<Last Match・Gamba Osaka Review>
It is common for opponents to struggle to break through a defensive block when playing against a team that prioritizes attacking while maintaining possession of the ball.
When pushing the opponent and holding the ball, there is not enough space when trying to break vertically. In that case, by utilizing the width of the pitch, the opponent who is crowded together can be spread out, aiming for the gap between players, or increasing the chances of scoring from a cross ball before the opponent's defense can slide into position.
In the former, technical skills and playing accuracy are required to go through the small gap that can be created, while in the latter, speed is needed to leave the opponent behind.
Tokyo, who had been unable to score despite taking control of the game against Gamba Osaka, chose the former and moved the score. Moreover, not only with their individual abilities, but also with advanced coordination where the passer, second, third, and fourth players switched on and attacked the narrow area in the penalty area.
Yuto NAGATOMO, who opened on the right side while pushing the opponent, will make a wedge pass that will become the switch of the attack, and pass it to Diego OLIVEIRA who has entered near the center of the penalty area.
When the center forward, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had attracted the opponent's defender, passed the ball, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had entered to support from behind, received the ball.
Diego TABA ran towards the goal after passing the ball, pulling the defender with him and creating space in front of the goal. Riki HARAKAWA, the fourth attacker, then jumped in and received a pass from Nakagawa.
From here, Harakawa's technique shone. With his first touch, he dribbled past one defender, then used a feint to get past the second defender and calmly slotted the ball into the goal, aiming for the goalkeeper's difficult-to-react feet.
The opponent's defense team combines coordinated plays and individual abilities to take the upper hand in all situations. On the day of the club's 25th anniversary, a goal was born that concretely imagines the future of Tokyo, and it was not by chance. Turning the struggles of the present into future glory. Instead of giving up in the face of current circumstances, the team's efforts to continue growing should only increase on the pitch.
<Match Preview>
After a break of about three weeks, the league will resume. There are only five more matches left this season. The possibility of winning the title or qualifying for the AFC Champions League has disappeared, while on the other hand, the team has secured their place in the J1 league. The focus is now on building a future-oriented style of soccer and developing a winning mentality.
In the consecutive wins against Sagan Tosu and Gamba Osaka, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, even after winning, has been encouraging his teammates to strive for further improvement, and has been making efforts to promote the team's growth without wasting each game.
We want to show our fans and supporters the path forward by balancing our pursuit of deepening our soccer style and winning the game, while also testing our progress over the past three weeks in this long-awaited official match.
Yokohama FC, the opponent, is currently in last place and is in the midst of a fierce battle for survival in the J1 league, with only one point separating them from 17th place Shonan Bellmare. The motivation to win the game is extremely high, and it is expected that the desire for victory will be fully expressed. Therefore, Tokyo must surpass the opponent's desire for victory with their own growth ambition as a team, and also demonstrate their superiority in terms of the development of their soccer style.
In the first half of the season, they faced each other in the fourth game after the opening. Tokyo had played three games with one win, one draw, and one loss, and although their form was not at its best, they took the lead in the 5th minute and went on to win 3-1, showing a dominant performance.
In between this match, on October 28th (Sat), we will have the final game of our 25th anniversary celebration. We want to continue our winning streak and earn 3 points without breaking it at the away game, and return to Ajinomoto.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, Yokohama FC, who we will be facing this round, is a team fighting to avoid relegation. What will you be focusing on when approaching the match?
A, They are a tough opponent who will fight with a strong desire to avoid relegation, so I expect it to be a difficult match. The mentality with which the players approach the game, which I always demand, is crucial, and for us, securing the 3 points is everything. I believe it will be a passionate battle with both teams aiming to take the 3 points. Since we understand their style of play, we want to show a game that respects their strengths while exploiting their weaknesses.
Q, How do you think about the value of consecutive victories, even though you haven't won three in a row this season?
