<Last Match Review: Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo>
Tokyo conceded a goal in an unexpected way early in the game. After that, the opponent continued to possess the ball for a long period of time.
The one who broke through such a difficult situation was the reliable number 9. Diego OLIVEIRA, who showed a decisive play.
First, in the 27th minute of the first half. Falling back to the midfield, he was involved in the build-up from the right side and made a perfect through pass to the right front with one touch. Takahiro KO, who had anticipated Diego TABA's post-play and ran into the space, broke free and equalized with a left-footed volley from the floating cross in the center, with Kota TAWARATSUMIDA player.
Tokyo, who returned the game to the starting point, maintains compactness with two lines in the midfield and final line, and takes away the opponent's freedom by tightening the center. And in order not to miss the momentary opening shown by the opponent, they will develop a focused game without getting impatient.
The switch from stillness to movement was turned on after 15 minutes into the second half. They launched an intense press that was unimaginable from the previous development, causing confusion for Sapporo.
And in the 20th minute of the second half, they stepped up their game even further and aggressively pressed the enemy's territory with coordinated movements.
Diego TABA's pressure on the opponent's goalkeeper during the build-up caused Sapporo's passing play to break down, and Soma ANZAI intercepted the ball high up the pitch. The number 9 received the ball and passed it to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who then made a run into the space in front of the goal. At this point, NAKAGAWA, surrounded by defenders, managed to keep the ball alive and ran in, extending his left foot just before the opposing defender could block it, scoring the turnaround goal.
Sharp short counter with a focused stance, like a quick draw. And his finish was also a momentary strike that took advantage of a split second space and timing.
As an individual, I have scored in three consecutive matches, and the team has won three consecutive victories. The outstanding striker said with a smile, "It makes me happy that we have won every game in which I have scored. It would be meaningless if I scored but the team couldn't win. I want to continue this."
A victory at the away Sapporo ground, where we have been forced to drink boiled water many times, for the first time since the 2012 season. This has raised our league ranking to 4th place.
Match Preview
In the previous match, we achieved a comeback victory against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo with a score of 2-1, marking our third consecutive win. This victory at Sapporo Dome is our first in 12 seasons. Diego OLIVEIRA, who scored in three consecutive matches, stated, "Even the players who were not here are competing together at Kodaira Ground. That's why I believe this victory is one we all earned together. I am really happy that my goal was the winning goal, but it was also a goal we all fought for together. I want to share this joy with all the fans and supporters."
In this match against Kashiwa Reysol at Ajinomoto Stadium, a player who will further accelerate the team that has risen to 4th place is returning. Kuryu MATSUKI, who participated in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 as a member of the U-23 Japan national team and secured a ticket to the Paris Olympics, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA are back. Reflecting on his experience, MATSUKI said, "This tournament has become a memorable one in my soccer life," as he raises his spirits for the battle in Tokyo. "Next, I need to prepare well to perform in Tokyo and further enhance my value. I also want to leave visible results for myself."
The strong desire for victory remains unchanged for every player. The team will come together and grab 3 points, as Tokyo makes a claim for the championship.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, won against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and achieved a 3-game winning streak.
A, what is important for us is to respond alertly to what happens on the pitch. We respect the efforts of the players and staff for the results so far, but what we should do and what actions to take for the next match are crucial. Continuity leads to growth. We want to fight tough in this week's match against Kashiwa Reysol as well.
Q, In recent games, we have gained the ability to come back from behind without getting discouraged even if we concede points.
A, there may have been such matches in the past, but the players are approaching the environment we are building here now with a hungry spirit. I believe that when patience, each player's character, and their respective mentalities come together, any obstacle can be overcome. It is important to continue the challenge of forging our own path and to keep moving forward without stopping.
Q, I think that playing without being bound by position led to a goal in the Sapporo match.
A, Takahiro KO did a wonderful job. I believe the equalizing goal in the Sapporo match contained many good elements as a team. The finish by Kota TAWARATSUMIDA was a goal that came from a good movement. Such individual good plays by the players can be seen a lot in practice. I am glad that what has been built up through daily training at Kodaira Ground has been returned to the players. On the other hand, there were also points that need improvement. I believe that by continuing and improving on these issues, it will lead to further growth.
Q, looking back on the scoring scenes so far, how do you feel about the overall fluidity of the team?
A, I believe the most important factors are the team's growth and how we use space. The players are consciously targeting areas and spaces that the opponents dislike, enhancing coordination and the connection between plays. Even if Diego OLIVEIRA had not played as a forward in the Sapporo match, the player who took his place would have chosen to play in that position and passed to Takahiro KO, who moved to the side. I believe the overall awareness and understanding within the team can still grow significantly. It is precisely because the team has a defined structure that fluidity emerges. Especially, we have a strong mindset to move forward. Watching the matches, I feel that the exciting scenes that send electric currents through the body are leading to goals.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, 3 consecutive goals have brought 3 consecutive wins to the team.
