Last Match: Hokkaido Consadole SapporoReview of the Match
The result that was presented was extremely harsh. We were overwhelmed by Sapporo's momentum at the start and conceded the first goal, ending the first half with a score of 0-3. In front of the many fans and supporters who came all the way to the northern land, we cannot give up. We cannot lower our arms that were raised in a fighting pose.
"I will never give up, no matter what the situation is."
The man who was sent out onto the pitch from the beginning of the second half said so.
Chasing the ball with maximum effort from the start of the second half, even when the overall output of the team is not increasing, chasing the ball from the front line, pressing back and chasing the opponent's ball holder, and running to the front line when it becomes my ball.
Even after conceding another goal immediately after the start of the second half, the men's eyes did not waver from their goal as they continued to hunt for a way to widen the gap to four points.
And that's how the goal was born in the 28th minute of the second half. Despite spending a lot of time on defense, Adailton made a quick attack, ran a long distance, appeared in front of the goal, and pushed the cross ball to break through Sapporo's goal.
From here, the entire team's gear went up and there were numerous chances for the hunters, but they were unable to capitalize on those chances. However, after scoring one point, the ball was immediately returned to the center circle and the hunter, who showed no joy even when returning to their own territory, was the one entrusted with Tokyo's future counterattack.
Preview
After winning against Albirex Niigata at home in Sec. 10, the team suffered consecutive losses away against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. Masato MORISHIGE expressed the current situation of the team, which experienced its first consecutive losses in the league this season, by saying, "We are becoming half-hearted in both offense and defense." Regarding the match against Sapporo, where they conceded 5 goals, he stated, "If we want to seek stable strength and results as a team, I feel that defensive corrections are necessary," emphasizing the importance of improving defense as a critical issue.
In this match, we welcome Kawasaki Frontale to Japan National Stadium to compete in the 41st "Tamagawa Classico." The rivals across the Tamagawa River have faced a series of injuries in the early part of the season. Although they have been struggling, they have recently achieved three consecutive wins and are improving, with more instances of smoothly connecting passes in the opponent's territory. For Tokyo, this match will be a test of how much they can correct their defensive issues, which have been a concern.
In direct confrontations in the league, Tokyo has lost 7 times in a row. However, the stage is the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo boasts a 100% winning percentage (after renovation). In order to change the current trend, Tokyo will aim for victory in this crucial match.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, please give us a review of the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Kawasaki Frontale.
A, the match against Sapporo was a painful defeat for us. This week’s training has focused on encouraging the team to play with confidence once again. First, we need to direct the focus inward and, as a team still in the growth phase, we must give our all in the upcoming match to have any chance of winning. To effectively cover the mistakes we made, having a fighting spirit and a strong commitment to victory is extremely important. We have communicated well with the players and have prepared thoroughly so far. We fully understand that Kawasaki is a tough opponent and a highly mature team. We have also prepared confidently for this match. I believe tomorrow will be a great game.
Q: Please tell us the role you expect from Keigo HIGASHI.
A: I want him to focus on duels in each phase, both offensively and defensively, and fight with concentration.
Q: Is there anything in particular that the coach emphasized this week?
A, I emphasized the importance of regaining confidence once again. Kawasaki has played with the same style for a long time and gives the impression of being highly mature. We have also been preparing tactically to effectively neutralize their strengths, and this week’s training focused on enabling us to express our own style in the match.
Q: I think there are many plays that I want to express in both offense and defense, but I also felt that there were moments where it became half-hearted by trying to do everything.
A: I emphasized the importance of always having the awareness to move toward the goal. It is not enough to just keep possession of the ball; it is crucial to head toward the opponent’s goal and create decisive chances. This season, there have been matches where we created more than ten decisive chances and others where we did not. Going forward, we absolutely cannot allow unstable performances to continue.
Q, please tell us your impression of the Tama River Clasico as felt by the coach.
A: Last season, we played two good matches against a highly mature Kawasaki team, but the strong impression is that we lost at the crucial moments that lead to victory. To surpass Kawasaki, who have a strong mentality toward winning, I believe we need to show even greater determination and a commitment to victory. Kawasaki has won many titles, and as a result, they are full of confidence. When facing them, it is important to be more focused and maintain a strong commitment to winning.
Q: Please tell us about the position of this round, which comes after two consecutive losses.
A, every match is important, and this league is extremely competitive. Each game continues to be a tough battle, and we need to accumulate as many points as possible from the matches in front of us.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, after the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo match, player Morishige commented, "Both the offense and defense are halfway." Is this more of a concern about the unity of the team and the organization rather than the quality of individual plays?
A: It’s not possible to say definitively either way. When the team’s condition is good, individual performance improves, and when individuals perform well, the team’s condition also gets better. I think there are various factors involved, but I believe that because what we were supposed to do wasn’t clear and there was hesitation while playing, the match ended up like that.
Q: What kind of encouragement or awareness did you give to your teammates in order to switch your mindset after consecutive losses?
A, of course, there were times when we couldn’t do what we wanted to do, but even before that, there were fundamental things we weren’t doing well, such as the desire to win, the fighting spirit, and fighting for the fans and supporters. So, we talked about regaining those things together once again. The tactics and soccer style come after that. First, we play with the important feelings necessary for playing soccer. That conveys to the viewers and becomes a threat to the opponents. We reaffirmed that part within the team.
Q: How is Morishige's current condition, considering that he had limited playing opportunities due to injuries in the early part of the season?
