<Previous Match Review: Albirex Niigata>
With a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses, the "restart" match was greeted with a fantastic game from the blue and red army, resulting in a 3-1 victory. They showcased what they have built up this season on away ground, proving that their record so far is not just a mere draw.
Albirex Niigata, who holds the ball and attacks. Tokyo shows a back-and-forth possession of the ball from the beginning, while suppressing the passing options with a compact formation, and closing the center to prevent the opponent from creating scoring opportunities. The entire team's concentration, quick prediction, and good start stand out in both offense and defense.
The hero of this match was Kosuke SHIRAI, who was involved in all three goals for Tokyo. He started as a right back.
First, in the 39th minute of the first half, Henrique Trevisan made a sharp start and cut the ball from his own half, and then ran up the right side with full speed as if anticipating the next move. He received the ball from Diego Oliveira, who had entered the post, and then sprinted vertically at top speed, supplying a perfect ground cross between the opponent's goalkeeper and defender. From this brilliant play, Teruhito Nakagawa scored the opening goal with an assist from Henrique Trevisan.
In the 4th minute of the second half, TERRY entered freely from the left side and demanded a final pass to the ball that was connected from the left side. Then, he swung the ball directly from the gentle side pass of Nakagawa player and scored a well-controlled shot into the right corner of the goal.
In addition, in the 17th minute of the second half, he aggressively regained possession of the ball that was almost lost in a high position on the right side, and became the starting point for the third goal by working closely with his surroundings. After that, even after changing positions to left wing and left back due to player substitutions, he maintained an aggressive attitude.
He appeared out of nowhere. With a sharp interception, he saved the team and while the stadium was focused on the ball, he ran up the right side and created the opening goal. Without being marked by anyone, he showed his face in front of the goal with ninja-like movements and also marked his first goal since the 2019 season.
Here, Shirai is also here, and there, Shirai is also there. There was a presence as if there were 99 clones on the pitch. Among many players who showed their strengths, it was number 99 who stood out with a particularly brilliant performance, moving as if using the "clone technique".
Match Preview
After suffering a frustrating defeat to FC Machida Zelvia at Ajinomoto, our reliable ace made a comeback in the away match against Albirex Niigata. The opening goal was scored by Teruhito NAKAGAWA, followed by an additional goal from Kosuke SHIRAI, and the third goal that pulled the team ahead against Niigata was scored by Diego OLIVEIRA. The number 9, who scored his first goal of the season, expressed his gratitude, saying, "I want to thank the supporters and my teammates for all their help and support. It was amazing to be on the pitch and to score a goal, but I want to keep this going. I want to work hard for everyone."
This round, Sawai will face his former team, Kyoto Sanga F.C. In the Niigata match, he showed his good form by scoring a goal for the first time in 5 seasons. Sawai, who just turned 30 on May 1st, said, "Since it's a team that I am indebted to, I want to show my growth and win. I think it would be amazing if I could score in two consecutive matches, so I will aim for a goal. I want to score a goal as a thank you in front of Mr. Cho."
For the team, a win would mean the first home victory at Ajinomoto Stadium this season. The fans and supporters have been eagerly waiting for this first win, and we will give it our all to achieve it.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, how will you approach the tight schedule of 8 official matches in May?
A, I think having many football games is very exciting. It is also an opportunity for many people to see the process of growth and what kind of team we want to become. Although we have many matches ahead, it is important to focus on the match in front of us first.
Q, now able to score multiple goals in one game, shows growth in the attacking aspect.
A, I believe we can grow even more, but this is a positive aspect for us. We feel a sense of confidence that we are starting to express good things on the pitch. We want to continue striving to show a club and style of play that fans and supporters can be proud of in this upcoming match as well. The players approach every game with strong determination, and it is important to focus on our own way of playing. The mental aspect directly connects to high performance.
Q, At the moment, the number of goals is 17, which is the top of the J1 league, but the number of goals conceded is 15, which is the worst 4th place.
A, I am satisfied with the number of goals scored. It is a figure that reflects how we have expressed our football. We want to continue to improve. As for the number of goals conceded, it is one of the points we need to improve. By tightening the basics of our defense a little more, we want to work towards improvement. It is important to direct the focus inward on both goals scored and conceded, as well as on what we have been working on and the content so far. Continuity leads to growth. By building up our football, I believe we can prove what position we will finish in when Sec. 38 ends. Physical metrics such as distance covered and number of sprints have also been improving. Looking at the league-wide numbers, we are ranked near the top, and this can be said to be one of the changes that Tokyo has not had until now. We will continue to seek continuity and toughness going forward.
[Player Interview]
＜Kosuke SHIRAI＞
Q, please look back on the impressive performance in the Albirex Niigata match.
