<Last Match Review: Tokyo Verdy>
Trailing by two points at the end of the first half. In addition, they were put in a difficult situation by losing a player just before the end of the first half, resulting in a numerical disadvantage.
However, the blue and red warriors fighting on the pitch and the fans and supporters who filled the "away" goal end of Ajinomoto Stadium never gave up. Despite being at a disadvantage, the voltage in the stands continued to rise even at halftime and as they welcomed the start of the second half.
Furthermore, there was another man sitting on the Tokyo bench, burning with fighting spirit. It was Keita ENDO, who had announced his complete transfer to the blue and red team two days before this big match.
"I could feel the passion of the supporters cheering from the bench, and I couldn't let the fans and supporters go home like that. (When the opponent scored their second goal) I was motivated by the performance of the Tokyo supporters behind the goal. When I came on, I wanted to show it through my play."
16 minutes into the second half, number 22 was substituted into the left wing position. He strongly feels that his situation is linked to wanting to produce a difficult game and result. For him, it was a pitch-in of determination, burning with fighting spirit.
"Although we haven't had any results so far, I thought that if we could leave one behind in this important match, we would be recognized. The timing of the announcement of the full transfer is a chance."
Those feelings will soon come to fruition.
In the 23rd minute of the second half, Kosuke SHIRAI, who showed a sharp interception in his own half, continued to run down the right side. He ran up to a high position and crossed the ball on the ground, and number 22 who ran into the center pushed it in, finally signaling Tokyo's counterattack.
A battle that doesn't make you feel disadvantaged. As the players said after the game, "The support of the fans and supporters gave us a boost," truly the "12th player" lifted the team up and changed the atmosphere of the stadium.
And a dramatic development was waiting in the second half additional time.
Go HATANO made a long feed and Henrique TREVISAN competed for it near the opponent's penalty area. Teruhito NAKAGAWA collected the loose ball. Endo received a gentle cross and said, "I had already decided to take the shot when I received the pass. The ball flew to a good spot and I was able to score with my left foot."
In the green uniform that collapsed on the pitch, the blue and red goal end erupted in joy, bouncing back from a disadvantage. In the center of it all was the figure of number 22, who had just completed a full transfer.
As he returns to the pitch, he looks back at the stands and grabs the emblem on his left chest with his right hand. There is a strong determination towards the result and his own manners are embedded there.
"I was really frustrated. I couldn't go back home with a 0-2 loss, and I wanted to show that I made the right decision by fully transferring to Tokyo and proving myself in such an important game. I also wanted to convey my gratitude once again. It was all thanks to the team's hard work that we were able to catch up. Personally, I think I fulfilled my duty and responsibility as a player in the Tokyo Verdy match."
Finally officially became a member of "Seiakai", but of course, it is not possible to peak here. It is from here that we will demonstrate our true value, such as championship experience and competitiveness.
"I want to work hard to truly be recognized. Top players can continue to perform well. I want to continue this by training every day."
Two goals shown from an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation. Unfortunately, we were not able to achieve victory, but the one point earned by the "team" including the fans and supporters will surely be a memorable one. The determination and feelings held by the leading actors may also become an episode that will be passed down together.
Match Preview
At the Japan National Stadium, Tokyo Verdy, who faced Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers in succession, overcame a numerical disadvantage and caught up with a 2-point deficit in the J1 for the first time in 16 seasons. In addition, in the 2nd round of the YBC Levain Cup, they defeated Y.S.C.C. Yokohama 4-0, and have been on a roll with no losses in 4 official matches.
While missing players such as Kuryu MATSUKI, Ryotaro ARAKI, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA who are participating in the U-23 Japan national team, Riki HARAKAWA and Keita ENDO have stepped up and shown a strength that does not make the absence of key players felt. Under the ideal of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, "anyone can play our style of soccer", they are getting closer to the ideal form.
One player to watch out for is Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who was not called up to the U-23 Japan national team. With a humble attitude of "giving my all in the position I am in," he has shown his presence on both offense and defense with 1 goal and 2 assists in the league so far. This season, he has expressed his desire to become a key player and "be the center of the team."
This round, FC Machida Zelvia will be welcomed to Ajinomoto. Facing a strong opponent in 3rd place in their first J1 league challenge, how much of their accumulated results can Tokyo show? This match should be a test for advancing to the top.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, I think that the goal set by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI of having a team where anyone can play is gradually being realized.
A, In the Wednesday match against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama, the players also showed good performances on the pitch, and we saw positive signs as we continue to build up. The important thing is that whoever plays delivers a strong performance and gives their all in the match. From here, I want to continue encouraging growth so that the players’ mentality develops further. It is important to find our own value and move forward. As a club, we want to take one step at a time toward the next page.
Q, FC Machida Zelvia may come to face the opponent team with plays that eliminate their strengths.
A, this weekend is also an important match. We have been able to accumulate good training every day. I always respect the clubs we face. What is important is to prepare as best as possible for the match, regardless of the opponent. Extending our own time of possession, controlling the game, and taking the initiative will lead to team performance. It is expected to be a tough match. We will focus on our way of playing and give everything we have.
Is it not important to defeat tough opponents like Machida in order to move on to the next page?
A, It is important to steadily mark the process of growth as a team. Regardless of the opponent or style, we do not make any major changes. Naturally, the challenges and demands differ for each match, but by focusing on the team’s established rules and style of play, I believe we can defeat any opponent.
