＜Previous Match・Sanfrecce HiroshimaReview＞
The hero appeared in a cool and stylish manner from the far side, the outermost part.
Tokyo, which had not won away from home this season, was eagerly aiming for victory in Hiroshima. After winning the Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka three days ago, they broke the unpleasant streak of not winning in April and made their way to Hiroshima with great anticipation.
At that time, it came immediately.
In the 5th minute of the first half, we obtained a free kick opportunity in a shallow position on the left side of the opponent's field. Kuryu Matsuki supplied a sharp cross ball to the front of the goal. When Diego OLIVEIRA, who had jumped into the center, attracted the opponent's player, number 2, who had been in the blind spot of the opponent's defender on the far side, jumped forcefully and headed the ball into the goal.
The hero who ran to the back of the goal and raised a shout will accomplish even greater things.
In the 28th minute of the first half, when FC Tokyo had been enduring in their own half with the opponent holding the ball, they had a chance. They created a scene where they carried the ball deep into the opponent's area for the first time in a while, and number 2 broke through on Diego's through pass. Hotaka Nakamura, who calmly assessed the position of the opponent defender who had hurriedly returned to the goal, sent a pass in the opposite direction and set up a goal for his Meiji University classmate, Shuto Abe.
Although they conceded a goal in the first half, they held on firmly in the second half and successfully maintained their one-goal lead, securing their first victory in the league in five matches.
The protagonist, without a doubt, was entrusted with the right side and responded to the cheers of the fans and supporters. He was a fighter-type hero.
＜Preview＞
In the previous match, we won away against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who had won 5 consecutive matches, and achieved our first victory in 5 league matches. While relieved by the first win in about a month, the players expressed their words of reflection after the game. In particular, the content of the second half, where we struggled to keep possession and had to defend, was not satisfactory.
Kei KOIZUMI player said, "There were voices saying that the game was not good enough. However, winning and correcting the issues is the most important thing. Personally, I want to touch the ball a little more and calm the team down." In order to achieve results in the three consecutive games starting from this round, the team's ability to make corrections will be tested.
The first opponent of the 3-game series is Albirex Niigata. Coach Albert led the team until two seasons ago, and coach Rikizo Matsuhashi, who took over from him last season, has further evolved the team. This season, which marks their return to the J1 stage after 6 seasons, they have demonstrated a high level of maturity in their soccer. After the 9th round, they have obtained 12 points, the same as Tokyo, in terms of points.
Coach Albert said, "I have affection for Niigata" while expressing his feelings for his former team, and added, "I wish Niigata good luck in matches other than against Tokyo." Of course, it is Tokyo who will win at Ajinomoto Stadium.
[Albert Coach Interview]
Q, How do you perceive the winning streak in official matches?
I feel like I have regained the good flow and sense that I felt from the preseason to the opening game. This season, we are focusing on firmly pursuing victory, accumulating points, and establishing the team's style. In the first half of the Sanfrecce Hiroshima game, we expressed good plays. It was a composed performance that maintained a balance and rhythm in both offense and defense. In the second half, we were able to solidify our defense, but we had little time to possess the ball, so I think there is a need for improvement. However, we could also see the attitude of pursuing victory in our play, so we can also consider that the second half was a good game.
Q, please tell me what is necessary to continue this good feeling and flow.
First, it is important to avoid injuries. And the only thing necessary for daily growth is to continue high-quality training.
Q, please tell us your current thoughts as you prepare to face Niigata.
A, I was able to live in a good environment and have a good time during the two seasons in Niigata. There were times when things didn't go well when I started taking command in Niigata, but I would like to express my gratitude once again to the many Niigata supporters who supported me. Four seasons have passed since then. I am truly happy that the style of the club and the team in Niigata has become clear and is starting to be established.
Q: We have to play against Niigata this round, which holds a special place in our hearts.
Not only against Niigata, but even if I have to play against FC Barcelona, I will strive for victory. That is only natural. Both clubs are clubs that I have affection for, but of course, I want to win the game. Apart from this weekend's match, I wish them luck, but when it comes to this match, I want to focus on winning.
Q, is there any part that you feel has changed since the time when Coach Albert was in office?
Regarding the base style, I think it has not changed since I took command. In the second season when I was in charge in Niigata, there were many situations where the opposing team lowered their defensive position and set up a block, and we were unable to break through. However, after Rikizo MATSUHASHI took over as coach, it seems that this aspect has improved. And I think that reinforcements suitable for Niigata's style, including Ryotaro ITO, have brought additional value to the team. Also, young players who made their debut when I was coach, such as Shunsuke MITO and Yota KOMI, have gained experience and are playing an active role as key players in the team. Their growth has also brought many things to the team. It has been about 4 seasons since I was with the team, fighting based on the same style, and the level of maturity has increased. Various elements have merged well, and I think it led to winning the J2 championship last season.
