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MATCH
Match Report
The season has finally arrived at its last match. It was a campaign that saw a pause in league fixtures due to the spread of COVID 19, five periods where the team played five consecutive matches with only two to three days of rest in between, and new limitations on crowd activity that prevented fans from cheering with their voices… Despite the unprecedented situation, the J-League was able to continue thanks to the support of many fans. The spectators must also be acknowledged for finding ways to show their passion despite the limitations on cheering. Through their support and more, the league was able to complete a full schedule of fixtures.
As Verdy prepared to play their final game at home, Yoshito Okubo and Hiroyuki Kawano both returned from injury to take places on the bench. Naoya Kondo, who had recently announced that he would retire at the season’s conclusion, also found his name on the team sheet.
The match began with both teams applying a fearsome press, leading to an end-to-end battle at midfield, in which it only took the briefest of moments for chances to emerge. In the 9th minute, a misplaced pass from Masashi Wakasa put Verdy in danger on the short counter, but the effort on goal went just wide of the target. In the 13th minute, Verdy built their passing rhythm on the left side and Koki Morita made his way into the final third before attempting a shot from the box that was blocked. In the 14th minute, Morita intercepted a pass behind the defense and tried to catch the goalkeeper off his line with a quick shot, but the ball went straight into the keeper’s arms. Chances continued to come. In the 17th minute, Haruya Ide received a midrange forward pass from Shion Inoue and turned to fire a powerful shot that sailed over the bar. In the 34th minute, a robust move began on the left side before the ball was played into space on the right, where Junki Koike made a run and controlled the pass. Koike attempted to time his shot just as the goalkeeper began to backpedal, but the ball went wide of the post.
Hoping to claim complete control of the pace in the second half, Verdy replaced Koike with the club’s leading scorer, Ryoya Yamashita, after the break. However, it would be themselves who were on the back foot. In the 52nd minute, a lightly chipped shot was taken from the right of the Verdy penalty area and after the ball rebounded off the bar, the opposition were there to follow up. Although the second shot also hit the bar, the rebound was once again recovered by an attacker who this time found the net and put Verdy behind. In the 70th minute, the team were stretched in the wide areas and allowed the opposition into the box once again while the defense scrambled to block the subsequent shot on goal. The biggest chances of the day for Verdy would arrive one after the other during additional time. In the 92nd minute, Morita burst into the box and reached the ball before the goalkeeper, but his shot went just wide of the left post. In the 93rd minute, late substitute Yoshito Okubo was unmarked in front of goal when the ball rolled his way, but his effort too went over the bar. In the final result, Verdy continued to apply pressure to the opposition goal until the last minute but were unable to find the net, leaving them to suffer a one-goal loss.
As difficult matches continued over these past months, the team have been held up by the many fans who attended matches at the stadium and watched on DAZN. Through it all, Verdy have pursued a brand of football in which they achieved victory by dominating their opponents. However, the inconsistent quality of that football has led to frustration with both the content and results of their fixtures. Still, it is also true that when their football was in form, their performances were both exciting and led to victory. Next season, that football will provide a foundation to return to as they seek to raise the frequency of those moments. While concentrating on that, they will now prepare to join their supporters in a new campaign.
Post-match comments
Manager Hideki Nagai
Your thoughts on the match?
