<Previous Match Review: Shonan Bellmare>
While they were unable to secure 3 points due to a lack of decisiveness in two consecutive matches, it was a game in which they felt a definite sense of achievement in terms of content.
As the back-and-forth battle continued from the early stages, Kento HASHIMOTO, who played as a defensive midfielder, dropped back to join the buildup from the final line. The left and right stoppers of the three-back formation took positions similar to that of full-backs, successfully neutralizing the opponent's press. From this point, they seized control of the game, and with effective defense from the front line, the match progressed at Tokyo's pace.
Instead of being pushed back by the opponent and struggling to connect passes, the team effectively sought out opportunities with a clear aim through reproducible passing work, creating numerous scoring chances. However, they were unable to convert the many opportunities they created.
In the 67th minute of the second half, substitute player Keiin SATO made a strong breakthrough from the right side. Although Kota TAWARATSUMIDA aimed for the return pass, it went over the goal. In the 77th minute, in his J1 League debut, Kota TOKIWAS right cross was met by a free Kota TAWARATSUMIDA in the center, but unfortunately, it went straight to the goalkeeper. Just before the end of the match, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Leon NOZAWA had consecutive big chances, but they were unable to convert, and the match ended. Despite functioning well in both offense and defense, they could not secure a victory, resulting in a scoreless draw.
<Match Preview>
It was exactly a year ago. On March 16, 2024, in an away game in Kyushu, which had been a challenge, Tokyo achieved its first victory of the 2024 season against Avispa Fukuoka, successfully breaking through the "demon gate." In this match, Takahiro KO, who made his blue-red debut, played a key role in the attack and established himself as a "link man." Shortly after the announcement of his return to the Japan national team, Yuto NAGATOMO scored his first goal in the J-League in about 14 years, leading Tokyo to a 3-1 victory. It is still fresh in our memory that this match against Fukuoka marked the beginning of an upward trend in performance, gradually getting back on track.
In this season, under the leadership of coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the blue-red squad has introduced a new three-back formation, and their soccer, which combines sharp attacks while valuing possession of the ball, is definitely starting to function. In the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 4 match against Kashima Antlers, they suffered a 0-2 defeat, and in Sec. 5 against Shonan Bellmare, they had a scoreless draw. Although they have not achieved victory recently, the team's condition is by no means bad, as they are able to create chances to finish, employ a variable build-up that changes shape from match to match, and show hard defense from the front line. That is why they want to seize victory by making sure to score when it matters and enter a cycle of building momentum through wins.
The player to watch is Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. This season, he has been creating numerous chances with his strong dribbling skills, but in the last two matches, he has been unable to convert decisive opportunities. He himself feels responsible, stating, "If I had scored, we would have won. I want to return to my roots and start over from scratch." Although he is still only twenty years old, he had mentioned before the season, "Regardless of age, I want to lead the team with results and performance," raising expectations for whether he can overcome this hurdle and bring joy to the blue and red fans.
Also, for player Nagatomo, who had the Japan national team selection announced just before the match like last season, it is a battle in Fukuoka, where he spent his high school days. He must be pledging to bring excitement to Tokyo and to realize his goal of participating in the World Cup for the fifth time on the pitch.
Fukuoka had a tough start with three consecutive losses at the beginning, but in the last two matches, they achieved back-to-back shutout victories against Vissel Kobe and Kyoto Sanga F.C. They are starting to see results with a solid defense-based style of play under the leadership of head coach Myung Hwi KIM, who took charge this season. Player Kono, who once fought alongside them in blue and red, is in good form, having scored the winning goal in the previous match. Given his sharp dribbling skills, it is important to keep a close watch on him.
As Tokyo heads into the away match, can they maintain possession of the ball while showcasing adaptable soccer on the pitch to seize control? Coach Matsuhashi has pointed out that "creating an advantage comes from our proactive actions" as a key point for the match. It is also true that the players' perspectives are aligning as they strive to create opportunities. By displaying aggressive soccer in both offense and defense, and demonstrating the ability to finish in crucial moments, we hope to secure a victory in Fukuoka that will serve as a stepping stone for the future this season.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: How do you analyze Avispa Fukuoka, who is coming off two consecutive wins, ahead of their match against Tokyo?
A: I think they will come into this match with good momentum, so we want to be fully cautious. Of course, we are not only focusing on the opponent, but there is no doubt that they are in good form. Even though there are good and bad periods during the match, the fact that they are ultimately able to connect those to a victory is a sign of their good condition.
Q: What kind of strategy is required against Fukuoka, who uses a combination of a 3-back and a 4-back formation?
A: Even if it becomes a mirror game, what is important is how we can take actions to maintain our advantage in the phases of play. If you only look at each other's systems, in a mirror game there is naturally no advantage. Proactive and aggressive actions create the advantage. This is something we want to demand from players in every position.
Q, do you feel that you are improving, especially in defense, as you work on refining your style of play?
A: I believe the players feel it as well. As we play more matches, our precision is improving, and the players are starting to read each other's intentions better. However, even if everyone understands the good patterns of breaking down the defense and what the team is trying to do, if the timing is off, spaces will open up, and the positions or points to guide the play will change. First and foremost, it is about "matching" each other. Of course, it is also important to judge this during the match. This applies to offense as well. Going full power in every situation is not necessarily a good thing. While controlling the flow of the game, we want to seek how to coordinate the timing to use power and speed to launch attacks effectively.
[Player Interview]
<Keita YAMASHITA>
Q: The first match after turning 29 on March 13 will be a game in my hometown Fukuoka. What kind of play do you want to showcase?
A: I don't particularly think about anything special just because it's my birthday, but if I can score a goal and lead the team to victory in the first match after turning 29, I believe it will be a good start to a great season for me. First and foremost, I want to win. Since our goal is to win the league, I want to win rather than settle for a draw. Scoring and winning feels the best, so I want to play with a focus on scoring goals.
Q: This is a match against Fukuoka, who is struggling to break through defensive blocks. What kind of plays do you think would be effective?
A: As a team, we have been able to create chances through short counters following good defense, but I want to increase the number of those opportunities and shots even more. I myself am focusing on plays that lead to shots. Also, it is important to firmly finish in the scenes where we must score. I want to decisively score to help the team win.
Q, in the matches against Nagoya Grampus and Shonan Bellmare, you started in the lineup. Are there any specific things you are conscious of in terms of offense and coordination with your teammates?
A: In terms of offense, I focus on my relationship with teammates and am conscious of the third-man runs. I feel that my movements to receive the ball and my playmaking requests are still lacking. If I can properly receive the ball in the requested situations and connect it to a shot, I believe the team's goal count will increase.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: I scored a goal in the match against Avispa Fukuoka held at the same time last season.
A, it was a similar situation last season as well. After being recalled to the Japan national team for the first time in 1 year and 3 months, I also scored a goal in the away match against Fukuoka. (In tomorrow’s game) this will definitely be a déjà vu.
In Sec. 4 against Kashima Antlers, there were some close shooting scenes.
A: I am now playing more frequently in the wing-back position, which demands a more offensive style of play compared to a full-back. I want to be more involved in the attack, and I personally feel that I still have a lot to improve. In the matches I play, I want to focus on contributing with goals and assists as well.
