<Last Match Review: FC Machida Zelvia>
A match that was sandwiched between a draw and a three-game winning streak. The game allowed the first goal from a set piece, but equalized with a penalty kick from Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who scored his first league goal after transferring to Tokyo. However, they were unable to defend against a long ball attack and conceded a second goal. They were unable to break through the opponent's defense and unfortunately suffered a loss.
Although it was a frustrating game, number 33 showed a lot of potential with his bold plays on the left side, which cannot be overlooked.
Not only cutting in from the left side and taking a shot, but also creating chances with a right foot cross or a horizontal pass while changing the ball. He relentlessly attacked and created a scent of scoring.
Machida has also responded with multiple people by continuing to "unrivaled" from the start, but the number 33 of Akaaka still does not stop. While lightly stepping, he measures the timing with the opponent and boldly gets involved in the finish by opening up a small space born in the opponent's defense network.
The highlight was the 4-person dribble shown in the 17th minute of the second half. Holding the ball on the left side, he broke through the gap between the two defenders who came to mark him. He then cut through the two players who came to close him down, leaving them behind and providing a shot-worthy cross. Although Keita ENDO's shot from this was denied by the crossbar, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA was a dominant presence on the left side.
However, the fact that he was unable to produce direct results such as goals and assists, he expresses his frustration by saying, "I think I was able to create a lot of chances from the left side, but I am aware that they only ended up as chances."
Despite being only 19 years old in his second professional season, his plays have become a major weapon for the team. He is also able to provide support in a way that allows those around him to excel. That is why he wants to deliver results.
"I haven't reached the level of satisfaction yet. I have to continue working hard to grow even further. I want to aim for both goals and assists, but my main goal is to contribute to the team's victory by scoring."
At the start of the second half of the Machida game, his personal chant echoed from the goal end. A product of the academy, there are high expectations from those around him. The fact that he was unable to bring victory to the team while showcasing his strengths only strengthens his desire for results. If this match serves as a reminder of that feeling, then the bitter loss should lead to a bright future for both the team and him.
Match Preview
FC Tokyo, who suffered a frustrating defeat against FC Machida Zelvia in the previous match, now has a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses in the league. Both goals scored and goals conceded are 14, resulting in a goal difference of 0.
The total score of 14 so far is tied for the most in the league with Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Vissel Kobe, but the fact remains that they also have the 17th most goals conceded, leaving room for improvement in defense. While the team is able to score goals, stabilizing their style of play will be key to advancing to the top and securing a victory against Albirex Niigata.
Niigata, who will face Tokyo, has the same record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses so far. Led by third-year coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, they have been playing possession soccer, pushing forward while maintaining possession of the ball.
The most dangerous player to watch out for in Niigata right now is undoubtedly FW Kaito TANIGUCHI, who has scored in the last two official matches and was awarded the Meiji Yasuda J1 Monthly Best Goal for February and March. With his natural scoring sense and sharp, powerful movements, he is a striker who constantly threatens the goal. He also possesses a strong punch that can shoot from long distances, so Tokyo must work together in the backline and midfield to cut off his powerful finishing abilities.
The key to the game will be how the blue and red players respond to Niigata's ball possession. Tokyo will come with speedy players up front and high ball-winning players in the midfield, drawing the opponent into their own half and launching long counters or short counters from high pressing, in order to be able to adapt to the situation and determine the outcome of the game. Offense and defense are two sides of the same coin. It will be interesting to see how they manage the risk of not conceding and how they will strategize to defeat their opponent.
Looking back, we have shown a passionate fight, such as a winning streak at the Japan National Stadium since April, a tie in the Tokyo Verdy match, and 4 goals shown in the YBC Levain Cup 2nd round against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama. Although we missed a 3-game winning streak in the league after a draw, we were able to show aggressive soccer. We don't want to be discouraged by the loss against Machida and want to stand up firmly together.
In addition, it will be a reunion for Takahiro KO, who was with Niigata until last season. It will be interesting to see if he can shine in his former home.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, After the previous defeat, what will you be looking for?
A, it is important to firmly connect the pain and experience from the defeat to the next step. In football, there are times when you have to take tough lessons. Of course, we must not continue to experience such things. While building something special, we must accept and learn from the defeat in the previous match. As long as we are in that process, we must grow from it and are not allowed to repeat the same mistakes. In the previous match, we were unable to surpass the opponent in terms of performance and game content.
Q, considering the results of the previous match, I think we need to focus more on shots and scoring than ever before.
