Review of the previous match against Urawa
The difference in victory or defeat was due to the brilliance of the strategy.
Stadiums are now allowed to have 100% capacity and vocal support from all seats has been permitted, bringing back the "voice" to the J-League which has been restricted due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tokyo's opening game was held at home. Over 38,000 spectators gathered at Ajinomoto Stadium, where they were allowed to express their emotions by cheering, shouting, and showing their excitement, creating an electrifying atmosphere that is characteristic of professional soccer matches.
In the first half, Tokyo showed a posture of holding the ball, but they cut off the flow due to a simple mistake before reaching the finish. They struggled to get into rhythm, but around 30 minutes into the first half, they started to launch an offensive with coordinated pressing in the front line and short counters after winning the ball.
At halftime, the game turned around with high expectations for the second half. Coach Albert made a move. He substituted Shuto ABE for Keigo HIGASHI and made changes to the midfield lineup. This was one of his brilliant tactics.
From the beginning of the second half, player Shuto ABE repeatedly made runs into the side space of the penalty area, called the pocket, to create chances. In the 21st minute of the second half, ABE received a pass from player Kashif BANGNAGANDE on the left side and made a sharp turn to evade the defender and deliver a cross from the pocket. Player Kei KOIZUMI couldn't make contact with the ball, but it deflected off an opponent and went into the goal. Tokyo took the lead in an unexpected way.
Then, without hesitation, Coach Albert fired his second arrow. In the 24th minute of the second half, he replaced Teruhito Nakagawa, who had just missed a shot hitting the crossbar in his debut match in Tokyo, with Ryoma Watanabe.
And six minutes later, the substitution strategy worked perfectly. Adailton player and Diego OLIVEIRA player connected the ball from the right side throw-in, and Diego player made the last pass to the pocket in front of the left corner of the penalty area. In response to this, Watanabe player quickly adjusted and scored an additional goal.
Two of the two substitute cards that were put in were involved in the goal, and the cleverness of Coach Albert's strategy brought victory. At the same time, the second half, in which they held the ball in the opponent's territory by avoiding the press from Urawa Reds' front line, showed the continuation and maturity of the "playing soccer with the ball" style (Coach Albert) that has been ongoing since last season.
＜Match Preview＞
Last season, the two matches against Kashiwa Reysol left contrasting impressions.
The first half of the match played at home at Ajinomoto Stadium was a struggle, as the opponent pressed from the front with a man-to-man marking, making it difficult to advance the ball. In attack, they were unable to show much promise and as the game approached its end, they conceded a goal from a corner kick in additional time. It was ruled as a handball with the support of VAR and the match ended in a draw, leaving a bitter taste.
On the other hand, the second half of the game played at the away ground, SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium, commonly known as "Hitachidai," had a completely opposite development.
Maintain an exquisite position and distance against opponents who come with fierce pressing from the start, and neutralize them with a combination of precise passing and changes in pace. Not only neutralize, but also advance the ball, take advantage of the opponent's backline with build-up play from our own half, and take the lead from the first half.
In the second half, they aimed for the opponent's back who came forward to counterattack and scored goals with simple attacks. In the second half, they allowed 3 goals to Kashiwa who was chasing them, and it turned into a shootout, but in the end, they scored 6 goals and won 6-3. Kashif BANGNAGANDE scored his first professional goal and Kuryu MATSUKI marked his second professional goal, showing the emergence of young talent and bringing a bright future to Tokyo.
What kind of impression will this season's match leave?
In the previous match, Kashiwa took the lead in the opening game at home. However, Gamba Osaka, who picked up the pace in the second half, turned the game around and maintained the lead until additional time. In the end, player Hosoya was fouled inside the penalty area and won a penalty kick, which he successfully converted himself as the kicker, equalizing the score just before the end of the match.
Pressing from the front line, picking up inaccurate passes sent in a hurry by the opponent to the front line, launching a counterattack and swiftly carrying the ball to the goalmouth for a finish. Kashiwa is thoroughly sticking to their style and has been refining their accuracy since last season.
The key for Tokyo is how calmly they can move the ball and evade pressure against opponents who approach with increased intensity, saying "we won't be defeated". It is important not only to evade pressure, but also to intentionally draw out the opponent, use space, and completely break through to shake the net.
