＜Match Review＞
In the previous match, which was played with the aim of achieving a third consecutive victory, FC Tokyo was defeated by Avispa Fukuoka, being limited to only two shots throughout the 90 minutes. In particular, the second half, where they were unable to take any shots, left a stern expression on the face of Coach Albert. From there, after a two-day break, as the final match of the three consecutive games during the Golden Week, they traveled to the northern land to face Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.
As a member change from the previous match, Masato MORISHIGE, Henrique TREVISAN, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, Kei KOIZUMI, and Adailton returned to the starting lineup. In addition, Soma ANZAI, a special designated player from Waseda University, made his league debut, and PEROTTI was used as a starter for the first time in a league match. This match is a away game with a long-distance travel and a tight schedule, but the team is united and ready to prevent consecutive losses and aim for 3 points.
1st HALF - Struggling with man-to-man defense and allowing the lead
Tokyo wanted to score the opening goal for victory, but they conceded the first goal in the 8th minute of the first half before the direction of the game was determined. They lost the ball just before the halfway line and it was carried by Kobayashi, who allowed the final pass. Asano, who received the ball just outside the penalty area, swung his left foot after trapping it with his right foot, and his shot took advantage of the opposite direction of Jakub Slowik and was sucked into the goal.
The first chance came to Tokyo in the 16th minute of the first half. Matsuki Kuryu took a corner kick and Morishige headed it. Unfortunately, it missed the goal, but it was a threatening scene for the Sapporo goal. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Adailton, who received a long ball, also created a scene where he dribbled alone and took a shot.
After that, they continued to struggle in a difficult period where they couldn't break through Sapporo's man-to-man defense even after regaining possession of the ball. In that situation, they created opportunities to bring the ball to Adailton's dribbling and power to take a shot. However, they couldn't create depth in their attacks and all of them ended up as isolated attempts.
On the defensive side, in the 28th minute of the first half, when the third player made a move, Kobashi was able to get behind the defense line, and Sugane was able to kick it back to extend the lead.
The bad flow continues. In the 37th minute of the first half, it was determined by VAR support that player Kashif BANGNAGANDE fouled player Fukumori inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick. This was converted by player Kaneko, widening the lead to 3 points.
Tokyo, who wants to return one goal in the first half somehow, approached the goal again in the 42nd minute of the first half from Adailton's physical play, and Matsuki aimed with his right foot at the loose ball. The shot that hit the course was rejected by the crossbar, and Adailton's shot in response to the second ball also failed to hit the target. They couldn't close the gap and ended the first half without catching up.
2nd HALF - Nakagawa player changes the flow with a substitution and scores a counterattack goal
Tokyo, who was trailing by 3 points, made three substitutions from the start of the second half. They brought in players Diego OLIVEIRA, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, and Takuya AOKI, changed the system, and tried to break the bad flow and attract a good flow.
However, the game situation remains unchanged even in the second half.
In the 4th minute of the second half, they invited danger from a set piece, but it was saved by player SLOWIK's fine save. However, in the immediate 5th minute of the second half, they were broken down by a series of intricate passes in front of the goal, and in the end, it was conceded by player SUGA, resulting in the 4th goal.
The game finally settled down here, but Sapporo still maintained control. However, Tokyo managed to find a glimmer of hope for a counterattack and persisted in their attitude of trying to score a goal. In the 28th minute of the second half, Nakagawa scored a goal by pushing in a cross from Adailton, who had broken through on the right side, and the counterattack finally resulted in a goal.
After returning one point, Tokyo's gear increased and created opportunities for additional points. However, they hit the crossbar or were blocked by the opponent, falling just short. On the contrary, in additional time, Kaua scored his second goal of the day from a counterattack, and the game ended.
After winning three consecutive official matches and entering a series of back-to-back games, we have now experienced our first consecutive loss in the league this season. Next week, we will return home to the Japan National Stadium to face Kawasaki Frontale in the Tamagawa Clasico. We vow to make a comeback in the league against Kawasaki in this important match.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Soma ANZAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (46th minute: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
MF Kei KOIZUMI/Shuto ABE (46th minute: Takuya AOKI)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE (46th minute: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Perotti (46th minute: Diego OLIVEIRA)/Adailton (78th minute: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
28 minutes into the second half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
STARTING XI
GK Takanori SUGENO
DF Shunta TANAKA/Daihachi OKAMURA/Akito FUKUMORI (38th minute: Kiruya NAKAMURA)
MF Takuro KANEKO/Takuma ARANO/Hiroki MIYAZAWA (28th minute: Seiya BABA)/Daiki SUGA/Yuya ASANO (38th minute: Milan TUCIC)/Yoshiaki KOMAI (28th minute: Yuki KOBAYASHI)
FW Tsuyoshi KOGA (19th minute: Lucas FERNANDES)
SUBS
GK Sung Yun GU
MF Supachok/Lucas FERNANDES
GOAL
First half 8 minutes: Yuya ASANO/First half 18 minutes: Daiki SUGA/First half 38 minutes: Takuro KANEKO/Second half 5 minutes: Daiki SUGA/Second half 45+3 minutes: Takuro KANEKO
[Coach Albert's Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A, I think the flow of the game was determined in the first few minutes. There were also moments where we didn't enter the game with a solid focus. There were many ball losses in the midfield, and Sapporo took advantage of them by intercepting. Especially in the first 15 minutes, we had a game plan to attack more from behind, but we weren't able to execute it well. We ended up receiving the ball at our feet more often, leading to ball losses and Sapporo scoring the opening goal and adding another.