A, we are focusing on what we need to do now in our performance. If we can fully demonstrate in the match what we have been encouraging and the areas where we have grown, I believe we will become a threat to the opponent. We focus on maximizing our performance and expressing the best football. To do this, it is important to maintain concentration in every situation and win the decisive moments. Every match has turning points that determine the outcome, and we demand that we firmly take control of those moments. Perhaps the mentality we need to cultivate is one that can fight ruthlessly against the opponent when necessary. I always think only about winning the match in front of me. I want to give everything I have to win against Yokohama FC.
Q, Is there any change in the members after a break of about 3 weeks?
A, as we practiced today, we have variations in the lineup and multiple options available. Since there is still time until the match, I would like to observe the players' conditions during practice and consider accordingly.
Q, Four players who were selected for the U-22 Japan national team will return home after completing their activities. How do you feel about returning to the team after gaining game experience?
A, after returning to the country and arriving at the clubhouse, I would like to check the condition of each of the four players. I do not know whether they will participate in the match against Yokohama FC. Including whether they play or not, I cannot say anything at this time. Representing the country in competition is truly a special thing and I think it feels very rewarding. I want to carefully check their condition and make a decision.
[Player Interview]
＜Henrique TREVISAN＞
Q, in the previous match against Gamba Osaka, we achieved a shutout victory and continued our winning streak. How do you feel about this accomplishment?
A, I believe we were able to secure a very good victory in the match against Gamba Osaka. As a defensive player myself, I feel a sense of accomplishment in being able to keep a clean sheet by not allowing the opponent to score, and in contributing to a defense that led to the win. This week, we are preparing to face Yokohama FC, and after about a three-week break, I think we can approach the match with both our bodies and minds refreshed. As a team, we have been able to conduct good training in preparation for the Yokohama FC match. I want to forget about the Gamba Osaka match for now and focus on winning the next game and extending our winning streak.
Q, Was there anything that the team improved or maintained during the break period?
A, I feel that we were able to have very good training during the approximately three-week break period. In particular, we strengthened our physical condition and deepened the coordination within the team, and we also worked on tactical training. Step by step, I believe we are moving in a positive direction.
Q, Are there any specific plays, instructions, or defensive coordination that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI is focusing on to build the defense?
A, As a defensive player, individual defensive skills are naturally required first and foremost, but what I value within that is communication with teammates and positioning when defending. I focus on communicating during practice and giving instructions on defensive positioning from the back line. I feel that we are gradually improving.
Q, Yokohama FC has foreign players as well as players with individual abilities to break through, all lined up in the front line. How will you deal with it?
A, We are determined to fight with the mindset that there are no easy matches, not only against Yokohama FC this week. The opponent has many highly skilled players, and it is expected to be a very difficult match. Considering Yokohama FC’s current team situation and ranking, I believe they will approach this game with a very strong desire to win at all costs. We will also fight aiming for our third consecutive win, and without being passive, we want to passionately pursue victory.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, expectations are rising for 3 consecutive goals.
A, There are only five games left this season, but I want to keep working hard aiming for consecutive goals. No matter which side I play on, left or right, I will not change my style; I want to focus on vertical attacks, shooting awareness, and delivering crosses from the sides that lead to scoring opportunities.
Q, It seems that Tawarazumida's weapon, dribble, is leading to goals and chances.
A, I knew from the training at the beginning of this season and my debut match that my strong dribbling would be effective, and I felt confident about it. Dribbling is also my personal strength, so if it didn’t work, I believe it would be the end. I have gained confidence in it and want to continue improving it.
Q, What points do you feel have grown as you continue to play and score in games?
A, there are still challenges in defense, but I feel that I am gradually becoming more aware. I have been taught and asked about positioning and finer details by various people, and little by little, I think I am aligning with the style of defense the team demands. Compared to the beginning of the season, I feel that my stamina has improved.
Q, What is the important way to fight against Yokohama FC?
A, I think there are situations where just holding the ball won’t break down an opponent who forms a defensive block. In those moments, I want to use my dribbling to break through the opposing defense and show plays that lead to goals. Ideally, scoring in three consecutive matches would be great, but I want to play each game focusing on what’s right in front of me.
