Match Review
In the 28th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, Tokyo faced Kyoto Sanga F.C. away, aiming for their first victory after the break. Tokyo has struggled with a lack of scoring, having not scored in the last three games, so they will need to control the game while also focusing on their attack.
The team made two changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. In goal, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who has been supporting the team with a series of great saves, takes position, while the final line features Hotaka NAKAMURA as the right side back, known for his abundant stamina, and Kanta DOI, who has been a starter for four consecutive matches since the break, as a center back. Replacing Masato MORISHIGE, who suffered a concussion in the last match, is Tetsuhei OKA, and Yuto NAGATOMO is positioned as the left side back. In midfield, Takahiro UCHIYAMA and Kei KOIZUMI form a duo as defensive midfielders, with Ryotaro ARAKI playing as the attacking midfielder. The three forwards consist of Diego Oliveira in the center, Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right, and Keita ENDO on the left, the same three players as in the previous match.
In addition, the bench includes four forwards, including the new player Ewerton GAUDINO, who is expected to make his debut. The team is united in their approach to the match, aiming for the long-awaited goal and victory.
1st HALF - Opponent takes the lead with 2 goals in the early stages
The match was dominated by Kyoto's momentum, as they pressed relentlessly from the kick-off.
When the ball was lost at a high position due to a bold approach, Rafael Elias took a powerful left-footed shot. Although player Nozawa managed to deflect it with a sideways dive and avoid danger, Rafael Elias scored a goal from the resulting corner kick with a header in the center. This completely disrupted the start of the game, and they conceded a goal in just 2 minutes.
After that, the opponent's press continued to push us and we couldn't connect the ball, but with Takase as the center, we calmed down the game and gradually increased our possession rate, leading to more plays in the opponent's territory.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Diego TABA took advantage of a loose ball from Araki's corner kick, and in the following 32nd minute, Nakagawa received a through pass from Araki inside the penalty area and aimed for the opponent's goal, creating a threatening scene.
However, in the 34th minute of the first half, Kyoto scored a powerful middle shot from a long counter. Although Nozawa managed to block it, the ball was headed in by Hara from the resulting corner kick, giving up a regrettable additional point. The lead was extended to two points. It was a disappointing goal to concede, as we were gradually gaining control and creating opportunities to push forward.
Tokyo, who wants to take the initiative, is trying to find a chance while advancing to the attacking third, but the first half ends as it is. The counterattack will be carried over to the second half.
2ndHALF - Fierce comeback thwarted by the crossbar
In the second half, as they chase two points, Tokyo substituted Soma ANZAI for Nagatomo, who then entered as a left back to increase their attacking power.
However, Kyoto also thoroughly pressed from the kick-off in the second half, just like in the first half. They aggressively attacked from a high position. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Kyoto had a perfect shot from a corner kick, but once again, player Nozawa showed a sharp reaction and saved it with a sideways dive. He struggled to somehow boost the team's defense.
However, Tokyo was unable to connect the ball as they were pressed hard by Kyoto. In the 5th minute of the second half, they were hit by a wave attack from the left side and lost their defense in the penalty area, resulting in the third goal being conceded.
The difficult situation continues. An injury occurred to Anzai, who was just substituted in the second half, in the 8th minute of the second half due to contact with an opponent player. He was forced to be substituted and Higashi came on in the midfield, with Koizumi being used as a scrambling left back. It became a situation where tactical insight and experience were relied upon.
Tokyo, who have been struggling to create chances, finally had an opportunity in the 22nd minute of the second half. From Nakamura's right cross, Diego took a right-footed volley. It seemed that Nakagawa, who followed up on the rebound, would score with a technical bicycle kick, but the goal was not allowed as he was in an offside position when Diego took the shot. It was a brilliant shot, but unfortunately it did not result in a goal.
