<Match Review>
In the midst of a busy week with the Levain Cup, Tokyo faced an away game against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. They had been struggling to secure a win, but three days prior in the Levain Cup, they were able to turn things around with a 1-0 victory against Gamba Osaka. In this match, they were able to regain their possession-based style and take control of the game, ultimately securing a win and regaining their confidence.
In this round, aiming for the first victory in 5 games and the first away victory of the season, the same starting lineup as the previous round was used. Shuto ABE was placed as the attacking midfielder, with Kei KOIZUMI and Kuryu MATSUKI forming a double pivot. Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had been out due to injury, returned to the bench.
1stHALF - Nakamura's 1 goal and 1 assist, and Abe's first goal of the season
The game starts moving right away. In the 5th minute of the first half, they get a free kick from outside the penalty area on the left corner, and Matsuki sends a sharp ball into the goal area, where Hotaka NAKAMURA jumps in and heads it in on the far side. NAKAMURA's header, fueled by his momentum from jumping in from the blind spot of the opposing defender, finds its way into the bottom right corner of the goal, giving Tokyo the lead.
After that, the home team continued to receive the momentum of the counterattack. In the 14th minute of the first half, they were shaken wide and allowed Morishima to finish in a free state in front of the goal, but the shot deviated above the goal without any trouble. The time when they couldn't move the ball forward in front of the opponent's strong press continued, but Tokyo didn't miss their chance.
In the 28th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA created a scene where he carried the ball deep into the opponent's territory and dribbled it into the penalty area, passing a through ball. As Nakamura ran up the right side, he made a pass in the negative direction in front of the goal. Abe, who was waiting, touched it with one touch and slid it into the left corner of the goal, widening Tokyo's lead.
It seemed like we had grasped the flow of the game, but in the 39th minute of the first half, we were caught off guard behind the defense line that had taken a high position and conceded a counterattack goal to player Morishima in the left corner of the goal, bringing the score to 1-1. We could have expected Hiroshima to push us back with their momentum, but from here Tokyo increased their intensity in the midfield battles, held onto their one-goal lead, and turned the game around.
2ndHALF - Unable to grasp the rhythm of the attack, but able to protect the lead
The second half continues with a defensive struggle. Unable to connect my ball due to the opponent's speed and strength, even when entering the opponent's territory, the attack ends with a single shot.
We try to change the flow by making a substitution, but we cannot change the flow of being pushed back to our own side. In the end, we make adjustments to our defense line and aim for a closing battle.
In the final stages, Adailton put his body on the line to collect the ball up front, creating time for his teammates to push up and keep the opponent away from their own goal as they progressed through the game. The match ended with them still in the lead, securing their first away win of the season in the league.
Tokyo, who has been working on a style of playing while holding the ball, wanted to change the flow of not being able to win in the league and were able to secure 3 points by focusing on the game. Kei KOIZUMI, who scored a goal, said "We want to make adjustments while winning" and expressed his outlook for the future. In the next match, they will return to their home Ajinomoto Stadium and aim for victory by sticking to their own style.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (31st minute of the second half: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Shuhei TOKUMOTO (37th minute of the second half: Henrique TREVISAN)
MF Shuto ABE/Kei KOIZUMI/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE (37th minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI)/Diego OLIVEIRA (31st minute of the second half: Adailton)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (22nd minute of the second half: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW PEROTTI
GOAL
First Half 5': Hotaka NAKAMURA/First Half 28': Shuto ABE
<Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Keisuke OSAKO
DF Tsukasa SHIOTANI/Sho ARAKI/Wataru SASAKI
MF Sota KOSHIMICHI (17th minute of the second half: Shuto NAKANO)/Takumu KAWAMURA/Gakuto NOTSUDA (17th minute of the second half: Ezequiel)/Shunki HIGASHI (33rd minute of the second half: Pieros SOTIRIOU)/Makoto MITSUTA/Tsukasa MORISHIMA
FW Nassim BEN KHALIFA (0th minute of the second half: Douglas VIEIRA)
SUBS
GK Goro KAWANAMI
DF Takaaki SHICHI/Taichi YAMASAKI
GOAL
First half 39 minutes: Tsukasa MORISHIMA
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A: I believe we were able to once again prove that when all the players are available, we can hold our own against strong opponents in J1. Once you reach that level, the flow of a match often changes depending on which team scores the opening goal. Today, we were fortunate to score the first goal early on. In the first half, I think we managed to balance targeting the space behind the defense and playing calmly. In the second half, since Hiroshima was playing at home, they pushed forward aiming to equalize or overturn the score. To respond to that, we made substitutions and I think we handled it well. To effectively counter Hiroshima’s more aggressive attacks at home, we made various decisions and substitutions, which worked out well. I am pleased that we were able to block the opponent’s attacks effectively and secure the victory. I believe Hiroshima is one of the strongest teams in this J1 league. I also want to commend Coach Skibbe. He is an experienced and great coach and person. I want to praise the club and the supporters as well. I am glad we could play in such a wonderful atmosphere. I felt that Hiroshima has fantastic supporters who cheer continuously from start to finish. I also want to commend the referees. I think the refereeing in today’s match was very difficult.
