Match Review
The final match of the 2023 season was held at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. It was the culmination of a season filled with various events. The team aimed to deliver 3 points to their home fans and supporters, and approached the final match with the desire to end the season on a high note.
There were some changes in player selection from the previous match against Albirex Niigata due to accumulated warnings and condition adjustments. Yasuki Kimoto and Masato Morishige formed a center back partnership, while Shuhei Tokumoto started on the left side back. Teruhito Nakagawa, who returned from suspension, entered the field as a right winger.
1stHALF - Diego's career-high goal puts us in the lead
Despite being pushed by the momentum of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo at the beginning, gradually the time of possessing the ball increases and the time of turning to attack increases.
The big chance came in the 18th minute of the first half, when Kimoto, who was open on the right side after repelling the opponent's attack, received the ball and sent a sharp vertical pass to Nakagawa, who had moved into the space in front. Nakagawa, who had taken the opponent's back, broke through into the penalty area and faced a 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper just in front of the right goal. He took a shot that would have beaten the goalkeeper, but the ball deflected to the left of the goal.
In the 36th minute of the first half, Adailton, who cut in forcefully from the left side to the center, swung his right foot at the front of the goal, but was blocked by a defender.
Tokyo, who has grasped the rhythm of the attack, continues to create chances. In the 40th minute of the first half, they broke through the right side and created an opportunity in the penalty area. The ball was then passed to the left, and player Tokumoto made a run and attempted a middle shot, but it went over the goal.
Despite creating chances, they were unable to finish, but in the 41st minute of the first half, their attacking efforts paid off. Riki HARAKAWA passed the ball to Adailton, who was positioned near the center of the penalty area. Adailton, with Diego OLIVEIRA in his line of sight, left the ball with a heel pass while being marked by an opponent. Diego then ran in and scored with his left foot, placing the ball in the bottom left corner, giving Tokyo the long-awaited opening goal.
2ndHALF - Overturned at the start
We wanted to continue the good flow we had in the first half, but we collapsed at the start of the second half. In the 6th minute of the second half, we couldn't catch the third player's movement from the midfield, and we were passed with a one-touch pass, allowing the defense line to be taken behind. Asano player broke through and Taishi Brandon Nozawa player scored a goal at the start.
Sapporo's momentum cannot be stopped. In the 12th minute of the second half, a cross ball from the left side was passed between the defensive line and the goalkeeper, and was then combined with a one-touch pass by player Kogashiwa who broke through the final line, resulting in a goal. The game was quickly turned around.
After that, Sapporo continued to struggle to break through their solid defense in their own territory. In the middle of the second half, they brought in Takuya Aoki, Keigo Higashi, and Kosuke Shirai, and towards the end, they also added fresh players Naoki Kumata and Tsubasa Terayama to try and revitalize the team. However, they were unable to change the flow of the game and entered into additional time.
Tokyo, who strengthened their attacking posture and attacked aggressively, had the ball taken away in a high position in the 45+4th minute. A long shot was scored over the head of player Nozawa, who had moved forward, widening the gap. Tokyo continued to aim for a goal until the end, but they were unable to reduce the deficit and the game ended at full time.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Shuhei TOKUMOTO (29th minute of the second half: Kosuke SHIRAI)
MF Kei KOIZUMI (21st minute of the second half: Takuya AOKI)/Riki HARAKAWA (39th minute of the second half: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Ryoma WATANABE (21st minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA/Diego OLIVEIRA (39th minute of the second half: Naoki KUMATA)/Adailton
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Seiji KIMURA
GOAL
41' First Half: Diego OLIVEIRA
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
STARTING XI
GK Takanori SUGENO
DF Shunta TANAKA/Daihachi OKAMURA (30th minute: Shota NISHINO)/Akito FUKUMORI (0th minute: Toya NAKAMURA)
MF Yuya ASANO (45+1st minute: Shingo OMORI)/Takuma ARANO/Hiroki MIYAZAWA/Daiki SUGA (0th minute: Supachok)/Yoshiaki KOMAI/Ryo AOKI
FW Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA (35th minute: Gunhee KIM)
SUBS
GK Shun TAKAGI
MF Yuki KOBAYASHI
GOAL
6 minutes into the second half: Yuya ASANO/12 minutes into the second half: Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA/45+4 minutes into the second half: Shingo OMORI
[Comments from Head Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI's Press Conference]
Q: please review the game.
A, the result of the defeat is very disappointing. I feel sorry for the fans and supporters. It would have been better if we had been able to finish our chances. We created more opportunities and had several moments where we looked likely to score. There were also chances to pull away from the opponent in the flow of the game. However, we were unable to convert those chances decisively. In today’s match, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo was a step ahead in their ability to finish their chances.
Q: In the first half, we were able to execute what we had prepared on the offensive side, but in the second half we conceded two goals before being able to adapt to the opponent's style. Can you tell us what led to the defeat?
A: Regarding the first half, we were able to fully execute what we had prepared against Sapporo, so it went as expected, and the flow of the game was such that we could aim for an additional goal. In the second half, we conceded consecutive goals during a period when our performance dropped. These two goals disrupted our plan and changed the momentum. I believe the match would have unfolded differently if we had been able to score the second goal. Even during the difficult period when we struggled to respond in the second half, I feel we were still able to create our own chances.