A, there is no problem. I believe I am competing with good motivation and a good sense of tension. I want to reflect that not only in myself but also in the team's results, so especially at times like this, I want to firmly demonstrate my experience and what I need to do for the team.
Q: I would like to ask about the Tama River Clasico. Kawasaki Frontale has currently lost 7 consecutive matches (league matches) against them and has not been able to win. Are you aware of the poor compatibility?
A: Rather than saying it's a matter of poor compatibility, it's simply that Kawasaki has been in good form. We respect them as the team that has consistently been champions. However, what we need right now is to focus more on showing our own spirit rather than being preoccupied with Kawasaki. I think it would be best if we can express that.
Q, Japan National Stadium is a home for Tokyo and really gathers a lot of supporters. How do you feel about holding it at the National Stadium?
A: I believe many fans and supporters will come to watch at the National Stadium, which is an opportunity for us. We also have a good compatibility with playing at the National Stadium, so I want to approach it with confidence. Additionally, the pre-match performances and other exciting elements naturally boost our motivation. It is reassuring to have so many allies on our side.
Q, finally, please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
A: We have been playing disappointing matches in recent games, so we will prioritize the results above all. However, equally important is showing the fans and supporters a performance that conveys our feelings and makes them want to cheer for us. We will do our best to show that side of ourselves. Thank you for your support.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: This match will be a special match for the 30th anniversary of the J-League.
A, facing the highly skilled Kawasaki Frontale in the Tama River Clasico at the Japan National Stadium sharpens my focus more than usual, and I am highly motivated.
Q: In the many scenes that have been created in the Tama River Clasico so far, are there any matches or moments that Yuto NAGATOMO himself remembers?
A: I don’t focus on just one match; I can vividly recall every game. It’s difficult to pick out "this match" in particular, but that’s how unforgettable each game has been throughout the entire series.
Q: "What kind of stage is the Japan National Stadium for player Kunitomo SUZUKI?"
A: As someone who came from high school soccer, it has been a sacred place and a dream stage since my high school days. It is a stage I have admired since my student days, and no matter how many matches I play at the Japan National Stadium, that feeling never changes.
Q, how do you want to contribute to the team with your play on the stage of Yumenoshima?
A, I want to enter the match with a focus on competitiveness and my own characteristic aggressive defense. I aim not to lose in one-on-one situations and to show plays that make the most of my strong points.
Q, please tell us what we need to do to break this bad streak as we face this round after suffering two consecutive defeats as a team.
A: Naturally, everyone is feeling frustrated. I believe this is true not only for the players and staff but also for all the fans and supporters. The players, in particular, feel this frustration strongly, and we believe the only place to show our feelings is on the pitch. In tomorrow’s Tamagawa Clasico, we want to firmly express our pride on the field.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, what kind of preparations have you made for the Kawasaki Frontale match?
A, we suffered a heavy defeat in the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, and the players held a meeting among themselves. Although there were some difficult aspects such as the schedule, the players must express themselves on the pitch without making excuses. We reviewed what we need to do once again and focused on that during this week’s training.
Q: This is a highly anticipated match with the expectation of many fans and supporters attending. What kind of game would you like it to be?
A, having many people come to the stadium naturally boosts our motivation, and as players, we are happy to be able to play in such a wonderful environment. Kawasaki Frontale is also gaining momentum, and we absolutely want to win against such an opponent. We want to win on this great stage and build momentum.
Q, what parts have you particularly emphasized in your play?
A, I believe the basics such as mindset, switching between offense and defense, and strength in one-on-one situations are crucial. We have talked among the players to raise our awareness once again and have approached practice with that mindset. We have suffered consecutive losses, so the atmosphere was by no means good, and I think we are going through a very tough period. That is precisely why we want to fight desperately against a strong opponent like Kawasaki and, by winning, shake off this nervous atmosphere.
Q, I think the Japan National Stadium is a stadium with good compatibility.
A, I want to make good use of such superstitions to create an opportunity for the team to rise.
Q, what kind of play does Player Higashi himself focus on this round?
A, personally, I want to show good play in front of about 50,000 spectators, an experience that is rare in my soccer career.
Q, do you also have the consciousness of wanting to encourage the team by showing a fighting attitude?
A, I believe that such feelings are conveyed within the team, and by watching Yuto NAGATOMO, I have realized that the fundamentals such as strength in one-on-one situations and quick transitions between offense and defense are the most important. Naturally, NAGATOMO's passionate spirit has also spread to me and inspired me. Whether in practice or matches, I want to be the one who conveys that spirit from now on.
Q, is it a feeling that the atmosphere of "not being able to draw the same picture completely" on the pitch led to two consecutive losses?
A, I think it is present to some extent. The fact that we are not able to fully draw the same picture is something that the media here today, who regularly watch soccer, probably sense as well. It is one of the current challenges we face, and while the tactical aspects must be shared as a team, each player plays with various thoughts and ideas. I believe we should have thorough discussions among players and always make the necessary choices as we play.
Q: It is expected that there will be a lot of time when Kawasaki takes the initiative. Will it be a game where the first goal holds the key?
A, I think the first goal is extremely important. We want to focus on how to effectively prevent the opponent's chances and how we can score goals ourselves. Even if we concede the first goal, it is not the end. Looking at the conceding scene in the Sapporo match, there were enough players in the defensive area. How we defend during tough periods, including the goalkeeper, will also be crucial.
