<Match Review>
Sagan Tosu and Gamba Osaka both won at home against each other, and the team entered the break period with the goal of improving their ranking in the remaining 5 games by training.
In the first match after the restart, Kosuke SHIRAI and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA returned to the starting lineup. Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had just returned from the U-22 Japan national team's trip to the United States two days ago, also started on the pitch. In addition, Riki HARAKAWA and Kei KOIZUMI formed a new combination in the defensive midfield, welcoming the kickoff with a new lineup.
1stHALF—Goal conceded just as they were about to take control
The first half was a difficult development. The build-up from the back line was not stable and there was no rhythm in the attack. Pass mistakes were noticeable in the midfield and there were long periods without shots. Tokyo's first shot came in the 23rd minute of the first half, with Diego OLIVEIRA, Adailton, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE involved in a cross from the left side. Koizumi picked up the loose ball and aimed for a middle shot with his right foot, but it missed above the goal.
Tokyo conceded the opening goal in the 32nd minute of the first half, just as they were starting to take control of the game little by little. They were caught on the counterattack, as Inoue, who had pushed forward from his defensive midfield position, controlled the ball just outside the penalty area and took a left-footed shot. The ball deflected off the back of Henrique Trevisan, who had tried to block the shot, and changed direction, catching goalkeeper Nozawa off guard and finding its way into the goal.
Tokyo, who wants to counterattack, but cannot bring the ball to the opponent's goal effectively. Just before the end of the first half, they were finally able to connect the ball in the vital area, but Ryoma WATANABE's volley shot was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper.
2ndHALF - Missed Opportunities in the Beginning Affect the Outcome
In the second half, trailing by one point, it was Tokyo who had the first chance. In the 12th minute of the second half, right back Shirai sent a high pass from just before the half line to the front line with perfect timing, and Adailton broke through behind the opponent. However, in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, his shot was blocked, and he missed a crucial chance.
After that, Keigo HIGASHI and Kuryu MATSUKI were put in to add depth to the midfield, and the time spent moving the ball in the opponent's half increased. However, there were scenes where the intentions of the passer and receiver did not align, and the number of times they entered the dangerous area in front of the goal did not increase, only time passed.
Even if the game enters the final stage as it is, the attacking gear does not increase, and the game ends with a one-point deficit. It did not become the first three consecutive wins of the season.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI (19th minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI)/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (42nd minute of the second half: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
MF Kei KOIZUMI/Riki HARAKAWA/Ryoma WATANABE (42nd minute of the second half: Naoki KUMATA)
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (19th minute of the second half: Kuryu MATSUKI)/Diego OLIVEIRA/Adailton (34th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
―
＜Yokohama FC＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kengo NAGAI
DF Katsuya IWATAKE/Boniface NDUKA/Kyohei YOSHINO (44th minute: Mateus MORAES)
MF Towa YAMANE/Yurirara/Shion INOUE (44th minute: Tomoki KONDO)/Kotaro HAYASHI/CAPRINI (24th minute: Sho ITO)/Keijiro OGAWA (24th minute: Koki SAKAMOTO)
FW Marcelo RYAN (37th minute: Hirotaka MITA)
SUBS
GK Masaki ENDO
DF Kento HASHIMOTO
GOAL
First Half 32nd Minute: Shion INOUE
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Manager Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A, it was a very disappointing result. In these types of games, we need to learn valuable lessons and be tough. We strayed away from our fighting style and foundation, and there were also moments where we couldn't do what we wanted to do. We made the game difficult for ourselves, and missed opportunities to take advantage of the other team's weaknesses. We should have moved the ball quickly and used the space more effectively. However, the players fought hard to catch up. But we also made the mistake of overthinking the game and forgetting the simple things. Despite the disappointing result today, we want to learn from it and recover to prepare for the next game, in order to become a better and smarter team.
Q, What were your thoughts on using the U-22 Japan national team members who joined the day before the match?
A, during the week leading up to this match, there were certain points that we had to consider while preparing, based on the situation. However, I believe we were able to make good preparations. Among them, the players who returned were able to adapt well and were able to participate in the match.
Q, What are the reasons or causes for not being able to fully express what we want to do and what we value?
