＜Previous Match Review against Kashiwa Reysol＞
Started in the league for 4 consecutive games. The young center back, who has been gaining stability with each game, pulled off a big job by scoring his first professional goal in the late stages of the game while chasing one point.
The Sec. 22 match of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Kashiwa Reysol was held away. Right at the start, from a right cross by Soma ANZAI, Diego OLIVEIRA powerfully headed the ball to give Tokyo the opening goal. After that, the Blue-Red continued to attack aggressively, but due to accumulating mistakes, they allowed a comeback before the end of the first half.
In the second half, Tokyo continued to show bold attacks while chasing one goal, but time passed without scoring. Then, in the 41st minute of the second half, the long-awaited equalizer was finally born.
A chance from a free kick on the left side. Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who came on as a substitute, sent a sharp ball with his favored left foot, and Teppei OKA, who said "Toku-kun gave me a good ball. It was just like in practice," smashed it with a powerful header, finally succeeding in shaking the goal net.
"There were various tactics in front of the goal, but in the end, I realized that practice is the key. I always stayed after practice with the coaching staff to practice heading the day before the game, so I think that accumulation paid off."
Finally scored my first professional goal. Even after scoring, I quickly returned to my position to aim for a win, and showed a performance of raising my hands high to energize the fans and supporters in the goal end, with the feeling of wanting to win for the team.
However, the team, aware of the risks and aiming for all three points, conceded the go-ahead goal from a scramble in front of the goal during stoppage time in the second half. They lost the seemingly assured single point and suffered their first consecutive defeat of the season.
"Honestly, it didn't mean anything if we couldn't win, so the feeling of frustration is bigger. We were caught off guard by being too aggressive. I had an image of being able to turn the game around, but it didn't go as smoothly. We just have to improve our quality. I also think that our team's weakness showed in the end, so we all need to have a strict attitude towards practice and raise our standards together."
He feels growth and a sense of accomplishment as a player. Personally, getting used to the level of the J1 League is a significant achievement. The rapidly developing number 30 said, "There are times when I reflect after winning, and times when I reflect after losing. I want to clearly organize the points to improve. The next game will definitely be one we must win," looking ahead and pledging victory in the match against Albirex Niigata at the Japan National Stadium this weekend.
Match Preview
After suffering their first consecutive league defeats of the season, they also lost 1-2 to JEF United Chiba in the 3rd Round of the Emperor's Cup JFA 104th All Japan Soccer Championship. In the last two official matches, they took the lead but were unable to maintain it, allowing the opposition to come from behind. Entering the summer, when physical endurance is severely tested, more delicate game management is required.
In this difficult situation, Kuryu MATSUKI said, "I think it is necessary for everyone, including not only the players but also the coach and coaching staff, to have discussions. I hope that once again the entire team can tighten their focus and move forward in the same direction." He expressed his sense of responsibility as captain and strong desire for victory.
Fighting to stop the losing streak, this match FC Tokyo will face Albirex Niigata at the Japan National Stadium. Takahiro KO, who joined from Niigata this season, said ahead of the match against his former club, "Right now, it doesn't matter that the opponent is my former team Niigata, or that the match is at the Japan National Stadium, or whether it's away or home. I have a strong sense of mission that we must get all three points no matter what." In the previous match against Niigata held in April, they overwhelmed the opponent away and secured a 3-1 victory, so they want to regain that momentum. With the power of the "whole team" emphasized by Matsuki, Tokyo aims to become the main actor once again on the 'National Theater.'
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q. What kind of adjustments are necessary following the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round match against JEF United Chiba?
A. I anticipated that the match against Chiba would be tough. I always respect our opponents, but at the same time, I am very frustrated that we couldn’t achieve the desired result. I believe there was a chance to pull away from the opponent while leading 1-0, but we were unable to score an additional goal. In a match like that, we learned once again that we must quickly secure another goal and close out the game. I am willing to take all the pressure on myself. The players have given their all, and I am proud of their performance.
