＜Review of the previous match against Kyoto＞
Even in the midst of a tough battle, there were moments when a bright light shone on Tokyo's future.
The second match of the away two-game series against Kyoto Sanga F.C. was a tough battle from the beginning. In the 5th minute of the first half, the opponent already scored a goal, but we escaped the difficulty due to a foul decision. We ended the first half in a situation where we were pushed by the opponent's momentum, but managed to withstand their good opportunities with a big save from Jakub SLOWIK.
As the second half began, the game became more open with both teams increasing their counterattacks. However, while Kyoto steadily connected their finishes, Tokyo struggled to create effective chances. This was a complete turnaround from the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, where Tokyo launched a fierce attack in the second half and struggled to break through the opponent's defense.
The players who revitalized such a team were Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who was substituted in the 12th minute of the second half, and Yuta ARAI, who was substituted in the 33rd minute of the second half.
Tawaratsumida used his breakthrough ability to cut deep into the opponent's territory and create scenes where he supplied the final pass in front of the goal. Arai also took some time to get into rhythm and adjust to the intensity of the game, but in the end, he was able to deliver a sharp ball into the goal area from a cut-in, creating a chance.
Unable to break open the goal as a result, it was a tough match where we conceded an additional goal in injury time. The frustration of not being able to earn points weighs heavily on our hearts, but the young power to revive the team and turn the game around is the only remaining hope for the future.
A rookie standing on both wings brings joy to Tokyo. That day should not be far away.
＜Preview＞
The league opening match resulted in a 2-0 victory against Urawa Reds, but there have been no wins in the following three official matches. Achieving "stable play," which coach Albert has set as one of the goals for this season, still presents challenges.
On the other hand, during that time, many players including Ryunosuke SATO, a registered player of FC Tokyo U-18, made their first appearance of the season and took their first step forward.
After losing to Kyoto Sanga F.C. in the previous match, player Tsubasa Terayama punched the pitch. He expressed his feelings at that moment, saying, "Even during the game, the fans and supporters were shouting and cheering for us, so I felt sorry."
When Leon NOZAWA lost 0-1 to Cerezo Osaka in the following Levain Cup match, he covered his face with his uniform. After the game, he expressed his frustration, saying, "I had been building up my skills through voluntary training after practice. So, it's disappointing and frustrating that it didn't lead to results."
Tokyo, which is showing a new face with the rise of young players, will host Yokohama FC this round. The playmaker of Yokohama FC, Hirotaka Mita, grew up in Tokyo's academy and loved the blue and red more than anyone else. Facing an opponent who knows the heat of Ajinomoto Stadium and the strength of Tokyo firsthand, we cannot afford to have a weak fight. From here on, the only thing required is victory in order to ride the updraft.
Matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: We lost to Cerezo Osaka in the Levain Cup, but I think the performance was good. How do you want to connect it to tomorrow's Yokohama FC match?
A positive point of the Cerezo Osaka match is that we were able to create about 8 decisive chances. Although our ball possession rate was significantly lower, the areas where the opponent had possession of the ball were not dangerous zones. In that sense, we are not concerned about the ball possession rate. As an improvement point, although we were able to create chances, we should have held onto the ball a little more and dominated the game ourselves.
In Niigata, we had a strong emphasis on ball possession. Now, I think the challenge in Tokyo is even higher. It is still difficult to maintain a balance between ball possession and moving forward quickly. However, we have a strong sense that we are moving in the right direction and we are not worried. It is also good news for us that young players have performed well in the Levain Cup. Based on their performances, they have proven that they deserve opportunities in the league matches as well.
There were several players who had been performing well, such as Shuhei TOKUMOTO, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, and Seiji KIMURA, who had not been given the opportunity to play until now, which is a positive point for us. That's why I felt a kind of anger at losing the game. On the other hand, there was also a part of me that was satisfied. It was a game where I could feel that the future of Tokyo is bright.
Q, with the wider range of options for bench members, the scope for tactical changes in the second half has expanded, which has become a positive element for the coach, hasn't it?
A, not only from the second half, but also from the start, it leads to a good acceleration. The rule that allows 5 substitutions has a big impact. I think there will be dramatic changes in the game within the long 30 minutes at the end of the game. I remember that players like Ryoma WATANABE, Shuto ABE, and Koki TSUKAGAWA who came on as substitutes in the second half dramatically changed the flow of the game. It is very unfortunate that Ryoma WATANABE, Shuto ABE, and Kuryu MATSUKI are absent, but the players showed a good performance in the Levain Cup. It is also good news that there are more options for the bench players and the level of competition for positions within the team has increased. I think Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, Tsubasa TERAYAMA, Yuta ARAI, and other young players have proven that they have the ability to perform well in the league. I also hope for the success of players like Kuryu MATSUKI and Osamu MATSUMOTO, who are still 19 and 18 years old. There are many young players in Tokyo. I hope they continue to grow and become players who will lead Tokyo in the future.
Q: How do you want player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA to use his clear weapon, dribbling?