A, if we could increase the tempo of moving the ball a little more, I think we could have created timing to get behind the defense. Going behind the opponent's defense is one of our strengths, but we missed those opportunities today. When we had good movement and created good space, we didn't make the forward runs. There were moments where we were in good positions, so we needed to share our timing and intentions. That is an area that needs improvement and we need to continue learning. Today, our final passes and passes that start the attack in the area within 20 meters of the goal lacked sharpness.
[Player Interview]
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: It was my first start in a while. Please review the game.
A, We were under pressure from the opponent from the beginning of the first half. We couldn't aim for the back and there were many passes at our feet, so we were forced to receive the opponent's pressure and lost the ball, resulting in many short counterattacks. It was not a good flow.
Q, it looked like the opponent's defense was getting stuck when Tokyo had the ball.
A, the opponent was building a block and trying to draw us in with their defense. As a result, we ended up passing the ball a lot in front of them, and they were also targeting through passes.
Q, there were no major crises, but on the other hand, there were also no big opportunities and it was difficult to grasp the flow of the game. What do you think was the reason for that?
A, there were many beautiful plays, and the lack of rough actions targeting the opponent's block from behind was a point of reflection.
Q, Many fans and supporters came to the away games in the last 5 matches of this season.
A, since we had a disappointing game today, we still have 2 home games left and I want to fight hard and win to finish the season.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, This was your first appearance after returning from the activities of the Japan national team. Can you tell us what you were conscious of when you came on as a substitute?
A, Watching from the bench, in the first half we got caught up in the opponent's tactics, the ball was passed around and our positioning made it easy for Yokohama FC to defend. When I came on, I tried to receive the ball in the center and distribute it to the sides, and send vertical passes to the forwards, but the opponents were blocking and not giving us much freedom. Personally, I feel like I didn't play to my full potential and it's regrettable that we couldn't finish the game with a win.
Q, it seemed like you played in the position just before the defensive midfielder more often.
A, As I mentioned earlier, I was focused on executing the positioning that would make the opponent uncomfortable, which I felt while watching from the bench, in the area that was a challenge in the first half. If we were able to use the spaces on either side of the opponent's defensive midfielder more effectively, and increase plays that break through with vertical passes and combinations, I believe the game would have had a different outcome.
Q, Achieved 50 appearances in the J1 League with today's match. As you reach this milestone, how do you want to evolve and grow from here?
A, I would like to enhance the individual strength to break through the situation and make plays that determine the game in a game development like today. In the last four league games, I hope to grow into a player who can make a difference in the season that follows from here.
Q, today's match was also supported by many fans who created a home-like atmosphere. Please continue to support us for the remaining matches.
Despite creating a great atmosphere, today's match was very disappointing and I am sorry for that. The next match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima will be the last home game of our 25th anniversary, so I want to approach the game with the sole intention of delivering a victory to our fans and supporters.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, Please tell us what you were conscious of when you made your first appearance in a while and played in a situation where you were chasing one point.
A, I wanted to put up a lot of crosses, but when I saw my teammates in front of the goal, I stopped moving a little, so I chose to use more short passes. However, I think I also needed to be more proactive in putting up crosses and communicating with my teammates.CKLAMOVSKII felt that I needed to clear the coach's demands and also come up with my own ideas more.
Q, Regarding the part where you couldn't start in the starting lineup, I think there was frustration. How do you want to overcome this obstacle?
A, In order to play in the game, it is important to clear what Coach Klamovski is asking for from practice. And, without fear of making mistakes, I think it is important to aggressively compete and not lose to younger players.I don't want to hear people say "We lost because Yuto Nagatomo wasn't there" or "We lost because Teruhito Nakagawa wasn't there". I believe we have a strong team, so each and every one of us needs to play with more passion from practice, and I want to do my best to ignite that fire.
Q, I could hear loud cheers today as well.
A, I think it was a game where we had to respond to the passion of the fans and supporters.I believe that we need to show our best performance in order for the fans and supporters to want to cheer for us, and we want to create a good cycle where our performance improves with their support.We also want to finish the season in a higher position for the sake of the fans and supporters.
Q: The next match will be a home game. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, I have a strong desire to play because I haven't been able to play at home games for a while. So I will do my best in practice.
