<Match Review>
Tokyo won the opening match of the season at home at Ajinomoto Stadium with cheers returning. However, there have been no victories in 3 official matches, with a draw in between, until the first home game in about a month. To change the momentum, the loud support at home is essential.
In this important match, Coach Albert made changes to the team lineup. He started rookie player Tsubasa Terayama and Kota Tawaratsumida. In the center-back position, he paired Yasuki Kimoto and Henrique Trevisan, who also played together in the opening match.
1st HALF - Nakagawa extends the lead with his first goal after joining
The game starts moving right away. In the 5th minute of the first half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA receives the ball on the right side and sends a pass behind the opponent. Hotaka NAKAMURA, who has jumped into the area on the right side of the penalty area, known as the pocket, turns around and makes a one-touch pass in the minus direction, to the feet of Diego OLIVEIRA, who has entered the center of the goal. Diego OLIVEIRA turns around and swings his left foot to slide the ball into the goal, and Tokyo successfully takes the lead.
After scoring, there were moments where we were pushed back by the opponent's counterattack, but left winger Kei KOIZUMI's dribbling created multiple opportunities to threaten the Yokohama FC goal. In the 16th minute, he made a move from a deep position on the left side, drawing two defenders and setting up a shooting chance for the free Lins. In the 18th minute, Tsumaki Tada made an aggressive move and broke through the goal line. Although his shot was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper, the winger's proactive attitude gave Tokyo the momentum to move forward.
In the 24th minute of the first half, when a direct free kick was given in front of the goal, Mita player's shot hit the crowd and bounced off in front of the goal. Ndoca player approached freely, but Jakub SLOWIK, who closed the gap at the perfect timing, avoided danger by hitting his body.
After the pinch, there is a chance. In the 27th minute of the first half, we pressed the ball side in coordination from the front line to create a chance. When Diego Taba pressed the opponent's goalkeeper on a back pass, Koizumi made a pass mistake in desperation. Nakagawa picked up the ball in the penalty area and took advantage of the goalkeeper's rush to score a looping shot into the right corner of the goal, widening the lead.
Tokyo takes control of the game with coordinated pressing from the front, recovering the ball in high positions. In the 33rd minute of the first half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE from the left side crosses the ball, and Diego TABA on the far side returns it, but Keigo HIGASHI jumps in and heads the ball over the crossbar.
In the 36th minute of the first half, the ball was broken from the right side and crossed in front of the goal, but player Jakub SLOWIK managed to clear it with his right hand.
It seemed like we would go into halftime with a lead, but in the 45th minute of the first half, a cross ball from the left side was put into the goal area and hit the foot of player Kimoto who was trying to clear it, resulting in a goal. We ended the first half with a point lost due to an own goal.
2nd HALF - Diego's second goal extends the lead to 2 wins this season
Tokyo made two substitutions at the beginning of the second half. Gabriel Henrique was replaced by Masato Morishige, and Teruyuki Terayama was replaced by Koki Tsukagawa.
In the 10th minute of the second half, Yuto NAGATOMO, who was subbed in towards the end of the first half, stole the ball in a high position and launched a short counterattack. In a numerical tie, Tawara Tsumetai, who was in the penalty area, received the ball and evaded the opponent defender to create a shooting opportunity. However, the ball struck with his right foot was blocked by the opponent goalkeeper.
Tokyo, who took control of the pace from the start of the second half, created chances with their pressing from the front and short counters. In the 17th minute of the second half, Nagatomo, who made a move on the right side, crossed the ball into the box after shaking off his marker. Tsukagawa acted as a decoy near the goal, allowing Diego TABA, who was waiting in front of the goal, to head the ball into the bottom right corner.
In the first half, Jakub SLOWIK, who has saved the team multiple times with fine saves, also made a big save in the second half. In the 24th minute of the second half, when the opponent was pushing forward in the vital area and took a shot, the ball deflected off a blocking player and changed direction. Jakub SLOWIK stretched out his right hand and deflected the ball away from the goal.
As the game entered the final stage, Adailton and Yuta ARAI, two attacking players, were subbed off one after another. Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, ARAI got involved in a chance. Diego TABA, who had gotten behind the opponent's defense, swung his left foot at the ball just outside the left post, but it hit the post and bounced to the right side of the penalty area. ARAI, who had made a run into the box, was unable to reach the ball in time and his one-touch shot went over the goal.
