<Review of the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka>
The 21st round of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, where Avispa Fukuoka aimed for their second consecutive league victory, was held at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. The game, which aimed for a consecutive victory at home, started with a back-and-forth between the opponent who had implemented an unconventional system.
Fukuoka adopted a 4-4-2 formation during defense, instead of the traditional 3-back, to neutralize Tokyo's strengths. The side backs closely marked the wingers Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Soma ANZAI, while the two center backs took care of the lone striker Diego OLIVEIRA. For Tokyo, the key point will be how to break through Fukuoka's strong defensive network, which is one of their characteristics.
The first big chance came in the 18th minute of the first half. While connecting short passes on the left side and probing for an opportunity, Kei KOIZUMI, who was trying to receive a short pass from Riki HARAKAWA, made a sharp turn while watching the approaching opponent, leaving the defender behind and sending a vertical pass. With a technical change of direction, he instantly pushed the team forward, and Kuryu MATSUKI received the ball and made a through pass. As Teruhito NAKAGAWA broke free near the penalty area, players began to get involved with the ball one after another, and when Diego TABA dropped it, MATSUKI took a middle shot with his left foot. It was a powerful attack that could truly be called a wave-like assault, closing in on the Fukuoka goal.
After the start of the second half, Tokyo wants to secure a victory at Ajinomoto Stadium, completely taking control of the pace. However, unable to break through Fukuoka's solid defense, they allowed a one-chance goal from a cross that entered near the goal in the 17th minute of the second half, conceding the opening goal.
Afterwards, Ryotaro ARAKI took a sharp direct free kick and Tawara Tsumita created chances with a cut-in and a shot with his right foot, but the counterattack was not successful. They suffered a frustrating loss, stopping their clean sheet and winning streak at 2 each.
Match Preview
An away match against Kashiwa. In the previous match, we couldn't break down Avispa Fukuoka and lost 0-1 after conceding a single chance. It was a frustrating defeat in a game where we aimed for consecutive wins at home at Ajinomoto Stadium and a third straight win without conceding. We were unable to adapt flexibly against an opponent that came to neutralize our strengths, falling into a pattern of struggle that the team has faced this season.
This Wednesday, the U-23 Japan national team for the Paris Olympics will be announced, and both Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Ryotaro ARAKI have been selected. Unfortunately, Kuryu MATSUKI will not be part of the team, but the reliable captain stated, "First, in Tokyo, I am switching my mindset to ensure we can win the game in front of us," maintaining the usual stance of aiming for victory in every match.
The previous match against Kashiwa Reysol in May ended in a fierce 3-3 draw. Despite conceding a goal early on, the team displayed excellent speed and distance control, successfully turning the game around with impressive plays such as Matsuki's beautiful jumping volley to make it 3-1. However, the momentum shifted when Tokyo received a red card. Shortly after the start of the second half, Inukai scored a superb goal to bring the score to 3-2. Unable to withstand the numerical disadvantage, they eventually conceded an equalizer and the match ended in a draw.
As for Tokyo, they want to use the reflection from the previous match and the challenges from the Fukuoka match as a source of strength. And in order to aim for the top once again, a victory is absolutely necessary. This week, both players Takefusa KUBO and Kento HASHIMOTO, who grew up in blue and red and have spread their wings overseas, participated in practice. They conveyed "world standards" to the team and provided motivation. The power of the Tokyo family will also support the players heading into the Kashiwa match.
What we can expect from Kuryu Matsuki is his performance. He is a player who can take everything as a positive and move forward with a strong mentality. We can only imagine what is going on in his mind, but this is the perfect timing for "Kuryu Matsuki" to produce results. Let's pay close attention to what the blue and red captain will show us.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, Last week, there were also measures taken by the opponent, and there were also difficult situations in building attacks. What improvements have been made this week?