24 minutes into the second half, manager Peter Cklamovski makes a change in the front line. Ewerton, who is making his Tokyo debut, replaces Nakagawa on the right wing, while Tsuyoshi Ogashiwa is sent onto the pitch in place of Araki.
In the 30th minute of the second half, player Koizumi switched positions with midfielder Higashi and moved to the left side from the center. Ewerton, who received the ball, sent it to the front of the goal with his strong left foot. Player Takashi, who made a run, headed the ball but it hit the crossbar. He quickly reacted to the rebound and tried to score again with his left foot, but unfortunately it missed above the goal, and they were unable to score a counterattack goal.
Tokyo, who wants to increase the pressure from the front line. In the 39th minute of the second half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who had just been substituted, dribbled in from the left side and swung his right foot, which was his specialty. Although the opponent goalkeeper prevented it with a good reaction, the attackers will try to break through by boldly attacking from both sides.
In the final stages, Tawara and Tsumita players were seen aiming for a scene while enduring with Nogawa's good save, but they could not break through Kyoto, who aimed for a counter while tightening their defense after widening the point difference.
There were unexpected accidents, but it turned out to be a development where we fell into the opponent's trap, resulting in 3 goals including the start of the first and second half, and the frustration of 4 consecutive games without scoring remains.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Hodaka NAKAMURA/Kanta DOI/Teppei OKA/Nyuto YUTO (Substituted in 0 min: Soma ANZAI) (Substituted in 13 min: Keigo HIGASHI)
MF Yuhiro TAKAHASHI/Kei KOIZUMI/Ryotaro ARAKI (Substituted in 24 min: Go KOBAYASHI)
FW Diego Oliveira/Keita ENDO (Substituted in 38 min: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (Substituted in 24 min: Ewerton GAUDINO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
―
<Kyoto Sanga F.C.>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Koo Seung-yun
DF Shinnosuke FUKUDA/Yuta MIYAMOTO/Yoshinori SUZUKI
MF Shimpei FUKUOKA/Takuji YONEMOTO (substituted in 24th minute: Sota KAWASAKI)/Taiki HIRATO (substituted in 45th minute: Ryuma NAKANO)/Hibiki SATO
FW Marco Tullio (substituted in 45th minute: Murilo Costa)/Daichi HARA/Rafael Elias (substituted in 38th minute: Sora HIRAGA)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Kazunari KITA/Lucas OLIVEIRA
GOAL
First Half 2 Minutes: Rafael Elias/First Half 36 Minutes: Taichi HARA/Second Half 5 Minutes: Taiki HIRATO
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
A: I am very disappointed with today’s score. Kyoto delivered a performance worthy of victory and outperformed us in key areas. The important thing is to reflect on our own play and learn from it. Within that, I think there were points where we needed to be sharper. There was a difference between when we played well and when we didn’t, and it became a very tough match. For us, the start of the game was poor, and goals change the course of the match. Kyoto scored the opening goal from a corner kick, which became the best possible start for them. After that, we were starting to gain control of the game, but then we conceded again from another corner kick. Such things must not happen as they change the flow of the game. We needed to seize control at that point. The players gave their all and fought to the end. Kyoto capitalized on dangerous situations in front of the goal, and as a result, they took all three points.
Q: Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA was substituted for Ryotaro ARAKI. Was there an option to use both of these players at the same time?
A, That option was also one of the choices we considered. When Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA came on, he made dangerous plays for the opponent. (Regarding coming on as a substitute) He is still in the process of getting his body rhythm back, and that is important for his future. Also, there was a part where I felt Diego OLIVEIRA would do something. I also wanted to see the combination between Diego OLIVEIRA and Ewerton GAUDINO. That was the judgment from that perspective.
Q, What do you think is the reason for not being able to win and not being able to score in the summer?
