<Last Match Review: Júbilo Iwata>
Tokyo, who couldn't break through Júbilo Iwata's defense as they retreated and tightened their defense after conceding a goal in the first half, continued to struggle. The difficult period lasted for a long time, but in the 39th minute of the second half, the game finally changed as they activated the pitch with player substitutions and launched a fierce attack.
A chance from a free kick on the left side. A sharp slider cross from Shuhei TOKUMOTO's left foot is sent to the far side, and as if symbolizing the team's determination to "definitely score a goal", many players jump into the goal area.
The player who met the ball that fell sharply in an arc just in front of the opponent's goalkeeper was Soma ANZAI, who has been supporting the team with dedicated play since the opening. He threw his whole body into the header, and as he fell down with the momentum, he quickly stood up and raised his right fist towards the goal stand.
The first professional goal of the season, which was finally scored in the 23rd official match, was also the 600th home goal in the J1 league for the club.
However, what he was aware of was the next kickoff. While repeatedly making a guts pose, he quickly returned to his position. There was a strong desire to score a winning goal and to strongly pursue the team's victory, more than his own emotions.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw. In the post-match mixed zone, number 38 was seen with even stronger emotions after scoring their first professional goal. There were hardly any smiles in response to questions from the press, as they opened their mouth with a tinge of frustration.
"Personally, there is something that makes me feel relieved, but as a team, we haven't been able to win, so I want to strive for more goals that will lead to victory. I understand the criticism that has been directed towards me for not being able to produce results while playing in the forward position, and I have always thought about contributing to the team's success. However, even if we win the game, the frustration of not being able to leave a mark still remains, and I have always felt that I need to do more. That frustration was the strongest, but it can only be resolved on the pitch. As long as I am used in the forward position, I want to meet the expectations with my results, and I am not satisfied with this, I want to continue to leave results that will meet the coach's expectations."
Aggressive defense from the front line shown in the right wing position, a strong desire to score by boldly jumping into the goal, and versatility to also cover the side back position depending on the team's situation. While expressing plays that save the team multiple times, he also carries the pride of an attacker in his heart. The rookie, who said "I want to score more", scored a soulful header. This may be a turning point for him.
Match Preview
The 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League will reach the halfway point this weekend with a match against Shonan Bellmare. Tokyo is currently in 8th place with 7 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses. This will be an important away match to gain momentum for a comeback in the second half of the season and secure a victory.
In the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 18 match against Júbilo Iwata last weekend, the game took a turn as they conceded the first goal from a set piece despite dominating the game. After taking the lead, they struggled to attack against the opponent who chose a defensive approach by creating a block. They were unable to switch to an attacking mode while maintaining possession of the ball, resulting in a series of unsuccessful attempts to create scoring opportunities.
In the second half, the players who had been watching the game from the bench were brought in, shifting the momentum towards Tokyo. Then, in the 39th minute of the second half, Soma ANZAI scored the equalizer with a header from a free kick earned on the left side. However, they could not shake the goal net again, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. This season, they have struggled to secure victories at Ajinomoto Stadium, once again missing out on a win and ending in a draw. In this match, learning from the reflection on the match against Iwata, it seems that the key to victory will be how well they can gauge the opponent's moves, identify opportunities to attack, and make necessary adjustments.
Shonan, who they will face, is currently in 17th place with 3 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses. This will be a crucial home game to maintain their position in the relegation zone.
The player to be most wary of for Tokyo is Lukian, their ace who recorded 6 goals in 4 official matches leading up to last week's 2nd Round of the Emperor's Cup. In the previous match against Nagoya Grampus, he shook the net but had his goal disallowed for offside after VAR review; however, his calm shot from a clever breakaway left a strong impression of his good form. As a striker who shows strength in finishing work, including headers and one-touch goals, he must not be given any time or space. This week, Tokyo will be without Henrique TREVISAN, who has been outstanding in one-on-one play due to accumulated warnings, so the team must ensure they do not show even a moment of weakness and maintain solid control.
On June 22nd, the day of the match, is Diego OLIVEIRA's 34th birthday. The number 9, who has scored the most goals in J1 League history with 72 goals as a club player, is also expected to score a celebratory goal on his own birthday.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, The first half of the Júbilo Iwata match was generally stagnant.
