<Last Match Review: Tokyo Verdy>
In the first half, Tokyo built up play steadily from the final line while being cautious of the opponent's counterattacks. Right after the kickoff, Takahiro KO immediately regained possession of the ball lost at a high position. In this match that absolutely cannot be lost, they showed high concentration and awareness of victory.
However, despite overwhelming possession, they were solidly defended with a five-back formation, and in the 20th minute of the first half, while gradually searching for a breakthrough, they allowed the opponent to score first from a corner kick after a single chance.
Although they were forced into an unexpected situation, Tokyo maintained a high line and began to vary their attacks with passes aimed behind the opponent from a compact formation. In the 23rd minute of the first half, they broke through the green defense with flowing passing from the right side. In the end, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's shot was slightly deflected by a fine save from the opposing goalkeeper, hitting the left post and not resulting in a goal, but they created a big chance with an attack characteristic of 'Chikarazo Tokyo.'
Tokyo, showing a fierce battle, delivered a superb floating pass behind the final line in the 43rd minute of the first half by player Ko. Here, player Sato Keiun sharply broke through and scored to equalize. They successfully brought the match back to square one with a combination that can be described as 'aun no kokyuu'.
In the second half, the opponent suddenly applied high pressure, significantly changing the dynamics of the game. In the 7th minute of the second half, Henrique TREVISAN made a skillful tackle to win the ball from an opponent trying to break through behind him, and the loose ball went to Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. Taishi tried to evade the approaching opponent by cutting back, but he was poked at the ball and lost the chance for a go-ahead goal.
Having saved the team from danger multiple times, the guardian showed a big save in this match as well. In the 44th minute of the second half, Soma ANZAI's right cross was headed in by Henrique, equalizing the score. The number 7, who was fired in the same match last season and was eager to repay that 'debt', recorded an assist that erased Taishi NOZAWA's mistake, bringing Tokyo back to level terms at the last moment.
After that, they left the tall player Henrique up front to aim for a comeback, but they couldn't shake the goal net. Although they stopped the streak of four consecutive scoreless matches, they couldn't secure a victory against an opponent they desperately wanted to win against. The same matchup ended in a draw for the third consecutive time since last season, resulting in a frustrating outcome of five league matches without a win.
<Match Preview>
Five consecutive winless matches in the league. However, the team's diligent training efforts are beginning to bear fruit, and the performance is definitely improving. The players' eye contact has improved, and the timing of their movements for passes and support is becoming more coordinated. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also stated, "Little by little, various elements are starting to come together, and we are beginning to see good results. This is the outcome of our continued efforts."
That is why we want results, no matter what. The team has broken the difficult situation of four consecutive matches without scoring, and although the last match ended in a draw, they marked two goals. In addition to the scoring scenes, they created chances with a passing style characteristic of 'Rikizo TOKYO' and showed a strong desire for victory with solid blocks and pressure in one-on-one situations. After two consecutive matches that can be described as a 'battle of wills' since the Tamagawa Classico, we want to approach this match with the mindset of 'the enemy in front of us is the strongest enemy' (Coach Matsuhashi) without letting up. One victory can change the flow. We must make the upcoming match against Fagiano Okayama a game that we can look back on as a turning point in the season.
Okayama, which has been promoted to the J1 League for the first time this season, is currently in 9th place with 3 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. In the last match, they suffered their first multiple goals conceded this season against Cerezo Osaka, but they have boasted a solid defense with only 3 goals conceded in 7 matches prior to that. They have shown a brave fight in their first J1 League season with hard work and focused defense. For Tokyo, this will be a match against a promoted team, but they must not let their guard down and aim to surpass their opponent with determination and tactical awareness, seeking to secure a victory away since Sec. 3.
Ryunosuke SATO, who is on loan from Tokyo, recorded his memorable first J1 League goal in the last match against C Osaka. He played as a right wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 formation, connecting a left cross with his right foot to shake the goal net. This season, he has also been continuously selected for the U-20 Japan national team, and during the March expedition to Spain, he achieved consecutive victories against the France and USA national teams of the same age group. SATO started in both matches, increasing his presence as a key player. He will not be able to participate in this match due to contractual reasons, but we also want to keep an eye on the blue-red warriors who are training hard.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: The first goal in the match against Tokyo Verdy encapsulated everything we have been working on. What is your feeling about it?