After the score became 3-1, Tokyo continued to control the game by holding onto the ball. There were also moments where they were under attack after losing the ball, but with the support of loud cheers from the stands, Tokyo was able to maintain their lead until the final whistle. This marks their second win of the season, the first since the opening game.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (38th minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique TREVISAN (0th minute of the second half: Masato MORISHIGE)/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (29th minute of the second half: Yuta ARAI)
MF Kei KOIZUMI/Keigo HIGASHI/Tsubasa TERAYAMA (0th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA/Diego OLIVEIRA/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (21st minute of the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW PEROTTI
GOAL
First half 5 minutes: Diego OLIVEIRA/First half 27 minutes: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/Second half 17 minutes: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Yokohama FC＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kengo NAGAI
DF Takumi NAKAMURA/Boniface NDUKA/Katsuya IWATAKE/Kento HASHIMOTO（22nd minute of the second half: Kotaro HAYASHI）
MF Yuri LARA（0th minute of the second half: Shion INOUE）/Hirotaka MITA/Towa YAMANE（0th minute of the second half: Ryoya YAMASHITA）/Tatsuya HASEGAWA（30th minute of the second half: Sho ITO）/Koki SAKAMOTO（22nd minute of the second half: CAPRINI）
FW Koki OGAWA
SUBS
GK Akinori ICHIKAWA
DF Kyohei YOSHINO
GOAL
First Half 45 Minutes: Own Goal
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A: Regarding the first half today, we have never played so poorly before. Although we scored and took the lead, and it was a first half where we could have added more goals, we did not play as expected. There were many moments where players seemed afraid to have the ball, and overall, the positioning was not appropriate. We are missing about three high-quality midfielders, but that is no excuse. The play in the first half today is an area that must be improved. Playing just to possess the ball is not the goal. An important element of my style is the quick transition between offense and defense through high pressing. I think we played well in that aspect today. However, we are not aiming for rapid transitions in every situation. Sometimes, we also require calmness, building up from a low position and advancing in a good shape. But regarding the latter, we were unable to do that today. Especially in the first half, we could not play calmly. At halftime, we brought in Morishige and Tsukagawa, and we saw improvement in calmness. Continuing from the first half, in the second half we also regained the ball through high pressing and were able to switch quickly between offense and defense. We created several decisive chances in that way. I believe we could have scored more goals. Today, we earned 3 points. However, I am not at all satisfied with the first half performance. I am satisfied with the second half and with the young players’ performances. I think many people noticed the talent of 18-year-old Kota TAWARATSUMIDA today. He is a promising winger. I hope he continues to work hard with humility and grows into a wonderful player.
Q, it appeared that Nakamura was substituted due to injury in the first half, and Bangnagande was substituted due to injury in the second half. As a coach, did you struggle with managing the players?
A, the team we trained with during the preseason had excellent players. However, unfortunately, many of them are either away representing the under-category national teams or sidelined due to injuries. There were also players suspended due to warnings. Abe’s injury was muscular, but the others were due to accidents, which is very regrettable. With so many players out, it is a very difficult situation. We have a squad that, if everyone were available, could be expected to play closer to our ideal. But now, we must adapt to the situation of having many players sidelined. It is precisely because of this situation that we look forward to the contributions of our young players. The J1 League is a very competitive league. We want to overcome this difficult situation by combining everyone’s efforts and steadily accumulate points during this period. And once the sidelined players return, we aim to further increase our points with the quality of the entire squad.
Q, please tell us your evaluation points and areas you think are challenges for player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA.
A, he is in a similar position to Matsuki last season. To succeed in the professional world, you need to possess two abilities. First is a strong mentality focused on winning. Without that, you cannot thrive in the professional world. The second is having a clear weapon. In Matsuki’s case, it was demonstrating technical and defensive skills in midfield. For Tawaratsumida, it is attacking in one-on-one situations. If a player has these two elements, how can they grow? They need to be given opportunities to play. That is why I believe young Japanese players need chances to play. Playing promotes their growth. I also think the J.League is a league well-suited for young players to grow while playing. Therefore, I believe it is appropriate for the Japan Football Association, the J.League, and teams to cooperate so that young players remain in the J.League, grow while playing, and then challenge overseas once they have matured. I do not think it is appropriate for young players still in their growth phase to go abroad. I want to give young players chances and encourage their development.
[Player Interview]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: How do you feel about being able to score points early in the season?
A, I think it was important for the team to be able to score in that way. For myself, I’m glad to have scored for now. However, there were still many chances to score, so I want to improve my accuracy.
