<Last Match Review: Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
In the 25th anniversary match, we wanted to continue our good momentum in this away game against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. However, our team lacked attacking power and we were unable to defend against a counter attack in the first half, resulting in a defeat.
Hiroshima's game at home, where they returned with the determination not to make the same mistake twice, was aggressive from the beginning, pushing for a goal. While they were pushing forward, there were also scenes where they were exposed to Hiroshima's counterattacks, but what shone there was Taishi Brandon NOZAWA's brave charge and big save.
The team created scenes where they could focus on attacking by guarding behind the defense line and preventing Hiroshima's counterattacks by jumping out of the penalty area.
What was remarkable about this match was the response to shots from close range. Despite being pushed into the penalty area and having Hiroshima players repeatedly take shots at the goal, they threw themselves at the ball and continued to clear it from the goal with close-range shots.
The game result was disappointing, but for the team that chose to attack first in order to win, there was no more reliable player in the back. With courageous runs, ball control at his feet, sharp reactions and saving techniques, Jakub SLOWIK, the best role model, has been training and his results were clearly shown on the pitch during the game.
<Match Preview>
In the previous match, Tokyo defeated Albirex Niigata 2-1. Initially, Niigata continued their impressive performance as a promoted team with their possession-based football that they had cultivated since their time in the J2 League. Under former coach Albert Puig Ortoneda, Tokyo also entered their second season with a strong determination to showcase their true value by committing to a style of play that prioritizes ball possession.
The start of the game was characterized by both teams attacking aggressively, with an open exchange of blows from the very beginning. Tokyo took the lead in the 8th minute, which gave them a slight advantage and allowed them to push New Niigata back. However, they quickly conceded an equalizer from a free kick, and the momentum shifted in favor of New Niigata.
In the latter part of the first half, Tokyo took the lead with a spectacular goal by Diego OLIVEIRA, and unlike the beginning, they were able to control the game for a longer period of time. They allowed the opponent to have possession of the ball, but pulled them back into their own half, eliminating space for a finish. After regaining possession of the ball, they quickly turned to attack and pushed back into the opponent's territory.
Ball possession, counter. Regardless of which one is chosen, the team has maintained its dignity as a team that continues to fight in the J1 league by covering with high individual quality.
It has been almost six months since then, and Tokyo is in 11th place, with Niigata in 10th place, putting Tokyo in a chasing position. Niigata, who has not lost in 6 league matches, is also within reach of Kawasaki Frontale, who is currently in 9th place. They should come into the home game with high motivation.
Tokyo, who is currently on a losing streak, wants to show their commitment to the attacking style that coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI is trying to build and not be overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum. In this match, they will be without Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Henrique TREVISAN, who are suspended, but they have sent four players to the U-22 Japan national team for a friendly match next week, hoping to cover the absence of key players in both offense and defense with the dynamic performance of their promising young players.
DENKA BIG SWAN STADIUM, which we will ride for the first time in 6 seasons. We want to create many scenes where the blue and red team will make their voices of joy resound in the midst of the orange wave that will fill the stadium.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, Please tell us your impression of Albirex Niigata, where coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI has been in charge for two seasons.
A, It is difficult to narrow it down to just one thing, but I feel that the team has been continuously growing. I believe they have developed in every aspect, and I know Coach Matsuhashi well. I think this is a team that will continue to move forward.
Q, This round, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Henrique TREVISAN will be suspended. What kind of game do you want to have against Niigata?
A, Regardless of the situation, I expect the players to deliver their best performance. We are never fighting alone; we fight as a team, and the players on the pitch need to support each other. I believe that whoever plays will show a good performance and contribute to the victory.
Q, During the break, it seemed that there were many trainings focused on the offensive side.
A, This is one of the areas where we feel challenges in our style of play and approach. I believe the players have clearly recognized many aspects, and we view these realizations positively. Of course, we must not forget the defensive rules. I believe that continuity leads to evolution. For some players, I have had individual talks, and for others, we have reviewed footage in detail. I hope this will help lead to better training.
Q, Please tell us about the progress of the team building so far as we approach the halfway point of the season under the leadership of Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
A, I believe that taking command in the middle of a season is an extremely difficult task. Building a team is like constructing a house: steadily laying bricks one by one to ultimately build a strong and durable home. Sometimes you feel growth quickly, and other times the growth curve is slower. Since I took over in Tokyo, I have felt that we are developing in the right direction. Focusing on our own style of play, delivering results for this club, and consistently demonstrating high performance are necessary for becoming stronger in the future. There are only three matches left this season. It is important to cultivate the habit of giving everything in daily training to raise our performance and show matches that excite our fans and supporters. I believe that by challenging ourselves again and again, we can achieve special moments.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q: This is the first game at DENKA BIG SWAN STADIUM since the 2017 season. Please share your thoughts on playing at this familiar venue.
A, I spent four seasons with Albirex Niigata. It’s been a while since I’ve played in Niigata, but rather than feeling excited because the opponent is Niigata, I am focused on winning against the team in front of me as a Tokyo player. There are only three league matches left, and I am thinking only about winning and returning to Tokyo together with everyone involved with Tokyo. Right now, I believe that winning is the most important thing.
Q, please tell us your impression of Niigata, who has not lost in 6 league matches.
A, there are many young and energetic players, and they give the impression of playing good soccer and steadily accumulating points. As I mentioned earlier, regardless of the opponent, I believe every club will approach the last three matches with strong determination and a clear mindset, so we want to show a battle focused solely on victory.
Q: There was also talk of "regardless of the opponent," but what specific points will become important?
A, I think it comes down to detailed communication on the pitch and how united we can be in pursuit of victory. We are focused solely on winning and returning from Niigata with a win, and especially in the remaining three matches, we are greedily and strongly seeking only "victory."
Q, I played as a defensive midfielder in the match against Yokohama FC and as a full-back in the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Please tell me the challenges you saw in each position.
A, we lost both matches and felt many challenges. It is a major point of reflection that I started from the beginning of the match but could not deliver results. There are many points to correct, but regardless of the position I play, I want to show considerate play that helps my teammates for the team and for victory.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, Please let us know if there are any modifications or improvements made on the offensive side during the break period.
A, Based on the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, I have been consciously focusing on the “patterns” of how to score goals during training.
Q: This match is against Albirex Niigata, who were in the 2018 and 19 seasons.
A, This will be my first time playing against Albirex Niigata at DENKA BIG SWAN STADIUM on the J1 League stage, so I am very much looking forward to it. We were able to win 2-1 in the home game during the first half of the league, but I want to do my best to score goals and secure a solid win away as well.
Q, please tell us your impression when you played against Niigata in the first half of the league.
A, since they are a team that builds their attack by connecting passes, Tokyo will maintain solid defense while launching attacks that effectively exploit the weaknesses of the opponent's defense. Just like in the first half of the league, we want to play in a way where we are not simply being passed around, but through coordinated defense, we make them "pass around" the ball.
Q, There are also suspended players, so changes in combinations and arrangements are expected.
A, no matter which position I play in, I believe the expectations for my offensive contribution remain the same, and there is no significant change in my mindset. Naturally, depending on the position, the number of times I receive the ball and my movements will differ, but as an attacking player, I want to show plays where I clearly appear in the final phase, and I will do my best to demonstrate plays that lead to goals.
Q, the last 3 games of the J1 League are coming up. How do you want to finish this season?
A, I want to show that I can do what I want to do and play for the team, and I want to grow even a little bit.And above all, I don't want to make the fans and supporters who support me feel frustrated. I want to win.