Q: Do you feel that you have a good compatibility with Hiroshima, as you have won against them in every match since last season?
A: I don't pay attention to that. It's the same as not worrying about our consecutive losses to Tosu. In soccer, there may be winning streaks or losing streaks, but I don't believe in those numbers. The league is a long battle. It's not about each individual match; what matters is the position you are in at the end of the season.
Q: How is the team atmosphere after the victory in the fifth game?
A: We went through a period where it was difficult to secure wins, but we were able to play well in the preseason match against Hiroshima and also showed good play and a good feeling in the opening match against Urawa. However, after that, we faced a situation where players were sidelined with injuries one after another in each game. That said, behind the negative developments, there were also positive aspects. Because of the accumulation of injuries, we were able to test how much potential the young players have and encourage their growth. Thanks to their development, I believe we are now prepared to aim high in all three competitions. I came to this club to change the style, and I think we are making progress step by step. At the same time, I hope to foster the growth of the young players. I believe both are progressing in parallel.
Q, What was the intention of using Kashif BANGNAGANDE as a forward?
A, I was waiting for that question. I think many people wondered why there were two fullbacks, Yuto NAGATOMO and Kashif BANGNAGANDE, on the bench. Everyone learns from various experiences. For example, when Hotaka NAKAMURA returned from injury, he struggled to regain his match fitness. The same goes for Ryoma WATANABE and Shuto ABE. Kashif BANGNAGANDE is an attacking fullback who can also play as a winger. Playing in a forward position means that even if he makes mistakes, they are not necessarily major ones. I believe NAGATOMO is one of the greatest players in the history of Japanese soccer. He can play both on the right and left sides. Depending on the flow of the game, he provides various solutions. I think NAGATOMO is the soul of this team and of Japan.
[Player Interview]
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
A, We had been practicing set pieces during training, so I just trusted it and moved into the area in front of the goal. I think everything was thanks to Matsuki’s excellent pass. I believe that goal was one we scored as a result of the team’s shape. We hadn’t been able to score from set pieces recently, so it was good. Sometimes, as in today’s match, the game can be decided by a goal from a set piece, so we want to continue working well as a team moving forward.
Q, after stealing the ball, he ran a very long distance in the assist scene.
A, we anticipated a fast vertical game, and as a team, we had discussed targeting the space between the opponent's three-back line after winning the ball. Since the opposing players were positioned high up, I believed that making a run would create a chance, so I ran. Diego OLIVEIRA also delivered a good ball, so I calmly looked inside and crossed. It was something the team was aiming for, and since Shuto ABE finished it, it was great.
Q, I also scored a goal in the previous Sanfrecce Hiroshima match.
A, that was my first professional goal. However, I wasn't really thinking about that much today.
Q, we continued to fight as a team.
A, in the first half, both teams showed their strengths. As a team, we talked about not letting things stagnate at the back and pushing forward with momentum, so I think that was good. However, in the second half, we spent a long time defending and went through a tough period. Because the team had the fighting spirit and determination, we were able to hold on and win 2-1. Realistically speaking, the second half was a game with no future prospects both individually and as a team, so I want to thoroughly analyze today’s match and improve for the next one by understanding why that happened.
Q, please tell me the personal challenges for the next game.
A, personally, there are many situations where the space behind the full-back players who challenge is exploited as a team. In the match against Cerezo Osaka, my misjudgment even led to conceding a goal, so personally, I want to avoid creating such gaps more. However, I don’t think this is something I can solve alone, so I will talk with Yasuki KIMOTO and Masato MORISHIGE to stabilize our defense first in order to build good attacks.
Q, it was the first victory in the league in April. How do you want to continue from here?
