<Match Review>
In the previous round, Tokyo achieved a victory in their away game against Hiroshima, making it their second consecutive win in official matches. This round, they will face Albirex Niigata, who were previously managed by coach Albert Puig Ortoneda two seasons ago. It will also be a reunion for Ryoma Watanabe and Kei Koizumi, who will face their former team. Niigata, who returned to J1 after 6 years and continue to play an attacking style of football, will be met by a Tokyo team that is gaining momentum and will play at home in Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - Tokyo takes the lead with goals from Terry and Diego in an attacking battle
The match will be a back-and-forth battle from the beginning, with both teams pushing for an attacking stance. Tokyo will have moments where they possess the ball and push forward, as well as moments where they take advantage of the opponent's aggressive positioning to launch quick attacks.
In a clash where either team could have taken the lead, it was Tokyo who struck first.
In the 8th minute of the first half, Watanabe received a loose ball from a vertical pass and skillfully dribbled past an opponent near the center circle after stopping their attack just outside their own penalty area. With support players coming in from both sides, Watanabe chose to pass to Nakagawa on the right side. Nakagawa controlled the ball in the penalty area and scored a precise shot into the bottom left corner, giving Tokyo the lead.
However, the pressure from Niigata's front line increases from here. In the 12th minute of the first half, when trying to attack to push back, the ball was lost and a foul was called near the penalty area due to a counterattack. They scored directly from this free kick and the game was reset.
Both teams have been carrying the ball to the opponent's penalty area with powerful attacks when in possession, looking for opportunities to finish. There were also moments where Tokyo was pushed back by Niigata's short passes, but they gradually increased their ball possession time and utilized both quick and slow attacks to aim for a lead.
Tokyo's attack bore fruit in the 34th minute of the first half. From a coordinated play in their own half, they broke through the opponent's press and Shuto ABE received the ball on the right side, just barely onside. He carried the ball deep into the opponent's half and made a final pass in the opposite direction. Diego OLIVEIRA, who had entered the penalty area in front of the goal, received a pass in the center and, while watching the position of the opponent's defender, evaded the opponent who had come to close in on him, turning towards the goal while still inside the penalty area. In a split second, Diego created time and space and then unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot. The ball flew into the top right corner of the goal, just out of reach for the goalkeeper.
Niigata quickly counterattacks. In the 38th minute of the first half, a shot was aimed at Ito, but the ball that flew to the left corner of the goal was deflected by Jakub SLOWIK with his left arm.
Tokyo in the first half of 45 minutes. Kuryu MATSUKI player heads the corner kick from the left, but the ball flew to the opposite side and narrowly missed the left side of the goal.
Both teams attacked each other and the tense situation made Tokyo maintain a one-point lead at halftime.
2ndHALF - Maintain the lead by controlling the game on both offense and defense
Tokyo takes control in the second half.
As the opponent's goal approaches, the number of scenes where the attack ends with a finish increases. In the 12th minute of the second half, Nakagawa player was fouled after dribbling and entering the penalty area, and the decision was made for a penalty kick with the support of VAR.
It was a great opportunity to pull away from the opponent, but the shot from kicker Diego TABA narrowly missed the left goal.
However, Tokyo not only relies on their strong attacking momentum, but also controls the game by maintaining possession of the ball. Even when the ball is taken away, they quickly aim to regain possession and, in difficult situations, they immediately retreat and form a solid block to defend against Niigata's counterattacks.
It is difficult to open up the goal, but we surpass the opponent in intensity of ball play, speed of pressing, speed of pressing back, and maintaining possession of the ball, and hold onto a one-point lead until the end.
In the final stage, the game was pushed by Niigata, who launched a fierce attack, but they were able to hold their ground by forming a defensive block and calmly dealing with attacks from the sides, and the game ended with a tie.
The consecutive matches played in one week during Golden Week resulted in the best start of the season with the first winning streak in the league.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (45+3' Yuto NAGATOMO)/ Yasuki KIMOTO/ Masato MORISHIGE/ Kashif BANGNAGANDE (22' Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
MF Kei KOIZUMI/ Shuto ABE/ Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE/ Diego OLIVEIRA (40' Adailton)/ Teruhito NAKAGAWA (22' Keigo HIGASHI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Seiji KIMURA
FW PEROTTI
GOAL
8 minutes into the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/34 minutes into the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Albirex Niigata＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Koto ABE
DF Soya FUJIWARA (33rd minute of the second half: Naoto ARAI)/ Michael James FITZGERALD/ Kazuhiko CHIBA/ Yuto HORIGOME
MF Yuji HOSHI (18th minute of the second half: Gustavo NESCAU)/ Takahiro KO (39th minute of the second half: Yuzuru SHIMADA)/ Shusuke OTA (18th minute of the second half: Yoshiaki TAKAGI)/ Ryotaro ITO/ Shunsuke MITO
FW Kaito TANIGUCHI (18th minute of the second half: Yota KOMI)
SUBS
GK Haruki NISHIMURA
DF Daichi TAGAMI
GOAL
12' Ryotaro ITO
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A: Today, we faced a very difficult opponent. This is because they are a team that plays truly excellent football. They play at a very fast tempo. In that sense, I would like to once again commend today's opponent. I believe the players and staff of Niigata are doing a wonderful job.
