2019 MEIJI YASUDA J2 LEAGUE 15th Sec - Tokyo Verdy vs JEF United Chiba

Match Report

Last week, Verdy earned a hard fought 3-2 win away against Renofa Yamaguchi FC, extending their winning streak to three matches and their unbeaten run to six. Now looking for their fourth straight win, the team returned home this week to face JEF United Chiba in a clash of two of the J League’s original ten clubs. The Verdy starting lineup was unchanged from the previous week, including Kojic who was fit for the match despite having been taken off with injury in the previous week.

Although Verdy had identified issues with the way they began matches in the previous week, the problem once again reared its head. The gaps in the players’ spacing grew too wide and the team’s high pressing, which usually begins with Kojic and Yuhei Sato, was ineffective, allowing the opposition to push into Verdy territory for an extended period. Despite being on the back foot, Verdy would create the first clear chance of the match. Koike broke into the opposition third and after combining with Kojic, found space for a point-blank shot on goal that was only blocked by a desperate lunge from the defense. The score line would then move for the first time in the 11^th minute. Possibly due to the shock of having passed up a clear opportunity, Verdy allowed the opposition to penetrate deep into their half and a cross from the wide right was met at the near post by Kléber. The initial effort was repelled by the post, but Funayama was on hand to score from the rebound and put Verdy behind early for the second straight match. From that point, the players hoped to push back but their pressing continued to stutter and they were unable to win the ball. Even when they did gain possession, Chiba were quick to track back and compress the space in their half, forcing Verdy to move the ball from side to side with little forward momentum in attack. In the end, the half closed with no sign of a Verdy breakthrough.

To address the failure of the team’s pressing in the first half, a greater emphasis was placed on closing down the ball holder after the break. The strategy proved effective, allowing Verdy to gradually build rhythm in attack. In the 57^th minute, a counter attack saw the ball carried in front of their own goal, but Kamifukumoto left his line with impeccable timing to smother the final ball and block the effort. Verdy would finally find reason to celebrate shortly afterward. In the 60^th minute, Hiroki Kawano ran at the defense from the right wing, before playing a cross into the box. Having come on for Kojic, Leandro was able to meet the ball with a header, but his effort was saved by the goalkeeper. Despite failing to convert the initial opportunity, the move was indicative of things to come. It is no coincidence that the penultimate opportunity came from the team’s improved pressing. It was the 62^nd minute and Sato showed ferocity in closing down the opposition center back, inviting a misplaced pass that was intercepted by Narawa. The Verdy left back played an early cross before the defense could set and Leandro made the run onto the ball, evading a defender who closed him down before he could finish and choosing instead to head a reverse ball to the far post. Kawano then brought the ball down well his first touch and hit a beautiful placed shot that found the left corner of the net. Verdy now raised their attack to the next gear. Continuing to strengthen their high press, the players won the ball frequently at the center circle and played direct balls behind the defense. The emphasis on getting forward in turn opened up opportunities for Chiba on the counter and in the 67^th minute, a shot would rock the Verdy post once again. On the other end, Kota Watanabe was able to beat the final line and carry the ball just inside the box, indicating Verdy’s determination to take the lead. The team also had a clear opportunity from a corner kick but the efforts of the Chiba defense proved up to the task and the match ended as it stood at 1-1.

Whether due to the matchup in formations between the two teams or some other reason, the failure of the Verdy high press in the first half is cause for concern. Still, they were able to make the necessary adjustments and build rhythm in the second half, doing enough to claim an equalizer. The team also put themselves in positions to claim a winner, needing only the final touch for the finish. While no doubt disappointed to drop points at home, Verdy deserve praise for extending their seven-match unbeaten run. They will be at home again next week for an upper table match up with Kyoto Sanga FC. To make up the two points they let slip today, they will have to reinforce their style and claim a win against a formidable opponent.