As this was the final match of the season and a home game, I had hoped that we would play well and reward the supporters for their faith in us, but it ended up a very frustrating result and I feel a lot of regret for that. In terms of our play, I think we had an excellent game in the first half. The need to continue building on what we’ve done so far and complete the evolution of our football by finishing moves remains an issue. I feel that it is something that we will have to improve next season. In the second half, I regret that we weren’t able to play our game in the period before substitutions were made. Once we did make substitutions, we were gradually able to execute our game once again. We will definitely have to reflect on the goal we conceded, but more than that, we need to grow stronger mentally and not hang our heads immediately after giving up a goal. I very strongly believe that is an area where we will need to see growth next season. Regarding the close of the match, we were playing our football, but in what could be seen as an emblem of our season and the clear issue that needs to be addressed before next year, we weren’t able to finish. The players will need to elevate their finishing not only on an individual level, but as a team as well, I think we must improve our quality in front of goal. Next, I would like to say something about Kondo. To be honest, I was only consulted, or I guess you could say informed, about his decision a week ago. At first, he said that he wanted to retire quietly, without a ceremony, but I feel that Kondo is a player of merit for not only Verdy but the entire J-League. As such, I was determined to give him an appropriate send off. I had hoped that we could pave his road to retirement with a victory, so for that alone, I am sorry. However, the impact he left on the team is huge and he has been an example to so many of the younger players. I hope we can retain what he has left behind and transform it into greater strength that will aid us next season. Finally, in today’s match and throughout the season, we have dealt with the problems presented by Covid 19. Despite the many difficulties it has added to daily life for all of us, the fans and supporters have continued to devote a portion of that daily life to Tokyo Verdy and have truly been with us every step of the way. On behalf of the entire team, I would like to say thank you to them. There were so many matches where we could not pay them back properly this season, but I hope to do so more and more next year. We will work to begin the coming campaign as an upgraded team. Thank you for everything during this year.
Once again, today, you had many chances on the counter but could not finish those moves. How do you hope to improve on that next season?
I think counter-attacking is an area where we have a lot of room for growth. Naturally, there is much work we need to do, on both our normal plan of breaking teams down and on other plans we can use to attack the goal that won’t take up time.
What elements do you think prevented you from playing with your normal rhythm in the second half?
They were the same problems that occur whenever things aren’t going well for us, namely spacing between players, positioning, and recognition of what areas of the pitch were open. I felt that those problems emerged again at the start of the second half. When individual players make mistakes, football becomes a difficult game, so as we carry out our game design, we need to raise our precision throughout the 90 minutes, on an individual level and as a team. That will be the upgrade we’re looking for.
Why do you think you were unable to withstand the strong pressure from their two holding midfielders?
I think you’re right about that being an issue. In addition, it was also important for one our front central midfielders, or our free man, to quickly take up position at the apex of our attacking triangles in midfield.
Sato seemed to be playing much wider than usual and even making runs behind the defense. Can you tell us what you were aiming for with that?
We knew that Mito would press us from the front, so we concentrated on aiming behind their high line and stretching them wide.
Team President Hanyu spoke about the club’s financial difficulties during the closing ceremony. As the manager, do you have any comment?
I feel like I have an overall understanding of the circumstances and what led to them, but as the team on the pitch, I feel it is necessary for us to join with the front office, the fans, and the supporters to raise the value of Tokyo Verdy and take the next step forward. I’ve heard that the problems we will need to address to do that are serious and I hope that solutions are reached quickly for the good of the club. I am hopeful that we can all pull together and move forward from this.
MF14Koki Morita
Your thoughts on the match?
There were periods when we played well and periods where we didn’t, but what stands out for me the most is that we didn’t score when we had the chance. This was another match where that made the difference.
After the positive momentum in the first half, why do you think things grew so difficult for you at the start of the second?
In the first half, we aimed behind the opposition’s back line, but I don’t think we did that enough in the second half. Everyone was trying to receive the ball at their feet and we didn’t make effective use of the space at the back.
You nearly scored during additional time in the second half.
As in the first half and on our final opportunities of the match, I feel strongly that whether or not we score in those moments will have a big effect on how the match unfolds. I feel that to be an issue for me individually and something I hope to improve on next season.
Individually, you made a good interception from the front line in the first half that led to a good counter attacking opportunity. Why do you think the team were unable to end that move with a finish?
We did well to win the ball, but from that point, I think the way we reacted to what our teammates were doing and the decisions made by the ball holder were lacking.
Individually, what are your thoughts on the season as a whole?
Individually, it was a very difficult season for me. I wasn’t able to have an impact on our results and there were matches where we had a chance to win but failed to do so. There are several games in my memory where I feel that if I had performed better or gotten a goal, things would have been different. It was a frustrating season as a whole.
