<Previous Match Review: Shonan Bellmare>
The unbeaten streak was stopped at 5 in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 35 match against Shonan Bellmare. We were forced to chase two goals after conceding just before the end of the first half and early in the second half, but the player who drew great expectations and attention in the second half was 18-year-old Ryunosuke SATO. The young warrior, raised in the blue and red, was sent onto the pitch in the 37th minute of the second half and revitalized the attack.
The cheers and loud applause of Ajinomoto Stadium welcome him. Fans and supporters were waiting for their turn. And more than anyone else, it was he himself who was hungry for the opportunity to play.
It has been about half a season since the league match against Albirex Niigata on April 27. There were times when I felt like giving up due to the current situation where, even after achieving results in practice matches, I rarely got the chance to play. However, during such difficult times, I continued to look forward, thinking, "There's no point in being negative. I will focus on improving my performance and direct my energy towards myself," and I have also been working on physical strengthening, which has been identified as a challenge, with the help of a personal coach.
He is a talented player who serves as a playmaker for the U-19 Japan national team. In July, he was selected as a training partner for the U-23 Japan national team, which will participate in the Paris Olympics, and just before the tournament, he played in an international friendly match against the U-23 France national team. He has been referred to as "Japan's treasure" by coach Go OIWA. Even in difficult situations with the team, he has always faced his own growth with determination.
After continuing tireless efforts, the team stood on the league pitch for the first time in half a season. The time given was just over 10 minutes, including additional time. Still, the player wearing number 23, who was brought in as a defensive midfielder to energize the team chasing a 2-goal deficit, began to make his presence felt in the short time remaining.
I thought that if I didn't have the ball, I wouldn't be able to show my strengths, so today I actively received and carried the ball with the mindset of 'pass it to me,' directing the entire team's vector towards the opponent's goal.
The reason the ball naturally came to me was because of my timing and positioning in showing myself for passing lanes. In the 42nd minute of the second half, I provided a cross from the right side after quick, precise touches on the ball. Although it just missed Keita YAMASHITA, who made a run into the goal area, I had the image of matching the ball at that point because I thought he would be positioned there, capturing the movement in my peripheral vision, showcasing a glimpse of my rare football sense and skills.
The match ended in a 0-2 defeat for Tokyo, despite a late surge of attacks, with no counterattack goals being scored. However, it was also a match where the 18-year-old, who is expected to carry the future of the blue and red, showed great potential.
"Having played in a match after a long time, I felt a stronger desire to play more. I was able to make plays that can lead to the next step, and I definitely want to secure a starting position in the last three matches. From here, I should be able to perform with a good mindset, and if I can contribute to victory while showcasing my play, I believe I will be more appreciated. Next, I want to add an extra element of fear in front of the goal."
During the difficult times, Ryu expressed his desire to turn "expectations and responsibilities into confidence and transform them into his own strength." The moment he stepped onto the pitch in this match, the thunderous cheers must have reached his heart. As a professional football player, he aims to lead the team to victory and bring joy to those who support him, as the young talent raised in blue and red looks forward to further leaps forward.
Match Preview
Tokyo's unbeaten streak was halted at 5 with the loss against Shonan Bellmare in the last match. However, there is no time to be discouraged. This week, they will head to the away Japan National Stadium to face FC Machida Zelvia, which is also based in Tokyo. It will be a match that they absolutely cannot lose.
The first meeting in April's home game ended in a 1-2 defeat at Ajinomoto Stadium. In the first half, both teams exchanged goals in a high-intensity match, but just after equalizing, we were caught off guard for a moment and allowed the opponent to take the lead again, resulting in a frustrating defeat as we couldn't break through their defense.
Machida, which has been competing for the championship since its first year in the J1 League, has struggled a bit with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 league matches, but is currently in 3rd place, still in contention for a comeback victory and within reach of qualifying for the AFC Champions League elite. In this match, forward Fujio, who is a representative for the Paris Olympics, will be suspended, while team captain Masaki will return from suspension. It is expected that the atmosphere will improve with the return of the defensive commander who leads the team. There is no doubt that this match is crucial for them to stay in the championship race and to secure a victory on the Asian stage.