A, Tawaratsumida and Arai are players who I think are able to do the plays we have been asking for since the first day. On the front line, especially on the sides, we encourage players to play boldly and continue even if they fail when they try to take on a 1-on-1 situation. We have been telling them that if they don't do that, they won't get any chances to play from the first day. It's not that I want to use young players just because I like them. However, I want to support young players who have a hungry spirit and express it properly. That's why I expect young players to have a hungry spirit. I only ask for them to have a hungry spirit and play boldly with courage. I think both of them are doing well, and Terayama is also moving in a good direction. They make me want to encourage their growth. If young players are serious about wanting to grow and succeed, I am prepared to support them. I expect players in their mid to late 20s who have aged a bit to perform at a high level. I expect foreign players to show a different style of play.
Q: What are you looking for in terms of tactics?
A, it is easy to learn defensive tactics. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA has a big weapon. I just tell him to make good use of 1-on-1 situations. If there is no defensive support in clear 1-on-1 situations, keep attacking. If you don't compete even though the covering is delayed, you don't need such a player. Attack because it's a 1-on-1 situation, and if you get caught, the coach will naturally shout from the bench. You have to endure that. But do it. Even if the coach, me, gets angry, ignore it and keep going. I expect him to do such things, and I think he is doing it.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q, please reflect on the Levain Cup match against Cerezo Osaka.
A, There is absolutely no change in motivation depending on the tournament. I only thought about giving my all in the FC Osaka match without thinking about the league. In the Levain Cup, there was hardly any time to unify our will and confirm tactics because the members changed significantly. I thought it would be a difficult match, but Toki took the lead and I think we were able to fight without hesitation. Especially in the first half, there were times when we were under pressure, but we defended firmly as a team and I think we were able to create a good flow for ourselves. As for the goals conceded, there are areas where I need to reflect on myself as well. Even if we can get to the point of shooting, if we don't score a goal in the first half, the game will turn out like that. FC Osaka definitely scored that one goal. Once again, I realized that soccer is about scoring goals. Personally, I felt that we need to pursue more as individuals and as a team.
Q, what did you have in mind when you put on the captain's armband?
A, the captain was the first time in his life, including official games. I didn't think it was possible to play with a captain-like voice, so I tried to play as usual. In the second half, there were many times when we were attacked, and there were times when we had to endure as a team, and everyone was tired and the formation was stretched. By wearing the captain's armband, I felt the importance of being able to make a slight correction or lead the team with a word from the captain in difficult times. I really felt the reliability of Morishige, Diego, and Higashi. I think they have gone through various hardships, but they are still leading Tokyo and I feel their greatness once again.
Q: How do you feel about facing players who have transferred from Tokyo at Yokohama FC?
A, I think it's really intimidating to have two players like Hirotaka Mita and Takumi Nakamura who know us well. They are also key players for Yokohama FC, so it's difficult to play against them. Currently, we have lost two consecutive matches in official games. It's a tough situation with injured players, but I don't want to make excuses for that. This is the time when the players on the field need to show a strong fighting spirit.
Q: What do you think of the presence of Takumi NAKAMURA?
As a teammate who competed for positions, I truly respect him. I think he has a playing style that is opposite to mine, and I watched and learned from his play in practice every day. I think Nakamura also saw my strengths, and we both had weapons that the other didn't have. Every day was very stimulating, and I practiced every day with the desire not to lose in the position battle. Because I have such players as enemies, I have a stronger desire not to lose. First of all, I want to do my best so that the team can win.
Q, there is also a place to show how much we have grown during the time we have been apart.
A, I'm not really conscious of it. I know that Takumi NAKAMURA is good. After going through the J2 League, he came back to the J1 League, and even if he has changed, I'm not really surprised. I know he is such an amazing player. So, there is a part of me that can only be satisfied by winning. However, I want to play without thinking too much about it.
Q: How do you feel about every game this season having a considerable amount of intensity?
A, this year I absolutely have a feeling that I don't want to run away from anything. I don't want to lose to the opponent in front of me. I don't want to run away from my weaknesses and I want to fight with determination. However, as a result, I was sent off in the Kashiwa match. I was advised by players like Nagatomo and Morishige that it is important to always balance passion and composure. I truly experienced that and it was a valuable learning experience. I caused a lot of trouble for the team, but I believe that this experience must not be wasted. I think I was able to grow even more by turning that experience into a lesson in the second match. However, I absolutely don't want to change my passionate play and I absolutely don't want to change my fighting spirit. I want to use my head wisely and burn my heart to do my best.
Q: What is the motivation to play with intensity this season?
A, until now, even though I thought I was playing with confidence, there were times when I lacked confidence and showed weakness at the end. With that kind of mentality, I can never reach the top, and Nagatomo has always told me that I lack intensity. This season, I want to completely remove the lack of confidence and negative thinking towards myself, and express my feelings fully. Nagatomo will also play this season, but I have no intention of giving him a starting position in any match. I really think that's the kind of determination I need.
Q, that feeling is also reflected in wearing the number 2 on your back, isn't it?