Manager Gary John WHITE

Your thoughts on the match?
I thought it was a fair (result). They dominated in the first half and we had control in the second. I think we were slow in dealing with their front line in the first half. We have to do a better job of closing them down and preventing easy crosses. In the second half, we were able to move the ball more and I think that led to greater chances. I do want to point out the rough challenge Kota Watanabe received in the first half, for which there was no foul given. Not only because he’s a Japanese international, but in general, I hope the referees will look more closely at those sort of challenges so we can better protect our players. We can’t be satisfied with the result, today, but I expect us to continue improving from here.

What adjustments did you make to deal with their forward players after the first half?
We needed to cut off the ball from their holding midfielders to the shadow striker. On top of that, we were slow to respond when their shadow striker was combining with their wing backs in the early minutes and I made adjustments to that area during the first half itself. At half time, we clarified those adjustments even more and though we were able to retain possession more, if we had done that earlier in the first half, I think the match would have developed in a different way. They played with a 3-4-3 today and we had been used to playing against teams with four at the back for the last few matches, so I think we need to get more accustomed to dealing with different shapes.

What was your strategy for dealing with their left wing-back, Tameda?
I think Kawano needed to be faster and stronger in recovering to prevent their number 13 from getting into good positions. Wakasa had to mark their Number 10 (Funayama) today, so it was particularly important for Kawano to cover well, but I think they were lacking a bit in how they combined and communicated. With that said, the fact that they were able to improve that area in the first half was very important.

Their high line saw Verdy players get flagged seven times for offside. Was there anything more that you wanted to do in attack?
As you pointed out, we had too many players flagged offside today. In particular, in the first half, we were caught offside multiple times after feeds from Kamifukumoto. In terms of what we tried to do, I wanted us to lay the ball off to the side backs quickly and from there, try to make runs behind their back line. However, the plan didn’t go well and we had to rely more on long balls from Kamifukumoto. With all that said, I think we were able to make the necessary improvements at half time.

Watanabe was selected to the Japan team for the Copa America. How do you rate him as a player and what growth do you hope to see from his international experience?
He’s one of the core members of our squad, so I hope that he will do more than just travel to Brazil, but also get a chance to play. Kanya Fujimoto is also with the U-20 World Cup squad, but he didn’t appear in the first match. If they’re going to go, I want them to secure playing time. They’re our players as well, so I don’t want their condition to drop while they’re away. I do think that getting a chance to play against the world’s best will help him grow in many areas. It’s something he can be proud of and since he was the only player selected from J2, I also think he should represent the entire league. As a starting point, I think the JFA has sent a message to other players in J2 with his selection that if they perform well, they have a chance to get called up. If he can bring the experience he gains by going abroad and playing with top-level teammates back with him to the club, I’ll be happy. It’s been a long time since a Verdy player was selected to the full international team, so everyone at the club is very happy for him.

MF 33Hiroki Kawano

Tell us about your goal.
I believed that the ball would come and made the run. I was able to trap it well and from there, I’m just glad the ball found the net. I concentrated mainly on my first touch. I think I’m pretty good at trapping the ball with the back of my foot and I’m glad it helped set me up for the shot.

Did you have the feeling that Leandro would head it down in your direction?
We’ve made a lot of appearances together as substitutes and I know that he always plays a good final ball, so I’m happy I believed in him and made the run.

This was your first goal since returning to Verdy.
I really am happy to have gotten a goal for this team. We didn’t get the win, today, but I hope I can continue scoring.

In defense, the team struggled to contain Tameda.
In analyzing our shapes and squads, we knew they might utilize that sort of move, but I think we were able to make adjustments as the match went on. We weren’t quite on the same page at the front and back and ultimately, Waka(sa) and I simplified our approach. That seemed to work well. At first, (Kon)do said he didn’t want Waka to drift wide, so I ended up marking Tameda by myself, but I was often a step behind and told them I needed help. We adjusted by having Waka mark Tameda and I covered for him by drifting to the inside.

You combined well with Watanabe, the heart of the team, to create a good chance in the first half.
In the first half, that was the only area where I had space to pass the ball. Just as Kojic and Leandro have very different play styles, the ways I can help someone like Leandro or Kota (Watanabe) be effective will vary. When Kojic is on the pitch, I generally aim to play it behind and for that move, Kota took up a position near me, which created the chance.