A, the match content was unsatisfactory, and we want to reflect, improve, and connect that to our performance in the next game. From that experience, we shared with the players what we can do and what is necessary to become the team we aim to be. In the match against Iwata, the players showed good performance in the second half, which allowed us to equalize. However, I am disappointed that we could not score an additional goal to take the lead.
Q, it is expected that more teams will come to respond by laying a defensive block like Iwata in the future.
A, first of all, it is important to focus on what we must do regardless of the opponent. In the first half of the Iwata match, the tempo of moving the ball was poor, but in the second half, as the movements to get behind the opponent and to advance increased, I think the balance of the attack improved. We were able to play our football in the second half, but not being able to express it consistently from kickoff to the final whistle is the challenge for the next step, and scoring the first goal is very important in any match. No matter what kind of football the opponent comes with, we want to encourage growth so that we can play our football and understand how to solve the challenges.
Q, this week's match is against Shonan Bellmare.
A, Shonan is a team with high hard work and mobility. They will be an opponent who fights with everything on the line. We want to surpass them in intensity and effort, and play with an awareness of the connection in our football. We aim to pursue victory.
[Player Interview]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, this match will be the halfway point of the 2024 season.
A, the match against Shonan Bellmare will mark the end of the first half of the league, but we must not play like we did in the previous match. I expect Shonan to line up with a three-back formation, so we want to thoroughly prepare and analyze their system and other aspects, aiming for a match and victory that will boost the team's momentum.
Q, it seemed like the attack gained momentum after player Matsuki entered the pitch in the previous match.
A, watching the match from the bench, I had the impression that the team played quite passively overall in the first half. When I entered the pitch, I focused on playing positively and adding depth to the attack. It was the second half, and I could also sense the opponent’s fatigue. We were able to effectively exploit the spaces left by the opponent’s stretched formation, especially with the substitute players, and I think the way we received the ball and the finer details were more positive overall. It may be a simple thing, but just changing those aspects made me feel that the depth of our attack improved in the second half.
Q, how do you feel about playing in an attacking position more often this season?
A, I myself have been playing in a position one step ahead more often than last season, and I am focused on the “numbers” such as goals and assists that decide the match. For example, I have been able to play at a good distance with Ryotaro ARAKI, and we can play freely while watching each other’s movements. By continuing in a good way, I believe the results will naturally follow, and as the chances to score increase, the team’s form will also improve.
<Takahiro KO>
Q, Please tell us your impression of Shonan Bellmare, who you will be facing this round.
A, my impression of Shonan Bellmare's style is that they are a team that does not shy away from hard work. Since Shonan's coach Satoshi Yamaguchi and I had a coach-player relationship during my time at Gamba Osaka, I am personally looking forward to the match. Coach Yamaguchi is someone who understands football well, so I expect them to be a tough opponent and for it to be a difficult game.
Q, I think there were times when we struggled against the opponent who set up a defensive block in the previous match against Júbilo Iwata.
A, We had long periods of ball possession, but I feel that we lacked the effort to break down the opponent's block during that time. In the match against Iwata, I personally think I had fewer forward runs and plays in advanced positions, so I believe that consistently putting in that kind of effort will be one of the solutions.
Q, What kind of communication did you have between players to improve in the second half?
A, Since we were in a situation where we were trailing, I think that influenced the flow of the second half. As a team, we were able to strongly focus again on making runs behind the defense, and the players in possession of the ball were able to make playing forward their first option. Including the substitutes who came on, the increased momentum contributed to the development of the second half of the match.
Q, The first half of the league will end in the Shonan match this week. How do you perceive the momentum and challenges of the first half of the league?
A, I joined Tokyo this season, and there were times when I couldn't play in matches and struggled to adjust, but gradually, opportunities to contribute my strengths to the team have increased. However, both the team and I experienced ups and downs during the first half of the league. I want to continue gaining match appearances from here and demonstrate my presence through my play. To move in a positive direction and achieve the team's goals, I want to secure 3 points in the final match of the first half of the league against Shonan and make it a game that leads to the next.
