<Last Match Review: Yokohama FC>
It was a great victory in their first battle. "PITA Tokyo," who faced the away match in Sec. 1 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, won 1-0 against Yokohama FC, firmly proving what they had built up from the camp. They brilliantly secured 3 points in the opening match.
The first goal of the team led by new coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI was a strike born from a fluid passing play that could be described as a "statement of intent."
In the 16th minute of the second half, Kosuke SHIRAI made a powerful vertical dribble breakthrough on the right side to earn a throw-in. The ball thrown by SHIRAI was passed to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, and after receiving NAKAGAWA’s return pass, SHIRAI connected lightly with Kei KOIZUMI and Takahiro KO with one-touch passes, angling the ball toward the center of the penalty area. Then, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, positioned centrally, laid the ball forward with a direct touch, whereupon SHIRAI, charging fiercely from the right side, unleashed a precisely aimed left-footed shot. This beautiful goal, executed with coordinated teamwork from many players, sent the away supporters behind the goal into a frenzy. The right wing-back, who earned the distinction, dashed straight to the fans and supporters behind the goal and shared the joy with many comrades who had gathered away from home.
Tokyo, which newly adopted a three-back formation, struggled to break through their opponent who tightened the center from the first half, and continued to face difficulties in launching the desired attacks due to the hard and dry pitch. During a crucial period where attention was focused on how to find a breakthrough, what was showcased was a moment that encapsulated the coach's style aiming for both ball possession and sharp attacks. It evoked a sense of the potential hidden within 'PITA Tokyo' and the bright future of the newly formed blue-red team.
<Match Preview>
Now, it’s the home opener.
Tokyo, having secured 3 points from Yokohama FC in the first match, will face FC Machida Zelvia, who also call Tokyo their home, in the first match held at Ajinomoto Stadium. The frustration of the “season double” suffered in last season’s encounters is surely etched in the hearts of everyone involved with the blue and red. While sincerely accepting the current situation of finishing 7th and ending the season without a win against both clubs including Tokyo Verdy, Tokyo is determined to win this match at all costs and aims to secure a second consecutive victory to start the season.
The players vividly remember the humiliation they experienced in last season's match against Machida.
Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA said, "We cannot lose any more to clubs that share the same home town of Tokyo, and there is a definite reason we must win this match. Last season, we finished at the bottom among the three Tokyo teams, and we were thoroughly beaten by Machida, which was a great humiliation. This is important as it is our home opener, but on this day, it is not about the form or content; we must truly show our spirit and win." Masato MORISHIGE expressed, "Last season, we struggled to win at Ajinomoto Stadium. Moreover, our opponent for the home opener is Machida, against whom we lost twice, so I believe the players' motivation will naturally rise. I want to present a victory to our fans and supporters in the home opener, and I understand that we must do so to gain their satisfaction. We absolutely want to end with a victory."
Machida, last season, achieved a top-tier finish with the league's fewest goals conceded, securing a spot in the AFC Champions League (2025-2026 season) in their first year of promotion to J1, finishing 3rd in the league. In the opening match, they suffered a comeback loss to Sanfrecce Hiroshima and faced a series of injuries to their newly signed center-backs during the game. However, for them, who aim for the top with significant reinforcements, avoiding consecutive losses is a must in this match. The battle for possession will likely be crucial.
On February 21 (Friday), the day before the match against Machida, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI emphasized maintaining a calm mindset while promising an emotionally charged game in the home opener, always focusing on the upcoming game.
"Of course, it's not just the two teams from Tokyo that we are up against, but I believe the fans and supporters will be quite passionate. We need to fully sense that voltage and energy, and because we are a team that values the ball, we must surpass teams with high intensity like Machida in terms of enthusiasm and passion."
First, calmly assess your position and dominate the pitch with anticipation and intensity that surpass the opponent. Keep your eyes and mind cool, but your heart and play hot and fierce──.
Embody the style of soccer that "Rikizo Tokyo" aims for on the pitch, as the Blue-Red Army overcomes last season's humiliation at Ajinomoto Stadium and strives to secure two consecutive opening wins.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: By winning the first league match, you can approach the home opener with good momentum. I believe the fans and supporters have high expectations as well.
