clear-cut chances being created.
Tokyo moves to break through such a close game. In the 29th minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA were substituted, with Tsukagawa in the center of the front line, Tawaratsumida on the right wing, and Watanabe on the left wing.
Even with less than 10 minutes remaining, both teams continue to show high levels of energy and intensity in their play, resulting in an intense back-and-forth match. In the 39th minute of the second half, Tokyo gets a big chance. Kashif BANGNAGANDE, from the left side, sends a corner kick to the near post, where Watanabe heads it backwards. Tsukagawa, who was waiting on the far side, takes a direct volley shot. The ball hits the ground and flies towards the opposite corner, but unfortunately hits the left post and deflects away from Kimoto's shot, which was aimed at the top of the goal.
In the 44th minute of the second half, Adailton was sent onto the pitch as a trump card, preparing for a counter-attacking chance to strike in a moment of vulnerability. However, Kashima's defensive strength did not falter until the end, and although they were able to hold onto the ball in the opponent's half, they were unable to create any chances to score and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The three consecutive matches against top teams resulted in only 1 point earned on enemy territory.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (29th minute of the second half: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)/ Yasuki KIMOTO/ Masato MORISHIGE/ Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Kei KOIZUMI/ Keigo HIGASHI/ Shuto ABE
FW Ryoma WATANABE (44th minute of the second half: Adailton)/ Diego OLIVEIRA (29th minute of the second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)/ Teruhito NAKAGAWA (0th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Henrique TREVISAN
MF Takuya AOKI
GOAL
28' First Half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Kashima Antlers＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoki Hayakawa
DF Rikuto Hirose (30th minute of the second half: Keigo Tsunemoto)/Naomichi Ueda/Ikuma Sekigawa/Koki Anzai
MF Yuta Higuchi (30th minute of the second half: Arthur Caike)/Diego Pituca
FW Shintaro Nago (11th minute of the second half: Kaishu Sano)/Hayato Nakama (11th minute of the second half: Shoma Doi)/Yuki Kakita (19th minute of the second half: Kei Chinen)/Yuma Suzuki
SUBS
GK Yuya OKI
DF Gen SHOJI
GOAL
6th minute of the first half: Yuki KAKITA
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A, I was not satisfied with the first 10 minutes of play, but our game plan was to start more focused than the opponent and score as early as possible. I am not satisfied with being done by the opponent in reverse. They also expected to come with high intensity and use direct play at the start of the game, so that was the initial game plan.
We conceded early in the game, but I think we were able to get into the game more and more as time passed by, by changing our mindset. We were able to create chances and equalized from that momentum. The game continued to be close, and we didn't allow the opponent to create many clear chances. We were also able to create a chance to turn the game around towards the end. The players fought hard in a close game. Due to some discomfort felt by Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Yuto NAGATOMO during the game, there were two substitutions that were different from the game plan, but I think the players who came on did a good job adapting to the situation.
I am grateful to have been able to play in this amazing stadium and in such a great atmosphere. I would like to thank the supporters of Kashima Antlers and also the fans and supporters who came from Tokyo. As someone who came from Europe, playing in this kind of atmosphere gives me even more motivation.
Q: What was the attacking plan when Koki TSUKAGAWA, who has a different playing style from Teruhito NAKAGAWA, was included?
A, based on the characteristics of the players, it may have been Kota TAWARATSUMIDA who should have replaced Nakagawa. However, Kashima's weapon is the counter-attack and attacking from crosses when pushing the opponent. In that sense, the aim was to put Tsukagawa, who has a high defensive contribution, to respond to the opponent's side attacks. Considering the characteristics of the full-back and winger at the start of the second half, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who is good at playing with his feet, was put in before Tsukagawa, and Ryoma WATANABE, who is even better at playing with his feet, was put on the right side, with the intention of having Nagatomo make runs into space. Tsukagawa's weapon is making runs into space. I think he was able to create chances by effectively utilizing that aspect today.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q: Were you feeling rushed after conceding an early goal?
A, we knew that the opposing team would come out with a high press, especially at the beginning of the game, and we also knew they would play long balls. However, even though we knew this, there are areas where we need to reflect on because we still conceded goals. After conceding, we were able to control the game by keeping possession of the ball, so I think the game progressed well for us. In the second half, we had some chances, hitting the post and coming close to scoring, but luck also plays a part. Overall, the opposing team had a lot of momentum, so I think it's not bad that we were able to take 1 point away from home.
Q, please look back on the scene of the penalty kick. I think there was also pressure.
There was pressure, of course, as it was the opponent's supporters' goal and unfortunately I missed the chance of a penalty kick in the Albirex Niigata match. In such situations, I think I need to be more composed, so I was able to score calmly and contribute to the team.
Q, how do you want to connect this game next?
