<Match Review>
In the second round of the Levain Cup group stage, Tokyo welcomed Kyoto Sanga F.C. to Ajinomoto Stadium. The Levain Cup often has mid-week matches, but this round had a one-week interval before and after the match due to the international match week. As a result, Tokyo fielded a mixed team of starting players, young players, and players who have had few opportunities to play in the league.
Kuryu MATSUKI, who returned from the activities of the U-20 Japan national team, started in the match, and Naoki KUMATA, who also returned from the national team, made his first appearance in the starting lineup this season. In addition, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who just had his second child, made his first start at home at Ajinomoto after transferring. Hisatoshi NISHIDO, who joined from Waseda University, also made his first appearance in the lineup this season.
1st HALF - PEROTTI & HENRIQUE's first goal in Tokyo
The match progresses at a Tokyo pace from the start. The team gradually pushes forward while holding onto the ball and avoiding the opponent's press. In defense, the entire team quickly organizes their formation and relentlessly presses and presses back when the ball is taken, even sacrificing their bodies to block shots in crucial moments.
As Tokyo was increasing their pressure on Kyoto's goal, the game changed in the 15th minute of the first half. Adailton and Matsuki, with a quick one-two, were able to break through the defense of the opposing team, who had all their players back. Adailton then passed to Perotti on the left side of the penalty area, who was able to score the first goal of the game with a shot past the defender and goalkeeper, marking his first goal since joining Tokyo.
In the 19th and 24th minutes of the first half, both teams launched attacks with a short counter-attack style, and Adailton, with his powerful breakthrough ability, came close to Kyoto's goal. Both attempts were stopped by the opponent's goalkeeper, but Tokyo completely dominated the game.
And the corner kick obtained from Adailton's scoring opportunity leads to a goal. In the 25th minute of the first half, a corner kick from the left. Henrique TREVISAN headed the ball swung out by Matsumaki into the upper right corner of the goal, and Tokyo got an additional point.
In the 36th minute of the first half, Adailton's breakthrough pushed the opponent deep into their own territory, and Matsuki made a run down the left side towards the goal. Although the cross ball narrowly missed Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, Tokyo continued to dominate the game with attacks from the left side.
2nd HALF - Kumada's First Professional Goal & Nishido's First Professional Assist
Tokyo's momentum continues even in the second half. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Adailton dribbles to the left side of the penalty area and makes a strong pass in front of the goal. Matsuki adjusts his position to change the direction of the ball, but it narrowly misses the top of the goal.
In the 5th minute of the second half, player Tawarazumida was fouled in the right corner of the penalty area while dribbling, but it was judged as no foul. However, by activating the attack from the right side, they were able to push Kyoto back into their own half.
In the 10th minute of the second half, Enrique sent a pass to the deep left side, and Tokumoto broke free and put a ground cross ball near the goal line. Perotti, who was on the near side, slid the ball into the left corner of the goal with a technical shot, extending Tokyo's lead. In the 14th minute of the second half, after defending against the opponent's attack, they launched a counterattack. From a loose ball that Adailton initiated just before the halfway line, Adailton broke free again from Kei Koizumi's pass and entered the penalty area with speed. While the opponent defender closed the angle, he bypassed the near side and extended the lead to 4 points.
As the lead widens, it also creates room for player selection for the team. From the middle of the second half, cards are cut one after another, and the team is revitalized with fresh strength. Then, in the 30th minute of the second half, two players who were substituted in at the same time score the final goal.
Yuto NAGATOMO left the ball that had escaped to the deep right side and returned it to Koki TSUKAGAWA in the minus direction, who then passed it to Nishido. Nishido received the ball and put a sharp cross ball into the goal area with his left foot. Kumatani headed the ball with a high trajectory on the far side and scored in the bottom left corner.