Last season, we struggled against opponents who were strong in physicality and had a fast press. However, after a fulfilling preseason, when we think about tomorrow's match, we can imagine the red and blue team confidently moving the ball, leaving behind our previous weaknesses.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: How will you take care of the absent players like Kuryu MATSUKI?
To compete at a high level in every tournament, we need to prepare teams with a deep roster of players. We don't think we are like that, so we can only hope for the success of young players. Young players must seize opportunities like this. Every player starts their career as a professional when they are young. I think in order to survive in the professional world, you must make the most of the chances given to you when you are young. The team is maturing smoothly. In that sense, I believe they will overcome situations like this.
Q, do you think you were able to attack actively during the camp? Even in the opening game, do you think you were able to make adjustments during the match when things didn't go well and create a good form? How confident are you?
A, we cannot always dominate the game. We want to continue using the fast attack towards the goal, which has been our weapon so far. Last season was the first year of style change, but we were able to surpass the opponent in ball possession rate in most of the matches. I think the only match where we fell behind in possession rate was against Urawa. However, in the opening match of this season against Urawa, we were able to surpass them in total possession rate. The style of Tokyo that I expect is a unique style, aiming to be a team that can attack with all weapons while utilizing the ball. Last season, the most emphasized thing was to convey that "the ball is important" and incorporate that thinking into the team. The season has just begun, but we have started to push the opponent firmly and continue the attack little by little. Utilizing the space behind the opponent's defensive line for fast attacks is also one of our weapons, and we want to continue to have that option.
Q: What are the important points in the Kashiwa match?
A. I think it is our own play. I think that if we can express our good play firmly, the possibility of winning will increase. However, there are various developments in a game. I think there are also good plays by the opponent in the game, and there are also dangerous situations that arise from our mistakes. In order to grasp the flow and dominate the game, it is important for us to play with confidence.
Q: How do you feel about using young players?
A, I hope tomorrow's game will be an opportunity to give young players a chance. I think whether they have the mental strength or not will determine if they can continue to succeed as professional players in the future. I think young Japanese players are well trained in both technique and tactics. However, unless Japan as a whole understands that mental strength is essential to succeed in the professional world of soccer, further growth will be difficult. We only ask two things of young players. The first is bold play, and the second is mental strength.
Q: Is the presence of veteran players such as Nagatomo, Morishige, and Higashi important for the growth of young players?
A, one of the important points of the team. I think that one of the secrets of the strength of this team is how much the veteran players contribute to building a good atmosphere both on and off the pitch. When they become veterans, I think they can be broadly divided into two types. One type is the player who wants the players around them to adapt in order to play more comfortably. The second type is the player who not only excels as a player but also puts energy into promoting the growth of other players, especially young players.
Q, I was talking to Nagatomo before the start of the practice.
A, Nagatomo is the soul of Tokyo. He is a great role model for us. Even when he is on the bench, he is a player who fights with us as if he is running on the pitch. In Tokyo, we have veteran players who are happy to see and encourage the growth of young players, including Nagatomo and other players. On the other hand, it is unfortunately true that there are players in the soccer world who have a negative influence on those around them in order to play themselves. We have the great Nagatomo. I think he is an important person for the team, the club, and the future.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO
Q: What was the factor behind winning the opening match in a good form?
A, each and every one of us was able to prepare well for the opening match. Although there were times in the first half when we struggled against the opponent's press, I believe that the fact that we were able to play patiently without conceding any goals even during difficult periods contributed to the goals in the second half. Every single player fought hard, and in terms of performance, I think the patience we showed in the first half was an improvement from last season.
Q, it was a game in which 100% vocal support was given. How was it?
A, the atmosphere was amazing. The cheers are a boost for us to give our last bit of strength, and playing in the cheers of the fans and supporters is also a goal for professional soccer players. I am grateful for this environment. It was great to be able to play in such a wonderful atmosphere.
Q: Did you have a good impression of the away game against Kashiwa last season, where you won by a large margin?
