After Peter CKLAMOVSKI took over as coach, it will be the third time facing a situation of two consecutive losses in the last three games. This round, they will face Albirex Niigata, a "difficult place" where they have only won twice this season.
The focus will be on Kei Koizumi, who will return to his former team, and Ryoma Watanabe. The hard-working player wearing number 37 will play for the first time since his transfer in Niigata, where he spent 4 seasons since turning pro. The versatile attacker wearing number 11 will also play in Niigata for the first time on the J1 League stage.
This was a crucial match for these two players who were hungry for victory, as they aimed to end their losing streak and create a positive momentum for the final home game of the 2023 season in the next round.
1st HALF - Gradually Losing Momentum Despite Early Offensive Pressure
The start showed a lot of initiative. Teruhito NAKAGAWA's absence allowed Kuryu MATSUKI to slide into the attacking midfielder position, showing a dynamic movement to exploit space and activate the attack. Furthermore, there was a coordinated effort with Riki HARAKAWA and Kei KOIZUMI, who both took advantage of the open space and made runs towards goal, displaying a strong attacking mentality.
On the other hand, the first big chance was created by Niigata. In the 8th minute of the first half, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA made a strong shot, but it was saved by Insoo YU. It would have been good if they could have turned the game around from here, but instead they were gradually put under pressure by Niigata's passing game.
Tokyo tried to pressure the opponent's goalkeeper and join in the build-up, but they were unable to catch up and allowed the opponent to enter their own territory. There were moments where they were able to steal the ball in a high position, but they made mistakes in the following plays and were quickly taken back by the fast-switching Niigata. They were unable to settle the ball and launch a counterattack. Although they did not concede any goals, Tokyo ended the first half with only one shot.
2ndHALF—Increased chances with an open development
In the second half, the game became more open, which naturally brought out Tokyo's attacking power. Space began to open up in the midfield, allowing for quick attacks after winning the ball. Players like Diego OLIVEIRA and Adailton were able to move forward and threaten the goal.
And in the 16th minute of the second half, the first scoring opportunity of the match arrived. The ball was carried deep into the opponent's side on the left, and although it was initially taken away, it was immediately recovered. Finally, player Yasuki KIMOTO swung his right foot from near the left corner of the penalty area. The shot aimed for the goal, but was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. Later, in the 18th minute of the second half, there was a dangerous situation where the defense line was caught off guard, but player Yasuki KIMOTO desperately returned and threw himself into a tackle during the shooting scene. He risked his body at the last moment, causing the opponent to miss their shot.
In the middle of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who was injured, was replaced by Kosuke SHIRAI and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. In addition, Keigo HIGASHI and Naoki KUMATA were also sent onto the pitch towards the end, and the remaining 10 minutes saw intense attacks and defenses.
In the 38th minute of the second half, they applied coordinated pressure towards the opponent's goal and successfully managed to steal the ball. However, a bold shot by Koizumi missed the target. On the other hand, in the 45+1 minute, a cross ball was sent into the goal area from the right side, and although a header shot was taken in front of the goal, Nozawa used his right foot to clear it from the frame.
It was a game that both teams wanted to win, but there were no goals and the game ended 0-0. Tokyo was able to stop their losing streak, but they were unable to overtake Niigata, who are one place above them in the standings with a one point difference.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (Substituted in 26th minute: Kosuke SHIRAI)
MF Kei KOIZUMI (Substituted in 44th minute: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Riki HARAKAWA (Substituted in 36th minute: Keigo HIGASHI)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Diego OLIVEIRA (Substituted in 36th minute: Naoki KUMATA)/Adailton (Substituted in 26th minute: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Seiji KIMURA
GOAL
―
＜Albirex Niigata＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Ryosuke KOJIMA
DF Soya FUJIWARA/Michael James FITZGERALD (12 minutes into the second half: Thomas DEN)/Kazuhiko CHIBA/Naoto ARAI
MF Eitaro MATSUDA (23 minutes into the second half: Shunsuke MITO)/Takahiro KO/Yuji HOSHI (34 minutes into the second half: Hiroki AKIYAMA)/Shusuke OTA (23 minutes into the second half: Yota KOMI)
FW Kaito TANIGUCHI (34 minutes into the second half: Motoki NAGAKURA)/Koji SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Koto ABE
DF Taiki WATANABE
GOAL
―
[Peter Cklamovski Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
I think it was a good football battle. The players performed well and aggressively defended, which was good to keep the opponent scoreless. We were able to successfully press and catch the opponent, thanks to the hard work of the players. Albirex Niigata is a good team, but we have been defending by keeping them away from our goal as much as possible. In the midst of that, we were able to control the attack and play with the intention of moving forward. However, I wish we had thought more about when to move forward and when to keep possession.
I think we were able to make a lot of passes in the attacking area while playing in the enemy's territory. As we approach the goal, we need to polish our ability to finish attacks and take shots. The players fought desperately for victory. We want to move forward with this one point. We also thank the fans and supporters. The push for the players to give their all came from the fans and supporters.
Q, please evaluate the performance of Kuryu MATSUKI, who was used as a top midfielder, and Yasuki KIMOTO, who made a rare start as a center back.