Q, what do you think is necessary for young players who come on in the second half to demonstrate their abilities? Is it improving individual skills or improving teamwork?
A, both are necessary. Of course, the role of the bench members is to impact the team when they come on and to fight through the match until the end. Although we couldn't turn the game around today, we want to apply what we learned from this match to the next one.
[Player Interview]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q, There was a very good start to the first half, but unfortunately we conceded early in the second half.
A, It was a very good start to the game, but I believe it was a match we could have won if we had scored more goals beyond the opening goal. It was a simple conceded goal, and the match became somewhat sloppy. However, there were also moments where the challenges and efforts the team is working on were expressed throughout the game. If I focus on the positive aspects, I think we were able to execute the plays we aimed for better than usual.
Q, both as a team and as a player, Mori Shige's defense was shining with high positioning and limiting the opponent's play from the first half.
A, The theme today was especially to fight aggressively both offensively and defensively. In the first half, we were able to express good form in ball movement and defense from the front line. However, in the second half, the opponent changed their style of play, and it seemed that there were more situations we couldn’t fully respond to.
Q, What kind of response was required on the pitch against the opponent who changed players and tactics from the start of the second half?
A, There was no major confusion, but we were caught off guard for a moment, which directly led to conceding a goal. I believe the lack of detailed communication caused the consecutive goals conceded early in the second half.
Q, at the post-match ceremony, the feelings I have felt as captain were also expressed. What do you think is necessary for the final match and for Tokyo to move forward?
A, everything I expressed on behalf of the players at the ceremony is what matters. It is important to decide where the team aims to go and what role each player will play toward that goal. This season, the club has undergone various changes, but I see these as actions that lead to the team winning and becoming champions.
There may be differences in each person's methods and ways of thinking, and there may be pros and cons, but ultimately, everyone involved with the club should aim for the same place, and in order to reach that place, we must all head in the same direction. We discuss our methods and processes in relation to our goals in order to create something better. Ultimately, I believe that discussing how to "win" is what leads each of us to "do our job".
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q: Please reflect on scoring your 15th career-high goal.
A, regarding the goal, the players were in good positions, which allowed for good coordination, so we were able to finish quickly from a fast development. Adailton also delivered a good ball, so I just had to tap it in. However, despite it being the final home match, we were unable to win, and it is very disappointing that we could not celebrate with the fans and supporters in the last match of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium.
Q: In the first half, there were chances, but in the second half, we were pushed back for a long time. Please review the game.
A, It was unfortunate that despite both sides having chances in the first half, we were only able to score one goal. In the second half, the opponent had many chances while Tokyo had few, which was also disappointing.
Q, Next Match, Shonan Bellmare Match will be the final match of the 2023 season. Please give us your enthusiasm.
A, There is not a single easy match. The match against Shonan is always tough, and since it is an away game, I think it will be even more difficult. It has been a challenging season, but I want to prepare for a week and approach the match so that we can finish on a good note.
<Takuya AOKI>
Q, I came on in the second half, but how did you watch the game from the bench in the first half? Also, what was your intention when you stepped onto the pitch?
A, watching from the bench in the first half, I felt that the moments when we quickly switched play and counterattacked vertically after winning the ball were our chances. When I came on in the second half, I focused on closing the distance, but there were parts that didn’t go very well.
Q, how did it feel to step onto the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium after a long time?
A, It had been a while since I last played a match, and it was also my first time in a while playing alongside teammates who had been continuously appearing in games, so I think there were many moments where we couldn’t coordinate well in that regard.
Q, how was the overall season considering the injuries and long rehabilitation period?
A, I felt that it was a somewhat disadvantageous situation for me when I got injured again just as my condition improved and I was finally able to return, and at that same time the coach was replaced.
Q, the team is currently in a situation where they have not won in 4 games, but how will they align their focus as a team towards the final game of the season?
A, I believe things will improve by winning, so I think we just need to relentlessly pursue victory together.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, it was my first game appearance in a while. What were you conscious of when you approached the game?
A, I prepared as usual and approached the game. I had been giving my all in regular practice, but when I found out I would be starting, I got even more fired up.
Q: In the first half, there were many opportunities for Tokyo, but in the second half, they were pushed back. Please review the game.
A, in a match situation where it was unclear which way it would go in the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA scored the opening goal, allowing us to end the first half well. On the other hand, in the second half, we spent a lot of time defending and went through a difficult period. I believe it was the defense's responsibility that conceding a goal made the match more difficult. The equalizing goal ended up deciding the game.
Q, What were you conscious of while having different characteristics from other side back players?
A, I tried to do what I could. Without overthinking difficult things, I believed that if I did what I was supposed to do, I could calm the game down. I was able to do that well in the first half, but I regret that I couldn’t be an outlet in the second half. After all, playing in the match was extremely enjoyable.
Q, Next Match, Shonan Bellmare Match will be the final match of the 2023 season. Please give us your enthusiasm.
A: I want to finish with a solid win. This season has truly caused a lot of frustration for our fans and supporters, so for the final match, I want to play with all my effort for Tokyo, filled with gratitude.