In the first half, I think we were able to enter the game in a good shape. We were able to start aggressively. I think it was an impressive first half. The first 20 minutes or so were a difficult time for us as we struggled to control the game, but we were able to score the opening goal from a quick transition from defense to attack after winning the ball. On the other hand, we gave away a free kick and conceded an equalizing goal. The second goal was scored by Diego OLIVEIRA, who proved himself to be a player of great quality.
In the second half, there were times when we dominated possession and times when the opponent had the ball and we had to defend, but we were able to control the game while defending.
If we had firmly scored the subsequent penalty kick, we could have ended the game in a more calm manner, but we were unable to do so. However, in football, these things happen. And in the last 10 minutes of the game, we were troubled by Niigata's high-quality attacks, but we were able to end the game without giving them any decisive chances.
Personally, today's game was difficult and challenging. There were various emotions. Both teams on the pitch were under my command, and now the team I am leading, so I felt like they were my own players.
Today, we are grateful to have many Tokyo fans and supporters come to the stadium. And, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the fans and supporters from Niigata as well. They have been wonderful supporters as always, and we have heard that over 7,000 people have come to support us. Please take care on your way home as well.
Q, please tell us your emotions immediately after the end of the match.
A: In my entire life, there has never been a match as difficult as this one. The two years I spent in Niigata were filled with various experiences and many memories. Many of the players I coached at that time wore the orange uniform and stood on the pitch today, facing the team I am currently leading. This stirred up a variety of emotions, including some that were difficult and painful. I value human connections more than football itself, so in that sense, today was a special match for me.
[Player Interview]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: Did you intentionally shoot between the opponent's legs?
A, it went exactly as planned. The ball went through the opponent's legs and flew along a good course, so it was great.
Q, we were able to score early in the game, so it was a good momentum.
A, good defense leading to good offense is Tokyo's strength, so it was great to score there; however, since we conceded a goal immediately afterward, I think that is an area we need to improve.
Q: Can you progress the game while coordinating and making adjustments because the same members are playing in several matches?
A, what is important for us is to make adjustments while winning, so I think we must respond flexibly to the way we attack depending on the opponent. Not only the build-up, but I also want to increase scoring opportunities like the one today.
Q: Did you have the intention to dribble long distances for the team?
A, I wanted us to have possession of the ball. Whether we could carry the ball forward in that scene or not, I believe it affects the team's morale. Also, by drawing a foul at that moment, we can create time for ourselves, so I consider it important. From that flow, I hoped we could take a shot or advance to the opponent's side.
Q, after being substituted, you jumped out of the bench and called out to your teammates. Please tell us about your thoughts and feelings.
A, This is something that Yuto NAGATOMO also does, and it is something I have cultivated at Yokohama F.Marinos. By calling out for the team, our positioning changes, and the players on the field also feel the motivation of “we have to do it,” so I did it with the team in mind.
Q, today we could see the passion from many players.
A, we managed to hold on and snatch 3 points in the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and I wanted to maintain a good momentum after returning home, so we were able to celebrate this important match with a victory. Since the opponent was Albirex Niigata, Coach Albert was the most fired up. I’m glad we could deliver the win and that I was able to score myself. As for the content, it’s still not exactly what we envision, but since we are winning even in such tough matches, we want to keep improving while winning from now on.
Q, I think you are starting to feel a sense of progress little by little.
A, since we have consecutive matches, I think we must unite as a team and do our best. The feeling of doing it for the team is also emerging individually, so I believe it has become a good cycle.
Q: I think there have been more scenes where the ball is at Teruhito NAKAGAWA's feet.
A, I think we have finally come to understand each other's strengths. We are conscious of connecting from the back, so although there are minor mistakes, I want to improve our skills as we play matches.
Q, did you not feel like taking the penalty kick?
A, I don't take the penalty kicks. I told Diego TABA, "Don't miss it" (laughs).
Q: It was a shot like a model example of "do it like this".
A, I talked about it with the public relations team, so I’m looking forward to that video (laughs).
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, it was a fantastic goal. What was your aim when you took the shot?
A, I ended up trapping the ball a bit too far when receiving the pass from the right side, but I was aiming for the right timing to shoot while keeping control. I was able to take the shot decisively.
Q, it was a wonderful trajectory.
A, thank you very much. I am happy that a good shot resulted in a goal, but more than that, I value being able to win in front of many fans and supporters.
Q, it became a winning streak in the league match.
A, the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima was like that, and this match was also a very difficult game. From here, we will continue with consecutive away games, but no team is an easy opponent, and I think difficult matches will continue. We want to keep winning and aim for the top positions.
