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MATCH
Match Report
Verdy have now reached the midpoint of the season’s fourth burst of 5 consecutive matches and on this day faced match #4. During their previous match, they had finished the first of two consecutive home games with only three days in-between by settling for a draw against Tochigi SC. Now, they would need to reset and aim for the full three points during a weekday match at Ajinomoto Stadium
As they had done regularly in recent fixtures, Verdy made changes from the squad that played the previous match. Yoshito Okubo replaced Jin Hanato as starter in the free role, while Yuhei Sato and Koki Morita were paired at front central midfield. On the substitute’s bench, Taiga Ishiura saw his name on the squad sheet for the first time this season, joining Rihito Yamamoto and Joel Chima Fujita as the third academy graduate to make the team in his rookie season. Finally, Matheus suffered an injury in training just before the match, meaning that Takahiro Shibasaki would protect the goal mouth for the first time since the season’s fourth fixture.
Verdy looked to set the pace from the opening whistle, but the opposition had made changes to their system and were difficult to pin down, leaving the team playing inside their own half for an extended period. Even when they did win the ball, the players found themselves in deep positions and needed time just to get forward on the counter, let alone execute their usual buildup play. It was after the water break that the momentum began to change. The Verdy players began to observe their opponent’s positioning with greater care and adjusted their own positions in response, allowing them to keep possession and move the ball with greater patience as they pushed gradually into the opposition half for a long interval. On the other hand, as the opposition dropped back in defense, the team seemed unable to stretch them and create chances until the 43rd minute, when Okubo threatened the goal with a fierce midrange shot. As the first half entered into additional time, Ryoya Yamashita received a direct pass and laid the ball off with his first touch, setting up Okubo for another mid-range shot with his right foot. The shot had plenty of force, but it unfortunately flew straight into the arms of the goalkeeper.
At half time, the manager issued detailed instructions about the players’ positioning and ways to draw out the opposition. He also replaced Takayuki Fukumura with Rihito Yamamoto and inserted Shion Inoue for Okubo in the early minutes. The objective was to strengthen the attack and just after entering the match, Inoue would generate a clear opportunity. It was the 60th minute and after a set piece was cleared, Sato recovered the second ball and played a long ball to Tomohiro Taira, who was in space on the wide left. After battling for position, Taira was able to head the ball down into the penalty area for the running Morita, who secured the ball to the left of the goal and played a shallow return pass that was received by Yamashita just outside the box. The latter then attempted to place his shot into the right corner, only to see his effort pawed away by the outstretch hand of the goalkeeper. From that point, the team continued to move the ball in the opposition half. Despite creating numerical advantages in the wide areas, however, the opposition defense kept their shape well as they slid from side to side and Verdy were unable to fully break them down. In the end, Yamashita’s effort was the team’s only shot of the second half.
Meanwhile, on the other end of the pitch, the opposition’s pressure led to dangerous chances. In the 89th minute, a long ball was played into the penalty area after a set piece and the Iwata attackers secured it to set up an unmarked shot on goal. However, Shibasaki was able to extend his left leg for a fine save. Later, in the first minute of additional time, a freekick taken from deep on the wide left led to a cross that flew through the box and reached an attacker unmarked on the far side for a volley. Once again, however, Shibasaki showed astonishing reflexes and determination by beating the ball away with his left hand.
The match was now an open affair and Verdy attempted to counterattack. In particular, late substitute Taiga Ishiura broke through the defense by running with the ball at his feet, but the team were ultimately unable to threaten the opposition goal and ended the match with their second straight scoreless draw.
During this latest streak of five consecutive matches, Verdy have often lacked players who can act as an outlet at the end of their attacks, but with two clean sheets in a row, their defense has provided a firm foundation and they are only one step away from being able to finish off their opponents. Their next match will come with only two days of rest, as they travel to Yamagata looking for goals at last.
Post-match comments
Manager Hideki Nagai
Your thoughts on the match?