A: We want to win, and while thinking about what is necessary to achieve that, the results have not come easily. I used the word "growth" the other day, and although it is little by little, various elements are starting to come together and take good shape. I believe this is the result of continuing to work hard, and as we have kept at it, the players’ perspectives have aligned well, so some of that progress is beginning to show. Since the opponent will also prepare countermeasures, adaptability with the next move and the move after that is important, and I think aligning our perspectives to execute those plays is also necessary. We want to firmly approach both aspects and create something even better.
Q, I have the impression that I am gradually getting into the things I want to do.
A: During the match, there were good moments here and there. Until now, there were times when we felt we were just one step short, but I think in the last match, the form was maintained until the very end. Several such moments appeared, and there were also other chances created. Even focusing on individual players, their awareness has been steadily changing as we continue. I spoke with Keigo HIGASHI this morning, and he said that compared to the Kawasaki Frontale match, in the Tokyo Verdy match he had a stronger awareness of getting more involved in the front line. There are also areas where he feels he can add a bit more to himself. When these elements come together, I believe the team will gain even more depth.
Q: How do you feel about the upcoming match against Fagiano Okayama?
A: Although they are a team newly promoted to the J1 League, the team in front of us is always our strongest opponent. We want to proceed with that mindset firmly in place. It is important not to become complacent just because we felt good about the last match, but to continue over and over again. In competition, whether it’s advancing even 1mm or 1cm ahead of the opponent, creating even one more chance than them, or scoring even one more goal than them, it’s not just about the details but also about the fighting spirit and the desire to surpass them that matters. With the mindset that we are taking on this challenge, we want to express what we have built up so far.
[Player Interview]
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q: You played for about 30 minutes in the Tokyo Verdy match. How do you feel about your performance as an individual?
A: The previous match against Tokyo Verdy was a special game for both the club and the fans and supporters. I wanted to do my best for the team in that match, but it ended in a frustrating draw. I want to bring home a victory in the next game. Personally, I was not in the best condition and it was my first match appearance in a while. When I entered the pitch, the team was losing 1-2, so I played with the mindset of becoming a starting point for the attack and scoring to equalize or turn the game around. Although I couldn’t directly contribute to scoring, I want to build on the fact that the team managed to equalize near the end of the match.
Q, while leaving challenges in the area of "scoring ability", how do you want to integrate Marcelo RYAN's own characteristics with the team?
A: The league has started and we have played several matches, but I believe the level of our attacking play will improve even more from here. I feel that the chances leading to goals are gradually increasing, and my coordination with my teammates is also improving, fitting well with the team tactics. I want to score for the team here and bring about a good momentum. I believe that the number of wins will increase from now on.
Many voices are looking forward to the first goal after the arrival of player Hian.
A: I have a very strong desire to score goals and contribute to the team in the upcoming matches. However, I also believe that being too eager will not lead to good results. I want to firmly shake the net in scoring opportunities, steadily increase my playing time from here on, and although it will be a tough match against Fagiano Okayama, I want to play for the victory.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: How did you feel the energy of the fans and supporters on the pitch during the last match against Tokyo Verdy?
A: It was an away game, but the atmosphere in the stadium and behind the goal was wonderful, and I believe it was a match where we could fight together with passionate feelings.
Q: After a very frustrating match, how do you want to switch your mindset, Daishi Nozawa?
A: Mistakes during the match and the accuracy of play are the criteria for evaluation, and if I cannot contribute to the team's results, I will not be evaluated. That is the professional world. Personally, I am determined to contribute to the team at all times. If the team selects me as a starter going forward, I will do my utmost to meet those expectations. After the match against Tokyo V, I do not intend to make any major changes, nor do I plan to play cautiously out of fear of making mistakes. I believe that giving my all to do what I can is what will lead to the next step.
Q, there were also many big saves that saved us from numerous crises, not just in the match against Tokyo V.
A, I have made many mistakes during matches, both big and small. Even so, I am only grateful to the team for giving me the opportunity to play as a starter. That motivates me even more and makes me want to play without regrets. Certainly, I made several saves in the match against Tokyo V, but the fact that I couldn’t contribute more is everything. I want to continue fighting with responsibility.
Q: From April, we will have consecutive matches. I believe the overall strength and results of the team will be required.
A: As a team, we need a match that will serve as a good trigger to change the current momentum. I personally believe that the team will continue to improve from here. The upcoming match against Fagiano Okayama is an important one to break into the top ranks. First, we want to firmly pull the win toward us as a team in the match right in front of us.
