<Previous Match Review: Albirex Niigata>
The orange waves filling the stadium were carrying the 11 orange players on the pitch, swallowing up the blue and red goals.
In the early stages, Tokyo showed aggressiveness in attacking towards Niigata's goal, but gradually lost control to Albirex Niigata who pushed forward while maintaining possession of the ball.
Somehow enduring, the clock's hand passed 90 minutes without the goal being broken, and the score remained 0-0.
Additional time now. There was an air pocket at the moment when we were still fighting without giving up hope for victory.
In the second half, at 45+1 minutes, despite defending their own goal, Niigata was shaken by using both the side and center, and when a cross ball was sent in from the left side, they were jumped into the goal and headed in freely.
Heading shot taken near the goal area. No matter how tall Taishi Brandon NOZAWA is, the shooting range is vast. He comes in with a shot that is difficult for the goalkeeper to handle, hitting the ground like a theory. The shot on the orange wave approaches the goal line.
As if the entire sequence was seen in slow motion, player Nozawa remained calm. He positioned himself on the left side of the goal, anticipating a cross ball, and as the ball came, he moved towards the center of the goal without taking his eyes off the ball.
He kicked the ball that flew to his feet, matching his right foot to the ball while taking a step. His right foot repelled the orange wave. The clean sheet that was necessary for the team, which was on a losing streak, to regain confidence was achieved by Nozawa's calm and composed response.
<Match Preview>
In the previous match, we drew 0-0 with Albirex Niigata away and stopped our losing streak at 2. Yuto NAGATOMO, who made his first appearance in 3 games, said that he had been "thoroughly focused on defense" for this match. During the 2-week preparation period, the team's detailed agreements and individual tactics, which were reviewed by returning to the basics of defense, paid off.
This season, which has been marked by unstable battles, has seen a significant deficit of 2 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses away from home. Long-time player Nagatomo points out the reason as "our defense was too fragile." "First and foremost, we need to stabilize our defense. We need to show persistence and precision in our defense to prevent our opponents from playing comfortably. (In the match against Niigata), I was able to show the minimum as a defender."
The opponent for the final home game is Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. In the previous match, they conceded a season-high of 5 goals away, so defensive stability will be a key theme in this match as well. Teruhito NAKAGAWA stated, "I want to play a game that will give the viewers something to look forward to next season," and he has vowed to release the built-up frustration with the fans and supporters who have supported him throughout this season. As the culmination of this season, we hope for a solid victory with a strong performance.
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, How did you improve the attacking issues seen in the Albirex Niigata match this week?
A, We are thinking about becoming a threat by getting behind the opponent's last line and moving toward their goal. Also, it is important how we use space when we have possession of the ball. While playing our style of football, we want to apply pressure on the opponent, put pressure on their goalkeeper, and make runs into areas that bother the opponent, supplying the ball. We aim to further improve these aspects from here on.
Q, after the Niigata match, there was also the phrase "(we) rushed a little too much (in attack)".
A, It is very difficult to deliver a perfect performance, but there were several scenes in the game where we could have moved the ball into space a little more. If we can express that, I think it will become a threat to the opponent. However, having the mindset to push forward is very important, and I believe there were many instances in the Niigata match where we lost the ball in situations we seemed to be able to control.
Q, were you able to keep a clean sheet in the previous match against Niigata? It seems like the defensive-focused training paid off.
A, It was extremely important for us to organize our defensive aspects. At the same time, we must also continue to accumulate goals. In the Niigata match, we ended up unable to demonstrate the fruits of our attacking efforts in the game. We want to express what we have built up in the match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. We demand from the players a strong mentality to keep a clean sheet, to produce many goals, and to fully bring out what we have been building up through training.
Q, How was the defense and practice focused on the Sapporo match, and what was the feeling?
A, Sapporo is a club that plays very wonderful football, and we respect Coach PETROVIC. When Sapporo has possession of the ball, the key point is how sharply we can defend. We are currently preparing for that this week, and based on the fundamentals and principles of team defense, we want to connect that to good attacking play. During attack, we aim to move the ball skillfully, make effective use of space, and break open their defensive block. We want to create good opportunities and make it an exciting match for all the fans and supporters.