You’ve had a pretty difficult time of it so far this season.
It’s true that I haven’t had a lot of play time, but I’ve been giving my all in training and kept my conditioning up with the belief that I would eventually get a chance. That chance came today and I was able to score.

How has the team maintained this seven-match winning streak?
I feel like we’ve finally come together as a unit. All of us now understand what the manager expects and our atmosphere in training, including for those who haven’t played or are on the sub’s bench, is positive with everyone giving one hundred percent. We’ve played well lately and I think the reserve players deserve some credit for that as well.

You’ve had more opportunities recently. What are your goals for the remainder of the campaign?
I have to prioritize the team along with myself. I came back to this club to help them win. More than my individual numbers, I’m concerned with the team’s results. If the team does well, I’m sure I’ll do well too, so I want to play by focusing on winning.

MF 7Kota Watanabe

Your thoughts on the match?
Our strategy was ineffective in the first half and we spent a lot of time in defense. It was tough. In the second half, we made a greater effort to press from high positions and I’m glad we were able to equalize. Our struggles in defense had prevented us from getting forward in attack, so we had to adjust our defense first.

How do you explain the struggles in defense?
As a team, we were concerned with the space around their anchor, their number 10 (Funayama) and their number 8 (Horigome). But by focusing too much on those positions, we allowed their holding midfielders too much freedom. In the second half, we focused on maintaining a high line.

So, you focused on your high press in the second half.
We felt like we could force them into mistakes if we pressed from the front and in the second half, we accomplished our objective more. I think we were wasteful in the first half. We barely managed any attacking moves and while we created a number of chances in the second period, we have to convert them. I think we could have got the full three points today, so we have to improve.

Can you tell us your honest feelings about being selected to the Japan team?
I’m honestly very happy. With that said, the way people view me will change now, so I have a greater sense of danger and feel more responsibility. Most of the regulars from the national team weren’t named to the squad this time and there are a lot of players from my generation, so I hope I can clear my mind and concentrate on my play. While I’m with the team, I will try to absorb as much as I can from the older players. I’m actually poor at doing that sort of thing, but I’ll try my best.

Which players from the Japan team hold the most interest for you?
I’ve always been a fan of how Shoya (Nakajima) plays, so I’m looking forward to playing with him.

How do you want to make your appeal at the Copa America?
I want to show my ability to play aggressively in attack and defense and the first step is to work hard in training so I can get match time. As long as I’m with the team, I want to appear in as many matches as I can and help the team win.

Who do you want most to watch you play for Japan?
The Verdy supporters.

MF 6Shion Inoue

You struggled to defend in the first half. Can you think of a reason why?
Kojic ended up pressuring their back three on his own and someone, whether Yuhei (Sato), Kota (Watanabe), Junki (Koike), or Hiroki (Kawano), needed to help him close them down a little more. With that said, their number 10 (Funayama) and 8 (Horigome) were both taking up good positions, so Kota and Yuhei ended up sucked into the middle and we got pushed back. I think we needed to press just a little bit higher. In general, our plan was to have Kota and Yuhei pressure the left and right sides of the back three, but both players were too worried about numbers 8 and 10. That prevented them from getting forward. For myself, I felt like if I went forward, they would use that space to play a ball behind. It was pretty difficult.

Did you make any changes in defense for the second half?
We talked about pressuring them from the front, even if it meant they passed around us. Thanks to that, they grew tired and we were able to win the ball more. That swung the match in our favor. In that sense, I wish we had read the game better and made those changes in the first half.

How did you plan to attack their high line?
We didn’t expect them to be that high. That’s what made it difficult for us to move the ball. I think we should have tried to play more balls behind. It may have been different from how we usually play, but we have to identify the opponents’ weak points as the match goes on.

Including today’s result, the team is on a seven-match unbeaten run. How does that feel?
I wanted us to win this match. I feel we were especially wasteful in the first half. Still, the fact that we didn’t lose is a positive and gives added importance to the next match, so we need to train well.