A, we are currently in a very difficult situation. I believe that winning is a matter of habit, and in that sense, we are facing a challenging situation. During tough times, the flow often doesn’t go our way easily. Although we couldn’t score today, we created several chances. There were two instances where the ball hit the crossbar, and there was also a goal that was disallowed due to offside. When things are going well, those kinds of moments turn into goals and the momentum shifts in our favor.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that this time is important and we are being tested in this difficult situation. As we prepare for the next game, it is crucial to think about what we will do and how we will react. Our process will not change and we will analyze our performance thoroughly. In doing so, we must learn where we can improve. This situation will lead to our greatest growth and it is important for us to work hard together to overcome it. We will take it one step at a time and work towards seeing the results. There are 30 points left in the next 10 games. We believe we can improve even more.
[Player Interview]
Takahiro KO
Q, Wasn't it a difficult game to receive pressure from the opponent's high position from start to finish?
A, I think the entire issue in today’s match was that we couldn’t effectively evade the opponent’s pressing. This has happened many times before, and since we keep repeating the same thing, I believe this reflects the current weaknesses of our team. We need to clearly define what should be done, have thorough discussions together, and each person must take responsibility. There were moments from the middle of the first half when we were able to move the ball, but I want us to be able to do that from the start of the game, not after conceding a goal. If we just react to the opponent, rather than taking the initiative ourselves, we will always be a step behind. I think the only way is for the entire team to share this awareness and work together.
Q, what part didn't go well even though you were aiming for it?
A, the second balls often rolled to the opponent, and when Kyoto Sanga F.C. is the opponent, if we had firmly controlled that area, the momentum would have shifted in our favor. The fact that the flow went to the opponent there is clear evidence that our preparation is still lacking. First and foremost, we need to surpass the opponent in the fundamental aspects of soccer: fighting, running, and spirit. This applies to me personally as well as to the entire team, and we want to play again with a strong mindset in those areas. Even though it was an away game today, the fans and supporters created a wonderful atmosphere and continued to cheer us on until the very end after the match. I deeply regret and feel sorry that we could not respond with a victory. However, there are still more matches to come, so we must firmly face the same direction and keep pushing forward.
Q, everyone involved with the team is in the midst of a difficult time. Please tell us the most important thing for the upcoming match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, Above all, it is important how much each individual truly has the desire to win. It is precisely at times like these that we are tested on whether we can face the opponent right in front of us. I believe we have no choice but to start from training, so while being thorough and committed, each person must direct their focus inward rather than pointing fingers at others or outside factors.
<Ewerton GAUDINO>
Q, this was my first official game after joining Tokyo.
A, it was my debut match with Tokyo, but I am very frustrated that the team lost 0-3 and that I couldn’t contribute to plays leading to goals. However, the next match is coming soon. I want to work hard again with my teammates in training next week and keep looking forward to securing a victory in the upcoming match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Q, I think that not only in attacking play, but also in defensive contribution was high.
A, I came on as a substitute on the right wing today, but no matter which position I play, I believe I just need to demonstrate the plays necessary for the team’s victory and those expected by Coach CKLAMOVSKI and my teammates.
Q, Have you ever had trouble expressing yourself on the official pitch?
A, I came on as a substitute and played for about 20 minutes. Since it was my first time playing in the J.League and I entered the match while the team was losing, I think today was a difficult and tough game in many ways. From here, I want to first improve my condition further and increase my playing time, and then contribute with plays that lead to goals.
Q, there are only 10 games left in the league. How do you want to contribute from here?
A, not only in today's match but also recently, not only us players but also the fans and supporters have been going through tough times. However, to win the remaining league matches, I want to prioritize unity and moving forward. Everyone's support has been a great encouragement, and to secure victory in the next match against Hiroshima, we players want to work hard starting from training, and to respond to the cheers, we want to focus solely on winning.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, What do you think is necessary to change the current situation in this difficult situation?
A, we are also trying various things, but we are in a situation where we cannot create chances, cannot score, and easily concede goals. We have to change something. We have to change it ourselves.For the pride of those who fight in this team and for the fans and supporters who support us. Another game is coming soon. We will all work together again for victory.
