The final match of the 2023 season was held at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. It was the culmination of a season filled with various events. The team aimed to deliver 3 points to their home fans and supporters, and approached the final match with the desire to end the season on a high note.
There were some changes in player selection from the previous match against Albirex Niigata due to accumulated warnings and condition adjustments. Yasuki Kimoto and Masato Morishige formed a center back partnership, while Shuhei Tokumoto started on the left side back. Teruhito Nakagawa, who returned from suspension, entered the field as a right winger.
1stHALF - Diego's career-high goal puts us in the lead
Despite being pushed by the momentum of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo at the beginning, gradually the time of possessing the ball increases and the time of turning to attack increases.
The big chance came in the 18th minute of the first half, when Kimoto, who was open on the right side after repelling the opponent's attack, received the ball and sent a sharp vertical pass to Nakagawa, who had moved into the space in front. Nakagawa, who had taken the opponent's back, broke through into the penalty area and faced a 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper just in front of the right goal. He took a shot that would have beaten the goalkeeper, but the ball deflected to the left of the goal.
In the 36th minute of the first half, Adailton, who cut in forcefully from the left side to the center, swung his right foot at the front of the goal, but was blocked by a defender.
Tokyo, who has grasped the rhythm of the attack, continues to create chances. In the 40th minute of the first half, they broke through the right side and created an opportunity in the penalty area. The ball was then passed to the left, and player Tokumoto made a run and attempted a middle shot, but it went over the goal.
Despite creating chances, they were unable to finish, but in the 41st minute of the first half, their attacking efforts paid off. Riki HARAKAWA passed the ball to Adailton, who was positioned near the center of the penalty area. Adailton, with Diego OLIVEIRA in his line of sight, left the ball with a heel pass while being marked by an opponent. Diego then ran in and scored with his left foot, placing the ball in the bottom left corner, giving Tokyo the long-awaited opening goal.
2ndHALF - Overturned at the start
We wanted to continue the good flow we had in the first half, but we collapsed at the start of the second half. In the 6th minute of the second half, we couldn't catch the third player's movement from the midfield, and we were passed with a one-touch pass, allowing the defense line to be taken behind. Asano player broke through and Taishi Brandon Nozawa player scored a goal at the start.
Sapporo's momentum cannot be stopped. In the 12th minute of the second half, a cross ball from the left side was passed between the defensive line and the goalkeeper, and was then combined with a one-touch pass by player Kogashiwa who broke through the final line, resulting in a goal. The game was quickly turned around.
After that, Sapporo continued to struggle to break through their solid defense in their own territory. In the middle of the second half, they brought in Takuya Aoki, Keigo Higashi, and Kosuke Shirai, and towards the end, they also added fresh players Naoki Kumata and Tsubasa Terayama to try and revitalize the team. However, they were unable to change the flow of the game and entered into additional time.
Tokyo, who strengthened their attacking posture and attacked aggressively, had the ball taken away in a high position in the 45+4th minute. A long shot was scored over the head of player Nozawa, who had moved forward, widening the gap. Tokyo continued to aim for a goal until the end, but they were unable to reduce the deficit and the game ended at full time.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Shuhei TOKUMOTO (29th minute of the second half: Kosuke SHIRAI)
MF Kei KOIZUMI (21st minute of the second half: Takuya AOKI)/Riki HARAKAWA (39th minute of the second half: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Ryoma WATANABE (21st minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA/Diego OLIVEIRA (39th minute of the second half: Naoki KUMATA)/Adailton
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Seiji KIMURA
GOAL
41' First Half: Diego OLIVEIRA
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
STARTING XI
GK Takanori SUGENO
DF Shunta TANAKA/Daihachi OKAMURA (30th minute: Shota NISHINO)/Akito FUKUMORI (0th minute: Toya NAKAMURA)
MF Yuya ASANO (45+1st minute: Shingo OMORI)/Takuma ARANO/Hiroki MIYAZAWA/Daiki SUGA (0th minute: Supachok)/Yoshiaki KOMAI/Ryo AOKI
FW Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA (35th minute: Gunhee KIM)
SUBS
GK Shun TAKAGI
MF Yuki KOBAYASHI
GOAL
6 minutes into the second half: Yuya ASANO/12 minutes into the second half: Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA/45+4 minutes into the second half: Shingo OMORI
[Peter Cklamovski Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A, it is very disappointing to have lost. I feel sorry for the fans and supporters. It would have been great if we could have converted our chances. We had many opportunities to create more chances and score goals. There were also chances to pull ahead of the opponent in the game. However, we were not able to finish them off. In today's match, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo had the upper hand in converting chances.
Q: In the first half, we were able to execute what we had prepared on the offensive side, but in the second half we conceded two goals before being able to adapt to the opponent's style. Can you tell us what led to the defeat?
A, Regarding the first half, we were able to execute what we had prepared against Sapporo, so it went as expected and the flow of the game allowed us to aim for additional points. In the second half, we continued to concede goals during a period of decreased performance. With these two points, our plan fell apart and the flow of the game changed. I believe if we were able to score a second goal, the game would have had a different outcome. Even during the difficult period in the second half, I feel like we were able to create our own chances.