Since this was a home game, the players and I were determined that this would be the day that we played Verdy football and earned a victory, but it ended up being a very frustrating result. When the match began, Jubilo’s positioning was different from what we expected and we struggled in defense for the first ten or fifteen minutes. During the water break, we changed our plan and the players did an excellent job. Then Jubilo began involving Yatto (Yasuhito Endo) in the match and attempted to dominate possession. Naturally, since football is a game where the team that dominates possession is the team that controls the play, we also created intervals where we were on the ball after the water break and the fact that we were able to gradually increase our share of the possession is a positive. The problem was what happened afterward. In terms of the way we move the ball from the square zone to the finish zone, or our play at the end of moves, we prepared a number of things during the short time we had to train between matches and I had hoped the players would feel that they could enjoy the challenge of trying what we had worked on. With that said, I do feel the players did well over the course of the 90 minutes. That also applies to Shibata (Shibasaki), who was making his first start in recent days. I’m very disappointed that we couldn’t get the full three points, but I am grateful to the players for their hard work. I will continue working with the players to prepare for the match against Yamagata. Finally, I would like to express my thanks to the fans and supporters for cheering us on until the final whistle. I am very sorry that we couldn’t repay them with the thrill of victory, but I am determined to give them reason to celebrate in the next match.
What words did you share with Shibasaki before sending him out on the pitch for the first time in recent games?
He hasn’t had much match time, but he is a professional who always gives 100% in training, so I had no anxiety or worries about playing him. I often tell the players to compete for Verdy and for their teammates, but in particular, today, I told them to compete for Shibata. I think he, himself, performed very well, too.
How long will it take Matheus to return from his injury?
It wasn’t that serious, so he could have played today, but we rested him as a precaution. As I stated just now, I personally have no anxiety about playing either one of our goalkeepers at any given time. Rather, my problem is deciding which one should play in the next match.
In terms of breaking down the opposition, what did you envision as an approach against Iwata?
In the beginning, we anticipated that they would play with a five-man back line and had worked on ways to break down such a formation in training. However, our plans included enough things that we could try against a back four. I have no intention of clearly revealing our strategy here, but I believe that finishing moves is the most enjoyable part of playing football, so while I want our players to have the absolute desire to break down their opponents and get goals, I also want them to enjoy that part of the game as they do so.
Okubo seemed to have his best performance since joining the team. How did he look to you, the manager?
In my mind, I know how good he is and I believe that it’s not only the club or the Verdy supporters, but fans of football in general who look forward to seeing goals from him. Not only today, but in all our other matches, Yoshito has played well and contributed greatly to the team. I imagine that the fact that he took it upon himself to try shots from long distance, today, is a sign that he is more focused than ever on finding the net. I admire his courage and I believe that we will absolutely need what he as to offer if we are to take the next step in our development. I continue to expect big things from him and will continue to rely on him in the future.
You stated that you struggled in defense during the early minutes, due to the opposition’s employment of a back four. What adjustments did you make during the water break to overcome that?
I made some changes to the areas where we closed them down and the way we lined up. On a basic level, our scouting report told us that they hadn’t played with a back four recently, including in their last match, so we were a bit surprised. With that said, it was something that our staff had thought about and prepared to deal with. I think the players did a good job of adjusting.
Fujita was often forced to defend in the wide areas, today. I imagine that’s not an ideal situation for the team?
Fujita was often forced to defend in the wide areas, today. I imagine that’s not an ideal situation for the team?
In terms of finishing moves, is it your plan to go without a strong target man in front and instead try to break teams down on the ground?
I guess you could call it three-dimensional play, but naturally, I want us to break teams down in the air, through the middle, and from the outside. I always want us to finish moves in a variety of ways. Given our current squad, however, I do feel that it is more effective for us to attack by keeping the ball on the ground. In addition, I believe we have players of wonderful quality who can play that kind of game. I just think we need to improve the quality of our finishing.
