Last Match: Sanfrecce HiroshimaReview of the Match
The hero appeared gallantly from the far side, FLORO.
Tokyo, who had no victories on away ground this season, had been eyeing a victory in Hiroshima. They broke the unpleasant streak of no victories in April by winning against Gamba Osaka in the Levain Cup match three days ago, and finally made their way to Hiroshima.
At that time, it came immediately.
In the 5th minute of the first half, Kuryu MATSUKI gained a free kick opportunity in a shallow position on the left side of the opponent's field. He supplied a sharp cross ball to the front of the goal, where Diego OLIVEIRA, who had jumped into the center, drew the opponent's player. Then, number 2, who had been in the blind spot of the opponent's defender on the far side, made a powerful jump and headed the ball into the goal.
The hero who ran to the back of the goal and raised a triumphant cry will accomplish an even greater feat.
In the 28th minute of the first half, while enduring the opponent's possession in their own half, Tokyo gets a chance. They create a scene where they bring the ball deep into the opponent's area for the first time in a while, and number 2 breaks through on Diego Taba's through pass. Hotaka Nakamura, who calmly assessed the position of the opponent defender who had hurriedly returned to the goal, sent a pass in the negative direction, setting up a goal for his Meiji University classmate, Shuto Abe.
Despite conceding a goal in the first half, we were able to hold on and secure a victory, maintaining our one-point lead. This marks our first win in five league matches.
The protagonist, undoubtedly entrusted with the right side, was a fighter-type hero who responded to the cheers of the fans and supporters.
＜Preview＞
In the previous match, we won away against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who had won 5 consecutive matches, and achieved our first victory in 5 league matches. While relieved by the first win in about a month, the players expressed their words of reflection after the game. In particular, the content of the second half, where we struggled to keep possession and had to defend, was not satisfactory.
Kei KOIZUMI player said, "There were voices saying that the game was not good enough. However, winning and correcting the issues is the most important thing. Personally, I want to touch the ball a little more and calm the team down." In order to achieve results in the three consecutive games starting from this round, the team's ability to make corrections will be tested.
The first opponent in the three consecutive matches is Albirex Niigata. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA led the team until two seasons ago, and Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who succeeded him last season, has further evolved the team. This season, returning to the J1 stage for the first time in six seasons, they are showcasing a high level of mature football. After Sec. 9, they have earned 12 points, the same as Tokyo.
Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda expressed his love for his former team, Niigata, saying "I have affection for Niigata" and added "I wish for Niigata's luck in matches other than against Tokyo." Of course, Tokyo will win at Ajinomoto.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, How do you perceive the winning streak in official matches?
A, I feel that we have regained the good momentum and sense that we felt from the preseason through to the opening match. This season, we are focusing on firmly pursuing victory, accumulating points, and establishing the team's style. In the first half of the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we showed good play. It was a calm performance maintaining tempo changes and balance in both offense and defense. In the second half, we were able to solidify our defense well, but since we had less ball possession time, I think there is a need for improvement. However, since the determination to win was evident in our play, it can also be seen that we were able to develop a good game in the second half as well.
Q, please tell me what is necessary to continue this good feeling and flow.
A, First of all, it is important not to have any injuries. Then, continuing high-quality training is the only thing necessary for daily growth.
Q, please tell us your current thoughts as you prepare to face Niigata.
A, I was able to live in a good environment and had a great time during my two seasons in Niigata. When I first took charge in Niigata, there were times when things didn’t go well, but I want to once again express my gratitude to the many Niigata supporters who supported us. Four seasons have passed since then. I am truly happy to see that the club and team style in Niigata has become clear and is beginning to be established.
Q: We have to play against Niigata this round, which holds a special place in our hearts.
A, not only against Niigata but even if we were to face FC Barcelona, I am committed to winning. That is only natural. Both clubs are ones I hold dear, but of course, I want to win the match. Outside of this weekend's game, I wish them good luck, but for this match, I want to focus on winning.
Q, is there any part that you feel has changed since the time when Coach Albert was in office?
A, I believe that the base of the style has not changed since I was in charge. In my second season managing in Niigata, there were many situations where the opposing teams lowered their defensive positions and set up blocks, and we were unable to break through that. However, after Rikizo MATSUHASHI took over as coach, it seems that this aspect has improved. I also think that the reinforcements suitable for Niigata's style, including Ryotaro ITO, have brought an added value to the team. Additionally, young players like Shunsuke MITO and Yota KOMI, who debuted during my time as coach, have gained experience and are now playing as key players in the team. Their growth has also brought a lot to the team. It has been about four seasons since I was with the team, fighting based on the same style, and I have the impression that the maturity has increased. I believe that various elements have blended well together, leading to last season's J2 championship.
