<Match Review>
This round, which was played after a three-week break, was a match against Nagoya Grampus, led by former FC Tokyo coach Kenta HASEGAWA. On the 12th, they faced Cerezo Osaka at home and aimed for a consecutive victory with the momentum of their 4-0 win.
1st HALF - Ball is held but unable to take control
At the start, Nagoya, who is playing their final home game, is pushed back by a sharp start. In the 3rd minute, they are immediately in trouble. A free kick from the right side is crossed by Haruya FUJII, and waiting for it is Kensuke NAGAI, who until this summer wore the blue and red uniform and fought together. However, goalkeeper Jakub SLOWIK makes a fantastic save on the powerful shot on target, preventing a sure goal.
In the 10th minute, they gave away a free kick on the left side. Ryota Nagaki's ball, which was put in with his right foot, was cleared near the goal and Noriyoshi Sakai was pushed in, resulting in a disadvantage in the game.
Finally, Tokyo's attack started to pick up pace after 20 minutes. They were able to move the ball around in the opponent's half for longer periods of time, resulting in more shooting opportunities. In the 24th minute, Leandro took a shot with his right foot after intercepting a pass in the midfield. Then, in the 28th minute, Ryoma WATANABE and Keigo HIGASHI took consecutive shots on a counter attack. They were getting closer to scoring a goal against Nagoya.
Still, one point was far away, and we welcomed the turnaround by allowing the lead.
2nd HALF - Equalized but lost due to a momentary gap
Both teams started the second half without any player substitutions. Tokyo was able to smoothly advance with the ball, creating rhythm and tempo in their attack. In that flow, they suddenly shook the goal net. In the 4th minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kuryu MATSUKI on the left side crossed the ball. Although it was cleared once, Yasuki KIMOTO, who picked up the second ball, skillfully controlled it and struck it powerfully with his right foot into the upper right corner of the goal.
Tokyo, who started to dominate the game after scoring the equalizing goal. The players maintained a good distance between each other and connected short passes, quickly regaining possession even when losing the ball and transitioning to second and third attacks.
However, in the midst of the growing atmosphere of a comeback goal, they showed a momentary gap. In the 24th minute of the second half, they gave a free kick on the left side and allowed a quick restart. Ryoya MORISHITA's low and fast cross was blocked by GK Jakub SLOWIK, but Kensuke NAGAI, who was closing in, pushed it in and they were once again overtaken.
Tokyo, who wants to equalize and turn the game around, sends out Adailton and Shuto ABE. However, Nagoya's defensive block in the center is strong and they cannot create chances. The time of patience is getting longer.
In the end, we were unable to produce a second equalizing goal and the game ended. We were unable to continue our winning streak, and in the next match we will face Kawasaki Frontale, who still have a chance to win their third consecutive league title, in the Tamagawa Clasico at home.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (42nd minute of the second half: Hotaka NAKAMURA)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (30th minute of the second half: Shuto ABE)/Keigo HIGASHI/Kuryu MATSUKI (42nd minute of the second half: Hirotaka MITA)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (30th minute of the second half: Adailton)/Luiz PHELLYPE/Leandro (17th minute of the second half: Kazuya KONNO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Seiji KIMURA
GOAL
4 minutes into the second half, Yasuki KIMOTO
Nagoya Grampus
Starting XI
GK LANGERAK
DF Yuichi MARUYAMA/Haruya FUJII/Shinnosuke NAKATANI
MF Yuki SOUMA/Ryoya MORISHITA (26th minute of the second half: Kazuya MIYAHARA)/Sho INAGAKI/Ryota NAGAKI (44th minute of the second half: Keiya SENTO)
FW Noriyoshi SAKAI (11th minute of the second half: Takuya SHIGEHIRO)/Kensuke NAGAI (26th minute of the second half: Leonardo)/Mateus CASTRO (44th minute of the second half: SILVA)
SUBS
GK Yohei TAKEDA
DF Thiago
GOAL
First half 10 minutes Noriyoshi SAKAI
Second half 24 minutes Kensuke NAGAI
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: please review the game.
A, I have also conveyed to the players that I am proud of their performance today. I believe you have seen their efforts to play for victory for 90 minutes along with good play. Of course, we are not satisfied with the game result, and there is room for improvement in the part where we conceded 2 goals from set plays. However, I think we were able to clearly surpass the opponent in terms of soccer quality. I think the players clearly expressed the direction and style that the team and the club are aiming for. As time passes and we play more games, the players are pushing the opponent and becoming able to play calmly. That is my understanding and interpretation. I ask the players for smart play, give them difficult tasks, and by overcoming them, the players will grow. That is my interpretation.
Of course, I understand that the game result is the most important thing. However, now that I have been the coach of this team for 8 months, I am truly proud that the players have reached a level where they can express themselves in such a wonderful stadium.