GK1Takahiro Shibasaki
This was your first match appearance since the third game of the season in July. What are your thoughts on the game?
Our previous match against Iwata ended in a draw, so today, I wanted us to prove our superiority by getting the win. I always prepare well, so I wasn’t nervous or anything, but I hadn’t played well in the three matches when I did appear and hadn’t contributed to the team, so today I went out there with enough motivation that if I made mistakes or contributed to a loss, I would have to retire.
What sort of communication did you have with Kondo and the other players on the back line?
We knew the opposition had a lot of quality players, so we concentrated on not letting them beat us at the end of moves. Everyone, including Taira, was making their voices heard at the back. There were some dangerous scenes, but I think the fact that we ended with a clean sheet means we met our minimum objectives, today.
You had two big saves at the close of the match.
It was my first action in a while and more than sharpness, I’d say I was just trying to enjoy being out on the pitch, but there were some things that were difficult. With that said, we were under attack in the second half and while that’s never a good thing, I think it allowed me to get into a rhythm.
Before the match, the manager said that he told the players to get the win for your sake. What did you think when you heard that?
The manager isn’t the type of person who pays compliments to everyone, so when I heard that, I felt like I really had to perform today. I really did feel that I was ready to call it quits if I didn’t contribute to the result today or the team lost because of me.
Individually, you put in a good performance, despite not having been on the pitch recently.
Rather than myself individually, I think the whole team has been improving consistently and I think that’s due to every player taking things to a higher level. I get to train with such quality players, so even if I am called on suddenly, I’m confident that I’ll be able to perform. I entered the match with little anxiety, feeling in good condition, and was ready mentally.
Rather than myself individually, I think the whole team has been improving consistently and I think that’s due to every player taking things to a higher level. I get to train with such quality players, so even if I am called on suddenly, I’m confident that I’ll be able to perform. I entered the match with little anxiety, feeling in good condition, and was ready mentally.
It was a tight angle (for the shot) and while I mean no disrespect to my teammates, I always prepare with the assumption that our defense will be beaten in those situations, so I was somehow able to respond. For me, personally, it wasn’t that difficult of a save. Naturally, I think ahead as I position myself and after that, it’s about reflexes. To be fully honest, though, I don’t really remember much about that moment (laughs).
MF36Joel Chima Fujita
Your thoughts on the match?
We didn’t make a very good start of it, but over the first 15 minutes, we gradually built momentum of our own. Even though we didn’t have many shots on goal, I think we did a lot that was good in the lead up to the end of moves.
Can you tell us why things were difficult for you in defense after the opposition surprised you with their formation?
We trained to play against a back three, but they lined up as a 4-4-2 and we couldn’t grasp how their system had changed in attack. As a result, their key man, #50 (Yasuhito Endo), was getting free more and that meant #11 (Lukian)was getting the ball more. We made sure to speak to each other and I think it was good that we were able to make adjustments to who marked who.
Why do you think your attack slowed down in the second half?
Our final ball or the pass before it often could have connected if they had been played with more care and I think we need to continue working harder on that aspect of our game.
How did it feel to play against Endo for the first time?
He was as skilled as advertised. At first, I was trying to cut off avenues for direct passes, but he was still able to get the ball to the forwards. All I could do was ask myself how he does it. However, once we grew accustomed to his strengths, we were able to neutralize them. I think that was good.
How did it feel to match up physically against Lukian?
I wasn’t particularly focused on being physical with him. Actually, it was the opposite. I felt like he overpowered me. If I tried to compete with him for a 50-50, I was never able to reach the ball and I couldn’t move him to where I wanted him. When I have time to think, I can deal with players like him in a lot of different ways, but when I don’t, I avoid trying to plunge in on my own, as that just leaves us vulnerable when I lose the battle. Instead, I try to buy time for my teammates to help out.
MF14 Koki Morita
Your thoughts on the match?