We used many players, including those who had few opportunities to play so far, and tried various combinations. We were able to surpass our opponents in terms of content and achieved an excellent result. We want to carry this momentum into the away game against Sagan Tosu in the league match next week.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (32nd minute: Junya SUZUKI)/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Kei KOIZUMI/Keigo HIGASHI (0th minute: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (26th minute: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/PEROTTI (16th minute: Naoki KUMATA)/Adailton (16th minute: Hisatoshi NISHIDO)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Renta HIGASHI
GOAL
First half 15 minutes: PEROTTI/First half 25 minutes: Henrique TREVISAN/Second half 10 minutes: PEROTTI/Second half 14 minutes: Adailton/Second half 30 minutes: Naoki KUMATA
＜Kyoto SangaF.C.＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Warner HAHN
DF Hisashi APPIAH TAWIAH/Yuto MISAO (14th minute of the second half: Daigo ARAKI)/Shinnosuke FUKUDA (14th minute of the second half: Kosuke SHIRAI)/Osamu Henry IYOHA
MF Temma MATSUDA/Daiki KANEKO (14th minute of the second half: Teppei YACHIDA)/Naoto MISAWA
FW Ryogo YAMASAKI/Yuta TOYOKAWA (28th minute of the second half: Alan CARIUS)/Sora HIRAGA (0th minute of the second half: Kosuke KINOSHITA)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Rikito INOUE
GOAL
―
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A: I think we were able to play with good balance throughout the match. However, it was by no means an easy game. Kyoto Sanga F.C. applies intense pressing from the front, making it difficult to get past them. We also know that Kyoto values possession of the ball. That said, we are gradually becoming more confident in building play from the back. And the opening goal was wonderful. Scoring the first goal made it easier to add more goals, and I believe multiple goals were scored. Many goals were scored today, and I think the fans and supporters who came to the stadium were pleased. I am also very happy that players who have had limited playing time in the league matches performed well. I want to commend PEROTTI for his first league goal, Naoki KUMATA for his first professional goal, and Hisatoshi NISHIDO for his professional debut and first assist. I also want to praise Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who just recently became a father for the second time, for recording his first assist in Tokyo. Kyoto is a team led by a great coach. Although multiple goals were scored today, I think it was also a closely contested match. I would like to take this opportunity to express my respect for Kyoto.
Q, we saw a good balance between attacking with speed and building up attacks by connecting passes to create time. Is this the result of the progress made since last season?
A, the style we aim for is one that has various characteristics and weapons. I am not aiming for the same soccer style as Albirex Niigata here in Tokyo because the players have different strengths. However, valuing possession of the ball is non-negotiable. We still need to improve our build-up from deep positions and raise the level of controlling the ball and pressing the opponent. Tokyo has used counterattacks initiated from deep positions as a weapon. I accept counterattacks that use long balls from deep positions. However, the style we aim for is to raise the defensive block a bit higher, win the ball in the middle zone, and execute short counters. In my view, counterattacks and attacks from quick transitions between defense and offense are clearly different. Another weapon is to win the ball through high pressing from advanced positions and create chances. We strive daily to further enhance our completeness. There will be games like today when things go well, and others when they do not, but without wavering, we want to steadily advance step by step on the path we should pursue.
[Player Interview]
＜PEROTTI＞
Q: please review the game.
A, I am very happy that I was able to score despite the difficulty in finding the net, and that the team was able to win. For the first goal, Adailton moved into a deep position, and other players drew the opponents to the near side, which allowed me to be free on the far side. There was a similar play in the match against Cerezo Osaka, but this time I was able to calmly finish a good pass because I knew Adailton would make eye contact and pass to me. For the second goal, I entered near from a cross and scored, which is a play style I am good at. I have scored in similar situations during practice, but it has been difficult to do so in matches, so I was very happy because I had a premonition before the game started that the goal would come today.
Q, I was impressed by the improved movement after the goal was scored.
A: I was able to score the first goal early on, which helped me stay calm, and it also gave the team momentum, improving our movement. I think I was able to score the second goal as well. I came to Japan from Brazil and, of course, I feel the pressure. Within that, I believe it is my responsibility to perform, so I am very happy to have achieved a result in today’s match.