A, jersey number 2 is a very heavy number that has been worn by great seniors in the past. There is also pressure. Until now, I didn't want to bear the pressure with the number 37. However, I realized that I can't have that mentality and that I need to become a strong player who can bounce back if I want to reach the stage I ultimately want to be at. So I made up my mind to wear "2" with determination. I think that is now showing on the emotional level.
Q: When did you receive comments from Nagatomo about the "intense feeling"?
A, I've been told since last season. Nagatomo has been playing as a right back all the time, and because of that, I was running away, thinking it was impossible for me. Nagatomo saw through that. When Nagatomo decides whether to retire after the World Cup, I was wondering what I should do if he retired as it is. It was a frustrating time, but I decided to continue, thinking that I have to do it to the extent that Nagatomo says, "I leave it to you." When I decided to play in Tokyo this season, I signed with that determination. Recently, I was told, "You finally started to burn." I'm really grateful. I want to show more and more enthusiasm.
＜Player Keigo HIGASHI＞
Congratulations on playing 350 games in the J1 League, Q.
A, thank you very much.
Q: Please give us your thoughts on the season so far after completing four matches.
A, we won against Urawa in the opening match, drew against Kashiwa, and lost away to Kyoto, so it's not a good start. I think it's important to firmly identify the issues and aim higher while making improvements. Right now, we have injured players and Matsuki is not with the national team, so it feels chaotic. I hope we can overcome it together somehow.
Q: In the second season under the coaching of Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, Tokyo player continues to play in the anchor position. Have there been any changes in mindset in the second season?
A, we must continue what we have built up in the previous season for this season. It is a season where we must focus on the style of soccer we aim for, as well as the quality in the final moments and the determination in crucial moments. I believe that I, along with the team, must push ourselves to the limit. Along with improving the team, I also want to clear each of these aspects one by one.
Q: The opposing team has also come to understand that Tokyo is good at keeping possession of the ball, so their defensive pressure has become stronger. Do you feel the changes in the opponent's play?
A, the opponent will also play their own style of football. I think we have been facing teams that come at us aggressively and put high pressure on us. Of course, there is compatibility, but we have to do what we can do. Not only the style, but also the final details will be important in any match. After playing three matches, I once again realized that it will be the key.
Q, how do you approach practice?
A, personally, I find everyday practice and games very enjoyable. I can do it with that kind of feeling, and I want to continue doing it throughout the season. I think that this will lead to victory and bring even more enjoyable moments, so I want to have such a season.
Q, I would like to ask you about achieving 350 appearances in the J1 League. First, please give us your honest impression.
A, I don't have much of a sense of reality, but looking back, I still remember my first appearance. My first appearance was in an away game against Urawa at Saitama Stadium during my time at Oita Trinita. I think it was only a moment ago that I reached 350 appearances. There have been many stories besides the matches that have brought me this far, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved. I have come to realize the importance of my family once again, and I truly appreciate the fans, supporters, players, and coaches. I couldn't have come this far alone, and I want to continue playing in more matches with the support of these people.
Q: Do you have any particularly memorable matches out of the 350 games?
I definitely think it's the first game I've played. Even if someone asks me if I remember the 75th game, I definitely don't remember. There are commemorative games for the 100th and 200th games, but the first game I played as a professional is memorable. If I had forgotten the feeling at that time, I wouldn't be here now. I think there will be milestones to remember that feeling at the 300th and 350th games. Being told that I've played 350 games, it's good to remember the first game again.
Q: If you were to mention a memorable match in Tokyo, what would it be?
A, there are too many and it's difficult. Of course, winning matches is always a joy, and even losing matches leave a strong impression.
Q: The J1 League only has 34 games in a season, so even if you play every game for 10 years, you won't reach 350 games. Considering that, I think it's an amazing record. Do you have any reasons or secrets for being able to consistently play in matches?
A, I don't think there is any secret. I have been preparing and taking care of myself for every game. I don't think I could have played 350 games in the J1 League with my own strength alone, and it may sound strange coming from me, but I think it's an amazing record. There has been support from many people, and there is no doubt that I have come this far and I also feel it. As long as my body moves as a soccer player and as long as my heart stays, I want to keep going.
Q: Recently, I think the young players in Tokyo have been standing out. If there is anything you would like the young players to pay attention to based on your experience of playing in 350 matches, please let us know.
A, rather than words, I would be happy if you could feel something by watching me doing it at the clubhouse, and I hope you can see and feel it. I'm not doing anything special, but I think I've been doing the obvious things every day, and I think it's leading to now. I would be happy if even one or two people could feel something from what I'm doing and connect it to the future.
Q: From this season, vocal support has been allowed in all seats. In the opening match, approximately 40,000 fans and supporters entered, and Ajinomoto Stadium was enveloped in a good atmosphere after a long time. Do you feel like you have returned to the sense of the 2019 season before the coronavirus?
A, we were able to create a really good atmosphere from the opening, and many fans and supporters came to support us even in away games. I felt once again that it gives us power. Since it had become natural to not have any cheers, I felt that having voices cheering for us was refreshing. As expected, I felt that playing the game in that kind of atmosphere is the best for soccer and sports. I think that good plays can be brought out by cheers, and I want to bring out more. I also want to play with all my might for the people who support us.
