<Review of the previous match against Fagiano Okayama>
From the start, Tokyo launched an overwhelming attack. With precise movements and proactive third-man runs, they increased their passing options and continued to play in the Fagiano Okayama territory with a high ball possession rate.
In the 5th minute of the first half, player Keiin SATO created a chance with a sharp right cross, and just after that, in the 6th minute, Kanta DOI's vertical pass connected with Kosuke SHIRAI on the right side, setting up a scoring opportunity for player SATO. Furthermore, in the 7th minute, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's dribbling breakthrough allowed player SATO to aim for another shot in the center, but this was also thwarted at the last moment by the opponent's pressing. In the following 9th minute, Soma ANZAI's right corner kick was perfectly met by player SATO, but it went straight to the goalkeeper and did not result in a goal.
Tokyo, while creating several close chances, is still far from scoring the opening goal. After the 20-minute mark of the first half, the attack becomes monotonous and gradually loses momentum, leading to a period where they are pushed back by Okayama. They struggle against an opponent that has built a block with five players in the back line and four in midfield, resulting in reduced movement and support, which prevents them from adding depth to their attack.
Just after the start of the second half, a scene where the goal net was shaken was judged offside with the support of VAR, allowing them to escape danger, but they were still unable to regain control of the flow as they wished. Then, in the 16th minute of the second half, a ball that could not be cleared was chest-trapped by Ryo TABEI, who was running from the back, and he scored a powerful volley, taking the lead.
Substitutions and a system change to a four-back formation were attempted to turn the game around, but the match ended 0-1. The team returned home with the frustrating result of six league matches without a win.
<Match Preview>
We want to change the flow of everything at our National.
Currently, the team has gone six league matches without a win. The consecutive scoreless streak was stopped in the match against Tokyo Verdy two games ago, but despite creating numerous big chances, the team has been unable to convert those opportunities into goals, leading to a continued period without victories. It is likely that everyone is feeling the frustration in their hearts.
The situation is such that the "arrows" tend to point in various directions due to the lack of results. However, if we do not believe in the path we have walked and the path we will take from here, there is no future. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also said, "If we easily reach out for something different and it doesn't go well, and then we try something else, we will quickly fall apart and collapse. It is important not to give up immediately during difficult times, but to endure and continue. With a single goal or victory, various things can grow significantly. I believe this applies to individual players as well; growth does not happen gradually, but rather comes suddenly. If we can keep this in mind and continue to endure, we can believe in the potential the team has and move forward."
To convey to the team that the path they have walked so far is not wrong, the coach presented offensive data after the last match. The coach analyzed and shared what he thought was being done subjectively from an objective perspective, aligning their focus to ensure they can move forward in the same direction.
Endure. Be patient. Keep going. This applies not only to our efforts throughout the season but also on the pitch. In recent matches, there has been a tendency to tone down despite creating many chances. After the match against Fagiano Okayama, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI mentioned, "It is important to endure and be patient while attacking." This includes repositioning while holding the ball, the movement of the third player, varying between long and short passes in our attacks, and managing risks while on the offensive. In situations where we tend to become anxious and resort to monotonous attacks just because we want to score, how can we build chances while being patient and show an attack that is well-calculated from the goal? This is truly a test of the endurance and persistence of 'Rikizo TOKYO.'
Kashiwa Reysol, under the new leadership of coach Ricardo RODRIGUEZ this season, has shifted to a possession-based style of play, boasting the top possession statistics in the league. They started strong with 3 wins and 1 draw, but have since struggled with 3 draws and 1 loss. However, they secured a long-awaited victory in the last match against Gamba Osaka. They come into this match with momentum. Key attacking players to watch are second-year player Kumazaka and Harakawa, who was with Tokyo until last season. Tokyo aims to secure victory by effectively positioning themselves to thwart the opponents' attacks while maintaining solid ball control in the midfield.
Believe in yourself, believe in your teammates, and forge ahead on the path you should pursue. There is no night that does not end. There is no rain that does not stop. However, nothing will change by just waiting. To turn your steps into confidence and to achieve goals and victories. Together as one in "Our National".
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: This week's home game will be held at Japan National Stadium.