Q, I scored a goal at home at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, I think that is the most important thing. From now on, I want to work not only on scoring goals but also on contributing to the team's victory, including assists. I want to carry this momentum into the next match.
Q: Did Diego OLIVEIRA intentionally play in a way that allowed him to control the ball so well?
A, when Diego had the ball, I made a conscious effort to stay as close as possible without getting in the way, maintaining balance while coordinating with him. I feel that the accumulation of practice is gradually being expressed in matches as well.
Q, how was the awareness of connecting the ball and rushing, which was raised as a challenge in the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match?
A, I think we were able to make good decisions according to the situation in this match, but there were also periods after Hotaka NAKAMURA was substituted in the first half when we couldn't push the opponent back, so I believe that is an issue we need to work on improving.
Q, how was the second half?
A: I think it was significant that we were able to create chances right at the start of the second half and bring the game to our pace. As a shared understanding within the team, we were especially conscious of the start of the second half and encouraged each other to have more momentum than the opponent, so it was good that we were able to express that.
Q: How do you feel about looking back on the coordinated press in the scoring scene?
A, it was also the area we were targeting. When we took the ball, I was only focused on the ball, but the press worked well, and I think it led to a good goal-scoring opportunity.
Q, What is the relationship like on the right side with player Nakamura?
A, when either of us has the ball on the side, the team is also conscious of one of us aiming for the pocket. Since we have actually been able to score, I hope the team can continue to target that.
Q: This season is your first full participation. Are you satisfied?
A, I am in good condition and enjoying playing soccer. I will stay focused and do my best to maintain the momentum in the upcoming away match against Nagoya Grampus.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, how do you feel looking back on the first goal?
A good ball came from Hotaka NAKAMURA on the right side, and I was able to score with a good trap and turn. I think it was a great goal that energized the team at the beginning of the first half.
Q: I think scoring from a turn is your strong play, but were you aiming for it from the beginning?
A, I was imagining shooting directly and immediately from the cross, but since the ball went slightly behind me, I chose to trap it and turn.
Q, the second goal was a cross from Yuto NAGATOMO.
A, the second goal was also a ball from the right side, and it was a very good cross from Yuto NAGATOMO, so all I had to do was finish it. Today, I happened to score, but I believe the most important thing is that the team wins no matter who scores. I am very happy that we were able to secure the victory.
Q, last season you struggled with injuries, but how do you feel about overcoming them and scoring goals?
A, last season I played while enduring pain, so I was not able to perform satisfactorily. Now, I am very happy to be able to play without any pain. I am truly grateful to all the fans and supporters.
Q: For strikers, do you think the first goal of the season is important?
A, as a forward, I think the first goal is very important, and I’m glad I was able to score it today. I was also able to score the second goal, which I believe has created a good momentum going forward, so I want to score again in the next match.
Q, after the goal or after the game, there was a loud "Diego call" echoing in the stadium, how was it?
A, today's support was very helpful. Of course, even last season when I was not in good form, the encouragement was a source of motivation. But today, I was also happy because I scored a goal. I was able to celebrate together with the fans and supporters, and I think it was a very good match.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: please review the game.
A, we scored from the first half and were able to mount good attacks, but there were also dangerous moments, making it a difficult match. When the opportunity to play came to me, I was able to fully engage in the game. I was happy to contribute to the victory by providing an assist for the first time in a while.
Q, I entered the game as a substitute due to an accident. How did you feel when you entered the game?
A, I entered the game with a strong desire to win. I wanted to be involved in scoring, so while firmly defending, I also participated in the attack.
Q, there was another accident and there was a change in position to left fullback.
A, I have gained a lot of experience so far, and with that data of experience, I believe I was able to play steadily without rushing.
Q, did you achieve the intended result with the assist?
A, I valued the fighting spirit. I practiced shooting from crosses many times during training. Since many players, including Diego TABA, were coming into the penalty area, I thought the ball would go in even without aiming precisely.
Q: How do you feel about having more sharpness than usual?
A, I will be 37 years old this year, but personally, I feel that my speed has actually increased. I believe this is the result of my training. Currently, I am also sharing my training experience with players like Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and other younger players. With my speed and momentum improving, I have once again become confident that my training methods were not wrong.
Q: Despite being in good condition, I have not been selected to start the game.
A, my goal is the team's victory and to lift the championship trophy, so I believe it is fine as long as I can contribute to the team in any way. I can contribute whether I start the match or come on as a substitute. I want to fulfill the role given to me.