In the first half, Yoshito (Okubo) did a good job of drifting effectively from our set positioning as we tried to attack, and we were able to create shots on goal. In the second half, however, we saw less of that sort of movement and accordingly, we had fewer shots on goal.
Your opponents began the first half with a back four and that seemed to cause you problems in defense.
We couldn’t defend against them in the way that we had prepared, and I think there was some confusion on the pitch. We weren’t pressing in the right areas and they were moving the ball freely. Then, when they got it to Endo, he would play through passes or long balls, which is exactly what they wanted to do. Midway through the half, we made adjustments and from there, we defended better. We talked to one another on the pitch and after the water break, everyone was on the same page, so I think that’s why we improved.
Individually, you seemed to struggle in front of goal, today.
I still have a lot to learn. However, compared to before, I think I’m getting into those areas more often and that’s a positive. Even so, I have to raise the quality of my first touch at the end of moves, as well as my finishing, if I want to compete at a high level.
There seemed to be fluctuations in the quality of your touch and precision throughout the match.
Actually, I believe my touch has improved compared to before. My individual concern is my play in front of goal. I think the precision of my touch and passing is pretty low in important situations and in front of goal. That also goes for my decision making. But the first step is to get into those positions and I only did that in the first half. In the second half, I didn’t so near enough. I have to continue achieving that kind of play throughout the entire match and if all of us can be on the same page in front of goal, I think we’ll get even better as a team.
From the mid-point of the second half, it seemed like your attack lost speed. What do you think was the reason?
We made some simple mistakes that allowed it to become an open game and I think that wore us out physically, meaning that we were unable to generate momentum.
With the team struggling to score goals recently, do you think it’s important to take mid-range shots like Okubo did today or generate more variation in your play, rather than just trying to break teams down?
Our ideal is to score goals by breaking teams down, but we have to keep creating more patterns and moves that we can use to do that. We can play crosses or we can take midrange shots like Yoshito did, but in the end, I think it will come down to individuals winning their battles and making full use of their skills.
MF34 Taiga Ishiura
This was your first appearance of the season. What were your thoughts on the match?
I really enjoyed getting the chance to play in this stadium in front of the home fans and supporters.
What instructions did you receive from the manager when you took the pitch?
He told me to go out and do what I did when I played for the youth team. I was able to express myself without any particular concern.
You came on at a sensitive time, with the match 0-0 and in its closing minutes. How did you feel at the time?
I’m an attacking player, so even with the score at 0-0, my desire was to help the team sore and get the win. I was given the perfect timing to do that, today, and I thought it would be great if I could provide the assist that led to victory.
You showcased your ability by beating defenders with your dribbling.
Personally, I don’t consider myself to be a skilled dribbler and during that moment, the defender did me a favor by moving first, which allowed me to break free. I’m not happy with what happened after that. I had three teammates nearby and if I had continued my run just a bit longer, I could have played a final ball. However, that was all I could think of and I ended up almost losing the ball. I really wanted to make the right pass, there.
How did things look to you from the bench?
Their pressure wasn’t that intense, so if we continued playing as we had up to now, I believed that we would get a goal, but as Coash Nagai said, I think we were a bit lacking in quality at the end of moves.
You made your first appearance last year while registered with both the youth team and senior squad, but this was your debut since fully turning pro. Can you tell us your honest reaction?
A lot has happened to me this year and (due to condition problems) I was unable to play even when I wanted to for some time. It was quite painful for me. However, the older players, the coaches, and the players in my age group all helped me think about things and looked out for me with their behavior, so that was a big help. From now on, I hope to be more involved in and repay the team by helping them win.
With the team scoring fewer goals recently, in what ways do you hope to contribute with your play?
I believe my greatest skill is my ability to play a good final ball. My hope now is to get on the pitch during matches in which the team is struggling to score and set up a goal with a pass of my own. In that way, I want to help the team win and move up the table.