<Review of the Previous Match: Cerezo Osaka>
Tokyo faced the away match against Cerezo Osaka with a new formation that used Soma ANZAI as the left stopper in a three-back and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA as the left wing-back, shifting between three-back and four-back depending on the situation. Maki KITAHARA was named in the starting lineup for the league match for the first time.
The entire team took fluid positions to launch attacks, but from the start there were noticeable misalignments in the build-up play, and just 6 minutes in, a mistake in the back line’s organization was exploited, allowing an early opening goal.
Despite conceding several dangerous chances early on, the team held firm with only one goal against. Then, in the 17th minute of the first half, the first-time starter wearing number 53 changed the game. Kitahara, who attacked from the left, threaded a pass to the center, where Keiun Sato feinted past a defender and was fouled while attempting a shot, earning a penalty kick. Sato calmly converted it, bringing Tokyo back on level terms.
At the start of the second half with the score tied, Kawauta carried the ball in from the left and took a shot. It went wide to the right of the goal, but he showed an aggressive attitude aiming to take the lead.
Tokyo, looking to break the deadlock, brought on Marcelo RYAN in the 16th minute of the second half, who directed a powerful arrow toward the goal. In the 21st minute, RYAN broke free on a vertical pass and displayed a sharp and powerful run, dribbling as if to knock the opponent away. In the 37th minute, he also won a challenge against an opponent to earn a corner kick, showing the good form that led to his hat-trick in the midweek RB Omiya Ardija match.
Simple mistakes were noticeable overall, and although C Osaka created several chances in the final stages of the match, they were denied goals through committed defensive play. The match ended in a 1-1 draw away from home, resulting in an eight-match winless streak in the league.
Match Preview
Four days since the last match. We will face Gamba Osaka in a Friday night game at the Japan National Stadium.
Tokyo has yet to secure a victory in eight league matches so far. Recently, there have been several instances where goals were conceded due to simple mistakes or just before the end of the match. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also said, "There were some regrettable goals conceded. More than the content, we need to focus on how to play with winning in mind. It is important to align our perspectives on methodology and tactics, but we must also coordinate on what to actually do during the game." He is working to align the team's focus on these challenges.
One way to solve the challenges faced by the team is to increase communication on the pitch. By accurately reading the development of the game and aligning our perspectives on how to fight, we want to draw the flow of the match in our favor. Teppei OKA, who played in the center of the three-back line in the last match, talks about the importance of communication and his own determination.
"Regardless of professional experience or age, I must actively voice my demands and energize or tighten the team for everyone. I believe I am in such a position, so I need to take the lead and show leadership not just after the match or at halftime, but during the match itself. In soccer, it's important to paint the same picture, and I think that can often be resolved through communication. The 11 players on the field should continuously communicate, help each other, and align their focus as they fight together."
In terms of aligning perspectives, the fact that we have started to bring out Marcelo RYAN's strengths on the pitch is a significant positive factor. By delivering timely passes into forward spaces, even with somewhat rough balls, his powerful breakthroughs can be utilized. The goal rush in the match against Omiya Ardija in the 2025 J League YBC Levain Cup held last week, and the breakthrough from the right side shown in the second half against Cerezo Osaka, are precisely examples of his weapons being unleashed. Coach Matsuhashi also expresses his trust, stating, "He truly has running ability and physical strength, and there are moments when he can firmly control the ball." He is a talent who can become a point getter in the blue and red. Continuing to take a fighting stance that attacks the goal centered around him should pose a threat to the opponents. If we are winning, we aim for additional goals; if the score is tied, we seek a go-ahead goal; and if we are at a disadvantage, we look for a counterattack. By always maintaining a sense of 'fear' as a team, we want to broaden our approach to the game.
Given the congested schedule, it is expected that this match will also be a full-scale battle. Coach Matsuhashi stated, "While checking the timely situations of each player, we will make solid judgments. On top of that, if we can consider various elements such as the opponent's tactics, power dynamics, and player conditions, we will be able to think it through effectively."
Gamba Osaka, the opponent, currently stands 12th with 4 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses. They have won all 4 matches in which they scored the opening goal, while in matches where they conceded first, their record is 2 draws and 5 losses. Considering that Tokyo’s record is 2 wins and 1 draw when scoring first, and 2 draws and 5 losses when conceding first, the importance of the opening goal will be even greater than usual in this game. Gamba Osaka is originally known for their solid defense and a style of play that emphasizes maintaining possession, so this match is likely to be a clash of contrasting styles.
And this week, the struggling blue and red army was injected with the fighting spirit of a reliable man. Diego OLIVEIRA, who retired at the end of last season and returned to Brazil, visited the team. Making his first visit to Japan as the club ambassador, he powerfully encouraged the team as they continued preparations for the G Osaka match. He also greeted everyone at the full team meeting before practice on the 24th.
Ambassador Diego once again expressed his feelings toward the club and the fans and supporters during a group interview after the previous day's practice.