Q, what do you think is necessary for young players who come on in the second half to demonstrate their abilities? Is it improving individual skills or improving teamwork?
A, both are necessary. Of course, the role of bench members is to have an impact on the team when they come on as substitutes and to fight until the end of the game. Today, we couldn't turn the game around, but we want to use what we learned from today's game in the next one.
[Player Interview]
Masato MORISHIGE
Q, There was a very good start to the first half, but unfortunately we conceded early in the second half.
A, it was a very good start to the game, but I think it was a game we could have won if we had scored more goals in situations other than the opening goal. We conceded an easy goal and the game became rough. However, there were scenes where we were able to express the challenges and efforts we are making as a team. If we focus on the positive aspects, I believe we were able to play the way we wanted to more than usual.
Q, both as a team and as a player, Mori Shige's defense was shining with high positioning and limiting the opponent's play from the first half.
A, the theme for today was to aggressively play both offense and defense. In the first half, we were able to express ourselves well in terms of ball movement and defense from the front line. However, in the second half, there were changes in the opponent's style of play, and there were more scenes where we couldn't keep up with the pace.
Q, What kind of response was required on the pitch against the opponent who changed players and tactics from the start of the second half?
A, there was not a big confusion, but we were caught in a moment of weakness and it led to a goal. I think the lack of detailed communication led to the consecutive goals in the early second half.
Q, at the post-match ceremony, the feelings I have felt as captain were also expressed. What do you think is necessary for the final match and for Tokyo to move forward?
A, all I have to say as a representative of the players at the ceremony is this. It is important for each player to know what they need to do in order for the team to achieve its goals. This season, there have been many changes within the club, but we see every action as a step towards winning and becoming champions.
There may be differences in each person's methods and ways of thinking, and there may be pros and cons, but ultimately, everyone involved with the club should aim for the same place, and in order to reach that place, we must all head in the same direction. We discuss our methods and processes in relation to our goals in order to create something better. Ultimately, I believe that discussing how to "win" is what leads each of us to "do our job".
Diego Oliveira player
Q: Please reflect on scoring your 15th career-high goal.
Regarding the goal, the players were able to have good coordination because they were in a good distance, so we were able to score quickly. Adailton also gave a good ball, so all I had to do was tap it in. However, it's very disappointing that we couldn't win despite it being the final home game, and we couldn't celebrate with the fans and supporters at Ajinomoto Stadium, our last game of the season.
Q: In the first half, there were chances, but in the second half, we were pushed back for a long time. Please review the game.
A, In the first half, it was unfortunate that we could only score one goal despite having chances on both sides. In the second half, the opponent had more chances while Tokyo had fewer, which was disappointing.
Q, Next Match, Shonan Bellmare Match will be the final match of the 2023 season. Please give us your enthusiasm.
A, there are no easy games. The Shonan game is always a difficult one, and it will be even harder since it's an away game. It's been a tough season, but I want to prepare for the last week and approach the game in a good way.
＜Player Takuya Aoki＞
Q, I came on in the second half, but how did you watch the game from the bench in the first half? Also, what was your intention when you stepped onto the pitch?
A, in the first half, I felt that when we quickly attacked vertically by switching or countering after taking the ball from the bench, it became a chance. When I entered in the second half, I was conscious of shortening the distance, but there were also parts that didn't go well.
Q, how did it feel to step onto the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium after a long time?
A, it was a long time since the last game, and it was also a long time since I played with the players who have been playing continuously, so there were many situations where we couldn't match well in that aspect.
Q, how was the overall season considering the injuries and long rehabilitation period?
A, I felt that it was a slightly disadvantageous situation for myself when I returned and my condition improved, but I got injured again at that timing and the coach changed.
Q, the team is currently in a situation where they have not won in 4 games, but how will they align their focus as a team towards the final game of the season?
A, I think it will get better by winning, so I think we should just greedily pursue victory together.
＜Player Shuhei TOKUMOTO＞
Q, it was my first game appearance in a while. What were you conscious of when you approached the game?
A, I prepared for the game as usual. I gave my all in practice as usual, but when I found out I was starting, I was even more fired up.
Q: In the first half, there were many opportunities for Tokyo, but in the second half, they were pushed back. Please review the game.
In the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA scored the opening goal in a game situation where it was unclear which way it would go, and we were able to end the first half well. On the other hand, in the second half, we spent a lot of time defending and it became a difficult time. I think it was the defense's responsibility for conceding a goal and making the game difficult. The equalizing goal ended up deciding the game.
Q, What were you conscious of while having different characteristics from other side back players?
A, I was trying to do what I could. I thought that if I didn't think about difficult things and just did what I had to do, I could calm down the game. I was able to do that well in the first half, but it's frustrating that I couldn't be an escape route in the second half. Playing in the game was still very enjoyable.
Q, Next Match, Shonan Bellmare Match will be the final match of the 2023 season. Please give us your enthusiasm.
A, I want to win solidly and end it. This season, we have caused a lot of frustration for our fans and supporters, so in the final game, I want to play with all my heart for Tokyo, with a feeling of gratitude.
