Previous Match: Kawasaki FrontaleReview of the Match
A Grandson's Blow.
41st Tama River Classico.
The Tama River Clasico against Kawasaki Frontale was held at the Japan National Stadium. Moreover, it was positioned as a special match to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the J-League. With various gimmicks to raise the voltage of the stadium, despite the fact that Tokyo had a streak of 7 losses in the Clasico, there was an air throughout the stadium that there was no way we would lose at our National Stadium.
The atmosphere spread to the team.
The last two games were consecutive losses. Moreover, in the previous match, they gave up 5 points to the momentum of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. The reviews are far from positive. However, in order to respond to the love of the fans and supporters who continue to support them even in a distant away game, the team has been thoroughly preparing.
Even if it's a bit forceful, we have faced our challenges and worked together as a team. The unity that has been strengthened through such preparations may have become even stronger due to the atmosphere surrounding the Japan National Stadium.
Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who has always challenged positively, must not have achieved results by chance. He always looks forward in any situation. He gives his maximum effort. His positive attitude, brought out by the atmosphere of Tokyo filled with the Japan National Stadium, led to that spectacular goal.
The triumphant roar of player Tokumoto must have reached his grandparents in heaven and Okinawa, riding on the momentum of Tokyo.
Preview
Exactly one week ago, both teams fought and won the same J-League 30th anniversary special match at the same venue.
However, the situation is different. On one hand, Tokyo, who had been on a negative streak with 2 consecutive losses, managed to defeat Kawasaki Frontale and finally changed to a positive atmosphere. On the other hand, Kashima Antlers, who have kept a clean sheet for 5 consecutive wins, have updated their club's record for most wins without conceding a goal.
Kashima has an advantage in terms of momentum and confidence. If they can keep a clean sheet for 5 consecutive games, there must be a reason for it. Their defense is not easily broken down.
Dedicated defense from the front line, quick returns, wings that do not shy away from repeated up and down movements, and a final line that combines height and strength. The strong defensive awareness possessed by the entire team is coordinated, and the organized defense becomes stronger with each game.
In addition, in the attack, the sharpness of set plays and counterattacks that do not miss one chance have been honed. It can be said that the winning strength of Kashima's tradition, which had been quiet at the beginning of the season, has been revived.
How will Tokyo face such a strong opponent? First of all, the common understanding of "starting with defense" that was regained in the previous match against Kawasaki will be important. After stabilizing the defense, gradually increasing the time of ball possession, and using both quick and slow attacks depending on the opponent's situation when transitioning to offense.
Especially when facing a well-organized and accurate defense, it is crucial to make the right decisions after gaining possession in our own half. When, where, and who to attack with. The choices made by the players on the pitch can determine the outcome of the match. The attacking setup that shook Kawasaki on the wings was no fluke. As a testament to our evolution, we want to break through Kashima's strong defense.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: We won the high-pressure Tama River Clasico, but should we not be too relieved with this victory?
A: The J1 League continues to have very closely contested matches. Currently, even a small difference in points can dramatically change the standings. The rankings will likely continue to fluctuate from now on. Of course, no player is relaxing just because of the recent victory. The league is like a marathon, a long-distance race. I believe that after overcoming difficult periods, good times will come.
Q, what kind of game do you want to play against the Kashima Antlers, who have a strong momentum?
A, It will be a home game for Kashima, and I think it will be a difficult match with high intensity. Their style is clear, and they will surely use their strengths effectively. They also seem to have a strong determination to win. However, if we can stay focused from the start of the match, I believe we can have a good game. Above all, I trust the current state of the team. I believe tomorrow will bring a good match and a good result.
Q, Kashima has a strong defensive impression. Do you want to attack before their defense is set?
A, that aspect is also an important point. Another is that moving the ball quickly breaks down their defense. How we respond when they have possession of the ball is also crucial.
Q: The impression is that the team has a high winning percentage in matches where they score the first goal. What do you think is the impact of scoring the first goal on the team?
A, not only for us but also looking at the entire J1 League, the impression is that teams that score the first goal have a high winning percentage. Since the matches are between evenly matched teams, the first goal greatly influences the subsequent flow of the game. For example, if we score first, the opposing team will naturally aim for a draw or a comeback, becoming more aggressive and trying to control the ball. Against such an opponent pushing forward, the game will likely develop with us exploiting the space behind them. However, as a team, we have not yet reached the level of dominating the match for the full 90 minutes.