A: I want to meet everyone's expectations. In doing so, we need to grow into a team that gradually earns trust. Since we received wonderful support even during away games, I believe the excitement will be even greater at home. With everyone's help, we want to aim for victory together.
Q: The maximum number of registered substitute members has changed from this season.
A: There are more options available. We can have plans tailored to various situations, so I want to make good use of that. One of my weaknesses, which I recognize myself, is the timing of substitutions. My thoughts and feelings tended to come out before tactical considerations. With the increase in the number of substitute members, I have been able to think through various scenarios internally. Having more substitution cards at hand has made it easier for me to make bold changes.
Q: Last season, there were no victories against teams based in Tokyo.
A: I often hear that, but those two teams are not the only opponents. However, I understand that those matches are important. I want to fully sense that passion and turn it into energy to fight. To win, we have to surpass our opponents in various ways. I believe we also need to surpass them in terms of intensity and passion.
[Player Interview]
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: please review the previous match.
A: It was positive that the team secured the win, and it was a match where I felt we still have room to grow. I want us to continue growing as a team while winning. Personally, I want to pursue quality in plays related to both offense and defense, and I reaffirmed my desire to keep improving for the sake of the team.
Q: There were times when quick judgments about the game situation were made, and sometimes decisive plays were observed.
A: I judged the pitch conditions and the situation at the time, managing risks while consciously playing simply using the width. I don’t think the sole purpose is just to connect passes, nor is it only to frequently use long balls. I believe it is important to attack and build up effectively, so I want to continue focusing on sending the ball into areas and spaces that the opponent dislikes.
Q, in fighting with the new system, did you feel any difficulties, such as in controlling the defense?
A, Regardless of the system or defensive formation, it is natural that the players on the pitch take responsibility for their play, and if each player has that foundation, defensive solidity will naturally emerge. However, since the number of opponents around our goal has increased, I believe we also have the strength to flexibly handle the power to repel and the shaking tactics.
Q: The home opener is a match against FC Machida Zelvia. Please let me know if there are any points to be cautious about.
A: They give the impression of playing with thoroughness in both offense and defense. We want to be cautious of their hard work calculated from the perspective of winning, such as in duels and recovering second balls. However, I believe there is absolutely nothing to fear. We want to express our own style of play with boldness. I think the fans and supporters are also looking forward to this match and will back us with passionate cheering. To meet those expectations, not only tactically but sometimes with daring plays as well, we want to show our best. We will do our best to make sure everyone enjoys the match at Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: Please reflect on the match against Yokohama FC.
A: In addition to it being an away opening match, the condition of the pitch made it a difficult game. We couldn’t play the style of soccer we wanted, but first of all, I think it’s positive that we were able to earn 3 points.
Q: You played as a wing-back, how was it throughout the 90 minutes?
A: It was still far from perfect. As I mentioned earlier, there were some challenging conditions, but even including those, there are many areas where I am lacking, so I believe I will improve from here on.
Q: The match against Yokohama FC was played with the same system by both teams.
A: I was focused on not conceding goals. Looking back after the match, my positioning was too deep, which allowed us to be pushed back. Honestly, it wasn’t so much that I was consciously defending, but rather that I was forced to defend. When playing as a wing-back, I should have been the one pushing forward. That is something I need to reflect on.
Q: The few chances were converted into victory. Please review the scoring scene.
A: That goal was really just a coincidence that I happened to be the one to finish it off at the end. Many players were involved, and it was a good goal. Since Rikizo MATSUHASHI took over as manager, we have often been told to attack through the middle, so I think this play embodied that instruction.
Q: You have experience as a wing-back even before joining Tokyo. How do you want to contribute that experience to the team?
A: I will contribute in ways such as giving advice, but since it’s been a while for me as well, I think it’s important to first regain my sense of the position. Because of my experience, I believe I will adapt quickly. I hope to show a side of myself that is different from a full-back.
Q: When you scored a goal in the match against Albirex Niigata last season, you mentioned that you had forgotten how to perform due to not scoring for a while, and that's how "Super Shirai" was born. How was it this time?
A: I think it was cool this time. I believe I was able to perform properly. Rather than a performance, I just went behind the goal driven by emotion (laughs).