However, Tokyo cannot afford to be 'season doubled' by a rival that shares the same capital as its home.
In this match, intense battles are expected to unfold across the pitch, but that is all within expectations. The team should have a solid grasp of the opponent's attacking patterns, such as long balls, long throws, and counterattacks. First, we want to return to the foundation of "good defense leads to good offense" from the period when the team was accumulating victories, showcasing Tokyo's characteristic blend of high-intensity proactive defense and skillful management of both fast and slow attacks, and we aim to secure a solid victory.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: What kind of adjustments will you make going into the match after the previous game against Shonan Bellmare?
A: We just focus on the match in front of us. Preparing for that is important. While addressing the issues that came up in the Shonan match, we aim to prepare well for the FC Machida Zelvia match. Every game is important to us. We will fully demonstrate our performance and go for the win.
Q: This match is against Machida.
A: We will simply carry out the team’s established rules. Also, I want to demand that we play with high intensity in one-on-one situations. We aim to connect the ball compactly after winning it and make it a match where we hold the initiative. By repeatedly making runs behind the defense from there, I believe we can launch attacks that the opponent will find difficult to deal with.
Q: This match is at the Japan National Stadium and will be against a team that also calls Tokyo home.
A: Every match is important. Amid various emotions, we will focus on bringing out our best performance. Of course, we always respect our opponents, but we are preparing to give 100 percent of ourselves.
[Player Interview]
Soma ANZAI
Q: This match is against FC Machida Zelvia.
A: I get the impression that they are thorough in their pursuit of victory, and I think they will again play to exploit the opponent’s weak points this match. Since set pieces and long throws, which are their strengths, will cause the play to stop or be interrupted more frequently this time, I especially want to focus on managing those moments so we don’t give the momentum to the opponent and maintain the awareness to play at our own pace. Without being swallowed up by their rhythm, I want us to secure the win with our own style of soccer.
Q: In the last match, we conceded a goal from a set piece. What measures and preparations are particularly necessary?
A: Each player is required to play alertly. It is important to anticipate and prepare so that we can respond to whatever happens. By keeping in mind the opponent’s habits and set-piece patterns, our responses on the pitch will also change. First, we want everyone to communicate with each other and respond flexibly and adaptively.
Q: What kind of defense is required against attacks that utilize the opponent's long balls?
A: First, we must not allow them to kick the ball easily. As a forward player, I want to make a solid defensive approach and not give them any freedom. When the number of long balls increases, recovering the second ball also becomes important. I believe these two are necessary to seize control of the game.
Q: As you prepare to face Go KURODA, the coach from Machida who guided you during your high school days, what are you keeping in mind?
A: The most important thing is to contribute to the team's victory. That will never waver. Rather than a personal matchup, I have a strong desire to win against Machida as a fellow Tokyo club. However, Coach Kuroda was someone who took care of me during my time at Aomori Yamada High School, and I want to show how much I have grown on the pitch.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q: Please reflect on the match against Shonan Bellmare in the last round.
A: Looking only at the result, the impression is strong that we were “defeated,” but we also had many chances, and there were many moments where I thought, “If only we had scored in that scene.” I believe the reason for the loss was our failure to capitalize on those chances. My own condition is good, and I want to show play that is mindful of coordination with those around me.
Q: Please tell us about the image of FC Machida Zelvia and the points to be cautious about.
A, they are a team that fights tough both offensively and defensively, and they have the impression of scoring from various set-piece patterns. Their forward players are also tall and utilize heading and physical strength, so I think that is a point to be cautious about. It will definitely be a tough battle. We want to win in every aspect, not losing in recovering second balls or in one-on-one duels.
Q, this is a match between clubs that have Tokyo as their home town.
A. In the previous match, I was unable to play, and the team ended up losing, which left a lingering frustration. I absolutely want to win.
Q, it will be a match at the Japan National Stadium, which has a good image.
A, we certainly have not experienced a loss at the Japan National Stadium, but the players do not rely on that data. We want to focus on being committed to the result and approach the match with that mindset.