I think the tight schedule and the long distance travel for two consecutive away games also had an impact on fatigue. In the midst of a two-day break, the long trips to Kyushu and Hokkaido made it difficult for us to recover from fatigue. As I have mentioned many times before, the J1 League is a highly competitive league. Therefore, any team can win and there is also a possibility of losing. That's why the team that scores the first goal has an influence on the result of the game. Today, because we conceded the first goal and additional goals, we had to aim for more goals and it turned into a back-and-forth battle for goals.
In the first half, we were not able to play well, but we were able to create some chances. In the second half, the players who came on as substitutes gave their all and fought well as a team. I think it was a completely different 45 minutes from the first half. We were able to create decisive chances, and if some of them had gone in, the game would have had a different outcome.
I think we shouldn't allow the first goal in the early stages of the game. The fact that we conceded the first goal there had a big impact on the subsequent game. I want to fix it firmly from today's mistake and move on to the next one.
In the world of soccer, there are also games like this. It is a game where not everything goes well and the opposing team's every move goes well. We were able to create several decisive chances. However, unfortunately, some shots hit the post and there were also situations where a penalty kick was not given.
Q: What adjustments did you make at halftime?
A, I tried to reduce the number of ball losses. And, I confirmed that I would move the ball quickly and try to attack the opponent's back again. It was also something that I had prepared as a pre-game plan. However, I don't think we should be so greatly affected by just one goal conceded.
Q, I think the fourth goal was a goal where many players gathered around the opponent's throw-in.
A, I think soccer is similar to life in that the mental state greatly influences actions. When things are going well, you can make appropriate judgments and actions. On the other hand, when things are not going well, especially if it continues, a negative cycle can occur where mistakes increase in actions and judgments. I think today was such a development.
I think the opening goal and the additional goal in the first 15 minutes of today's first half had a significant impact on our play and the course of the game. I don't think we should have been so affected by the opening goal. The first half play was very poor. There are games where the opponent doesn't take their chances even if we play poorly. However, in regards to today, not only was our play poor, but every action by Sapporo went well and every chance ended in a goal.
Sometimes, even if we cannot create many chances, those few chances can lead to goals and victories. There are also games where we lose despite playing well. That's the world of soccer. Today, our performance was terrible and we were unlucky, while the opposing team's performance went smoothly.
I don't know if the fatigue from the away games affected us, but it might have had an impact. The J-League decided on this schedule, but there are some parts that are difficult to understand. We have a home game next, but after that, we have another away game in an irregular schedule, which is hard to comprehend. However, as a team aiming for the top, we have to overcome such obstacles. In that sense, I believe we need to firmly overcome this barrier.
[Player Interview]
Masato MORISHIGE
Q, it was a tough result. Please tell us your honest feelings right now.
A, we invited trouble from our own mistakes. We conceded 3 goals in the first half and put ourselves in a difficult situation. It is a big point of reflection.
Q, how do you organize what you want to do on the defensive side within the team?
We accept the result of 1-5 as a result of not being organized. We need to organize what kind of soccer we want to show. If we continue to play vaguely, it will result in a situation like today. Both in offense and defense, it became a mediocre game.
Q: Next week, there will be a Tama River Clasico against Kawasaki Frontale. What are the team's challenges and where will you start?
First of all, defense is important. Without a stable defense, we cannot play good football. Of course, we will play an attacking style of football, but it is important to have a balance between offense and defense. Just focusing on attacking is not enough to win, so if we want consistent results as a team, I believe it is necessary to make adjustments in defense.
＜Teruhito NAKAGAWA player＞
Q, it was a tough game result. Please tell us how you feel right now.
A, it was a game that we lost to the opponent's determination, and it is the part that we are currently lacking the most. Regardless of long-distance travel or consecutive matches, our fighting spirit is not surpassing the opponent. I think that is what Tokyo needs the most right now. It's not a matter of soccer. There were also scenes where we conceded goals from one-on-one situations with the opponent. Like the fourth goal, there were also scenes where Tokyo players were all in front of the goal but couldn't fully take the ball away. We were losing in all aspects of the individual situations. I think Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo was actively targeting the ball in the physical battles as well. Against opponents who defend in a man-to-man style, we lacked plays to turn the game around, pass smoothly to our teammates, attract the ball side to create space, and utilize that space.