The important thing is to progress in order towards success. And I think that continuing to fight on the stage of J1 with continuity brings them a good flow. The two seasons I was with them were honestly difficult periods, but I would be happy if that suffering leads to their success. I think the same can be said for Tokyo. There are not only joys, but also difficult times. However, I would be happy if that period leads to the future.
Q, what are the important points in a match between similar styles?
A, I feel that the styles are not very similar. Niigata players have many players who are good at playing with their feet and connecting the ball. On the other hand, the style we are currently working on is a style that values the characteristics of existing players, so I think there will be differences in the styles of both teams.
Q, please tell us what will be important for Tokyo to win this match.
First of all, it is important to express our style firmly. The aggressiveness in the midfield, the movement to break into space, and the play shown in the first half of the Hiroshima match should be further developed and expressed. I think we should polish our weapons for this match and face it.
Q, is strong midfield defense particularly important?
A, of course, is important. Not only in this match, but also in any match, midfield defense is important. The ability to create better plays comes from quickly transitioning from good defense and building up the attack. I think Niigata is a team that can express quick transitions between offense and defense well. During my time in Niigata, we had a match against Verdy and won 7-0. In that match as well, many goals were created from quick transitions between offense and defense. I think it is their major weapon.
Q: In Tokyo, there are many players with high defensive abilities. Did the ability to defend solidly with a 5-back formation while leading, like in the second half of the Hiroshima match, also give you confidence?
A, J1 is a highly competitive league. Therefore, the first goal has a significant impact on the flow of the game. Even with a possession rate of 30 percent, it is possible to win the game. By scoring an early goal, it may lead to a defensive approach. The same can be said for the previous Hiroshima game. If we had conceded the first goal, we would have dominated the game more offensively and increased our possession rate. The opponent made substitutions in the forward position and tried to equalize or turn the game around with a quick tempo. However, we were able to respond well to their increased direct play. Including the bench players, we were able to finish the game strongly against an attacking opponent. Now that the injured players have returned, I believe we have proven in the previous match that we can compete with the top teams.
Q, what kind of person is Coach Matsubashi from the perspective of Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
A, a wonderful person who devotes everything to soccer. During the Niigata era, we worked together as a coach and head coach, respecting each other and working in a great relationship. I have many good memories with him. Isn't it the secret of Niigata's success that a wonderful person like him is leading as a coach?
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: The Albirex Niigata match this round will be your last game as a teenager. What kind of game do you want it to be?
A, nothing will change in what we have to do. First, we want to continue the momentum of winning against Sanfrecce Hiroshima and pursue our own style of football.
Q: Do you have any specific thoughts or considerations regarding your last match as a teenager?
A, there is nothing in particular, but I have a strong desire to score a goal.
Q: There were times during the Hiroshima match where we were dominated by the opponent, but we managed to win. Were you able to train with a positive atmosphere this week?
A, there is no meaning if we don't win the game. Regardless of the form, seeking victory is an absolute requirement, and we want to play tomorrow's game with the focus on ourselves.
Q: How do you manage risk when the press is bypassed, like in the case of conceding a goal against Hiroshima?
A, there are risks in defending from the front line, and there may be situations where the number is equal or disadvantageous when exchanging with the opponent player. I think that if each player responds properly, they can prevent easy goals. I want to concentrate firmly and face the game tomorrow.
Q, do you think Kei KOIZUMI and Matsuki are players with good running ability who can form a double pivot in the midfield? Do you have a specific strategy to cover the empty spaces in defense?
Tokyo has a level of physicality that other teams don't have. We want to make a difference in that aspect.
Q: What do you keep in mind when aiming for a goal?
A, in every match, I always aim for goals, but I want to increase the quality of my shots and the number of times I appear in front of the goal. It's not about ego, but I want to increase the number of times I contribute to scoring with plays that suit the team's situation.
Q: How much awareness is shared within the team about putting numbers in front of the goal?
A, many of the goals scored in previous matches have come from short counters or set plays. Currently, there are few players entering the goal area when attacking the pocket, so I think the midfielders need to increase the number of times they show up in that position.
Q, if it's in the position of a defensive midfielder, I think there will also be the option of a final pass.
Increasing the number of players in front of the goal also increases the possibility of scoring. I think it is necessary for the midfielder to actively get involved and strive for it.
Q, I think you are not satisfied with the content of the match, but does it give you confidence to have defended firmly like in the previous match against Hiroshima and led to victory?
A, the ultimate goal is to fight for 90 minutes with the current team style, but I think that by sticking to victory, there will be more scenes like that to some extent. I want to show a strong commitment to victory by communicating firmly during the game, including the coach.