Q: Please share your impression of player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who is 18 years old, when you played together.
A, During training at the Okinawa camp, when we had a one-on-one, he got past me. At that moment, I thought this player is no ordinary person and that we must not let him slip away. I felt from that single play that he is a player who can make an impact. After that, we started training together, and I have given him a lot of advice. He is gaining confidence and becoming more dynamic, but I believe he still has much room to grow. Although his condition is not perfect due to consecutive matches, I once again felt that he possesses overwhelming speed.
<Tsubasa TERAYAMA>
Q, How was it playing at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, Ajinomoto Stadium is a stage I have admired since I was in middle school.I am very happy to have been able to play at Ajinomoto. Since the team was on a two-game losing streak, it was a match we absolutely had to win, so I was really focused.
Q, there are many contact plays and I am also worried about injuries.
AI think it is necessary to defend rigorously in the ball contest in order to compete with strong opponents. I think we were able to do that.
Q: How was it playing on the left side with Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, both academy graduates?
A, also because they are academy graduates, we talked about dominating the left side with three people the day before the match. It was good that we were able to play together.
Q: What are your thoughts on Coach Albert's evaluation of player Tsubasa Terayama's mental state?
A, Kuryu MATSUKI is in a lower grade than me. I have been watching him perform in Tokyo since last season. In that sense, having such a player nearby is a great inspiration. I have to do more, and MATSUKI's presence has had a positive impact on me.
Q, I think Tsubasa TERAYAMA and Matsuki have a strength as a person before their skills.
A, thinking about how I can contribute to the team and playing in a way that showcases my strengths is also beneficial for myself. I am always conscious of demonstrating my strength during the game.
Q: How was it to play at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time as a professional? How did it feel to win that game?
A, I felt the joy and excitement of the fans and supporters when the final whistle blew. As the end of the game approached, I could hear the sound of the city that never sleeps. It reminded me of when I used to watch games at the stadium in junior high school. It was really exciting to be able to hear it on the pitch this time, and I felt the realization of becoming a professional.
Q, what do you think of Ajinomoto Stadium when you become a professional and see it from the pitch?
A, To put it simply, it was a really beautiful view. With the support of many fans, I felt the weight of the emotions and fought hard, and I felt it even more deeply with today's victory. I want to continue winning and bring joy to the fans in many more matches.
Q, I think there were times when various emotions were swaying without any victories in the first 3 matches.
A, when I look back on my play, it was a frustrating 45 minutes. However, I believe that Tokyo winning is the most important thing. It was a difficult situation without any victories in the past two matches, so I think it was great that we were able to win. The veteran players, led by the team, have been uplifting us since before warm-up. I think I was able to get on board with the good atmosphere.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, we created several chances from the left side. How do you feel about getting used to the professional level?
A, I felt there were many situations where my dribbling was effective, and I was able to play with confidence.
Q, please reflect on the finishing part.
A, it’s an issue. You have to finish decisively. I have the image in my mind, but I think my final technique is lacking. To be able to finish in matches, I need to practice regularly, so I want to train diligently.
Q: Did you have a clear image of scoring even in one-on-one situations with the opponent's goalkeeper?
A, I dribbled past one opponent and saw the GK, but I panicked, so I realized that keeping calm is also important.
Q: The player I was facing was former FC Tokyo's Takumi NAKAMURA. What kind of negotiations did you have?
A: It doesn't matter who the opponent is; if I don't play my own game, I can't survive, so that was the only thing I was thinking about. I rely more on my own instincts than on the opponent, so if I think I can go, I go for it.
Q, are you playing based on your instincts rather than consciously choosing between dribbling and passing?
A: The part where I take on dribbling and break through is based on instinct, but I carefully think through decisions like passing, and I also receive guidance from my seniors.
Q: High school rookies are getting involved in games as a matter of course. How do you feel about it yourself?
A: Last season, Matsuki showed that even high school graduates can play in J.League matches if they are capable, so I thought I would use that as a reference and firmly demonstrate my efforts. When the decision was made to promote players from the U-18 to the top team, Matsuki was already performing well in the top team, so I aimed for that level myself and decided to become someone who could surpass it.
Q: Did you also have the desire to achieve your own results today, considering that player Kumada has been performing well in the U-20 Asia Cup?
A, Kumada has scored goals for the national team, but first, it is important to focus on myself, so I want to improve my finishing ability in the final moments as well.