The important thing is to steadily progress in growth toward success. I believe that continuing to compete on the J1 stage with consistency is a factor that brings a good flow to them. The two seasons I was with the team were honestly difficult periods, but if those hardships have led to their success, I am happy. I think the same can be said for Tokyo. There are not only joyful times but also tough periods. However, if those times lead to the future, I am glad.
Q, what are the important points in a match between similar styles?
A, I feel that the styles are not that similar. Many Niigata players value close control and are good at connecting passes. On the other hand, the style we are currently working on is built by emphasizing the strengths of our existing players, so I think there are differences between the two styles.
Q, please tell us what will be important for Tokyo to win this match.
A, first of all, it is important to firmly express our style. The aggressiveness in midfield, the movements to break into space, and further developing the plays we showed in the first half of the Hiroshima match are crucial. I believe we just need to sharpen our weapons for this match and face it with confidence.
Q, is strong midfield defense particularly important?
A, of course it is important. Not only in this matchweek but in every game, midfield defense is crucial. Better play is created when you can quickly transition from solid defense to building an attack. I believe Niigata is a team that is currently able to express this quick transition between offense and defense well. When I was at Niigata, we had a match against Verdy where we won 7-0. In that game as well, many goals were scored from quick transitions between defense and offense. I think that is one of their major strengths.
Q: In Tokyo, there are many players with high defensive abilities. Did the ability to defend solidly with a 5-back formation while leading, like in the second half of the Hiroshima match, also give you confidence?
A, J1 is a highly competitive league. Therefore, the first goal scored has a significant impact on the flow of the match. There are times when a team can win even with only 30 percent possession. Scoring the first goal early can sometimes lead a team to adopt a more defensive approach. The same can be said about the recent match against Hiroshima. If we had conceded the first goal, we would have controlled the game more aggressively and increased our possession rate. The opponent made substitutions in their forward line and aimed to equalize and overturn the score with a fast tempo, but I believe we were able to respond well to their increased direct play. Against such an attacking opponent, including the bench members, we managed to see the match through firmly. Now that the injured players have returned, I think we proved in the previous match that we can compete on equal footing with the top teams.
Q, what kind of person is Coach Matsubashi from the perspective of Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
A, he is a wonderful person who devotes everything to soccer. During our time at Niigata, we worked together as head coach and manager, and we respected each other, allowing us to work in a great relationship. I have many good memories with him. Having such a wonderful person leading Niigata as the manager is probably the secret to Niigata’s success.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: The Albirex Niigata match this round will be your last game as a teenager. What kind of game do you want it to be?
A, nothing changes in what I need to do. First, I want to continue the momentum from our victory against Sanfrecce Hiroshima and further refine our style of soccer.
Q: Do you have any specific thoughts or considerations regarding your last match as a teenager?
A: Not particularly, but I have a strong desire to score a goal.
Q: There were times during the Hiroshima match where we were dominated by the opponent, but we managed to win. Were you able to train with a positive atmosphere this week?
A: Ultimately, a match only matters if you win. Regardless of the manner, seeking victory is an absolute requirement, and in tomorrow's game, we want to play with the focus directed towards ourselves.
Q: How do you manage risk when the press is bypassed, like in the case of conceding a goal against Hiroshima?
A: Defending from the front line carries risks, and when players switch positions with opponents, it can lead to situations where we are numerically equal or at a disadvantage. However, if each player responds properly, I believe we can prevent easy goals. I want to stay fully focused and approach tomorrow’s match with that mindset.
Q, do you think Kei KOIZUMI and Matsuki are players with good running ability who can form a double pivot in the midfield? Do you have a specific strategy to cover the empty spaces in defense?
A, FC Tokyo has a level of stamina and work rate that other teams do not have. We want to firmly make a difference in that aspect.
Q: What do you keep in mind when aiming for a goal?
A: I always aim to score in every match, but I want to improve the quality of my shots and increase the number of times I appear in front of the goal. It is never about ego; I want to increase the occasions I contribute to scoring through plays that properly respond to the team's situation.
Q: How much awareness is shared within the team about putting numbers in front of the goal?
A, many of the goals scored in previous matches have come from short counters or set plays. Currently, the number of players entering the area in front of the goal after breaking through the pocket is small, so I think midfield players need to increase the number of times they appear in that position.
Q, if it's in the position of a defensive midfielder, I think there will also be the option of a final pass.
A, increasing the number of players in front of the goal also raises the chances of scoring. I believe that defensive midfielders need to actively get involved and seek out those opportunities as well.
Q, I think you are not satisfied with the content of the match, but does it give you confidence to have defended firmly like in the previous match against Hiroshima and led to victory?
A, the ideal is to fight through the full 90 minutes with the current team style, but I believe that by focusing on victory, such moments will inevitably increase. During the match, including with the coach, we want to communicate thoroughly and show our commitment to winning.