A, I have a good impression because I was able to win with a large number of goals, but as a defensive unit, we conceded 3 goals. If we can keep a clean sheet like in the opening match, I believe that the forwards will definitely score goals for us, and if we can continue, we can accumulate 3 points. As a player in the back, while being conscious of keeping a clean sheet, I want to show more of my own characteristics in the attacking part.
Q: What is your impression of Kashiwa and what kind of measures do you want to take as a team?
A, based on the impression of last season, I think we will have a game where we possess the ball. We want to distribute good balls from the center back to the front line, and the opponent is known for their sharp counterattacks, so we want to play with constant focus for 90 minutes in both offense and defense, while coordinating with the defensive line.
Q, there were goals scored by invading the pocket and possessing the ball as the coach desired in the opening match, and I think it was the result of what we have built up in the previous season and during the camp.
We have been practicing together to invade the pocket. The fact that it was achieved in the opening game gives us confidence. In that sense, I think we have proven that what we have been doing was not wrong. I think there will be countermeasures from now on, but I hope we can continue to play the same soccer and improve together from practice, as challenges have also emerged in the game.
Q: It was the first game for Kimoto to change his jersey number to 4. How did you feel about it? Please also tell us about the chemistry you had with Henrique.
A, regarding the jersey number, I wasn't conscious of it during the game, but I want to play in a way that makes people who are watching feel that I have changed even a little as a player. The combination with Henrique as a center back has left an impression that we can bring out each other's strengths, as we have played several games together since last season. We had many matches with both results and content, so I had no anxiety and I think it was good.
Q: What kind of play is Kimoto expected to make?
I was the oldest in the defense line, and the staff also asked me to show leadership and speak from behind. It is also my own challenge, but I hope to consciously speak out. I want to make a stronger presence in the defense.
Q, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters as we prepare for the Kashiwa match.
It is an away game, but I hope to deliver a victory and have many fans and supporters come. For those who cannot come, I would like you to support us on DAZN.
＜Kashif BANGNAGANDE player＞
Q: Did you participate in the opening game with a bold attack, and do you want to continue doing so in the Kashiwa game?
A, I want to participate in the attack while managing the risk properly. In the previous match, there were scenes where I went up too much to the front line and it was dangerous, so I hope to make corrections.
Q, did you choose to play in a high position knowing that space would be created in the Urawa match?
A, it was expected that Urawa would come to exploit the space I created by moving forward. In that regard, I think we could have managed the risks better. I feel that it is necessary to play in a balanced manner both in attack and defense.
Q: Do you aim for specific areas when crossing during the match? How does it feel?
A, this season, I am conscious of looking more inside and crossing. Although it has not led to goals, I want to greedily seek results. I have good memories of scoring my first J1 goal in the away match against Kashiwa last season, but in the second half, I couldn't play as I wanted and got involved in conceding a goal. There are good players in the front line, so I hope to participate in the attack after firmly responding to crosses and other situations.
Q: I think we were able to have a successful experience taking the space on the side of the penalty area, called the "pocket," in the opening match.
In the Urawa match, we were able to use the pockets we have built up since practice. I think it was a game where both the team and individuals had a good feeling. I want to increase the number of times in future matches.
Q: I heard that after carrying the ball to the pocket, we are free to make our own judgment and aim for the goal.
After using the pocket, we are working on various ideas from practice. I think if we continue to bring them out in the game, the number of goals will increase and we will move in a good direction.
Q, do you want to be involved in scoring?
I feel that my repertoire of movements towards the goal has also increased, and there are various ideas in my mind. The important thing now is the result, and how much I can convert it into goals.
Q: What was the content of the message that Nagatomo shouted out from the bench?
A, I was told to continue because my positioning and attack during defense are in good shape. I always receive guidance on fine position adjustments at the right timing. During the game, I can only see from my perspective, so it was really helpful to receive words from Nagatomo, who has more experience in the same position as me, and there were plays that were successfully corrected. I'm truly grateful.
Q: Yuto Nagatomo said that it is also stimulating for him when Kashiwa Reysol player Yoshifumi Kashiwa grows. Do you often receive encouragement from him?
A, I am grateful to be constantly approached. Long-term player's presence is really stimulating, so I want to raise each other.