Q, please tell us the factors that allowed us to win despite the challenging game situation.
A, I don't intend to make excuses, but since the season started, we had many injuries early on and couldn't continue playing with the same members. Players have returned and are gradually getting back into good condition. Tokyo has many good members. We want to steadily keep winning and advancing.
Q, how was the atmosphere on the pitch before Diego TABA's goal?
A, the opposing team was also highly organized and, after equalizing, they applied pressure on us with good momentum. They were a team skilled at ball possession, so there were certainly moments when we felt the pressure. Amidst that, I believe we fought patiently and managed to seize the flow. In the second half, both teams showed signs of fatigue, leading to an open game, but we controlled the match and were able to secure the win.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please look back on the assist for the opening goal.
A, since a short counterattack was also one of our aims, I think one factor was that we were able to take the ball in a good position and quickly move it forward.
Q, did the team also have the option of a counterattack?
A, while keeping possession of the ball ourselves, if we aim to play defense that the opponent dislikes, short counters and counters become effective and are also our strengths. I believe we had a shared understanding of this.
Q: Teruhito NAKAGAWA's shot was also fantastic, but did you say anything to him?
A, I was given an assist, so I told him "Thank you" (laughs).
Q, as a team, we were caught up and then pulled away by Diego OLIVEIRA's goal. Did you want to keep possession of the ball a little longer in the overall flow?
A, depending on the situation, whether to play a long ball or connect with short passes, I think we were able to do that to some extent in today's match. It might seem like we were under attack for a prolonged period, but it wasn't tough defending, and since we were able to control the ball towards the end of the second half, it wasn't physically demanding. Pressing from the front and getting beaten is tough, and I think the opponent disliked it more when we retreated, so I believe that worked well.
It was a victory in front of an audience of over 30,000 people. We are entering a series of consecutive matches, so we should be able to keep up the momentum.
A, I think everyone has come to understand the style of soccer we play to some extent, and we have also developed a shared understanding among the team about how to approach the game over the full 90 minutes. I hope we can continue to do that in a way that leads to good results.
Q, both the course of the first dribble and the vertical pass to Shuto ABE for the second goal gave me the impression of a high awareness towards the goal.
A, regarding the first goal, I focused on dribbling in a way that would change the direction of the opposing defender's body. In the situation for the second goal, the circumstances were not very favorable, so I thought it would be good if I dropped back to get involved with the ball and create a numerical advantage, which successfully led to the goal.
Q, it seemed like receiving the ball at a low position was a disliked play for Niigata.
A, Niigata did not commit as many players as expected to the areas where we were circulating the ball, so I was able to find myself in a free position. It worked out well, so that was good.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, it was an impressive match, but how do you look back on it?
A, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Diego OLIVEIRA scored with their individual skills. Although there were tough moments, I think the entire team was able to endure. We also practiced counterattacks this week, so we were able to play as planned. We managed to win, but there are many areas for improvement both individually and as a team, so we want to make corrections.
Q, what specific parts need to be modified?
A, personally, I want to eliminate simple mistakes in the defensive midfield position and have a more positive impact on the team offensively. I want to increase the amount of time we keep possession of the ball.
Q, as a team, do you want to increase the number of times you try to score by keeping possession of the ball on the attacking side, not just relying on counterattacks?
A, I believe that every team ideally wants to keep possession of the ball, score goals, and win. Although it’s impossible to maintain possession at all times, you won’t concede if you have the ball. Even after scoring the opening goal, if we can avoid retreating and extend the time we keep possession while scoring additional goals, the team will become even stronger, and I think we have the players capable of doing that. As a defensive midfielder, I need to increase the number of times I receive the ball and reduce simple mistakes.
Q, I think there were no dangerous situations within the flow of the game, except for the goal conceded from a free kick.
A, there were no decisive moments, but since the goal conceded was caused by my foul, I need to reflect on that. To compete for the championship from here on, there are things that can be improved both as a team and individually, so I hope we can make corrections while winning.
Q: Do you think the period from 1-1 to 2-1 was a bit of a push, but within the expected range?
A, since we conceded a goal, I felt the opponent gained momentum, but we were not losing, so mentally there was no problem. Although we spent a long time defending, Tokyo has players up front who can score on short counters, so I was conscious of being able to attack immediately when intercepting the ball.
Q, there was also a scene where Kei KOIZUMI carried the ball from our own territory to the front line and recovered the territory.
A, such play is necessary even for a defensive midfielder, and I am always thinking about what I can do individually even during difficult times for the team.
Q: How was the voice of the fans and supporters of Niigata that you heard for the first time in 6 years?
A, I felt from the warm-up that many Niigata fans and supporters had come, and it was nostalgic to hear the cheering songs after a long time. However, now that I am with Tokyo, I only think about winning with Tokyo, so from now on, I hope to do what I should do to help Tokyo win.