Q, it will be even more important to score the first goal when facing Kashima, who has been continuing their streak of winning without conceding any goals.
A, the fact that Kashima has achieved five consecutive wins without conceding a goal is a testament to the strength and solidity of their defense. They have also been able to capitalize on their defensive strengths with effective attacks and goals, and I believe they are riding a good momentum. For our part, we have been steadily preparing to score against Kashima’s solid defense. And I have complete trust in the Tokyo players. Being able to secure a victory against a highly complete and mature Kawasaki Frontale is, after all, a good reflection of our current team condition.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, it will be a match against my former team. Please tell us your thoughts and enthusiasm, including memories from your time at Kashima Antlers.
A, they are currently the most in-form team, and when I look back on my time there, I have nothing but good memories. I understood right away after joining why "Kashima is so strong," and there were also things I realized and noticed after leaving the team. I have a strong feeling of respect.
Q, please tell me the most important thing you learned during your time at Kashima.
A, speaking about the time when I was with the team, Atsuto Uchida and Yasushi ENDO were leading the team, and above all, they brought a strong sense of unity. To ensure Kashima’s victory, they prioritized the team in various ways, even at the expense of themselves. You can also see plays where they are pragmatic about winning, and I believe that this current style of play is close to the right approach for Kashima. One of the lessons I learned during my time there is that the result is everything. I want to enjoy facing the opponent who currently has the most momentum.
Q, Tokyo also seems to be in a cycle as you mentioned.
A, in the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale, the team definitely wanted the result of a victory. In this match as well, situations involving close ball contests and battles for second balls are expected, so we want to firmly recover the ball and avoid losing in those battles. If we lose in those close contests, the momentum will be completely taken away. The atmosphere at Kashima Soccer Stadium is also unique, and once goals start coming in, the entire venue tends to give momentum to Kashima, so I think we need to be careful.
Q, in order for Tokyo to become stronger in the future, it is necessary to overcome many adversities like Kashima multiple times.
A, speaking of the Kawasaki match, we can be confident in having defeated a highly polished opponent, and I think it’s necessary to build momentum from this game. If we can achieve consecutive wins here, I also feel there will be an atmosphere that allows us to ride a good flow. I believe that not losing in the fundamental aspects of soccer will naturally draw chances and victories closer to us.
Q: Are there any specific areas that player Kei KOIZUMI was careful about in the previous match against Kawasaki?
A, I was conscious of aggressively trying to win the ball from the front in defense, and I think the opponent disliked that. Without worrying too much about what’s behind, I was able to play with strength in winning challenges and second balls, in a way returning to basics. I believe being able to play decisively on the pitch also led to the goal. It was also good that I could win the ball in advanced positions.
Q, is it safe to say that we were able to play compactly overall?
A, that's right. Keigo HIGASHI was firmly positioned at the back, and on the right, Teruhito NAKAGAWA actively pressed to win the ball from the front. Each player was able to perform clear and understandable plays as teammates, so I think that was good. In the second half, with the opponent reduced to 10 players and being pressed, I wanted to hold onto the ball a bit more and send passes that would lead to attacks, which is a point of reflection. When facing an opponent who commits many players to attack, if we lose the ball easily after winning it, inevitably the time spent defending becomes longer. I think we could have played a bit smarter.
Q: Do you have any thoughts on what Kei KOIZUMI himself is thinking in order for Tokyo to continue winning from here?
A: I believe good defense leads to good offense. If the players on the pitch can play without hesitation, Tokyo has players with high individual abilities, so if they can play in a relaxed manner in a positive way, they will undoubtedly become a strong team. Overthinking how to defend or how to attack creates hesitation and gives the opponent openings. It is important both as a team and individually to play without hesitation on the pitch. If we continue to play with the high intensity seen in the Kawasaki match, the momentum will naturally shift in Tokyo’s favor. Expressing high-intensity play every match that makes the opponent think “this is troublesome” will form the foundation.
Q, it is also expected that Kashima will have more scenes of allowing Tokyo to have the ball.