A, there will also be a match between Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos, and before that, there will be the Levain Cup. We have two matches next week, so I would like to take a good rest to gather strength and prepare for the next match.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, I think that the early conceded goal made the game difficult despite valuing the start.
As a team, we entered the game with the intention of scoring the opening goal in the first 10 minutes or 15 minutes. We were cautious of crosses, but it became a difficult situation to deal with. I feel responsible, and giving away the rhythm to the opponent at that point is something I regret.
Q, it was a goal that was cleanly combined with Masato MORISHIGE.
I spoke with Morishige, and we both had our own opinions. It seems that Morishige wanted me to mark someone, but I couldn't see Kakuta. I think we can discuss today's conceded goal thoroughly and find a solution for the future. As for the defense after that, I think we were able to handle it properly, so it was good that we were able to keep it to a minimum of one goal conceded.
Q, it means that we were able to catch up in the first half by switching after being scored on.
A, without losing focus, we were able to catch up with a penalty kick without conceding any additional points, and there was also an atmosphere where we could turn the game around. I think we were able to have a game where we connected well next.
Q, in the first half there was also time to hold the ball, but in the second half it seemed like there were more long balls.
A, there were moments when the opponent allowed us to have the ball, but they were also looking to counterattack, so there were situations where we used long balls to avoid falling into their trap. I think it would have been better if we had more opportunities to connect passes, but there is also a team strategy, so I believe it would be good if everyone plays with a common understanding. We need further improvement in our attacking play.
Q, how do you feel about being able to bring back 1 point from the away game against the Kashima Antlers, who are in good form?
A, at the very least, I think it was good that we didn't lose. From here on, we have consecutive matches against top teams, so in that sense, I think earning 1 point will lead to the future. Next, we will face Vissel Kobe, who is currently leading the league, and I don't want to lose. Also, we have the Levain Cup next Wednesday, so I want the whole team to make good preparations.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, how do you look back on the game?
I approached this game thinking that the way we start will determine the outcome. It is a point of reflection that we conceded a goal first, but there were also areas where we were able to improve. It was an away game against a strong opponent, and there were moments where we felt overwhelmed by the atmosphere, but I believe we achieved the minimum result. However, as a team, we still need the ability to win games like this, and personally, I want to show plays that lead to victory in the future.
Q, what was your impression of Kashima Antlers, whom you actually competed against?
I felt the expected strength and momentum. Above all, I was overwhelmed by the unity of this stadium. Once again, I thought Kashima is a good team. Tokyo players were able to play calmly without being overwhelmed by the unique atmosphere. I think it was good that they were able to play without getting frustrated.
Q, it was observed that the intensity of the ball's edge became important in this match.
A, it was known in advance that battles would occur in situations such as ball interception and second ball recovery. There were also scenes where we could have picked up more and created opportunities with our own ball. As a central midfielder, I want to continue to build up with consistency.
Q, I think we achieved the minimum result. How do you reflect on this result?
A, if we don't win consecutively, we won't be able to compete for the championship, so it was a game that we wanted to win. Next week will be a back-to-back match of the Levain Cup and the league. I think it will be a key match for the team in the future, so I want to take today's result as a minimum and positively create a winning streak.
Q: We have not been able to win when we concede the first goal this season. Please tell us what will be important for the future.
A, there was a chance to win today as well. Of course, it is important not to concede the first goal, but even after conceding, I think we have to catch up and score one by one without getting frustrated. Even if we allow the first goal, I think we can't win the championship without developing the ability to come from behind, so I want to build it up from daily practice.
Q, Kei Koizumi's determination to run until the end was very impressive.
A, the position of inside half is all about running. And if asked what I was able to do in today's game, I couldn't do anything. It was a frustrating game, but since the games continue, I want to play firmly.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q, what role were you given to play?
I think there was an intention to score points, so I believe my role was to score a goal.
Q: How did you think about breaking through when you entered the left side, even though your playing style is different from Nakagawa?
A, I myself cannot do anything by sticking to the side. In terms of my playing style, it was good to break while interacting well with the surroundings by going inside, but in terms of game development, it was more like going forward rather than connecting. It was a starting point, and if I fell too much (in the midfield), I couldn't pick up the second ball, so I was conscious of that and stayed in the front line.
Q, rather than connecting as a team, did you also consider the balance with the opponent and use long balls to some extent?
A, I think it was the Kawasaki Frontale match that went well, so I hope I can use both effectively.
Q, please look back on the scene of the volley shot.
A, that was a scene where I had to make a decision. The opponent player caught my eye, so instead of swinging with all my might, I ended up aiming. I wish I could have swung harder. I thought the only open space was on the left because the opponent player was covering the goal on the right, so I aimed there, but it hit the post.
Q, it became a game to bring back 1 point.
A, I think it's the minimum, so I still want 3 points for the fans and supporters who have come all the way to the away game, and I want to share the victory together. I'm not satisfied at all. I want to make good use of this in the next game.
