Review of the previous match against Kashiwa
The first away game of this season was held at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium, which left a good impression with a 6-3 victory last season. It was a match where we showed the full potential of the "new Tokyo" by breaking down Kashiwa Reysol's man-to-man press from the front line and scoring goals both through passing and counterattacks.
However, it is not guaranteed to go well every season. We were also troubled by strong winds with a forecast of maximum instantaneous wind speed of 10 meters. In the first half, we were pushed back by the opponent's long ball attack and forced to compete for the intensity of winning second balls.
In a frustrating development where they couldn't quite get a hold of the ball, they were caught off guard in the 25th minute of the first half with a through pass, and Mao Hosoya scored the opening goal.
Last season, Tokyo struggled to recover after falling behind. They often struggled to attack when the opponent focused more on defense. However, this season they showed signs of growth.
In the 36th minute of the first half, during a throw-in on the right side, Tsukagawa Koki reacted to Nakamura Hotaka's throw and broke through behind the opponent's defensive line. He took the ball near the goal and crossed it, but Watanabe Ryoma was blocked on the near side. Adailton, who came in from the left side, followed up and equalized before the end of the first half.
With this momentum, Tokyo aggressively attacked Kashiwa in the second half. They prevented their opponents from freely kicking the ball with pressing from the front line, and consistently recovered second balls to launch secondary and tertiary attacks. However, despite creating numerous opportunities to enter the goal area and take shots, they were unable to score.
Despite taking a total of 18 shots throughout the match, the score remained 1-1. Unexpected situations, such as a player being sent off towards the end of the second half, occurred. However, they were able to take home 1 point and leave behind many positive aspects for the upcoming battles.
＜Preview＞
The second match of the away series, against Kyoto Sanga F.C., is not expected to be an easy match that can be underestimated based on the opponent's performance.
Kyoto is in a situation where they have lost both of their first two matches and have not scored any goals. However, the team, which has been well trained by coach Takashi Sasaki, is playing aggressive and organized soccer without taking a step back against strong opponents like Kashima Antlers and Nagoya Grampus, who have talented players.
The team's core changed with the transfer of Peter UTAKA, who was a key player in the attack, and Naoto KAMIFUKUMOTO, who was a fortress in defense. However, the team has added Patrick, a player with ample experience in the J-League, to the front line.
Last season's match was a record of 2 wins in 2 games, but when we played away in the early stages of the season, we couldn't play a stable game in the process of building a new style, and we couldn't create decisive chances. However, we managed to secure a victory by scoring a goal in the late stages of the game through a counterattack initiated by Yasuki Kimoto's long feed.
We want to firmly surpass the opponent who deploys an aggressive playstyle in the basic aspects of intensity and speed, and then keep possession of the ball to pin the opponent in their own half. In the Kashiwa match, we failed to capitalize on numerous chances in the second half and ended up with a draw. Taking that reflection into account, we will accumulate goals and bring back 3 points to Tokyo this round.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: Please tell us your impression of the opponent for the Kyoto match.
A, Kyoto is now in its third season with the current coach. They have also played against Niigata in J2, and I think their characteristic is high-intensity play. They value the ball, but there have been some changes in the players, so they seem to be playing a little more cautiously. Until the end of last season, they were involved in the battle to remain in J1. They were involved in the relegation battle, but I think it was difficult for any team last season to play against Kyoto, and their high-intensity play in both offense and defense makes it difficult for the opposing team.
Q: After the opening, there have been injured players. What are your thoughts?
A, there are no injuries, but Matsuki is also absent. Abe is injured. The other players have minor injuries such as discomfort and contusions that can be returned to the front line in a short period of time. I'm not worried about that. Nakamura cannot play in the Kyoto match due to the expulsion in the Kashiwa match, but the season is long and there will be injured players and players suspended from play. As a result, I think it is a normal flow for other players to have a chance. There may be teams that do not have injured players. Even such teams, I think they will eventually have injured players. One of the coach's jobs is to manage the team and maintain high team performance when players are absent due to injuries or suspensions.
Q, before the Kashiwa game, you said that you want to have the ability to attack not only by holding the ball but also by penetrating behind the opponent. That is exactly where it will become effective against Kyoto, don't you think?
