<Match Review>
Maintaining the momentum from the previous victory against Yokohama FC at home Ajinomoto Stadium, this round aimed for the first consecutive win of the season. Former coach Kenta HASEGAWA, who led Tokyo until the 2021 season, took command and faced Nagoya Grampus, with players who have experience wearing the blue and red uniforms.
The system started with a 3-back for the first time under the Albert regime, taking into account the team's situation and Nagoya's style. The final line, centered around captain Masato Morishige, had Yuto Nagatomo and Kashif Bangnagande as wing backs, with Diego Oliveira, who scored 2 goals in the previous match, leading the front line with Teruhito Nakagawa and Koki Tsukagawa as shadows.
With the fans and supporters who rushed to Toyota in the midst of a wintry mix of light rain, we aimed for our first away victory.
1stHALF—Both teams have solid defense and the game is in a stalemate.
It was a tight 45 minutes that could be described as a stalemate.
Tokyo started with a 3-4-2-1 formation, which gave the game a mirror-like appearance. As time passed, Tokyo had more possession of the ball, but they were unable to make effective passes and the game continued with periods of movement in the final line and midfield.
On the other hand, they do not lose their concentration in defense. Henrique TREVISAN is marking Kasper JUNKER, the front line player of Nagoya, while Morishige is firmly responding to Mateus CASTRO on the right side. Yasuki KIMOTO did not allow NAGAI, the left side player, to have freedom in marking.
As the first half comes to an end, spaces gradually begin to open up and both teams have more opportunities to bring the ball into the penalty area. However, lacking in final precision and ideas, Tokyo's shots ended in zero.
On the other hand, in the 41st minute of the first half, our right side was broken through and we were in a pinch, but in the end, player Morishige made a splendid cover to prevent Matheus from shooting freely. In the end, the shot that was taken near the goal only shook the outside of the side net and we escaped danger.
A tight game against Nagoya, known for their stability. Despite the difficult balance between offense and defense, the first half ended with a score that can be considered as expected.
2ndHALF—Unable to break through the opponent's solid defense despite an increased focus on vertical play
In the second half, there were more scenes where the center of gravity shifted forward and Victor's vector pointed vertically.
After the kick-off, the options for passes became vertical, and there were scenes where Diego TABA could fit in. In the 7th minute of the second half, Kashiho FUJIMORI was able to penetrate deep into the left side.
In the 17th and 19th minutes of the second half, they brought the ball up to the goal through precise passing exchanges. Diego TABA and Adailton both threatened the goal.
On the other hand, while we became more aggressive, we also had to deal with Nagoya's counterattacks. However, our defense remained focused and responded firmly throughout the first half. As Jakub SLOWIK had limited opportunities to work, he put his body on the line in the final moments.
Nagoya also has a high level of concentration and a strong defense, and as a result, neither team is able to score as they enter the final stages of the game. The tense match is filled with moments where one mistake could lead to a goal, but in the end, no goals are scored and the game ends in a scoreless draw. Both teams continued to strategize and play tactically, but were unable to break the deadlock.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Keigo HIGASHI/Yasuki KIMOTO/Kei KOIZUMI
FW Koki TSUKAGAWA (13th minute of the second half: Adailton)/Diego OLIVEIRA (45+3rd minute of the second half: PEROTTI)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (33rd minute of the second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO/Seiji KIMURA
FW Leon NOZAWA
GOAL
―
Nagoya Grampus
STARTING Ⅺ
GK LANGERAK
DF Yuki NOGAMI/Shinnosuke NAKATANI/Haruya FUJII
MF Ryoya MORISHITA/Sho INAGAKI/Takuji YONEMOTO/Ryuji IZUMI (Substitute: Yuichi MARUYAMA at 13 minutes into the second half)
FW Kensuke NAGAI (Substitute: Noriyoshi SAKAI at 37 minutes into the second half)/Kasper JUNKER (Substitute: Kazuki NAGASAWA at 37 minutes into the second half)/Mateus CASTRO (Substitute: Leonardo HARA at 45 minutes and 3 seconds into the second half)
SUBS
GK Yohei TAKEDA
MF Riku YAMADA, Ryotaro ISHIDA
GOAL
―
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A, after the game ended, time passed in the blink of an eye, as if a train had passed by. Today's game was a very tactical one. Nagoya's aim was to strengthen their defense and utilize the speed of their dangerous front three in counter-attacks. The plays that utilize their speed after winning the ball have been well-trained. Moreover, we approached the game with a solid understanding that Nagoya is currently in a good flow.
This season, we were able to start the season in a good shape. However, after that, every team may struggle and suffer during the long season. We have multiple injured players and Matsuki, who was called up to the national team, was also absent. Especially, the absence of players in the midfield position made it a difficult situation.
After considering Nagoya's play, characteristics, and our current situation, we made the decision to play in the way we did today, taking into account the strengths of our current players. Our aim was to exploit the space behind their center-backs when they pushed forward. Additionally, we were also cautious of Nagoya's two wing-backs making attacking runs. Taking all of these factors into consideration, it was a closely contested match. I believe today's match was one where the team that capitalized on their decisive chances would come out on top.
In my country, this type of game is referred to as a "tactical game". Generally, it is not the type of game that many soccer fans expect, but for us, it was an important and impressive tactical game. Of course, we cannot be completely happy since we were not able to earn 3 points. However, I am very satisfied with the 90 minutes that the players showed. We had already trained with the system that we used in the preseason. Since we had many players missing in the midfield, we needed to change the system for this game. It was a big impact for us that not only Matsuki, Abe, and Watanabe, but also Terayama could not play in this game due to discomfort. In the next home game, we want to aim for victory with an attractive style of soccer using all of our strength.