A, football is a sport where how you create scoring opportunities is crucial. I believe we have been able to create chances to reach that important element. We have been able to play in areas that trouble the opponent and create good situations for ourselves. In the match against FC Machida Zelvia, more goals might have been scored. However, Machida converted their few clear chances into goals. From our side, we were able to respond well in other situations. The opponent made the most of their chances, while we failed to convert ours into goals. We want to channel this frustration into the upcoming matches.
Q, Albirex Niigata, who we will be facing this round, is a club known for their possession play.
A, we are steadily preparing for the match against Niigata. Of course, I expect there will be periods when the opponent controls the flow and holds possession of the ball. It is also important to prepare how to respond to that. If the opponent has the ball, we need to counter with solid defense, and when the time comes for us to take control of the flow and momentum of the game, we must surpass them with our own play. Football has various phases. The style of play and approach we have built up are meant to create scoring opportunities. It will be a tough away game, but we will aim to score many goals with high concentration and intensity.
[Player Interview]
Takahiro KO
Q, this week's match is against Albirex Niigata, who was with us until last season.
A, since joining Tokyo and when the season schedule was announced, I have been focusing on this match as a key target. I am looking forward to facing them. I spent three seasons with Niigata and am grateful for that time. I want to express my gratitude on the pitch, but first and foremost, I am focused on bringing back 3 points as a Tokyo player and securing a victory over Niigata.
Q, What are the important points to consider for the Niigata match?
A, Niigata is a team that values maintaining possession of the ball as they progress through the match, so it is expected that the defensive periods will be somewhat longer compared to other games. I believe that coordinated play, such as deciding at which moments to win the ball back while maintaining clear communication on the pitch, will be especially important. On the offensive side, we want to continue valuing possession play and challenge ourselves without abandoning what the team has built up so far.
Q, What is the key to attacking when transitioning from defense?
A, I think it is important how well we can control the timing when switching to attack. Soccer is not just about passing the ball around; it is a sport where scoring goals is the objective, so plays calculated from the goal backward are required. Whether to commit more players in a short counterattack or to patiently connect passes and penetrate the opponent’s territory, I want to read the atmosphere of the match and look for opportunities.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, Please review the previous match against FC Machida Zelvia.
A, I think we were able to create many chances from the left side. However, I am aware that we couldn’t convert those into goals or assists, and it ended up being just chances. There is also the frustration of not being able to finish. As a team, both the goals conceded and the process leading up to them were not good. It was a match with many points to reflect on.
Q, it seemed that Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's dribbling was leading Tokyo's overall attack from the beginning of the game.
A, my teammates understand my playing style and have encouraged me to make the most of my strengths. Players like Takahiro KO, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who play in areas close to my position, have created an environment and situations that make it easier for me to take on opponents. I believe we have good communication and coordination.
Q, It can be seen that there has been an improvement in contribution to defense and physical strength compared to last season.
A, I think I am gradually moving in a good direction, but I have not reached a level that satisfies myself at all. I believe I have no choice but to continue working hard to grow even more from here.
Q, this week's match is against Albirex Niigata.
A, first of all, I think it is important to focus on myself in order to play well and contribute to the victory. I believe Tokyo's strength lies in the starting 11 players, where anyone who plays can demonstrate their power, so we will all work together to win the away game.
Q, are you focusing more on scoring or assisting when you use your signature dribbling skills?
A, I believe aiming for goals and scoring is the best, but I also feel that recently I have been able to provide many assists for my teammates' goals. I want to greedily aim for both, but above all, I want to score goals that contribute to victory.
Henrique TREVISAN
Q, Please review the FC Machida Zelvia match.
A, We lost the previous match, but I don't think there is any reason to be pessimistic about the entire content of the game. There were moments when we were winning in certain situations, but as you know, in soccer, the team that scores more goals than the opponent wins. The opponent capitalized on their chances and scored two goals, and the fact that we couldn't surpass that is everything. We fully understood Machida's playing style and the characteristics of the forwards, including players like Se Hun OH who possess both height and strength. As a defensive player, there were several points to be cautious about. Of course, we prepared to suppress the opponent's strengths and approached the match accordingly, but I am very frustrated that we conceded goals.
Q, What kind of measures will be necessary against Albirex Niigata this round?
A, I think it will be a different kind of battle compared to the last match. This week as well, we have been training while understanding Niigata’s playing style and tactics. In every match, we study the opponent and take measures accordingly before stepping onto the pitch. Among that, the most important thing is to firmly express on the pitch what I, including myself, have accumulated through practice and the parts where we have grown.
Q, the May series will start with the Niigata match.
A, In May, there are also midweek matches, and the number of games is very high. To get through the consecutive matches, the strength of the entire team is necessary. It is essential to create a situation where anyone can play and to accumulate training to deliver good performances in matches. We want to take on this challenge as an all-out effort.