Q: What reasons can be given for being able to play well today?
A, scoring goals or not scoring is always a secondary consideration. What is important is that we fight with all our might on the pitch, and even if we can't score, it is crucial to contribute to the team in other ways. In soccer, minimizing mistakes and capitalizing on chances are key, and today I played with full effort as always and was able to finish when the opportunity came. Today, my parents and relatives in Brazil watched the match even though it was late at night there, my wife came to Japan and gave me a lot of support. I am also happy to be able to share this joy with the fans and supporters.
Henrique TREVISAN
Q, please reflect on your own goal.
A, I am very happy. I want to thank my teammates. It was great to score a goal and help the team secure the victory, and also to score my first goal since joining Tokyo.
Q, finally the goal was scored, right?
A, I was close to scoring several times but hadn’t been able to get the goal. I’m glad I was able to score today. It was also good that we kept a clean sheet. By holding them to zero, I believe the team will become even stronger.
Q: Last season, I think it was difficult to perform well due to a long-term injury. Did it have any impact?
A, last season, I unfortunately got injured and had to return to Brazil. After the injury, what I thought was to recover quickly, further strengthen my abilities, and rejoin the team. Last season, I was hardly able to show my play, but I was able to sign again this season, and I believe they trusted me. I wanted to repay that trust and contribute to the team no matter what. I am truly happy today.
Q: Have you been progressing well from the preseason until now?
A, heading is also one of my strong points. I was able to score a goal today, and I want to keep aiming for more. My condition is gradually improving. However, I believe I can get even better, and there are still areas where I am lacking. I want to continue working on these through daily practice while learning from my teammates.
Q, I heard that Perotti is good friends with the player.
A, I also felt quite confused when I first came to Japan, but everyone helped me a lot. Since I have a bit more experience in Japan, I teach various things and we go out together on days off. I believe not only I but the entire team receives a lot of support. We all want PEROTTI to succeed and for him to be a positive asset to the team.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, it was your debut match at Ajinomoto Stadium. How do you look back on it?
A, it was fun. I believed that enjoying myself was the most important thing, and I entered the match thinking I wanted the fans and supporters to get to know my play.
Q, Sec. 2, with the birth of the second child, didn't it become an unforgettable match?
A, we won the match when my first child was born, and we were able to win again with the second child, so I think when my children grow up, I can tell them that I am a good father. I also want to thank my teammates.
Q, did you plan to do the cradle performance before the game?
A, everyone said we should do it before the match, so I was happy to be able to perform the cradle celebration.
Q, please look back on the assist scene.
A, It wasn't the ball I had expected, but thanks to PEROTTI's wonderful goal, I was able to celebrate with my own assist.
How confident are you in being able to compete in the league through 2 appearances in the Levain Cup?
A, I believe these two matches have proven that if I play with confidence and enjoyment, I can bring out my own style and compete. My desire to appear in a league match as soon as possible and contribute to Tokyo has grown even stronger.
Q: Are you determined to take on many strong rival players?
A, There is no way I wouldn't be fired up with Japan national team players around, and since the Japan national team is a place I also want to go, I want to steadily and passionately fight in my own way.
Q, I was impressed by the impression that Tokumoto player was able to demonstrate his own strengths while grasping what Coach Albert wants to do in the attacking part.
A, I believed that by showing my strengths, it would connect to the style of soccer the coach wants to play. In the second half, I was especially conscious of making vertical passes, and I want to play with even more ideas.
Q, I think Kei KOIZUMI and Junya SUZUKI are on the same wavelength.
A: Koizumi said that standing on the pitch together as three players is this season's goal. We want to make sure the three of us can be on the pitch in league matches, and since the mid-level players need to energize the team, we want to keep playing passionately together as three going forward.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: How do you feel about the shutout victory?
