Despite the limited number of members and the scramble situation, FC Tokyo was able to play a game that firmly demonstrated the style they aim for, such as pushing the opponent while maintaining possession of the ball, including the use of Ryoya Ogawa as a center back in the Levain Cup Avispa Fukuoka match after resuming team activities. They suffered a goal due to a mistake and were unable to defend against the opponent, resulting in a 0-1 defeat, just like in the opening match of this season. However, as player Kazuya Konno stated after the game, "I think we had a higher ball possession rate and I think we were able to dominate the game throughout the 90 minutes," the team should have gained a solid sense of accomplishment.
In the second league match of the season, which will be played after a three-day break, several players are expected to return from their recovery. Although there are concerns about their physical condition, as the team's lineup gradually becomes complete, Coach Albert will have more options for player selection and game strategy. The match against Cerezo Osaka will be even more focused on winning than the previous match against Fukuoka.
Players who took to the pitch for the first time in about two weeks in the Fukuoka match, or players who made their first appearance this season, were able to experience the intensity that can only be obtained in official matches. Based on that strength, attention is focused on how the coach will combine the returning players and express their own style on the pitch even in a scramble situation.
Although Coach Albert is steadily promoting the penetration of his style, it does not mean that he is not concerned about the results. When approaching a game, he strongly emphasizes the players' commitment to winning. In that sense, what is required for Tokyo in the next match against C Osaka is a goal.
"We were able to create chances in today's Kawasaki match as well, and within that, if we don't improve our finishing, the game will continue to be one where the performance was good but we couldn't win. So, I think we need to firmly convert the opportunities."
As Ryoya Ogawa player mentioned after the Fukuoka game, in the previous two matches, we have surpassed the opponents in ball possession and have also created a number of decisive chances. After dominating the game by pushing the opponents, it is important to convert the created chances into goals. We need to improve the completion of positional play and also enhance the quality of finishing in order to secure our first goal and first victory of the season.
＜3/2 Levain Cup Fukuoka Match Highlights＞
＜3/2 Levain Cup Fukuoka Matchday Cam＞