A, Throughout the match, the team was able to thoroughly execute what needed to be done. We anticipated that there would be times when the opponent would control the ball, but we scored from counterattacks, netting the second goal early in the second half and then the third goal afterward, which I believe was the key factor in gaining the upper hand in the match. The final conceded goal was unfortunate, but aside from that, the flow of the game was really good.
Q, 1 goal and 1 assist, showing good form.
A, my condition is very good. It was my first goal in five seasons, so I was very happy. I recorded two assists in the Tokyo Verdy and Niigata matches, but this brought a different kind of joy and also a bit of relief. I wasn’t aiming for the nutmeg at all, but the ball flew exactly along the course I intended.
Q, there was an assist scene where the characteristics of Kosuke SHIRAI were highlighted in the Verdy and Niigata matches.
A, as a team, of course there is the aim for the fullbacks to join the attack and position themselves accordingly, but I believe a big part is that my teammates also understand my own strengths. Regarding the assist scenes, I was able to express the style I am good at. In both scenes, there was space in front of me, allowing me to sprint and play at speed. By making the most of my strengths and getting results to match, I feel that the combination with my teammates is increasing and the range of my play is expanding.
Q: Please tell us the important points to aim for the top from here.
A, I think it is important to eliminate conceding goals late in the game like in the Niigata match, and goals like the second conceded against FC Machida Zelvia. Since we are able to score goals, the key to moving higher is first to stop conceding easy goals.
Q, this week's match is against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
A, I am truly grateful to Kyoto; they are the team that helped me grow. I want to show my growth on the pitch through my play. I hope to repay them with a victory.
Kosuke SHIRAI PLAYER ORIGINAL COLUMN is here
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, Please review the previous section.
A, due to an accident where Tsubasa TERAYAMA got injured in the first half, I entered the pitch earlier than planned. Soccer is a sport where various accidents and unexpected events can occur, so although I came on as a substitute without rushing, I was able to calmly get into the game. I felt that I was able to play well, and I’m glad I was able to score a goal. I don’t know what kind of opportunity will come next, but I want to continue making good preparations steadily.
Q, after the start of the league, there were some changes in members and placement.
A, I think the team has been moving in a positive direction since the season opener. In that context, each player is required to adapt to various changes and grow. I also believe these changes are leading to good results.
Q, Tokyo is currently at the top of both the J1 League total points and shooting accuracy. You can feel the "change" in improving scoring ability.
A, I am most pleased that this is reflected in the numbers. Last season, the team had challenges with scoring ability. If this season we have cleared that hurdle to some extent, I want to continue moving step by step in a positive direction from here. We have good players up front this season as well, but the results are not just from the forwards alone; I believe it is proof that defensive players are increasingly involved in build-up play and initiating attacks with passes. As a team, the shape leading up to the finish has been organized, and the players up front are able to finish decisively. The whole team is united, and the good things we have built up from practice are connecting to the results.
Q, Kyoto Sanga F.C., our opponent this round, has a strong defense and excels in aggressive play on both offense and defense.
A, I think Kyoto is a very momentum-driven team after their victory against Vissel Kobe in the last match. Their quality in attack is also high, and above all, they seem to have strengths in physical aspects. I believe the next match will also be a challenging one, but to secure our first victory of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium, we want to stay focused and fight tough.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q, please tell us about the sense of accomplishment and challenges you have been gradually gaining in recent official matches.
A, I feel encouraged that I have been involved in chances and shooting scenes despite limited playing time, and I have been able to use my speed, which is my strength, to get into the box. However, the challenge is that I have not been able to finish decisively and show it in numbers or results. A striker is someone who produces results in any form, and I want to be particular about achieving results.
There were big opportunities in both the Q and Y.S.C.C. Yokohama matches, as well as the Albirex Niigata match.
A, I think the communication during practice and practice matches is showing up in the games. The players around me understand what kind of player I am and bring out my strengths. This season, I am especially conscious of playing in coordination and connection with my teammates, and because I am supported by them, I have a strong desire to meet expectations by scoring goals. I want to repay that with numbers.
Q, Takahiro KO, Kosuke SHIRAI, and Soma ANZAI, who were feeling frustrated at the start of the league, have seized their chances and are now starting in the lineup. Is their performance a source of motivation for you?
A, I am inspired by the performances of players in similar positions to mine. First, when given playing time or coming on as a substitute, I need to think about "what can I do" and demonstrate the plays expected of me through results. I want to learn from them, who have seized their chances and grown into indispensable players for the team, and surpass them. Since this sport does not offer multiple chances within a single match, it is crucial to seize the opportunities that come and maintain the awareness to never neglect preparation for that. I want to delve deeper and face the areas where I am lacking head-on.