A: It was a shutout victory, and above all, I am filled with gratitude that my teammates scored five goals. At the same time, I feel relieved. I’m glad we were able to create a large goal difference in the Levain Cup group stage.
Q, didn't you enjoy watching it from behind?
A: We were able to control the game while maintaining possession of the ball. There was little time given to the opponent to hold the ball, and I believe we were able to prove the team's style. I also think I fulfilled my role as a goalkeeper throughout the match, so it was good.
Q: In the first half, there was a scene where a fumble occurred. Did it have any impact on the mental aspect?
A, It might have been difficult if that had gone in, but thankfully it didn’t, so it had no impact at all. Of course, there is the fact that one mistake gave the opponent a corner, but I’m grateful that everyone on the team helped me out.
Q: Was it as intended to stop the scene of Kinoshita's shot?
A, the shot was straight ahead, so I was able to handle it without any problem.
Q, How was the victory at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, I am happy. Since we scored many goals, I think the fans and supporters also enjoyed it.
Q, there were also many goal scorers, so there were many "shah" as well, but next time, if we can keep a clean sheet, I would like the goalkeeper to also do the "shah" please.
A, indeed (laughs). I would like to experience it.
Hisatoshi NISHIDO
Q, it was your first professional appearance, how did you feel when you stepped onto the pitch?
A, it was also my first time being on the bench, but I was conscious of staying calm and not getting ahead of myself. I was always thinking about playing as I normally do.
Q, were there also things that made you feel excited?
A, yes. Since yesterday, I have been really looking forward to playing, and I was able to approach today with a very positive mindset.
Q, I also made an assist to player Kumada, it was a good ball.
A, since I am left-footed, scoring goals and crossing from cut-ins are my strong points, so I’m glad I was able to showcase my strengths in my first appearance.
Q, did you practice that goal shape?
A, since coming to Tokyo, I haven't practiced much on the right side, but I believe the experience I gained in high school and university was useful.
Q: Have you exchanged words with player Kumada?
A, after the match, I told him, "Thank you for scoring."
Q, how do you feel about being able to play in Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, ever since I received my job offer in my third year of university, playing at Ajinomoto Stadium has been a dream of mine. For me, it was a long-awaited debut, so I’m really happy to finally have been able to take the field. This season started with an injury, but thanks to the support of the trainers and staff, I was able to stand on this pitch, and I am filled with gratitude.
Q: Do you feel confident about the league matches?
A, not yet. I only made one assist today, so as an attacker, I believe I have to aim for goals. To secure a starting position, I hope to go for a goal next time.
Q: I think an inswing cross is a difficult ball to score a goal with. What were you thinking when you kicked it?
A, since it was a bit of a distance, the moment I looked up, I saw Kumada. I thought if I dropped it there, Kumada would be able to score, so I boldly delivered the cross. That goal also had an amazing strike point.
Q: How do you think the fans and supporters have come to know about the characteristics of player Seok Ho HWANG?
A, I believe my strengths are creating chances and dribbling with my left foot, so I want to play in a way that allows fans and supporters to recognize this even more.
<Naoki KUMATA>
Q, how was your first goal?
A, I was happy to score the goal, but since we were already winning 3-0, it wasn't that significant. Next, I want to score in a league match.
Q, please look back at that goal.
A, Hisatoshi NISHIDO cut inside, and at the moment I looked up, our eyes met, so I believed the ball was coming and was able to move out of the defender’s line of sight. Although I couldn’t quite strike it firmly, I managed to score a good goal.
Q, when I was on the bench, PEROTTI scored 2 goals, and it was during his appearance.
A, the most important thing is to contribute to the team's victory, so I’m glad I was able to score a goal within that context.
Q, I don't think that goal was easy.
A, I'm not very good at crosses from the right side, but I was able to properly twist my body and make contact, so it was good.
Q: How was Shah after the victory?
A, it was the first Shah in about three years. I was really happy to be able to do it.