A, as I mentioned before, Tokyo intends to possess the ball and use all weapons effectively in their attack. In Japan and abroad, the tactics of the winning team are often praised, while the tactics of the losing team are not evaluated. Kashiwa had only 1 or 2 clear shots on goal. We have created 9 clear chances. In the first half, despite the difficult situation of playing against the wind, we created opportunities by utilizing long balls behind the defense. What I mean is that the result of the game always has a significant impact on the evaluation. For example, even if the opposing team creates many chances and the team in a fatigued state scores 1 or 2 chances to win the game. In that case, it is often written that they won a difficult game by solidifying their defense, and the winning team is evaluated. The course of the game is something that no one can predict before the game. In that sense, I want each player to start the game, understand the flow of the game, and judge what plays the opponent dislikes. For example, if Kyoto presses from the front with a man-marking approach, it will create a 1-on-1 situation and numerical equality in our front line. In response to that, I think using long balls to penetrate behind the defense is still an effective option. I always say that I want this team to play as the protagonist of the game while controlling the ball. For that, it is important to make appropriate judgments and play based on the flow of the game and the situation of the opposing team. It does not mean that our play is determined by the way the opposing team plays. In any world, the tactics and evaluation of the coach change depending on the result of the game, right?
Q, I think it is important to figure out how to defend the anchor side space of Higashi player in the Urawa and Kashiwa matches. Have you made any adjustments?
A team must be well prepared to defend the anchor's side space. Urawa was trying to get their wingers inside and attack Higashi's side. Kashiwa was putting long balls into the front line and aiming to recover the second ball and attack Higashi's side. The players have gained experience. No matter how the opposing team plays, if they come to attack the space next to our one defensive midfielder, we must adapt well and defend. The preparation for that is in place. I think the three midfielders need to adjust their positions according to the game situation. On the other hand, if we want to solidify our defense in the course of the game, it is also an option to have two defensive midfielders lined up and defend in a double pivot style. I want the midfielders to defend cleverly. I think it is always a challenge to adapt well to the side space when adopting a one defensive midfielder.
Q: What do we need to win against Kyoto?
A, regardless of home or away, we are committed to going for 3 points. Depending on the course of the game, I think 1 point away is a valuable point. On the other hand, I think we were able to play deserving of a victory against Kashiwa. I was frustrated that we couldn't get 3 points. Regardless of home or away, I want to always be on the pitch for the sake of 3 points as Tokyo.
[Player Interview]
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Kyoto match.
Regardless of whether I start or come off the bench, my enthusiasm for the game never changes, and I always continue to prepare well. I just do what I need to do to contribute to the team's victory.
Q, what do you need to do to win?
To win, it is important to have passion, compete for the ball, switch between offense and defense, and do the basics well. In the game, there are various strategies and tactics, but we want to play our own soccer and surpass the opponent. If we can do that, I believe victory will come.
Q, the team seems to be in a good condition, but I think the presence of players like Nagatomo and Morishige is significant.
A, I think it is more important that young players approach the game with awareness than our existence. Even if there is someone who can lead, if each individual does not have awareness, a good team like the current one cannot be formed. I believe that the current team's good condition is evidence that each player's awareness has changed and they are performing with a high level of consciousness.
Q, please tell us your thoughts on winning the league.
In my soccer career, I have a strong determination and resolve to win the league championship. I also play with passion for that goal.
Q: You scored your first goal of the season in the previous match. How is your condition?
A, the season has started and I am very happy to be able to score early. The condition is also good, but I want to continue practicing and bring it to an even better state. I hope to contribute to the team with goals.
Q: Did you think the ball would come your way during the scoring scene?
A, I have been practicing entering the goal area from the camp. In the Kashiwa match, the forward players were able to enter the goal area with power in response to crosses from the side. In the scene of scoring, it was good that the ball rolled to a good position and I was able to score.
Q: The season has started and we have played two matches. How do you feel about the team's performance? Please also let us know about any challenges.
Not only the players who are participating in the game, but also every player is always prepared to contribute to the team's victory from their daily practice. I think we have created a situation where anyone can play. I think both matches were good, including the content, but in the previous match, although we were able to create chances, we couldn't convert them into goals and couldn't accumulate 3 points. In the Kyoto match, we want to continue expressing our own soccer while firmly scoring if there are chances to score.
Q: What is your impression of Kyoto, the opponent in the next match?
A, the opponent has not yet been able to accumulate points, but I feel that they are a good team including quality. I think it is important to first show our own play and achieve good results, rather than focusing on the opponent.
Q, don't you have a good impression of scoring in the previous match?
In the previous match, we were able to achieve good results. This time, I want to give my all and contribute to the team with goals.
Q, what are you asked by the coach? I think Adailton's dribbling will also become important.
A, I have been told by the coach to maximize my abilities. I want to continue to showcase my playing style, which is also my unique characteristic. I believe that the players have gained the trust of the coach and are able to play with confidence. The team is in a really good state.
Q, finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
It will be an away game, but your support will be a source of strength. I would be happy if you could come to the venue. The season has just begun, but I want to give my all and do my best so that we can all celebrate in the end.