Q, Albirex Niigata, whom we face this round, was defeated 3-1 in the previous match. Do you have a positive image of them?
A, I am always in the mindset of moving forward to a new game. It’s not about what the previous result was, but about preparing for the next and aiming to deliver a performance that achieves a good outcome. In matches, various situations and challenges will arise. We want to make sure we can win in those moments.
Q, is there anything you want to say mentally after the defeat in the Emperor's Cup?
A, of course it was a frustrating defeat, but we cannot run away from this. Defeat is unpleasant for everyone. I believe everyone wants to overcome this situation. The most important thing is how we respond from here. We have experienced even more difficult situations before. By firmly overcoming this period, I believe we will achieve important growth for ourselves. We will overcome it together as a team.
[Player Interview]
Takahiro KO
Q, the Emperor's Cup was a disappointing defeat for the team.
A, watching the match, I want to seek stronger connections between players both offensively and defensively, and in addition, each individual must run more. I felt once again that everyone should take personal responsibility and firmly handle the basics, such as aggressively winning challenges and duels for the ball.
Q, it is a frustrating situation with three consecutive losses in official matches. What are the key points for a comeback?
A, personally, I want to show a stronger presence both offensively and defensively. As a team, when we are at our best, we run more than the opponent and show dynamism in both attack and defense. Aggressiveness is one of Tokyo's strengths, so I want everyone to reflect on that and make adjustments. In attack, I need to get more involved with the ball and establish a presence that makes people think, 'We can win because he's (Takahiro) here; he's reliable.' By improving our ability to win the ball back and recover second balls on defense, if we can demonstrate play and an overwhelming presence that represents not only our team but the entire league, I believe the team will naturally climb higher in the standings.
Q, This week's Albirex Niigata match will be held at the "Japan National Stadium" against their "former team".
A, Regardless of the opponent being Niigata or the venue being the Japan National Stadium, we must win first and foremost. The fact that it is held at the National Stadium and against my former team adds extra motivation. In the previous match at Big Swan, I approached it with special feelings, so now the team is in a situation where we must somehow break through. I definitely want to win this match as a turning point so that both the team and individuals can move up.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, In the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round match against JEF United Chiba, Kuryu MATSUKI scored a goal, but it ended in a frustrating defeat. What do you think were the reasons for not being able to secure the win?
A, It was good that I was able to score personally, but there were many other chances, including for myself. As an attacking player, not being able to convert those chances into additional goals made the match more difficult. If we had been able to score another goal during the good flow after scoring, when the attack was gaining momentum, I believe we could have ended the match on a positive note. I want to connect this experience and reflection to the upcoming match against Albirex Niigata.
The team is currently in a difficult situation with consecutive losses in official matches, but it is precisely at times like these that team unity is required. I believe it is important now to connect our challenges and reflections to the next steps and to fight with as much hunger as possible for victory.
Q, We have now suffered three consecutive losses in official matches. What do you think is necessary to change the momentum?
A, This season, there was a period a few matches after the league started when we were far from victory. I believe we must make use of the lessons learned and what each player felt at that time. Each player understands the current situation the team is in, and everyone is approaching the Niigata match with a sense of urgency. As the captain, I want to communicate with many players and move things in a positive direction.
Q, This round's match against Niigata will be held at the Japan National Stadium. At the National Stadium, we have achieved victories against Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers in April.
A, The team has not lost any matches at the Japan National Stadium, and we want to thoroughly rebuild and prepare for the match in order to express good soccer as a team. Once again, to demonstrate the style of soccer the team aims for on the pitch, we want to share this collectively and communicate effectively.
We have heard that many people, including the fans and supporters who always cheer for us, will be attending. Personally, I want to seek visible results that lead to the team’s victory. I want to deliver plays that excite everyone gathered at the Japan National Stadium and results that make them feel glad they came. I want to approach the match thinking only about winning.