A, at the beginning of the league, the team was struggling to win and we were not getting the results we wanted. There was also a period where my personal condition was not improving, and we were not able to have a good start overall. However, from late April, both the team and myself have been feeling a positive momentum and I want to continue playing with that in mind. Scoring in 3 consecutive games is not something I have experienced often in my career. But what makes me the most happy is that we were able to win in all 3 games where I scored. I believe that the team's victory and my ability to score are linking together well.
Q, I think that the good cooperation between players, including Teruhito NAKAGAWA, is a factor that leads to scoring.
A, as everyone knows, Nakagawa is a player who possesses very high abilities. And no matter which position he plays, he supports the attack with high-quality play. The same applies to me; if the team requires it, I may need to play in a different position than I do now. It is important for everyone to work together for the team’s victory.
Q, Diego OLIVEIRA is always involved in scoring as the most recent team.
A, the goal in the match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo is a proof that we are able to fight as a team and move in sync. Regarding the first goal in the Sapporo match, Takahiro KO, who usually plays in a central position, took advantage of the opportunity and moved to the side, which led to the goal. Also, I believe that we forwards have increased not only our attacking efforts but also our awareness and intensity in supporting defense. The biggest factor leading to good results is that everyone fights with the same mindset, regardless of their position.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, How do you look back on the activities of the U-23 Japan national team after winning?
A, It was a schedule with consecutive matches, and I believe we were able to win precisely because the entire team fought tough. My honest impression is that we fought through well. Although we lost the match against South Korea, I think what the team has built up led to the result of winning the championship. I experienced many things in this tournament that I had never experienced before, and it was a memorable tournament in my soccer career where I was able to spend intense time. Returning to Tokyo in good form, and with the team positioned to aim for first place, I want to firmly switch gears and focus on contributing.
I heard that even during representative activities, you were keeping an eye on Tokyo's games and results.
A, I have the impression that the team fought tough despite having some injured players. Securing three consecutive wins during the busy Golden Week schedule has further unified everyone's focus, and we are moving in the same direction. This match is a home game, so we want to win firmly and enhance the team's value. I myself have just rejoined the team after a while, and the atmosphere is full of energy, with a good vibe even during practice. Since I have just returned from representative duties, I want to get used to the feel of the grass and the weather, and carefully adjust my physical condition.
Q, please tell us if there are any important points for the Kashiwa Reysol match.
A, First, I want to combine my strengths with what the team has built up during the period we were away for national team activities and create something even better. Since the match is at Ajinomoto Stadium, winning is an absolute requirement. I want to focus on playing with a strong commitment to “victory” in this home game.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q, We have defeated Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and our team is currently on a 3-game winning streak. What kind of momentum are you feeling?
A, considering that key players were away from the team due to U-23 Japan national team activities, I believe the entire team feels a sense of achievement with the three consecutive wins. However, there are still many issues and points to be corrected that we notice during matches, and we have not been able to finish a game without conceding a goal. There are many areas we need to thoroughly work on to aim even higher from here. Although we have achieved three consecutive wins, I believe this is just the start of the battle for the top positions. We cannot afford to lose any match. Including the match against Kashiwa Reysol, we want to focus solely on winning the upcoming games.
Q, the team is currently in 4th place with 21 goals, which is the highest in the league. Please tell me the reason.
A, I believe that having various scoring patterns, especially many goals from open play, has worked to our advantage. The increase in scoring variations is proof that all players—whether the 11 on the pitch, the bench members, or those who did not get to play—share the same awareness and understanding of what we want to do and the tactical points. Recently, we have scored many goals from crosses, and the team’s overall understanding of the key points for making runs into the box and the timing for slotting the ball in has deepened. Also, Tokyo’s players are all of very high quality. I think the high level of shared understanding in attack is reflected in our league-leading goal tally.
Q, please tell us what you are conscious of when playing as a right winger.
I have a strong desire to fight for the team. I always try to cover for others and maintain a fighting attitude even in tough times. In the Tokyo Verdy match, I was sent off in the first half and caused trouble, but my teammates saved me. With these thoughts in mind, I am now playing to help the team.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the Kashiwa game with the fans and supporters.
A, May is a tough schedule with consecutive matches, but I believe it is important for everyone involved with Tokyo—including the players who play, those who don’t, and the fans and supporters—to fight together as one. We will use your support as our strength and show it through our play on the pitch. In the previous home match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., during the difficult period in the second half when we were under pressure, your cheers undoubtedly pushed us forward. When the match comes down to just one step or a few dozen centimeters, your support makes a difference. Please fight alongside us again this round.
Soma ANZAI Player ORIGINAL COLUMN "365 - Turning Point of Growth -" is here