A, There are always moments in each match where we must take on challenges. Of course, Avispa Fukuoka had good defense, but what we need to improve on is breaking down the attacking third, making better play choices, and the final finishing touches. We are able to carry the ball into the targeted areas, but there are issues with how we conclude our attacks. In closely contested matches, it is crucial to reliably convert chances into goals. We faced similar situations early in the season, but as a team, we have grown and improved to reach this point. This has led to many goals and positive results. We want to take the lessons learned from the Fukuoka match and connect them to our next stage of growth.
Q, Please tell me the key points for attacking the attacking third.
A, The balance between each player's decision-making on the pitch and the instructions from our staff is important. I believe our strength lies in the fact that no matter who plays, they fully understand the team's objectives and tactics and can express their individual qualities on the pitch.
Q, the first half of the Fukuoka match showed good defense, but there were still challenges on the offensive side.
A, It was a match with few moments that significantly influenced the course of the game in such a close contest. From an offensive perspective, we needed to play a bit sharper. During periods when we became stretched out, the opponent’s direct play worked well, and the increased number of times they won second balls ultimately led to conceding a goal. We are frustrated by the 0-1 loss, and we want to improve the issues in our attack and finish the game in a better way. We aim to threaten the opponent with plays directed toward the goal and continue refining our style of play.
[Player Interview]
Soma ANZAI
Q, Started as a left winger in the Avispa Fukuoka match. What was your mindset while playing?
A, I entered the match with various images in mind about playing on the left side, but from the middle of the game, there were many times when I had to choose plays according to the situation and development. There was indeed a big difference between moving to the left side midway and playing on the left from the start. To bring out my strengths even as a left winger, I believe the ability to adapt quickly is required, and I want to demand of myself to continue and develop the rhythm I grasped in the second half of the match.
Q, It seemed that the selection and movement of plays have also changed due to the change of the playing area from right to left.
A, The view is completely different, and the way I carry and receive the ball also changes. However, regardless of which side I play on, the fundamental plays required and the repeated movements to break behind the defense remain unchanged. I want to maintain my forward-oriented mindset and work on improving the accuracy of my play.
Q: In the game against Fukuoka, there was a sense of stagnation in our attack. Please tell us what is necessary to break through such a game situation.
A, I believe that perseverance as a team is especially required. Looking at the entire season, there are times when things go well and times when they don’t, and although there have been matches recently where we felt that way, I think the most important thing is how we can accumulate points in such games. What is most demanded of us now is to fight patiently, and we are also in a position where the point gap with the top teams can be overturned in two or three matches. Although we lost to Fukuoka, that defeat does not mean everything is over. I believe it is important not to lose consecutive matches and to be able to fight with patience and continuity.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for this round.
A, It is important not to concede goals easily, and although not multiple, we have been able to score continuously, so I think it is crucial to take the lead and create a flow to score additional goals. We want to fight patiently as a whole team during difficult periods.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, this round we will be facing Kashiwa Reysol. We have also scored goals in the first half of the league match.
A, I personally have a good feeling about the match against Kashiwa. In the first half of the season, we had a player sent off, but it was a good game where we scored three goals in the first half, and I believe the other players also have a positive image of that match. The previous encounter was a high-scoring 3-3 game, and since both teams have scouted each other's tactics and play styles, I think we can show another great match with both sides having improved.
In the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, we lost, so first of all, we will try not to lose consecutive games and do our best to bring back points even though it is an away game.
Q: Please tell us the key points to take advantage of in the away game against Kashiwa.
A, although it is an away game, Tokyo has been able to steadily accumulate points in away matches this season. We will approach the game with confidence, with everyone aiming for the goal, and want to play an attacking style of soccer with depth. Kashiwa has many excellent players, but of course, we also have a high-quality attacking lineup. We want to overwhelm their defense and exploit their weak points.
Q, there have been no consecutive losses in the league this season. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, after the match against Fukuoka, we were able to align on the issues, and I think the team's condition is good. Avoiding consecutive losses is a minimum requirement, and I believe we just need to win the match against Kashiwa. We want to continue playing an attacking style of soccer.
