<Last Match Review: Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
The blue and red warriors have returned to Ajinomoto Stadium. A crowd of 32,274 gathered for the home opener against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The pitch and stands united as they set out to achieve their first victory in the league.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE made a big save with a fantastic reaction after a direct volley from the opponent's left cross, which had been pushing from the beginning. Go HATANO also blocked the rebound shot, avoiding danger.
Player Go HATANO also made a difficult save with a sideways dive on a tricky bouncing mid-range shot in the 19th minute of the second half. "Returning HATANO" on loan to V-Varen Nagasaki has been producing fine plays to save the team.
After that, they conceded the first goal from a penalty kick, but Ryotaro ARAKI, who scored 2 goals in the opening game and made a brilliant Tokyo debut, smashed a shocking goal as a greeting to the home crowd.
In the 26th minute of the second half, immediately after conceding a goal, Yuto NAGATOMO, who had sprinted up the right side at full speed, received a pass near the goal. He thought, "I'll try to fake out the defender and goalkeeper by slightly missing the shot," and used a feint to briefly pull the ball back with the sole of his foot, creating an opening for his shot. Then, he lightly pushed the ball forward and swung his right foot sharply, blasting the ball into the near side of the goal with great force.
In just over 1 second, "Akaaka no Tarou" showed a magical footwork that stopped time at the stadium, bringing the game back to the beginning. After scoring, he elegantly bowed towards the goal end with a smile. Along with the equalizing goal, he added the thought of "Thank you for your support" to the home fans and supporters.
After being behind in two consecutive games, the team managed to catch up and the game ended in a 1-1 tie. Following the opening game, they earned 1 point with another draw.
<Match Preview>
In the previous match, we drew 1-1 with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, marking the start of the season with two consecutive draws. We allowed a penalty goal in the 24th minute of the second half, but just two minutes later, the newly joined Ryotaro ARAKI scored the equalizer, making it two goals in two matches. In response to the roaring cheers, ARAKI elegantly bowed his head in celebration, conveying his gratitude. However, he is not satisfied with just the result of the goal. After the match, he expressed his desire, saying, "I wanted to score the winning goal. I want to win quickly and share the joy with our fans and supporters."
This round, we will face last season's J1 League champions, Vissel Kobe, at Ajinomoto Stadium. We should be particularly wary of their strong attacking lineup, which includes last season's J1 League top scorer and MVP, Yuya OSAKO, as well as former Tokyo player Yoshinori MUTO. Masato MORISHIGE says, "We have been discussing our challenges while playing in camp. If we can move the ball more, we can reach an even higher level. I believe that is the potential of this team," emphasizing a head-to-head battle. Our goal is to achieve our first victory of the season. We will face the previous season's champions without being passive and challenge them with the Tokyo style of soccer that we have built up until now.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, this round we will be facing last season's champions, Vissel Kobe.
A, we will simply continue to improve our way of playing from here. It is important to think about what is necessary to deliver high-intensity performances and to work on it consistently. Of course, we respect our opponents and want to approach the match understanding what we must do to win. In the recent match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we fell just short of victory. We will fight desperately so that our fans and supporters can leave the stadium with smiles. Please continue to give us your passionate support this round as well.
Q, In practice, there were scenes where coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI gave detailed instructions himself. What points of Kobe are you wary of?
A, rather than just being careful, I want the players to be conscious of it. Kobe has many highly skilled players and is a wonderful team. I conveyed how to respond to their strong playing style, how to recover second balls, and how to deal with crosses. It is important to fully execute the established rules that we consider crucial in developing our style of play both offensively and defensively, to take control of the game, and to exploit the opponent’s weak points. It looks like it will be a tough and exciting battle, but we want to score more goals than them.
Q, How do you, as the coach, view the first two games?
We are focusing on the performance of each player and the team. We are asking for improvement in mentality and awareness when approaching the game, and to continue in a positive direction. We drew both games, but there were also good plays and good moments as a team.We will not neglect improvement, and we want to learn a lot from the games and get closer to the team we dream of. In order to be like that when the 38th round of the league ends, we need to grow in every game.
Q, it was a draw after catching up from behind in both games, do you feel that your ability to catch up has grown?