[Player Interview]
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q, including National's two consecutive wins, we have not lost in four official matches.
A, including the match against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama on Wednesday, I believe the key to our good form is that we have been stronger than our opponents in physical duels and running ability. It may be a simple thing, but because the quality of each player has improved at the fundamental level, we feel that we can express our style of soccer more effectively. In the match against Tokyo Verdy, the team started solidly, and although we had to play with 10 men from the middle of the first half, the players on the pitch were able to return to the basics of soccer and play accordingly. I think we also outperformed the opponents in terms of work rate and number of sprints, and the players who came on during the match made an impact, allowing us to demonstrate good team form through our play.
Q, Three players have left their clubs during the activities of the U-23 Japan national team. Please tell us the reason why the team has been able to maintain an undefeated record.
A, I think it’s the atmosphere and intensity of the training. Because each player can express a good tension and a level of intensity close to actual matches, the quality of training naturally improves. No player is guaranteed a starting spot, and the quality of training is directly reflected in the matches. In the April 3 match against the Urawa Reds, many young players were started, but we were able to secure a solid victory. One of the factors is also that veteran players like Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE foster an atmosphere that encourages the younger players to play intensely from training.
Q, it seems that player Yoshifu is getting more involved in scoring plays as if being pushed by that atmosphere.
A, I have a strong desire to contribute to the team with visible numbers such as goals and assists. It was difficult to produce results in the first few matches after the season opener, but I believed in what I had been building up and made sure to play with consistency starting from practice. Compared to last season, I feel that the number of times I get involved with the ball in advanced positions has increased, and I review each match with the coaching staff. Increasing the number of plays related to scoring is especially a goal I have set for this season.
Q, compared to previous seasons, the number of attacking participations and aggressive positioning are shining.
A, I often form a vertical partnership with Keita ENDO and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, and both are high-quality players. Their playing styles are completely different, but I consciously participate in attacks and position myself while understanding their movements. On the pitch, Takahiro KO especially supports my movements in various ways. He gives me detailed advice on where to receive the ball, where to move, and even when it’s better to stop and receive it instead, all necessary for building up the attack. I am able to organize and absorb the opinions of players, the manager, and the coaching staff, and I feel that my own hesitation in play has disappeared.
Q, this week's match is against FC Machida Zelvia. A matchup with Junya SUZUKI is also expected.
A, Machida gives the impression of a team that neutralizes the opponent's strengths while fully showcasing their own strong points. I feel their strength and high quality in hard work and the basics. First and foremost, it is absolutely essential to outperform the opponent in these aspects; if we lose there, no play or tactic will work. I believe the key point is to not lose in physical battles and hard work. I am also looking forward to the matchup with player Suzuki. His kicking accuracy is high, and when he was with Tokyo, he taught me tips and points. Even among domestic fullbacks, his kicking accuracy is top-class in the J.League. Suzuki’s kicks and long throws are undoubtedly Machida’s weapons, and they are opponents we absolutely do not want to lose to. I want to successfully break down the flanks through combination play with my teammates.
<Keita ENDO player>
Q, how do you feel about scoring two consecutive games in official matches?
A, no matter how it happens, it is a good thing to keep scoring goals. We want to build a strong team where anyone who plays can deliver results on the pitch. We need players who can score when the team is struggling. I believe that nothing is more valuable than a goal, no matter how good the play is.
Q, previously I talked about the importance of "swinging your feet". How do you feel about that point?
A, I am currently able to touch the ball with a good feel and play calmly in front of the goal. I hope to continue expressing this on the pitch in this week's match against FC Machida Zelvia.
Q, this week's match is against 3rd place Machida. Considering Machida's strengths, what kind of game do you think it will be?
A, if we aim to win the league, this is an opponent we absolutely must beat. It’s not a six-point game, but it’s a match of that level of importance. I think it will be such an important game that the players on the pitch must face it with determination. The fact that Machida is currently accumulating points means they are a team that thoroughly commits to a style of play focused on winning. Winning is everything. I truly believe Machida is a very strong team, and they will choose plays that Tokyo dislikes. Duels and battles for the ball will be crucial, so first, we must not lose in those situations, and we want to play in ways that both we and the opponent find unpleasant, while also targeting their weak points.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, I think the team has been able to embody the tenacity of not losing in the recent official match.
A, last season, there were many instances where conceding the first goal meant losing control of the match. This season, we have developed resilience, as seen in Sec. 6 against the Urawa Reds where we made a comeback, and against Tokyo Verdy where we managed to equalize. Although only eight league matches have been played so far, the team is tied for first in total goals scored, and we want to build confidence in our attacking play. On the other hand, we have conceded many goals, so we need to work hard to improve that aspect.
Q: Please tell us the factor that has contributed to the growth of our mental strength to be able to catch up and turn the game around, despite significant changes in the team since last season.
A, it’s not that something has drastically changed between the team or players, but compared to last season, we are consciously ensuring that the team maintains possession of the ball for a solid amount of time. I believe one of the factors is that we share this common awareness both as a team and as individual players.
Q, Kei KOIZUMI himself seems to have increased his participation in attacks and the number of times he builds up compared to last season.
A, this season I have become conscious not only of defensive movements and build-up play but also of visibly contributing to goals and assists. When a defensive midfielder gets involved in the attack and contributes with goals and assists, the team’s ranking improves, and the attack gains more depth. Individual growth is essential for the team to become stronger, and I want to always play with a challenging attitude.
