<Match Preview>
Finally, the long-awaited debut of "Rikizo TOKYO" is here. After the Okinawa camp and final adjustments at Kodaira Ground, Tokyo will face Yokohama FC in the opening match of the 2025 season. Under the leadership of new head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the team has undergone rigorous training and is ready to take on the first match of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League with a strong sense of fulfillment.
The new coach is particularly focused on valuing the ball while emphasizing technique, thinking backward from the goal, and making quick and correct decisions with flexibility. While cherishing the sharp attacks that have been Tokyo's strength, he is aiming to challenge the new season with a style that actively seeks goals and victories.
On the 14th, the day before the opening match, Coach Matsuhashi expressed a sense of fulfillment regarding the trials so far while maintaining a calm and composed demeanor.
"Nothing has particularly changed. Of course, I want to have a good opening, and I have been able to spend fulfilling days in preparation so far. The only thing left is what kind of match tomorrow will be. The players will likely feel some tension, and I want to remove any unnecessary weights and send them out onto the pitch. For that, I think it's important for me to be myself first. If the coach appears flustered, it will be conveyed to the players. There are many players here who have accumulated enough experience, so I really want to fight confidently tomorrow."
Yokohama FC finished second in the Meiji Yasuda J2 League last season and was promoted to the J1 League. They had the league's fewest goals conceded with 27 in 38 matches, and demonstrated their strength in crucial moments by scoring 30 percent of their total 60 goals from set pieces, successfully navigating the competitive J2. This season, it is expected that their basic style of play will remain unchanged, utilizing a 3-4-3 system that leans towards a five-back formation, focusing on solid defense, quick counterattacks, and set pieces as their weapons.
Particularly to be wary of is Fukumori's left foot, who is expected to play as one of the three defenders. Not only does he supply high-precision balls from corner kicks and free kicks, but he also plays a role in delivering sharp long feeds from the back line to the front line, making him a presence that cannot be taken lightly even when he has the ball in a deep position.
In the J-League, the number of bench members will increase to 20 starting this season. This will broaden the tactical options for player substitutions, which will be a positive aspect for Tokyo, as they have players with various characteristics. Attention will also be focused on how the coach will make his decisions.
The long battle spanning 38 matches starts from this game. The coach, aiming for the club's first league title, spoke about the importance of each match while emphasizing the significance of the opening game. He called for Tokyo to unite and steadily move forward.
"First, we just need to win one match at a time. However, to gain momentum, it's important to have a good start. In the opening match against Yokohama FC, I hope we can turn the feelings of our fans and supporters into strength and fight together with all our might for victory."
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: With the opening of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League approaching, how do you feel right now?
A: I want to have a good start, and the preparation period up to now has been fulfilling. It all comes down to how the match against Yokohama FC will turn out.
Q: Is there anything you focused on and communicated to the players?
A: Nothing in particular. First of all, I think it is important for me to be myself. For example, if I become nervous or flustered, that will spread to the players. I want to stay grounded and fight proudly as a team.
Q: Please tell us your impression of the opponent.
A: My impression is that Yokohama FC's strengths, such as their high-intensity defense, physical ability-based attack, and set plays, have not changed significantly. Regarding set plays, I believe they will be a key point both offensively and defensively. They can help break through deadlocked situations, and the height of both teams will come into play.
[Player Interview]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: As the start of the 2025 season approaches, how is your current condition and motivation?
A: My condition has been good continuously since the Okinawa camp. With the league matches starting, I believe my motivation will naturally increase, and I want to manage both well and move them in a positive direction.
Q: How do you feel about the team's level of completion and overall performance?
A: I believe the team's level of completion is still at the entry stage. There are still many things the team needs to do, as well as room for growth and potential. I think the team will mature by playing more matches, repeatedly improving and growing as we move forward. Naturally, there is still a sense of urgency that we are only at the beginning, but I also feel that we have been able to convert that into a positive tension.
Q: What is that sense of tension specifically like?
A: I believe that expressing my own strengths on the pitch is the key way I can contribute to the team, and there isn’t anything specific or detailed like "this must be done." I think there is freedom within what the team needs to do and the rules, and I am really looking forward to being able to demonstrate my abilities within that.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming new season.
A: There will be times when things go smoothly and times when they don’t, with various situations arising, but it is important that everyone fights with the same direction at all times. I would be happy if the fans and supporters could fight alongside the club in the 2025 season. The match against Yokohama FC will be an away game, so please give us your passionate support.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: In your third year as a professional, is there anything in particular you are focusing on this season?
A, there is nothing in particular that I am consciously focusing on; I believe it is simply about continuing to work on what I have been doing and expressing what I need to do on the pitch. Specifically, I want to increase plays that create chances and involve scoring, and focus on numbers such as goals and assists.
Q: After the Okinawa camp and practice matches, please tell us about your current feelings.
A: There were the camp and practice matches, but I believe there are many things you can only understand by actually competing in official matches. The team atmosphere is good, and everyone is aiming for the league championship as our goal, so I want to fight hard this season as well.
Q: How do you want to express the football that the team aims for?
A: First, I want to show through my play a commitment to victory. From training sessions, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI often emphasizes the importance of focusing on results, and I want to keep that in mind.