A: It is the sacred ground of Japanese soccer, and I myself have had the opportunity to stand there as a player, so I think the atmosphere will bring a bit more tension than usual. However, as our home ground, we want to fight with all our might aiming firmly for victory.
Q: What kind of approach are you taking towards the players during this series of difficult matches?
A: Of course, there have been times when things haven't gone well, chances haven't been converted into goals, and we have conceded easy goals. However, based on past data and other factors, there are objectively measurable areas that have been improving. By presenting the players not only with subjective views but also with objective data, we shared the current situation we have progressed through and conveyed that we are indeed moving forward.
We are currently going through a difficult time, but I believe that by continuing to push forward, we will definitely move in a positive direction. I do not see this as a mistake or a failure, but rather recognize it as a challenging period. Difficulties and failures are different. However, both as individuals and as a team, we need to delve into the reasons behind why this has happened. There is a tendency for good momentum to shift to the opponent. I also feel that we are relying too much on the organization, which may be diluting the strengths and qualities of each individual. Regarding the battles and strengths in various situations, I believe the players will fight with renewed determination.
Q: Kashiwa Reysol boasts one of the highest ball possession rates in the league. What kind of battle is required against such an opponent?
A, it is important not to give the ball to the opponent easily, but it is not just about competing there. To seize the initiative, it is crucial to outperform in various situations. Each moment involves a "competition." I want to demand that the players surpass the opponent even once or just one time. We should also bring our advantages to the forefront, and ultimately, it would be ideal if the team can outperform the opponent.
[Player Interview]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: This is a game at the Japan National Stadium, which is a good match for the team.
A: First and foremost, I want to play with the sole focus on winning. I want to fully harness the atmosphere of the venue as our ally and be committed to the competition.
Q: We have been continuing to have matches away from victory, but please tell us what is necessary to rise from here.
A: While harnessing the atmosphere of the venue to our advantage, personally, I believe this match will be a key game. To improve our ranking from here, we obviously have to keep winning. Currently, we are in the lower group, but the point difference with the top group is narrowing. We want to endure the upcoming consecutive matches firmly and aim for a winning streak. We are preparing to win.
Q: I think the key point will be how to take control against Kashiwa Reysol.
A: They are a team that plays interesting soccer, and while who holds the ball is also a key point, I believe the decisive factor will be how we take the ball from the opponent and how we turn the opponent who comes to steal the ball inside out to create chances. I think there will be more situations where each player plays man-to-man, so individual breakthroughs and choices of play will create differences against the opponent.
<Kanta DOI>
Q: please review the game. In the last match, we conceded a goal in the second half and lost.
A: In recent matches, we have been able to create good opportunities in the first half, but we have failed to finish and ended up conceding goals in the second half, resulting in losses. I believe there is more we can do, such as improving how we start the second half. We need to be able to play in the second half as we do in the first half. Mistakes become more noticeable when we get tired, and many of those lead to conceding goals. We can see areas for improvement, such as how to tighten up by communicating more vocally, and I want to work on those aspects.
Q: We have been experiencing consecutive matches with goals conceded. What improvements are necessary?
A: Mistakes in judgment have led to conceding goals, so in situations where we are being pressed, I think it is necessary to use long balls to make the opponent turn their back once. In the last match, the wind was also strong, so I believe plays that took that into consideration were also necessary.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Kashiwa Reysol.
A: They maintain solid ball possession while also scoring reliably. They do not concede many goals, so scoring the first goal will be crucial. While taking on challenges to score first, we want to manage risks carefully to avoid conceding goals.
Q: How will you approach the match at the Japan National Stadium?
A: As the matches progress, the number of chances is increasing. We have been able to create good opportunities in front of the goal, so I want us to be able to create even more chances. Personally, regarding passes to the forwards, I have been able to deliver not only to their feet but also behind the opponents, so I want to continue developing that aspect. While challenging ourselves is important, we must eliminate mistakes in terms of quality, so I believe we absolutely have to keep working on that. Regardless of the venue, we are in a situation where we want to win, so no matter where we play, who the opponent is, or what kind of goal it is, we just want to win at all costs.