Q, this match against Sapporo will be our final home game of the season.
A, this is a special and important match. Everyone understands how crucial it is to seize victory. We are focused on bringing joy to our fans and supporters. For that reason, the players and staff are fighting desperately and have prepared thoroughly. I believe the players will give their all to win.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, we are approaching the end of the season. Compared to last season, it was a difficult season, wasn't it?
A, as you can see from the standings, I feel that this season's performance has been disappointing, and the results reflect that. There was even a change of manager midway through the season, and we were unable to compete in the way we had envisioned at the start of the season. I think it turned out to be a very difficult season.
Q, Have you played a big role as a captain when the team was in a tough situation?
A, Coach CKLAMOVSKI took over midway through the season, and I believe we must not leave everything up to the coach regarding what kind of soccer to play and what style to build. Of course, each coach has their own character, but the most important thing is for the players themselves to take action and challenge various things. Creating an environment for challenges, gathering each player's opinions, understanding what everyone thinks, and coordinating what kind of play each position wants to perform—these efforts need to be increased even more going forward.
Q, Looking back on Morishige's comments this season, it seems to be focused on "what the player will do".
A, it is not the coach but the players who play on the pitch. While the coach steers the overall direction, we players on the pitch must grow and express through our play what we feel in each moment. I want each of the 11 players on the pitch to think more deeply about what they want to do, what kind of play they want to make, how their chosen play affects the team, and what their unique strengths are, and to express that. It is necessary to express not only what is expected but also something beyond that. I believe each player should communicate what they want to do.
Q, How will you play the last two games?
A, In a way, I think these two matches are opportunities to try various things. There is only a short time left until the final match on December 3rd, but I believe there are plenty of challenges we can take on during the remaining period. Of course, the league standings have become somewhat clear, but above all, we want to take various actions for the fans and supporters, and to connect to our next season. We want to seize even just one good opportunity. If we start next season by searching for that opportunity, it inevitably takes time to move forward. In that sense, I believe the battle for next season has already begun.
Q, this season achieved a total of 450 appearances in the J1 League. In addition, he is expected to break the record for 12 consecutive seasons of scoring in the J1 League, which is tied for the highest among defense players.
A, This season, I have worked on strengthening my physical condition to improve my form, and I believe I can give myself a certain level of credit. I still feel I can compete, and being able to fight through the entire season has boosted my confidence moving forward. Regarding the consecutive goals, I am often reminded of it by those around me and can't help but be conscious of it, but I do not change anything with the intention of targeting that. Of course, I am happy to achieve the record, but I also believe there are still other areas where I can show my abilities, so I think it would be great if I can ultimately break the record.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, In the previous away game, the match against Albirex Niigata ended in a draw. How will you continue that momentum in the next game?
A, We were able to finish the away game with a clean sheet, but since we did not score, I think it is necessary to improve that for this match. Keeping a clean sheet away is a good result, but the overall content of the game was not very satisfying. We want to improve the quality on both offense and defense.
Q, What role do you want Nakagawa to play on both offense and defense?
A, I believe the important things are the intensity in one-on-one battles and the mindset and mentality when approaching the match. I want to increase the possession rate by holding the ball longer in the opponent's territory. What I just mentioned is everything needed to win, but above all, I focus on fighting to achieve the result of victory.
Q, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo is expected to have many options in the attack due to their high press.
A, I believe that if we can successfully break down the opponent’s defense and exploit the spaces, the number of scoring opportunities will naturally increase. On the other hand, if we lose the ball in a deep position in our own half, it will directly lead to dangerous situations. I think that unless we continuously challenge ourselves during the match to skillfully evade the opponents we are matched up against, there will be no growth either as a team or as individuals, and I believe this will be a key point that determines the outcome of the game.
Q, this match will be the final home game of the season.
A, Above all, I want everyone to finish with a smile. I want to show the fans and supporters a match that gives them hope for the next season.