A, it is important to simply spread the play to the sides, but I also think it is important to actively send challenging passes to the forward players and to deliver the ball into tight areas. There was also a strong impression of many runs behind the defense in the previous match against Kawasaki. I believe that midfield players overtaking Diego OLIVEIRA will be necessary in certain situations. If the number of plays behind the defense is low, the team will stop functioning properly, so I want to be conscious of that point.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, what kind of battle do you want to have with Kashima Antlers, who are on a winning streak?
A, they are an opponent with momentum, having won five consecutive matches, but our team is confident in stopping their winning streak. I believe this match will be one where strength in ball contests is crucial, so I want to win the game without losing to the opponent right in front of me.
Q, Is it important to be aggressive in the ball contest from the beginning, like in the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale?
A, considering the opponent's style of play, they might simply send long balls to the front line, so I think recovering the second ball will be important.
Q: Last season, we played against Kashima twice and won both matches. Does player Abe have a positive impression of those matches?
A, I have no sense of difficulty. I myself scored a goal at Kashima Soccer Stadium last season, so I also have a good image. I want to aim to score again tomorrow.
Q: How do you plan to break down Kashima's strong defense?
A, It is extremely difficult to break down their defense when they sit back, so the coach has also told us to actively target the space behind the opponent. While aiming to disrupt their formation, I think it is necessary to be conscious of taking mid-range shots and focusing on the goal.
Q, the balance between forward thinking and rear risk management is also important.
A, regarding that point, Masato MORISHIGE and Keigo HIGASHI are mainly maintaining the balance on the pitch. HIGASHI has also told me, "You can play as you like," so while partially entrusted, I think it is important to carry out attacking plays such as taking shots. We want to avoid losing the ball in dangerous areas and being counterattacked or having the midfield space exploited.
Q, who picks up the second ball is a big point.
A, Regarding winning and controlling the second ball, the coach has been emphasizing this throughout this week’s training. Our awareness of this is very high. I want to make good decisions to create momentum, such as controlling the ball to launch attacks or calming the play depending on the situation.
Q, including the Kawasaki match in the previous round, there was also an impression that the ball was connecting well.
A, until now, there was a strong impression that we lost the ball very often after winning it back, but in the Kawasaki match, the distance between teammates was good, and the play itself was smooth. Right after winning the ball, it is both an opportunity and a risk. I think it is important to carefully deliver the first pass to a teammate.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, How was the reaction after the Kawasaki Frontale match?
A, I received so many messages that I couldn't respond to them all in one or two days. I got a lot of messages on LINE and Instagram. It really made me realize, "I was able to perform well."
Q: How do you look back on the Kawasaki match?
A, last season I was someone watching this match from the sidelines. Since joining this season, as the Tamagawa Clasico match approached, my desire to play and to stand on the National pitch grew stronger. I realized I couldn’t play quietly; I needed to fully express my own strengths and enter the match with that mindset. I want to demonstrate performances even better than the Kawasaki match in future games.
Q, the impression is that you are filled with confidence as you play more games.
A, In the matches against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, I was unable to play satisfactorily or contribute to helping the team. Playing in matches is not something to be taken for granted, and because Kashif BANGNAGANDE's presence is significant, I feel a strong need to fully express myself on the field. It is precisely this mindset that allows me to grow day by day.
Q: Is the presence of player Yoshifu Takamoto very important for player Kashiho?
A, he is a left-back player who represents Japan. Since I play with such a player in daily practice, I intend to steal whatever I can. I want to firmly make the good parts I have stolen from him my own and continue to express them through my play.
Q, Tokumoto's attacking positioning led to a goal in the Kawasaki match.
A, the strengths of Hotaka NAKAMURA and Kashiho are that they actively show themselves in advanced positions, which is a type of play I have lacked until now. Although NAKAMURA got injured and had to leave, I didn’t want people to think that Tokyo’s fullbacks lost their attacking momentum. Since Kashiho was also on the bench during the Kawasaki match, I felt motivated to push forward aggressively even if I might be substituted later, so I think I was able to take many advanced positions that led to shots and crosses. I believe I was able to play recalling what I have built up so far, and I think this positioning showed that I am the type of fullback who goes forward.
Q, this week we will be facing the Kashima Antlers, who can be said to be in excellent form. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A: I want to forget about the Kawasaki match for now and approach the game so that people can say, "Thanks to your great performance, we were able to beat Kashima."
