<Last Match Review: Kashima Antlers>
Challenges faced during the long Golden Week holiday. Tama River Clasico, which overcame those challenges. The next match was against Kashima Antlers, who have won 5 consecutive games without conceding a single goal.
5 consecutive games without conceding a goal.
Kashima's defensive pressure was as impressive as their record. Their ability to close down the ball, the speed of their retreat after losing possession, and their strength and height in front of goal. From the kick-off, they were able to showcase their strong points and build an impenetrable wall.
Impenetrable fortress that leaves no room for attack.
Allowing Kashima to take the lead, their defense only grew stronger. In the midst of requiring precise passes and coordination like threading a needle, there was a man who didn't miss a single moment.
Diego OLIVEIRA, who had been playing mind games with the opponent's center back from the beginning, switched his body towards the goal and drew a foul from behind, earning a penalty kick in the 25th minute of the first half.
Shuto ABE's loop pass, which did not miss the start of the movement, was also splendid, but Diego TABA's positioning, which slid his body between the opponent defender and the goal in response, opened the door of the fortress with skill.
After catching up to a tie, both teams continued to fiercely battle for the ball and quickly switch between attacking and defending until the end of the game without losing intensity. If they had entered the second half with a one-point lead, there was a possibility that Kashima's strength would have been displayed and they could have escaped with a win. The ace's brilliant turn that pulled the opponent into a 50-50 match became the key point of this game.
<Match Preview>
Tokyo, who faced Kashima Antlers, who had won 5 consecutive away games in the previous round, in the second game of a 3-game series against top teams. Diego OLIVEIRA, who was acquired by Tokyo, stopped the opponent's clean sheet record by scoring a penalty kick. Furthermore, throughout the game, they maintained their intensity and showed a strong performance, pushing the opponent back.
This round will be a match against Vissel Kobe, who is currently in first place. They have the second highest number of goals in the league and also have the best goal difference, making them a well-rounded team in both offense and defense.
In addition, this is the first game after the announcement of the departure of player Andres INIESTA, who joined the team in the 2018 season. As it is a home game, the stadium will be filled with a sense of farewell to INIESTA. As a team, we will not waste the remaining time playing with a world-renowned legend and will come into this game with even more determination than usual.
As Tokyo, we want to stick to our own style without being overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the stadium or the momentum of Kobe. In particular, we need to be extra cautious of the strong attacking lineup led by top scorer Osako and former blue and red warrior Muto, who has scored 4 goals this season.
After a series of losses during the long holiday, the team has been working on increasing their defensive strength and opportunities to regain possession through organized defense and winning the ball, with the common understanding of "first and foremost, we need to focus on defense". This has allowed them to gradually take control of the game through short counterattacks and ball possession.
First place, Iniesta, Osako, Muto... there are countless factors to be concerned about. Of course, it is important to know the opponent and prepare for their tactics, but we also want to surpass the opponent with our own style, direct the vector towards ourselves, and return to Tokyo with the victory points.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, it will be a match against Vissel Kobe, which has a high-scoring attacking lineup.
A, compared to last season, Kobe has transformed into a team with very high intensity. They have a strong awareness of attacking the goal and seem to have changed significantly since last season into a team that skillfully incorporates direct play while building their attacks. They work hard for the full 90 minutes, and their frontline is filled with many dangerous players. I believe the team is structured to bring out the unique qualities of their attacking players.
Q: What kind of approach is important when playing against Kobe, who plays with high intensity?
A, first of all, it is important that we express at least the same level of intensity and win duels in all situations, starting with one-on-one situations. Then, we must make the most of the quality our players possess. Kobe will likely apply intense pressing from the front line. It is crucial that we respond with play that is equal to or greater than theirs. As I always say, the J1 League is very closely contested. In such tight matches, the first goal has a significant impact in pulling the flow of the game. That is why it is necessary to approach the start of the match with full concentration.
Q: How do you see the players' condition from the coach's perspective during consecutive matches?
A, this week we face Kobe with only two days in between matches, but I recall that during the previous COVID-19 period, the league schedule was even more congested. In tomorrow’s Kobe match, which comes as part of a three-game stretch with just two days of rest, there is a real possibility that some players will clearly show signs of fatigue after the 20th minute of the second half. However, since several players did not participate in Wednesday’s Levain Cup match or had their playing time managed, I believe that through management, including substitutions, we can handle this situation effectively.
Q: In Kobe, Andres INIESTA, who announced his departure yesterday, is a member. Please tell us your impression of player INIESTA from the perspective of the coach.
A: In the history of football, he is undoubtedly one of the top 20 greatest players in the world. Moreover, his coming to Japan has greatly increased the global recognition of the J.League. Everyone knows just how remarkable a player Iniesta is.
Q, do you think Iniesta will play in tomorrow's match? What kind of game development do you expect?
A, everyone knows the high quality of player INIESTA. If he steps onto the pitch, it is possible that he could dramatically change the game with a single play. He is a world-class player, after all.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, if you participate in tomorrow's Vissel Kobe match, it will be your 450th appearance in the J1 League.
A, it went by in the blink of an eye, and it still feels like I just recently reached 400 appearances. As I get older, it seems to be passing even faster.
Q: How do you look back on your career so far?
A, I have never experienced an easy and smooth season; there have been difficult times as well. Every season, I play while feeling the challenges of professional life.
Q, what has been the driving force behind your long playing career?
A, the driving force is the desire to win and the sense of responsibility that comes from having played in Tokyo for a long time.
Q, I got the impression that the defense has been getting organized since the Kawasaki Frontale match the other day.
A, we still lack the ability to make corrections and solve problems among the players themselves. I believe we can discuss and make adjustments as much as needed during halftime or after the match. During the game, the players who are on the field need to think carefully and play accordingly.
Q, there are scenes where you can see a sense of security in their play when players Masato MORISHIGE and Shuhei TOKUMOTO are in possession of the ball.
A, there are moments during the match when I feel it is difficult to maintain balance in the back line. In the past few games, we have played in a way that quickly sends the ball to the front line, steadily accumulating points. Quickly sending the ball forward, making sound decisions to connect from our own half, and having a sense of balance in how to leverage the strengths of each current member are all important.
Q: Please tell us about your current feelings as you prepare to face Mutoh again.
A, both as a team and for Muto himself, we feel he is in good form. Even looking at the past few matches, his physical sharpness is excellent, and he has been steadily scoring goals. I believe I understand his strengths well, and of course, Muto also knows a lot about me. Within that context, I want to have a good battle.
Q: The player who will form a partnership with Muto is Rui Osako. How do you plan to contain the high-powered attacking lineup?
A, I have also checked the footage, and they use feints and slight movements to get behind the defense in front of the goal. I can sense their skill, and I want to be especially careful when playing near the goal.
Q, I think that a victory over the leading Kobe will bring a good momentum.
A, I believe that if we can secure a victory against the top-ranked team in this series of consecutive matches, including the Levain Cup, it will create positive momentum for the team. Since we will continue to face top-tier opponents, including next week's match against Yokohama F.Marinos, I want to approach these games with full concentration.