Q, please tell us your impression of Niigata.
A, they have many players with excellent ball control skills and seem to rely on short counters as their weapon.
Q, how do you perceive becoming in your 20s again?
A, I think the criteria for evaluation in soccer change between the teenage years and the twenties. I want to firmly achieve results in the Niigata match, which will be my last game as a teenager, and grow into a player who can make an even greater impact in my twenties.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: After returning from injury, you have played three matches. How is your current condition?
A, the injured area is completely fine, but I still feel that my condition hasn't fully improved. I have the feeling that "I can do more," so I want to gradually raise my condition.
Q, will it still not reach 100 percent in 2-3 weeks after returning?
A, yes. I am playing with the feeling that the sharpness I had before has not yet returned.
Q, please review the goal scene in the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match. Are you satisfied with the goal yourself?
A, when Diego OLIVEIRA passed to Hotaka NAKAMURA, I was running near post, so I hesitated whether to request the pass following that flow. However, there was a Hiroshima player in front of me, so I thought the pass wouldn't get through and stopped my movement once. At that timing, NAKAMURA was just watching me. A good pass came, so I focused on not hitting it too hard and kicked it into the goal.
Q, it was a goal in a situation where we wanted another goal in the flow of the match. It wasn't a goal of "getting back at them", was it?
A, Tokyo had relatively many good scenes in the first half, and within that, we were able to score the opening goal early. Although Hiroshima created some clear chances, we defended firmly there and were able to secure an additional goal, which was significant. I think the timing of the additional goal was also good in terms of the match clock.
Q: The topic will change a bit, but Nakamura has been in great shape this season and has shown a new side. How do you see him as a teammate, Abe?
A, defensively, he continues to play with high intensity as always. Offensively, the coach told him to "stay calm," and I think that calmness has started to show. I feel that the accuracy of his crosses and his composure in play have improved, and the pass he gave me in the Hiroshima match was well aware of the opponents. I feel he is growing.
Q, Hiroshima game was able to take the lead with 2 points in a good flow, but then conceded a goal, and in the second half, there were scenes of enduring, but it was an impression of closing the game by cutting it off. It was a good game with a sense of determination to win, wasn't it?
A, we had been away from victory in the league matches. Since we entered the second half while leading, I was determined to definitely hold on and defend. Among the players, there were voices saying "let's go for an additional goal," but we couldn't create that kind of situation, so we ended up setting up a defensive block. Hiroshima's attack was also of high quality, but centered around Masato MORISHIGE, we were able to physically defend in front of the goal. Although we were shaken a few times by side switches, there were no scenes where they passed sharp vertical balls through. We concentrated on closing the central positions and accepted that being switched to the sides was unavoidable, playing with that mindset. Everyone was fully committed, so I think it was a victory that will lead to the next one.
Q: During the period when you were out due to injury, there was a time when the results were not stable. How did you see the team from the outside?
A: For about a month, watching the team from off the pitch was frustrating, and during the period when the team wasn’t getting results and couldn’t win, I felt sorry for not being able to contribute. I watched the matches thinking, "If I were on the pitch, I would play like this."
Q, are you living in the present moment with the preparations you have made for the challenges you have observed from the outside?
A, challenges arise in every match, so I want to keep improving day by day as I play. Gradually, players have been returning, and I want to coordinate even more. Communication, including during this week’s practice, has been going well, so I think things are shaping up nicely.
Q, including player Abe, there was a period when the main players were unable to gather due to injuries and national team absences, but there were also contributions from young players and academy players. I think there were positive aspects as a team.
A: Young players are coming up one after another, and I believe the team cannot move forward unless there is competition for positions. Without competition, individuals cannot grow either. In that sense, there are many very good young players. Among many players who show potential for the future, I also want them to do more, and I hope more and more will emerge from now on.
Q: Abesu joined Tokyo and immediately entered the corona disaster, but this season we finally reached a situation where we can shout in a full stadium. There is also an impression that the atmosphere of Ajinomoto Stadium has finally returned. How do you feel about it from Abesu's perspective?
A, when fans and supporters cheer us on, the players’ motivation rises significantly. Especially the excitement in the last 15 minutes of the second half, with that energetic vibe, is something we really appreciate. It feels like the atmosphere for scoring intensifies, and it makes me realize once again that soccer is truly a sport that exists because of the fans and supporters. We are grateful for everyone’s support.
Q, finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Albirex Niigata match.
A, this is the first match of a three-game series, and since it’s at Ajinomoto Stadium and we won the previous match, I want to ride that momentum and win all three games. First, I want to secure a win at Ajinomoto Stadium, then take on the two away matches. I appreciate your passionate support.