We cannot evaluate only two players as highlights, but all players worked hard and fought. I think Matsuki and Kimoto did a great job. We aimed to aggressively press, steal the ball, and create good opportunities, and there were parts where we were able to do that. One point we can be proud of is that we fought hard and kept a clean sheet. However, I think we could have been more hungry to score and there were also many good performances. We want to continue to improve ourselves as we move forward.
Q, What preparations have you made for the Niigata match?
A, we were able to finish without conceding any goals by polishing our defense. We also practiced in the area we wanted to use near the penalty area. Niigata is a very good team, so we tried to play aggressively. We practiced while communicating well about when to press and when not to, and I think we were able to show our good points. We were able to show our strength in defense and we also practiced not letting the opponent into our area this week, and the players were able to produce results from that.
I think we were able to show good plays and good parts even in our attacks. Among them, we were able to show our intention to play forward. However, there were moments where we needed to keep the ball and moments where we needed to go forward, and we needed to have control in those situations. We need to improve in those areas. We were able to use the areas we wanted to use and create very dangerous situations, but we may need to improve in terms of taking shots or playing towards the goal. I think the players showed their spirit in both practice and on the pitch today. In order to show our strong performance, there are areas that we need to improve 100%, but we want to continue to progress towards becoming the team we dream of.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO player＞
Q, please reflect on this round's full participation in the official game after a long time.
A, It has been a while, so I was conscious of quickly getting used to the speed and intensity of the team and the game. We were able to play aggressively from the first half, but there were also times when we couldn't express satisfactory plays. I want to use the challenges I felt in today's game to contribute to my own growth in the future. As a team, we only achieved the minimum result, and as an individual, I want to use the challenges and discoveries I gained in this round to continue to improve. I think we had a meaningful time.
Q, Until around 30 minutes into the first half, we struggled against the opponent's pressure, but as the game went on, it seemed to have improved.
A, I felt the challenges when facing opponents who put pressure from the front line. However, I think we need to improve our team's positioning, distance, and support quality. Otherwise, we will easily fall into the opponent's pressure and not be able to create an attacking rhythm. As for ball possession, I would like to continue to work on it as a challenge.
Q, in the 18th minute of the second half, there was also a scene where player Kimoto saved the team by putting his body on the line.
A, It is best not to give the opponent such a scene, but by aggressively defending from the front, space will inevitably be created behind. As a result, I think that finishing the game without conceding a goal will give confidence to the team and players. We were not able to completely stop Albirex Niigata's attack, but I think it was a good result as a defensive player to finish the game without conceding a goal.
Q, we are now entering the break period and the next match will be our final home game. How do you plan to continue taking advantage of the opportunities you have gained?
First of all, I want to show plays that will lead to the team's victory. Even when looking at the rankings, we are in a disappointing and embarrassing position, but I want to show our determination at home in the end. I hope to show the fans and supporters a soccer that will make them have high expectations for Tokyo from now on.
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA＞
Q, a big save at the end saved the team. Please review the game again.
A, while aiming for victory as a team, we played with the minimum goal of not conceding in order to support our attack. If we concede, the flow and plan will collapse in an instant, and in the first half, there were moments where we felt pressure from the opponent, but I think we were able to focus as a team and play patiently, without losing concentration for the flow to come in the second half. There are challenges in not being able to score, but considering the away game record of this season, I think it was good to be able to finish the game without conceding, as the minimum result.
Q, By successfully enduring the pressure we received from the beginning, it seemed like the momentum shifted towards Tokyo. How did you feel about the build-up from the back?
A, I had an image of using fine passes to entice the opponent and sending long balls to the space created by biting. Although there were moments of pressure in the first half, I didn't feel like there were many unstable plays.
Q, entering the second half, I think the team's position was set higher than in the first half.
As the game progressed, the pace also became more open and the defensive burden gradually increased. Despite Masato MORISHIGE and Yasuki KIMOTO being turned inside out by the opposing side backs and midfielders, they were able to return to their positions and did not give the opponent any big chances. The reason we were not easily defeated in the final part was due to our hard work on defense. I am grateful for my teammates' play.
Q, contributed to keeping a clean sheet, and now the activities of the U-22 Japan national team are coming up.
I want to make good use of my time to further improve as an individual player. I want to focus on achieving solid results, rather than having vague goals, and work hard every day.
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: please review the game.
A, although there were some scenes where we were beaten, I feel that we were able to improve our defense compared to the previous two games. That's why today's game was one that we could have won if the players on the front line, including myself, had done their job. Personally, I am very disappointed.
Q, creating opportunities from the defense in front of player Matsuki.
A, the opponent is very good at passing the ball, so even if I press individually, it's hard to take it away. However, today, the players behind were able to press as a team, and there were many scenes where it worked well, so I think that was good. However, on the attacking side, if I had been able to receive the ball as a number 10 and create opportunities, and if I had been able to take on the opponent individually, I think the game could have had a different outcome.
Q, What were you conscious of when playing in a position one ahead of usual?
A, I focused on playing with fluidity regardless of position, and was conscious of receiving the ball well between the opponent's center back and defensive midfielder.
Q, the last two games of this season have arrived.
A, we will enter another break period, and since I have national team activities, I will play with the intention of producing results there. Even after returning from the national team, I want to continue practicing what is necessary for the team to win.