The match result is also determined by elements that we cannot control. However, as a coach, we must calmly analyze and judge whether the team is moving in the right direction. From that perspective, I think it was a game that proved the team is moving in the right direction. FC Tokyo is a club that is required to play more attacking and attractive football due to its name, and we are currently striving for that. Whether at home or away, I think we will go to the position of expressing that kind of play. That is how I interpret football and life.
Q, what do you feel is necessary to break down the attacking third?
A, today, the opposing team had 9 players defending inside the penalty area. We need to understand that it was a situation where we had to attack. I think we were able to create many chances despite the opposing team's strong defense. They were only able to create a few chances. We had a good attacking phase for a significant amount of time. I think it's important to have a sense of creating opportunities. I finished this game with a sense that the team had a good attack.
In the first 10 minutes, there were many plays that still had room for improvement. However, looking back on the season, I think it was clear that the team has changed significantly from the opening game until today. Has there been any change? I want you to remember the Nagoya game at home. In that game, we were not able to dominate, but today we were clearly able to dominate the opponent away. We lost the game. However, if we ask if we are moving in a good direction, it is not the case. On the contrary, I think today's game made it clear that we are moving in a good direction. If you look at the standings, we are not in a bad position. Next week, we still have the Kawasaki Frontale game. I want to express our style and aim for victory like we did today.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO player＞
Q, it was a frustrating defeat.
A, before being scored on, we had already created scoring opportunities and if we concede a goal from a set piece in the first half, it becomes a difficult match.
Q, I scored the equalizing goal among them.
I thought that if I could score one point, I could turn the game around, so I took a bold shot and I'm glad it went in.
Q, I was scored by the player I least wanted to be scored by, Ryo Nagai.
I think we didn't let them play in the flow, but we stopped ourselves in the set play and lacked concentration. In J1 League, if we concede a goal in such a situation, we end up losing.
Q, How was the game at Toyota Stadium?
A lot of people came and it was a good atmosphere, and it was an easy environment to work in. However, there was a strong desire not to lose, and in a situation where we could aim for a higher rank, this season has been frustrating because we couldn't win easily in a situation where we thought "if we win here". We keenly feel our own lack of strength. I think if we can't win in situations like this, we can't move up. I hope to make use of this experience in the coming season.
Q: We were drawn back by the opponent after being scored on first. How should we break down the opponent who drew us back?
I think we were a wall that collided with the team holding the ball. It becomes a difficult situation when we are in a losing situation and the opponent sets up a block. I think there were many safe passes in the first half. We talked about playing boldly so that we can finish with crosses or shots.
Q, I think it is important to value plays like Kimoto's goal in that sense.
A, I think there were several players in the box even in scoring situations, and I believe that goals are created when such aggressiveness is shown. I want to increase such scenes.
Q, the possibility of being in third place has been eliminated with today's result.
A, if you look at the results of today's (other venues), there was a possibility, but there was also a reliance on others from the beginning, so I was only thinking about winning today without thinking too much. There have been many games this season where we said "if we win here," so I don't think it's just about this one loss. I think it's important to have the ability to win important matches in order to be in the top next season.
Q, the next match is the final match of the season, the Home Tama River Clasico.
We want to keep doing what we do and prepare for next season. It's also a good way to end the year by playing the final match at home. I think the opponent is motivated because they are competing for the championship, so if we can beat Kawasaki, who is currently in the top position, it will give us confidence. We want to continue what we did today and fight in the last match.
Q, please say a word to the fans and supporters who came to support us until Nagoya.
A, the support was a source of strength, and the support we received in the post-match greetings gave us strength as well. I want to have a good game at home and win, and celebrate with everyone.
Q: I think it has been a long time since you last played. Can you please share your thoughts?
A, it has been a while since I was able to play for a long time, so I am taking it positively. I want to continue working hard from practice to be able to play for a long time in the next game.
Q, I think there were a wide range of tasks, such as being the starting point for chance creation, not just finishing. How do you feel about that?
A, I was always able to play with confidence, and I see it as a positive thing that I was able to do that in a long playing time. However, I feel that I need to make that confidence visible as results.
Q, I think we were able to create a lot of chances in collaboration with Leandro, but what do you feel was missing that didn't result in goals?
A, I think I should have made a better judgment in the last part. I think I couldn't score because I couldn't make a good judgment among the play choices that arise on the spot today, so I want to be more calm and make better judgments in the next game.
Q: Please tell us your enthusiasm for the final match of the next round against Kawasaki.
Although we were unable to win titles as a team, I am highly motivated to do what I can as an individual. I want to play with the determination to participate for a long time, score goals, and lead the team to victory.
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q, although we controlled the ball, it resulted in a disappointing outcome.
A, of course the result is disappointing, but since becoming coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, there have been clearly more games where we can dominate the game and feel our own growth. However, (today's) result is a loss, and there are still challenges in terms of competitiveness, but I feel that the path we are taking is definitely the right one.
Q, How was your condition throughout the game?
A, there are good parts and points that need improvement, but there are no problems at all.