"The current ranking in Tokyo is not appropriate. I believe there are tough times in football, but by delivering results here, we can break through and achieve better results. Everyone is working hard and practicing to win, and I was the same during my playing days. However, if the reality is that we still can't win, then we have no choice but to keep going. If we are lacking, we have to do even more. No matter what, the fans and supporters are always cheering for us. Everyone's support truly empowers the players, and I am very grateful for it, both during my playing days and now. I hope we can come together as a team and overcome these difficult times together."
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: From here, there will be consecutive matches.
A. While properly adjusting my condition, I am able to maintain a good tension and have good concerns.
Q: Specifically, what do you mean by 'good concerns'?
A: It means recognizing that not everything will go perfectly and constantly thinking about how to prepare for the next match.
Q: Please tell us what you focused on with the players during this period.
While reflecting on the match is important, it is crucial for the team to keep moving forward. There were unnecessary and regrettable goals conceded, but not everything about the game was bad. Rather than focusing solely on the content, I want to keep in mind how to play with the goal of winning. It is important to align our perspectives on methodology and tactics, but we must also agree on what we should do during the actual game.
Q: Are the players’ perspectives aligning more as they play more matches?
A: During training, we are able to align our perspectives properly. From now on, I want to constantly pursue quality.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka.
A, they have solid defense, and their skills in moving the ball as well as their roster are full of talented players. I get the impression that there are many moments where they showcase how they use time and display differences by leveraging individual abilities.
[Player Interview]
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: The match against Cerezo Osaka ended in a draw, thanks to the hard work of the players who came on as substitutes. Please tell us what is necessary to turn this into a win.
A: Of course, increasing the number of chances is important, and finishing them properly is also crucial. I don't know if this is good or bad, but I personally think it's important to return to the basics once again. Not losing in one-on-one situations, not allowing easy crosses, and in attack, having more commitment to each individual play. Rather than tactical mistakes, I want each player to thoroughly focus on and refine their technical mistakes.
Q, there have been many scenes where easy mistakes that can be improved with individual awareness have led to crises.
Of course, with this kind of challenging soccer, mistakes are inevitable. For example, connecting all the passes beautifully from a goal kick to score a goal is quite difficult unless the quality is very high. It's not about challenging everything head-on; if there are strong players up front, there are times when it's perfectly fine to simply kick the ball. It's not that players are told not to kick long balls. It depends on the judgment of the players on the field and whether they can translate the situation into their play. I believe each player has their own strengths, and if there is a player good at dribbling, teammates will support to create zones that make it easier to take on defenders. If there is a player who excels at making runs behind the defense, using long balls or space effectively can lead to plays that utilize their strengths. I want to bring out the strengths of each player as a team.
Q: In the next league match, I will reach a total of 300 appearances in the J1 League.
A: This is not a team record but a personal milestone, so I will firmly acknowledge what I have accumulated so far and just continue to do my best.
Q: Mr. Diego OLIVEIRA visited Kodaira Grand as an ambassador. Did you receive any inspiration or power from it?
A, He is one of the players who has been active in Tokyo for a long time, and I was genuinely happy to see him again after a long time. He kindly came all the way to Japan and will watch two matches against Gamba Osaka and Shimizu S-Pulse. We want to deliver winning matches to Diego as well.
<Tetsuhiro OKA>
Q: I think Teppei OKA will also be expected to break through a barrier in his play and take command as a defensive leader.
With Masato MORISHIGE not in the starting lineup, someone needs to take leadership and bring the team together. This season, I have been consistently playing as one of the final line players, and even though it's my second season since joining, I want to demand from everyone and lead the team with voices that uplift and tighten the atmosphere.
Q: I think that in order to turn a difficult match into a victory, it is even more important for the players to share the same vision and communicate with each other.
A, I think that in soccer, many issues are resolved through communication. It’s not just one person, but all 11 players on the pitch must constantly keep communicating and coordinate their play. I want to create a situation where there is no moment of silence.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka, the team you will be facing.
We have players with height and strength, as well as players with speed, all lined up in the front line. I believe that if our defense can effectively contain the opponent's strengths, the team will gain momentum. I want to make sure we take care of the areas that are key for the opponent, utilizing our predictions. We need to be mindful of supporting and covering for each other as a team, ensuring that we play and support in a coordinated manner in every situation, rather than relying on individual plays. Soccer is a team sport. I want to progress through the match while helping each other.
Q: In terms of offense, players like Marcelo RYAN and Keito Sato, who are characterized by their speed, are also lined up in the front line. I think the strength of OkA, who can deliver balls with either foot regardless of his dominant side, will also increase from here.
A, I think it's about how I can utilize my strengths while maintaining ball possession as a team style. I want to strengthen my awareness of combining my own characteristics while ensuring that the team has a solid amount of time on the ball. I also want to focus on utilizing long balls to make the most of players like Lucas RIAN and Sato, as well as changing the flow of the attack with a single pass or a switch of sides, and altering the opponent's perspective.