After a period when you weren’t given much match time, you made several appearances in the latter part of the season. What areas did you improve on during that interval?
I still have a lot of work to do, but I focused on being more aggressive and direct in attack. However, I’m disappointed that those efforts didn’t lead to goals for the team.
In what areas do you need to improve next season?
Next season, I want to aid the team directly. That means playing with the strong determination to be a match winner and developing the skills, as well as judgment, that will support that determination. I will do my best to contribute to the team and earn results.
DF3Naoya Kondo
How does it feel to have completed the final match of your career?
I feel relieved. I’ve been freed from all my burdens. That’s all.
You came on in the final minutes with the team down a goal. What instructions did you receive?
We felt there might be some chances to score from set pieces and I was told to aim for those. Honestly, I think Coach Nagai only put me on because it was my last match?
What did you feel about coming on in your last match?
It was my last time on the pitch. I won’t set foot there again, so I tried to make the most of each moment. We were losing 0-1, so I really did want to do as the manager asked and score from a set piece. It just didn’t happen.
You seem to have showed restraint in many ways throughout your pro career. Now that you’re retired, is there anything that you’ve always wanted to do but were unable to?
Not really (laugh). I don’t eat junk food or anything like that anyway. I just want to take things slow for a while.
Tell us about your future career plan.
I haven’t given it any thought. I’ve truly been running at full steam for 19 years, so I’m thinking of taking some time off. I’ll relax and do some of the things I’ve never been able to. That will help me to think. Right now, there’s nothing in particular that I want to do, but if I take my time, I’m sure it will come to me.
Do you have any plans to try coaching?
To be honest, it’s not something that I’m thinking about.
Can you tell us at what point you made the final decision to retire?
I can’t tell you the day or anything (laughs). However, it was two days ago when I told the team. There was no specific triggering event. I just tried to be honest with myself about how I felt.
What was the biggest factor in your decision?
I told this to Coach Nagai as well, but I felt myself losing my desire to compete. When I was younger, I was always fired up, to the point that I would get in fights with opposing players and was always losing my temper with my teammates. I was able to channel my anger into my play, but it’s faded with each passing year and especially over the past one or two years, I’ve found things difficult. For me, the absence of that passion means that I’m no longer qualified to be a professional. Or at least it was one of the reasons for my decision.
How did it feel to reach your 400th J League match in the last fixture?
It was truly excellent timing to reach that milestone. Coach Nagai did me a favor by bringing me on at the end, so I was somehow able to reach that number. I’m really grateful to the manager.
MF20Shion Inoue
Your thoughts on the match?
I wanted us to prove our value with a win and I strongly regret not being able to do so.
In terms of the way you moved the ball, you seemed to play at your preferred pace in the first half to some degree.
We did a good job of moving the ball and crossing the halfway line, but I think our play in the final third and our ideas at the end of moves were still an issue.
You had a good chance on the short counter after good defensive play. Is it your impression that everyone wasn’t on the same page at the end of moves?
Even on the counter, I think all of us need to flip the switch and join the attack and that didn’t happen enough. We had several opportunities to finish those moves and if we can learn to get goals on the counter, it will make things easier for us as a team.
In the second half, you seemed to struggle with the way they defended from the front and were pushed back for long periods.
When that happens, we need players to get behind their defense. If we’re all aware that there’s space behind them, we can turn things around. I think we needed to move the ball in the square zone and play with a better understanding of what our opponents were doing.
This season, there were several matches where you played well but failed to score and then found yourself conceding when your opponents pushed back.
That happened in the previous fixture too. You don’t see that happen to the type of teams that achieve promotion. We have to get goals when we’re playing well. That means not settling for just one goal and aiming to get two or three. It’s also important that we talk to each other and encourage one another when things aren’t going well.
In the second half, you were aggressive about running with the ball on the left side and created some chances.
At that point, I wanted to help reclaim the momentum. The more players we have who can do that, the better I think it will be for the team. It’s important that each of us elevate our abilities as individuals.
In addition to breaking down teams that retreat in defense, do you think the team’s decision making on the counter and ability to play with greater speed also need to improve?