A, although we have not been winning, looking back at today's match content is not good, but I think being able to reflect after a win is positive. I believe both the players and the fans and supporters can be happy about the victory today, but I think today's win has no bearing on the next match, so I want to thoroughly review today's game and work again to avoid creating any gaps.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: please review the game.
A, we scored two goals during a good period in the first half and were able to maintain a good flow, but conceding a goal just before the end of the first half is something I regret. In the second half, we were under pressure for a longer time, but I think it was very significant that everyone fought patiently and we were able to win.
Q, it was a game where a strong feeling of victory was conveyed.
A, we had been away from victory in the league matches. Before the game, the players were talking among themselves, saying, "Let's definitely win and go home today." Winning was truly significant.
Q: I felt the synchronized breathing between Shuto ABE's goal and Hotaka NAKAMURA's play.
A, Hotaka NAKAMURA was closely watching my movements. Instead of running straight forward, he passed the ball at the moment I paused. It was an assist that showed Nakamura's composure.
Q: Is it also a split-second decision for player Abe himself to position himself before scoring?
A, yes. I saw the opponent move forward ahead of me, so I stopped momentarily and switched to receiving the ball. Nakamura sent a good ball, so after that, I just focused on sliding it into the goal frame and kicked it in.
Q: You have been playing in the attacking midfielder position for two consecutive matches in the league. How do you feel about it?
A: First of all, I prioritize aiming to score goals, and since I play in the attacking midfielder position, I believe I am expected to score. I also focus on demonstrating my strength, which is my work rate, both offensively and defensively.
Q: What kind of discussions took place within the team in preparation for today's match?
A, in Wednesday's Levain Cup, the players who have not been much involved in the league matches put their feelings upfront and led the team to victory. We talked with today's members about continuing that good momentum in the league as well. We were starving for a win, and the time spent enduring was really long, but I'm glad we were able to win.
Q, we achieved our first victory in the league in April.
A, we were finally able to secure a victory. With a series of matches coming up during the long holiday period, we want to continue this momentum and aim for more wins.
Q, injured players are also returning, so it seems that the team's condition will improve from here.
A, with a series of matches coming up, I think it will be an all-out battle. As a professional, I believe that if we don't deliver results in the match in front of us, there won't be a next opportunity. Tokyo has many excellent players, so I want to always maintain a competitive spirit and strive to improve together.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: please review the game.
A, I don't think anyone is satisfied with today's match. However, I believe it is good if we can make corrections while winning. Even in a game like this, winning allows us to calmly work on improvements, and I think the perspective changes as well, so the fact that we won is the only good thing.
I think that everyone running and fighting for the full 90 minutes led to victory.
A, there were several good scenes in the first half, but in the second half, when we were being pressed, I think it was important to find a way to regain control of our time. Today, we couldn’t take it back and switched to focusing on defense.
Q, was it also significant that players like Keigo HIGASHI and Yuto NAGATOMO came in during difficult times and helped bring the team together?
A, I believe that the current Tokyo team is characterized by everyone fighting for the team despite not knowing who will play. In that regard, the veterans do a solid job of bringing the team together, and I hope to create an environment where young players can actively take on challenges.
Q, we achieved our first victory in the league in April.
A, I think we have no choice but to keep making corrections, and today the content was not good, so I feel there are many issues. Things are gradually getting organized, so I believe we must continue to organize further and increase the time to express that.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please reflect on the opening goal that brought a significant victory closer.
A, the first goal and goals from set plays are said to change the game. If we kick the ball firmly, there are many players in Tokyo who can score, so I want to continue supplying balls that lead to goals through free kicks and corner kicks.
Q, was it the kick you were aiming for?
I aimed for a high ball to avoid being touched by the goalkeeper.The ball drifted to the far side, but before the match, Nakamura told me he wanted it to go to the far side, and since we discussed it, I positioned myself on the far side, so I’m glad he scored.
Q, it was an assist in the midst of seeking plays that contribute to scoring.
A, I was able to contribute to the score in the form of an assist, but I am always aiming to score. Players who can score from the defensive midfield position, such as those who make runs into the box, are highly valued, so I want to become that kind of player.
Q, I think the value of this one victory is significant.
First of all, it is important to earn 3 points.We couldn't express the football that Coach Albert was looking for in today's match, but I think it was good that we were able to secure 3 points away from home.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the next match.
A, I think Albirex Niigata is a team that actively involves the third player while passing the ball. I want to enhance the defensive intensity and thoroughly express soccer that controls the ball.
