＜Review of the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale＞
The pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, which has not been played on since the match against FC Machida Zelvia on April 21st. After a long period of rehabilitation, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA has returned to his home ground.
Substituted in during the first game back, a practice match during the break, against Gamba Osaka in the 25th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. After the game, he expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "The pitch is definitely the most enjoyable place for me, and it's where I have to do my job. I finally came back and it feels great. With fewer games left, I want to cherish each game and score more and more goals."
The Tama River Clasico against Kawasaki Frontale at home, approached with determination. However, what awaited the number 11 and the blue and red eleven, who were aiming for their first victory after the break, was a result that was too frustrating.
The team that became too passive in the Gamba Osaka match showed an aggressive attack centered on the right side from the beginning, creating numerous chances and threatening the opponent's goal. However, they were unable to score and conceded a goal in the 15th minute of the first half. In the following 20 minutes, they were once again caught off guard by a pinpoint cross, putting them at a disadvantage with two goals behind in the early stages of the game.
And in the 25th minute of the second half, the team sent on both Kashiwa and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA to the pitch in hopes of a comeback. However, just three minutes after their substitution, they conceded another goal from a set piece, making it 0-3. This tough turn of events forced them to face a difficult situation when they were trying to increase their offensive pressure.
He was able to demonstrate plays that still gave a sense of possibility. In the match against Gamba Osaka, Ryotaro ARAKI, who showed off his ability to shake off marks, received the ball and showed his movement to break through the space behind. It was clear to see the good compatibility between Takahiro KO, who created rhythm from the midfield, and Ryotaro ARAKI, who added variation to the attack.
"Taro can face forward and make passes. We communicate by saying "be aware" during practice, and I think if more players do that, we can use our weapons more effectively. We have to build that up from practice. I started moving today, thinking Taro would face forward, and if that continues for a long time, we can create even more chances. I want to polish that kind of relationship even more."
The biggest chance came in the 42nd minute of the second half. Keita Endo skillfully dove and headed the ball into the far corner from a sharp right cross.
"Keita-kun is good at that kind of cross, and I was aware that it would definitely come. If we increase that kind of cooperation, chances will naturally increase. It was a chance to score there, so we have to work on it as a challenge."
However, the ball narrowly missed the left post. Number 11, who had jumped in with his head, checked the direction of the ball, hit the pitch in frustration, and quickly got up to return to his own half.
"That time zone is tough for the opponent, so it's inevitable that chances will come. It's important for the team to be able to finish them off, so we need to reflect on that."
While chewing on regret, immediately turn forward. The game ended in defeat with a score of 0-3, but that attitude will surely bear fruit.
As a player, I have strong feelings of reflection and regret due to the consecutive matches against Tamagawa Classico and Tokyo Verdy. After the Kawasaki match, I put a lot of emphasis on the words, "The match against Tokyo V is a must-win game. We didn't have a good image in the previous match. I want to repay the debt and respond with a goal."
The striker who is hungry for goals has accumulated a passion that is about to boil over. There is also a sense of accomplishment that the scene where he can demonstrate his strengths is increasing. The Tama River Clasico has become a game that can only be seen as a battle for victory in the next match, both as a team and as an individual.
Match Preview
In the previous match, we lost 0-3 to Kawasaki Frontale in the Tama River Clasico. The start of the game was not bad, but we were caught off guard and conceded the first goal, followed by consecutive goals. In the second half, we tried to make a comeback but ended up losing due to conceding another goal from a set piece. Kei Koizumi expressed his frustration after the game, saying, "We had a good start in the first 10 minutes, but the goal we conceded was painful. From there, we let the opponent play with a good rhythm."
For Tokyo, who have not won in the league for three games, this round is a must-win match. In the previous match against Tokyo Verdy, it ended in a 2-2 draw, and the fans and supporters are eagerly waiting for a victory this time. On the open practice day of August 14th, about 300 fans and supporters gathered at the Kodaira Ground, raising banners and creating excitement for this match. Player Koizumi said, "Playing for the fans, supporters, and the team is a given, but the most important thing is to give my best. I have to give my all. If I focus on that, it will ultimately lead to a victory. I don't want to just say empty words, I want to firmly focus on myself and give my best."
Everyone understands the meaning of this match. In order to respond to the feelings of the fans and supporters, Tokyo will come together as a team and go for the win.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, there is a hot game coming up on the 17th.
A, yes. We are steadily preparing for the match. The 17th is an important game for the fans, supporters, and the club Tokyo. We want to prepare thoroughly to express our true selves and enjoy this match.
Q, it seems that the opponent's formation and members have changed since the last match in April.
A, in training, we have been able to thoroughly share information with the players, including the opponent's characteristics. We are preparing so that we can approach the match with a positive image. In the match against Tokyo Verdy, just like the previous encounter, we must anticipate various scenarios. I also think it will be a clash of emotions. Sometimes, things can get a bit crazy. We want to be prepared to respond no matter what happens.
Q, please tell me the key points of the match against Tokyo V.
A, first of all, it is important to firmly control our emotions and transform the feelings each of us holds into our strength. And never lose concentration. In terms of the game itself, we want to win the physical battles and focus on our style of play.
Q, It is important to have a strong mindset in games where only victory is required, but calmness is also essential.
A, that is exactly what football is, and it is especially required in big games. It is important to skillfully combine both aspects you just mentioned. Without a doubt, this is a special match. Let's enjoy this moment.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, this week's match is against Verdy.
A, as a team, we have gone through a frustrating and tough period without a win in three matches, but the next game against Tokyo V is an absolute must-win match. I think it will be a slightly different atmosphere than usual, and we want to pour all the strength we have into it and seize the victory.
Q, Please tell us what is necessary to win in a unique atmosphere and a tough game.
A, I think it will be a passionate match with both sides fully committed, and there will be many intense battles for the ball. In that situation, it is important to maintain concentration from the start until the final whistle. I believe that a momentary lapse or even a slight difference can determine the outcome of the match. When a chance comes, we must firmly convert it into a goal, sharpen our focus, and play a game without regrets.
Q, fans and supporters are also looking forward to Diego OLIVEIRA's goal.
A, everyone on the team is focused solely on winning this match, and within that, I myself am aiming to score. The ideal is, of course, for that goal to lead to victory. I am truly grateful for the support we receive from the fans and supporters. For the fans, for Tokyo, I want to win no matter what.
<Kanta DOI>
Q, Please tell us again about the points that were important in the previous Tokyo Verdy match that you played in.
A, I believe that in the match against Tokyo V, the result is everything more than the content. I want to focus primarily on playing with a strong commitment to the result.
Q, please tell us about the opponent's noteworthy tactics and players after the previous match.
A, Kimura, who is highly likely to be matched up against, and Someno, who scored in the previous match, are highly skilled players, so I want to respond firmly and finish the game without conceding any goals.
Q, last match ended in a disappointing 0-3 result. How do you want to approach the game to make corrections?
A, We have worked on correcting the issues during this week’s training. The solid defensive play in front of the goal that we felt in the match against Kawasaki Frontale is an even more important aspect required in this upcoming match against Tokyo V. Even when the opponent attacks, we want to respond calmly and hold our ground to prevent conceding goals, as I believe that will create chances for us as well. We want to focus on finishing our chances to win and maintaining a strong defensive block.
Q, How do you want to proceed with the game in the unique atmosphere and intensity of the stadium that may affect the game?
A, I believe that confident play is required in a tight match. Rather than just passing back, I want to express from kickoff an active defense that not only supplies the ball to the front line and maintains an overall forward mindset but also aggressively tries to win the ball back without being too passive defensively.