GK 21Naoto Kamifukumoto

Your thoughts on the match?
We didn’t match well with their formation in the first half and it made it hard for us to defend. We didn’t move the ball in the way we strive to and we spent long periods on the back foot. For the goal we conceded, the ball they put in was one we could have defended, but the quality of their forward won out, so it’s a little frustrating. They had shots on goal at other times, too, but as a team, I think it means a lot that we were able to hold them to a single goal despite struggling. In the second half, we played our game. We exploited their weak points and got behind their high line to create more pressure on their goal. They hit us on the counter a few times, but I feel like I was able to do my job in those moments. Still, it’s another match without a clean sheet and we have to do better. Our next opponent also has a unique style in attack, so we need to work as a team to hold them to zero.

In the second half, you left your line well to snuff out Tameda’s shot in a one v one.
I knew that we were outnumbered, so I was watching for the final ball to see when I should make my move. As such, I was prepared mentally and I was able to cut off the course of the pass with good timing. I believe that kind of play is my strength as a goalkeeper and I think I demonstrated that.

Since changing the system, this was the match in which you struggled most to make passes with the ball at your feet.
They played with a high line, so I wasn’t sure if I should play the ball to the front line and when I tried to push up and participate in the build up myself, their players were close by and I couldn’t find any angles for a pass. With that said, we kept playing in the first half and the intensity of their pressure gradually began to drop. That enabled us to move the ball better, little by little. When they did come forward, we were able to play the ball behind them, so we did a good job of being flexible in attack. Our opponents are going to scout us from now on, so I’m sure we’ll see matches that develop like this one did in the first half. As players, we have to share understanding of how to respond to our opponents’ approach and do what we have to do. I think that means maturing more as a team.

Despite struggling, you extended your unbeaten run to seven matches.
We showed signs of crumbling under their pressure, today, and when conditions are difficult, myself and the center backs have to buckle down. I think it’s our job to be tough so that the team can get forward in attack. There are still many things we have to work on, but I hope we can maintain the positives from today and continue to improve.

DF 3Naoya Kondo

Your thoughts on the match?
We didn’t defend well against their 3-4-3, today, especially in dealing with the space around their anchor, where Takayuki (Funayama) and Horigome were able to get on the ball, unmarked. In our system, we tend to leave that space open and Waka(sa) was too worried about Tame(da), so he kept getting pulled out of position and Takayuki used that to play the ball into the space that opened up between Waka and myself. We talked about that at half time. We didn’t make any major changes to our team approach, but we did concentrate more on pressing from the front and closing them down, which worked well. They were moving the ball well to evade our pressing in the first half, but we decided to accept the risk and push from high positions. It didn’t always work, but we knew that would be the case.

In attack, you built from the left side of the pitch.
Part of that is because that’s where Yuhei is. If we build on that side, Nara(wa) can put in crosses and Eiko (Koike) can run at the defense, so I think that side is one of our strengths. For the goal we scored, it was just that sort of cross and Hiroki (Kawano) did a good job of converting. I wanted to get a goal myself, after that, and I regret that I didn’t finish.

Tell us about the missed opportunity.
The ball was softer than I expected and I had too much time to think. I couldn’t make up my mind whether to aim for power or not and ended up trying to place it into the left corner. My header was too strong and it went wide of the left post. I just had too much time to think.

What are your honest feelings about finishing with a draw?
I think it could have gone either way, today. Both teams had a chance to win and I’m just glad we didn’t lose.

DF 2Masashi Wakasa

Your thoughts on the match?
We didn’t defend well in the first half and gave them too much freedom. Taka (Funayama) had too much space and with Tame(da) too, the plan was for Hiroki (Kawano) to mark him, but we changed things so that I would do it. That communication worked well. We only made the adjustment after conceding, but it’s still good that we were able to communicate and improve during the course of the match.

You played to your strengths more in the second half.
In defense and attack, I think we were much better in the second half.

Do you feel like they got tired?
Particularly so after thirty minutes of the second half. That just happened to match up with the point when our rhythm was at its best. It felt like we could put the game away then, but I missed a clear opportunity myself, so I have to apologize.

On the set play where you had an opportunity, did their closing down throw you off?
I had to score there. I particularly wanted to score against my old club but I’ll have to wait until the next chance.

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