All of us, including myself, need to improve our decision making and precision when playing at a higher speed. We just have to communicate more and work on that in training. I hope we can improve our quality in training.
You scored a career high four goals this season. How do you rate your individual performance over the campaign as a whole?
I haven’t achieved enough in numbers and I can count how many times I helped win matches on one hand. I have to increase that number and also my individual numbers. I just want to be a player who can help the team win.
You showed remarkable improvement throughout the season, not only in attack, but in the way you tracked back and defended as well.
That’s a problem that’s been a focus for the team. My determination to play for my teammates has contributed to that improvement.
Tell us what improvements you need to reach J1 next season.
We have to raise the quality of our football one or two levels higher and it’s important that we build the mentality that will enable us to win close matches.
Because of Covid 19, this was a season like no other. What was it like for you as a professional footballer?
It reminded me of all the things that I’ve taken for granted. This whole year has left me feeling grateful just for the chance to play football, step onto the pitch, and have supporters in the audience. It was really a meaningful season.
FW13Yoshito Okubo
Your thoughts on the match?
Not only today, but in so many of our other matches, it felt like we made a lot of mistakes in front of goal and were wasteful. In contrast, Mito responded well and I think their attacking play was superior to ours.
In the first half, you were able to move the ball and develop the match at your own pace to some degree.
We can play the way we want to, but we’re not posing a threat to our opponents. There’s nothing frightening about our game and it’s easy to scout. The players on the pitch need to think more about what should be done. Without that, I don’t think we’ll be able to improve.
This was your first appearance in a while. What did you focus on to help reverse the team’s fortunes?
I came on in the 37th minute of the second half, but all I wanted to do was get in front of goal. Unless we take more shots, we’re not going to score. That was why I kept firing.
You ended the season on a seven-match unbeaten run. How did you view the team’s play in the final portion of the season?
Not only in the final portion of the season, but from the very beginning, Coach Nagai has led the team to play excellent football no matter who is on the pitch. In the midst of that, however, someone has to produce the unexpected. Coach Nagai communicates what should be done in clear and simple terms, but from that point, it’s up to the players to take the next step. In those terms, I’d give us a score of near zero out of 100. If we don’t act on our own to express our individuality, we’ll be able to keep hold of the ball but won’t earn a lot of goals. If our opponents make mistakes, we can get by with that, but when they defend us man to man or retreat into a block, we can’t attack well. I think that’s why we’re in the table position we’re in. We have to show more individuality in attack and read the game better ourselves. That’s something I’ve felt over the course of the year.
So you think producing advantages at an individual level, on top of your usual style, is the team’s biggest issue?
That’s correct. The precision of our passes and crosses in the final third is poor and we often rush things at important moments, which leads to mistakes. I really think that’s a waste.
The team had some positive periods mid-season, but what do you think was the reason things slowed down at the end of the campaign?
There were no changes in our approach. It was just that the opposition developed strategies to deal with our play and while Coach Nagai and the staff made adjustments to our formations and tactics, none of us produced an advantage individually. I really think that was the difference.
In terms of creating individual advantages, do you think it’s important for Fujita and the other young players to display further growth?
I think that’s true, but as far as Joel (Fujita) is concerned, he really has grown a lot and I can sense that he wants to improve and reach the next level as a player. From the time of training camp, I often told him that he needed to get forward more and as a result, he’s become able to do that. What more can you ask for from an 18-year old? Still, I think the fact that he’s come this far so quickly shows that he has even more potential for growth. I really think he will become a player capable of representing Japan.
You had many troubles with injury this season. How do you look back on the past year, individually?
I truly enjoyed watching the younger players and giving them advice. I’m just enjoying playing football.
Because of the corona virus, this was a season like no other. What sort of year was it for you as a footballer?
A lot happened, but even including those things, I enjoyed it. I think it was a valuable experience.
Do you have a message for the fans and supporters who cheered you on throughout the year?
I’m sure it was difficult for them being able to cheer us on only with applause and without raising their voices. I would truly like to thank them for their support throughout the year.