＜Ryoma WATANABE player＞
Q: please review the game.
It was a game where I realized once again that even if we play good football, it doesn't necessarily mean we can win. We didn't get the result we wanted, but I feel that we have been building something that is not wrong, and I genuinely enjoyed the game. It is a fact that we need to turn this into results, so in today's game, I think the failure was not being able to seize the opportunity when it became 1-1.
Q, I think we were able to create many scenes where we pushed forward in the opponent's territory, even though we were one point behind. That led to Kimoto's equalizing goal.
When we attack as a team, situations like that can happen, and I don't think Kimoto will come in that far if we defend deep. We were able to score points in that area today, and I think we can score more points if we continue in that direction. At the same time, I want everyone to raise their awareness and reduce goals conceded.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the final home game against Kawasaki.
A, the opponent is playing for the championship, so it's really exciting to try to stop them.
＜Player Kazuya KONNO＞
Q: How was it when you played in the match and there were scenes that seemed like it would be a penalty kick?
A, I was pushed and fell down, but I didn't get a foul in the end. I need to be able to withstand it more in that situation, and I felt that I need to learn to not fall down with more strength.
Q, I think I was able to contribute to the team in the final breakthrough part by making repeated attempts.
A, after the opponent took the lead and we pulled back to defend, we had some time with the ball, so when we received the ball on the side, we were trying to add an accent to our play. In that sense, I don't think it was bad, but in the end, we couldn't take any shots and couldn't score an equalizer, so that's something we need to reflect on.
Q, do you think that as a team, you are able to possess the ball, but the challenge lies in breaking down the opposition's defense in the final moments?
A, until the last third, we have been able to smoothly progress, so I think it will come down to the quality of the final shots and crosses, as well as individual aspects. Each person needs to be more aware, and I myself need to improve the quality more. I believe that unless we do that, the number of goals will not increase.
Q, do each individual have to raise one by one?
A, I think it will ultimately lead to the team's level up, so I felt today that I need to work on improving myself more.
＜Player Keigo HIGASHI＞
Q, how was it when there was a time when the defense from Nagoya's front line didn't work well?
A, I think that part there will be a challenge, and it will be a wall for teams that progress the game while holding the ball. I still think there is a lot of work to be done in breaking down opponents who defend by creating blocks. However, I think there were also good times in the second half, so the challenge is to be able to do that from the first half.
Q, is it because we have been making progress despite the challenges that we are now facing these walls?
A, yes. I think it was not a good picture in the Shonan game, so in that sense, I think there is room for improvement in both offense and defense depending on the opponent's situation.
Q, for example, where would it be?
A, I can't say anything because I haven't watched the footage of the game yet, but if I were to point out the details, it would be not conceding the first goal, not being beaten by set plays, and if we can progress with a 0-0 score, I think the situation will change, so I feel that there is also a psychological aspect to consider.
Q: How was it to play against Ryo Nagai on the pitch?
A, it was fun. I really think we were able to play fiercely. I think the goal scene is his instinct, and it's something he has as a forward, so I want to praise him for that. I felt that he is a good player once again. It was good to be able to fight like this.
Q: Was the uniform exchanged at the end?
A, yes. We exchanged greetings at the end. I couldn't play in the first half of the season at home, but this time I was able to play in front of Kenta Hasegawa (coach). I hope to see him in good health again next season.
Q, Nagai and Morishige competed at the start, and it was a strange sight when I ran over there wondering if they were okay.
A, not only me, but I also think it's a part of Nagai's character, and I'm really happy to see him doing well in Nagoya because I know his personality.
Q, the final match is against Kawasaki at home.
A, in terms of ranking, there is nothing at stake, but I think it is a place where we can express what we have built up for ourselves. If we can play well in the final match, I think it will lead to the next season, and it will give us confidence and lead to a good start, so I want to have such a game.
＜Kashif BANGNAGANDE player＞
Q, it was a frustrating result. Please reflect on the game.
A, we had our own time, but we couldn't make the decision, and the second goal was a regrettable goal, so we need to fix that part.
Q, I had the impression that you were aggressively going into the opponent to the point of receiving a yellow card.
I'm sorry for not considering the accumulation of yellow cards and going ahead. I feel like I was able to go aggressively from the beginning of the match.
Q: Were there any challenges encountered in today's match?
A, I still feel that my defensive positioning is not good enough, and in the first half, there were a couple of scenes where I was helped by Morishige when the opponent got behind me. In the second half, the accuracy of my crosses also dropped, which is an area for improvement.
Q: Did the opponent's strong defense make it difficult for you?
A, I think we will have more games like this in the future where our football is being watched out for, so even if countermeasures are taken, we cannot win without scoring points, so I want to continue in that direction.
Q, wasn't it a year of growth in the defensive part as well, returning from a major injury?
A, I think there has been growth compared to the beginning, but there are still many areas where I feel it is still lacking, such as the initial positioning, so I want to continue to push myself to achieve results.