A, the ideal scenario is to take the lead and extend it to 2 or 3 goals ahead. However, it is a good thing that we have developed the ability to come back from behind and secure a draw. In the Kobe match, we want to give everything to achieve victory. The incredible atmosphere created by the fans and supporters was certainly felt by us even in the previous match against Hiroshima. I truly feel that they provide something wonderful to the players. Your support makes us stronger.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryotaro ARAKI＞
Q, Please review the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match.
A, Throughout the 90 minutes, there were many chances for both teams to score, but the impression is that both teams were limited to just one goal each. For Tokyo, there were also opportunities to finish decisively, but we failed to capitalize and ended up losing out on 3 points.
Q, how do you feel after scoring 3 goals in 2 games?
A, Personally, I have been able to get off to a good start. From here, I want to continue scoring goals that help the team win.
Q, What do you think will be brought to the team by winning from last season's J1 League champions?
A, Both teams have had changes in their lineups, and I think there are differences and variations on both sides. This season, we want to firmly express the style of football Tokyo aims for on the pitch and defeat Vissel Kobe at home. Winning this match will further boost the team's morale, and just like the fans and supporters who are eagerly awaiting our first victory of the season, we players are also hungry for a win. We want to deliver a winning performance to everyone. We want to express our style of football until the very end.
<Keita ENDO player>
Q, Please look back on the debut match in Tokyo against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, Due to conditioning adjustments, I avoided playing in the match against Cerezo Osaka, so my Tokyo debut was in the recent match against Hiroshima. It was the home opener, and I entered the game with strong determination, wanting to show visible results such as goals or assists. While having the fans and supporters watch my play, I focused on making a strong initial impact and giving my all with full momentum from the start.
Q, What challenges did you feel on the pitch during the 1-1 draw?
A, It would have been better if we had been able to move the ball well and find space, but there were noticeable scenes where the ball got stuck or had nowhere to go, leading to easy long balls being kicked to the forwards. Of course, the problem is not only with the players kicking the ball; if the team aims to build up play by connecting passes carefully, the receiving players also need to consider their timing to start moving and show themselves. We want to avoid having long balls as the first choice.
Q, what are the key points for the upcoming match from playing in the J-League after a long time?
A, Having been away from the J-League for a while, I am able to play without fixed ideas or preconceptions, and I think I can express a style of play that confronts the opponent head-on. Honestly, I don’t know how the match against Vissel Kobe will unfold, but since we have not been able to secure a win and have had consecutive draws so far, this match will be an important turning point going forward, and the outcome—win or lose—will make a big difference. On the same side, I expect there will be a matchup with Gotoku SAKAI. SAKAI is a player who has also been part of the Japan national team, so I want to play in a way that does not fall behind in either offense or defense.
Henrique TREVISAN
Q, we have had two consecutive draws since the opening game. How do you view this result?
A, looking back, both matches were difficult, but I feel that we have been improving with each game, and of course, there are points that need to be corrected. I want to secure our first win of the season in the upcoming match against Vissel Kobe on the 9th.
Q, No club has won consecutive victories at the end of the 2nd section, and it seems that this season will also be a closely contested league match.
A, I perceive it as a very closely contested situation. Looking at the entire J1 League, there are many clubs with strong capabilities. In other countries' leagues, it is often the case that two or three teams consistently compete at the top as title contenders, but in the J1 League, it would not be surprising if any club breaks into the championship race. I truly feel that I am playing in a very high-level league.
Q, How do you evaluate Henrique Trevisan's performance and current condition?
A, I am not in perfect condition, but I believe I am gradually improving as I play more matches. I understand the role expected of me and want to contribute with plays that lead to victory.
Q, Vissel Kobe, who we will be facing this round, is a team with a high-level attacking lineup. Can you tell us the key to victory?
A, Since they are the team that won the J1 League last season, they have an impressive lineup of excellent players both offensively and defensively. Although their forwards have strong scoring ability, as a defender, I want to firmly protect our goal and, through defense that does not give the opponent any freedom and physical blocks, lead Tokyo to its first victory of the season. We absolutely want to earn 3 points.