Q, we also saw Nakagawa encouraging his teammates.
A, because we were in a losing situation. When the situation is numerically equal, it is difficult to steal the ball from the back, so we were giving instructions in those areas.
Q, please reflect on the scoring scene.
A, I was able to score myself, but there were also scenes where I missed. I think the flow changed by deciding. First of all, we need to improve ourselves so that we don't give the opponent the opening goal.
Q: What preparations are you making for the upcoming Tama River Clasico next week?
A, Avispa Fukuoka, and Sapporo had a disappointing experience in the two consecutive matches. I believe that the only way to overcome this frustration is on the field. How well we can play in front of a large crowd. It's not about going back to the basics, but in order to regain our strength in personal matchups, we need to train intensely and rigorously. Otherwise, I don't think we can compete against Kawasaki Frontale, who have high individual abilities.
Q, it seemed that changing some members in consecutive matches had an impact on the game.
I think it depends on everyone's awareness. The players who are given a chance must produce results in the game. Since there are no established positions, expressing oneself in each game will benefit the team and lead to victory. The players who participate in the game should reflect on their individual performances and strive to overcome them as a team. In order to aim for the top and break the bad flow, I think we need to approach the Kawasaki game with a challenger's mindset in order to bring joy to the fans and supporters.
＜Kei Koizumi player＞
Q, did allowing the opening goal affect the outcome?
First of all, we knew that Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo is a team that can score goals from the beginning of the first half, so we were cautious. However, we conceded a goal in the 8th minute, less than 15 minutes into the game. We believed that the start of the game was crucial, but conceding a goal at that point allowed Sapporo to score multiple goals. We wanted to make it a game where the outcome is determined by one goal. Today, more than any other game, the start was important, and by conceding a goal first, we gave the opponent rhythm and momentum. We need to reflect on this.
Q, in a similar flow to the previous match, we were unable to establish our rhythm in the early stages.
A, because the opponent is different each time, the defensive approach and the way of building up play also change. I think if we could have won more second balls in the initial phase today, the game would have taken a different turn. There are differences in tactics and the strengths of the opponents, but I think we were mainly losing in fundamental aspects.
Q, it was a tough match with a demanding schedule of consecutive away games involving long-distance travel.
A, Sapporo is a home game for us and we have away games, and moreover, we have a situation where we have a two-day break in between. However, I think that once we step onto the pitch, the schedule doesn't matter. Even in that situation, we have to win. I think the realistic difference between us and the current Sapporo is simply our lack of strength. I don't want to make too many excuses about the schedule, but I don't think that was the reason we lost today.
Q, I want to bounce back in the next game using this losing streak as a springboard.
With the Japan National Stadium hosting, and Kawasaki Frontale as the opponent, I think many spectators will come to watch, so we cannot afford to have such a disappointing game. We have been continuing to have these kinds of matches, so I think we need to change something as a team if we want to aim for a higher position. I want to discuss with everyone and organize before the Kawasaki match.
＜Player Soma ANZAI＞
Q, it was my first appearance in the league match and my first start.
A, I feel really frustrated because the team suffered a big defeat. I feel sorry because this was the result of the game while all the fans and supporters came here.
Q, when were you told that you would be playing today?
A, I have been participating in practice since Thursday this week, and I was informed about starting in today's lineup at the last minute. However, I had been preparing myself to go because I was included in the starting lineup during practice. I couldn't sleep well last night.
Q, what feelings did you have when you stepped onto the pitch?
I was hoping to boost the team's momentum by participating in the Avispa Fukuoka match, but the results didn't come with it and I ended up being involved in conceding goals personally, so I'm filled with a lot of frustration.
Q, there were also plays where the opponent was left behind with dribbling all over the place.
A, my strength is being able to add an accent to the team in attack, but today I couldn't show my usual performance and there were still many passive plays, so I need to do more.
Q, how do you feel about playing as a side back?
A, I can play anywhere and that's my strength. I also feel the appeal of playing as a full-back, so I don't feel any discomfort playing as a full-back.
Q, it looked like you got into the game smoothly. Did your teammates say anything to you?
Before the match, I received encouragement from everyone and they created a comfortable environment for me. Kei KOIZUMI told me to "go for it" and Masato MORISHIGE and Ryoma WATANABE on the nearby side also gave me encouragement. I wanted to repay everyone's help with my performance, but it turned out to be a disappointing play.
Q: Did you feel that you were able to perform well on the professional stage?
A, as a strong point of myself, I thought I could fight and compete in the ball-winning areas here as well. Today, I still feel that there is a long way to go, but I want to practice and reflect on everything from scratch so that I can come back to this pitch.
Q, what kind of player do you want to become starting from today's league debut?
I think I need to become a player who can give momentum to the team and help the team win in both offense and defense as a side back.