Q, please tell us your impression of Niigata.
A, it gives the impression of having many players with excellent ball control skills and using short counters as a weapon.
Q, how do you perceive becoming in your 20s again?
I think the criteria for evaluation in soccer changes between the teenage years and the 20s. I want to grow as a player who can leave a greater impact in their 20s by achieving results in the final match of the teenage years against Niigata.
Shuto ABE
Q: After returning from injury, you have played three matches. How is your current condition?
A, there is no problem with the injured area, but I still feel that my condition has not fully improved. I have the feeling that "I can do more", so I want to gradually improve my condition.
Q, will it still not reach 100 percent in 2-3 weeks after returning?
A, yes. I am playing with the feeling that the sharpness from before has not yet returned.
Q, please review the goal scene in the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match. Are you satisfied with the goal yourself?
When player Diego OLIVEIRA passed the ball to player Hotaka NAKAMURA, I was running near, so I hesitated whether to request the pass in that flow. However, there was a Hiroshima player in front of me, so I thought that the pass would not go through, and I stopped moving once. At that timing, NAKAMURA player was just looking at me. A good pass came, so I kicked it into the goal, being conscious not to make it too deep.
Q, it was a goal in a situation where we wanted another goal in the flow of the match. It wasn't a goal of "getting back at them", was it?
A, in the first half, Tokyo had relatively good scenes, so we were able to score the opening goal early in the game. Hiroshima also created scoring opportunities, but we defended well and were able to score additional goals, which was crucial. I think we were able to score the additional goal at a good timing.
Q: The topic will change a bit, but Nakamura has been in great shape this season and has shown a new side. How do you see him as a teammate, Abe?
In terms of defense, he continues to play with a high level of intensity. As for the offensive side, the coach told him to "stay calm," and I think he has shown that calmness. I feel that his crossing accuracy and composure in play have improved, and even the pass he gave me in the Hiroshima game, he was able to read the opponent well. I feel like he is growing.
Q, Hiroshima game was able to take the lead with 2 points in a good flow, but then conceded a goal, and in the second half, there were scenes of enduring, but it was an impression of closing the game by cutting it off. It was a good game with a sense of determination to win, wasn't it?
In the league match, we were far from victory. As we entered the second half while leading, I was determined to hold on to the lead. There were voices among the players saying, "Let's go for an additional goal," but we couldn't create such opportunities and ended up focusing on defensive blocks. Hiroshima's attacks were also of high quality, but we were able to defend the goal area with Masato MORISHIGE at the center, putting our bodies on the line. Although we were shaken a few times by side changes, there were no scenes where sharp vertical passes were made. We were able to concentrate and close the central position, accepting that being shifted to the sides was inevitable, and everyone put their hearts into it, so I think it was a victory that will lead to the next match.
Q: During the period when you were out due to injury, there was a time when the results were not stable. How did you see the team from the outside?
A, for about a month, even when watching the team from outside the pitch, there was frustration, and when the team's results didn't come out and the situation of not being able to win continued, I couldn't contribute and felt sorry. While watching the game, I was thinking, "If I were on the pitch, I would play like this."
Q, are you living in the present moment with the preparations you have made for the challenges you have observed from the outside?
A, since challenges arise in every game, I want to play while improving day by day. The players are gradually returning, so I want to coordinate more. As for communication, I think it is coming together well, including this week's practice, and it is taking shape nicely.
Q, including player Abe, there was a period when the main players were unable to gather due to injuries and national team absences, but there were also contributions from young players and academy players. I think there were positive aspects as a team.
A, I think that the team cannot move forward without young players coming out one after another and competing for positions, and I also think that individuals cannot grow without competition. In that sense, there are a lot of very good young players. There are many players who feel potential for the future, and I also have a feeling that I want them to do more and more and come out in the future.
Q: Abesu joined Tokyo and immediately entered the corona disaster, but this season we finally reached a situation where we can shout in a full stadium. There is also an impression that the atmosphere of Ajinomoto Stadium has finally returned. How do you feel about it from Abesu's perspective?
A, when the fans and supporters cheer us on, it really boosts the players' motivation. Especially during the last 15 minutes of the second half, it's really great when they create an exciting and energetic atmosphere. It feels like the atmosphere for scoring increases, so I feel that football is a sport that exists thanks to the fans and supporters. I am grateful for everyone's support.
Q, finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Albirex Niigata match.
In the first match of the three consecutive games, we will aim to win all three matches, taking advantage of the momentum from the previous victory and also because it is at Ajinomoto Stadium. First, we want to win at Ajinomoto Stadium and then proceed to the away games. We appreciate your passionate support.