Q, is it more of an impression that Nagoya's defense was solid, or is it more of an impression that we couldn't break them down?
A, we were able to control the game. I think we were able to effectively prevent Nagoya's dangerous counterattacks. We couldn't create decisive chances in today's match, but I hope you understand the circumstances that forced us to use winger Nakagawa, who is suitable for the position, as a shadow player. Nagoya's defense was certainly solid. We wanted to utilize the wings and launch side attacks against a team that has been strengthening their defense, but it is true that we needed midfielders who could coordinate with us in that aspect. With multiple midfielders absent, we prioritized emphasizing defense.
And regarding today's game development, we originally assumed it would be a game with few chances, and we thought that the team that could make the most of those few chances would win. I think it was exactly the kind of game we expected. It's difficult to break down a team that defends with 7 or 8 players. It's unfortunate that we couldn't use our dangerous wing players in that position because we were short on midfielders. If we had tried to utilize our side attacks in a different way, our possession rate may have increased, but we may have ended up losing. In the absence of midfielders who can build attacks in the midfield, I don't think we were able to create the kind of attacks we were hoping for.
[Player Interview]
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: Did you have any specific thoughts or considerations when playing in a different position than usual?
A, I played as a wing-back. Knowing it would be a mirror game, I wanted to take control on the flanks and play aggressively.
Q, the game ended in a draw. How do you reflect on it?
A, I was able to break free successfully, but I ended up hitting the cross against the opponent's foot and wasted chances, so I want to improve my final accuracy even more.
Q, I think the flow of the ball has changed because the system has changed.
A, the first half did not go well, but I think we made adjustments and improved in the second half.
Q, I think in the second half, the ball was also going vertically and we were able to make progress.
A, at halftime, we discussed as a whole team to change the way we set the tempo and how we provide support, and we approached the second half with that in mind.
Q, this was the last game before joining the Japan national team. How did you approach it?
A, I approached the Nagoya match without thinking about the Japan national team. I had been preparing for the Nagoya match, so I am frustrated that we couldn't secure the win.
Q: Finally, I also spoke to Nagoya's coach, Takumi HASEGAWA. What kind of conversation did you have?
A, I was told to do my best, so I will work hard to meet those expectations.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, was it possible to evaluate the fact that we were able to take 1 point without getting impatient in a match that unfolded like a test of endurance?
A: The match ended, and of course, we came to win, so I am not satisfied with the result. However, the opponent's defense was solid, making it difficult to score even one goal. In such a tough situation, our defense was patient and managed to secure at least 1 point, so I want to take this positively.
Q: I think the opponent's front three were strong, but I believe the aim was to defend against them with a back three. How did it go?
A, the three opponents have such overwhelming ability when playing freely that they are hard to handle, so in that sense, the three of us at the back defended in a man-to-man style, which prevented any dangerous situations from arising, so I think that was good.
Q, How was the matchup with Kensuke NAGAI?
A, Since he has speed, I think I was able to defend at a minimum by making him receive the ball at his feet so he wouldn't get past me.
Q, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA saw the defensive battle as a positive, but what were your thoughts on the pitch?
A: We had a lot of possession, so I think Morishige and I should have joined the attack more, but on the other hand, considering the counterattacks when we lost the ball, the defenders inevitably had to focus on maintaining balance. Honestly, it was quite a difficult match.
Q: How did you feel about the difference in ball movement between playing with a 4-back and a 3-back?
A, Playing with a 3-back was difficult, but we have been practicing it. Although it was a short period of just one week, we practiced, and when we actually tried it in the match, there were still challenges.
Q: In the end, I think the goal is to be able to break through and score even when the defense is strong, like Nagoya. Can you tell me your impressions of the attack from the back?
A, since the end of last season, attacking after gaining possession and entering the opponent's territory has been a challenge, so in that sense, not being able to score still indicates there are many issues to address.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, please reflect on the game considering the fact that you have changed your position so far.
A, playing with a three-back formation had its difficult aspects, but not everything was bad. Even so, the players were able to encourage each other to win. We managed to secure the minimum result of 1 point away from home, but since we wanted to win, the frustration is significant.
Q, I think Nagoya's defense was solid. I think how to break it down will be a theme going forward.
A, I think it is necessary to be a little bolder, such as making runs behind the defense and taking mid-range shots. It would be ideal to break down the defense and finish neatly, but I hope we can take more bold shots as well.
Q, does it have anything to do with the system?
A, I don't think it's a problem with the system. For example, today, when Diego OLIVEIRA came on, I think the opponents were intimidated by the defenders who aggressively surged forward and provided support.
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q, we drew against Nagoya, how do you feel about it?
A, we approached the match aiming for 3 points, and I think it was very good that we were able to earn points against Nagoya, who are in good form, on their home ground. It was a match where we felt a lot of confidence in the content beyond just the result. However, I do feel a bit disappointed that we couldn't secure the full 3 points.
Q: I think there were fewer shots compared to the previous match, but from your perspective at the back, what do you think was lacking?
A, we are always working on attacking patterns in practice, but I think the opponent's defensive players responded better than our attack. Furthermore, the opponent has an excellent goalkeeper named LANGERAK, and they responded with solid defense using a three-back or sometimes five-back formation. We couldn't handle them well, but it was good that we managed to earn one point in that situation.
Q, there was a big save today that saved the team.
A, I believe that making saves in such situations is my job. Preventing shots is very important to me, but whether we earn 1 point or 3 points, I think it is the effort of the entire team.
