<Review of the Previous Match: Cerezo Osaka>
Tokyo faced the away match against Cerezo Osaka with a new formation that used Soma ANZAI as the left stopper in a three-back and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA as the left wing-back, shifting between three-back and four-back depending on the situation. Maki KITAHARA was named in the starting lineup for the league match for the first time.
The entire team took fluid positions to launch attacks, but from the start there were noticeable misalignments in the build-up play, and just 6 minutes in, a mistake in the back line’s organization was exploited, allowing an early opening goal.
Despite conceding several dangerous chances early on, the team held firm with only one goal against. Then, in the 17th minute of the first half, the first-time starter wearing number 53 changed the game. Kitahara, who attacked from the left, threaded a pass to the center, where Keiun Sato feinted past a defender and was fouled while attempting a shot, earning a penalty kick. Sato calmly converted it, bringing Tokyo back on level terms.
At the start of the second half with the score tied, Kawauta carried the ball in from the left and took a shot. It went wide to the right of the goal, but he showed an aggressive attitude aiming to take the lead.
Tokyo, looking to break the deadlock, brought on Marcelo RYAN in the 16th minute of the second half, who directed a powerful arrow toward the goal. In the 21st minute, RYAN broke free on a vertical pass and displayed a sharp and powerful run, dribbling as if to knock the opponent away. In the 37th minute, he also won a challenge against an opponent to earn a corner kick, showing the good form that led to his hat-trick in the midweek RB Omiya Ardija match.
Simple mistakes were noticeable overall, and although C Osaka created several chances in the final stages of the match, they were denied goals through committed defensive play. The match ended in a 1-1 draw away from home, resulting in an eight-match winless streak in the league.
Match Preview
Four days since the last match. We will face Gamba Osaka in a Friday night game at the Japan National Stadium.
Tokyo has yet to secure a victory in eight league matches so far. Recently, there have been several instances where goals were conceded due to simple mistakes or just before the end of the match. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also said, "There were some regrettable goals conceded. More than the content, we need to focus on how to play with winning in mind. It is important to align our perspectives on methodology and tactics, but we must also coordinate on what to actually do during the game." He is working to align the team's focus on these challenges.
One way to solve the challenges faced by the team is to increase communication on the pitch. By accurately reading the development of the game and aligning our perspectives on how to fight, we want to draw the flow of the match in our favor. Teppei OKA, who played in the center of the three-back line in the last match, talks about the importance of communication and his own determination.
"Regardless of professional experience or age, I must actively voice my demands and energize or tighten the team for everyone. I believe I am in such a position, so I need to take the lead and show leadership not just after the match or at halftime, but during the match itself. In soccer, it's important to paint the same picture, and I think that can often be resolved through communication. The 11 players on the field should continuously communicate, help each other, and align their focus as they fight together."
In terms of aligning perspectives, the fact that we have started to bring out Marcelo RYAN's strengths on the pitch is a significant positive factor. By delivering timely passes into forward spaces, even with somewhat rough balls, his powerful breakthroughs can be utilized. The goal rush in the match against Omiya Ardija in the 2025 J League YBC Levain Cup held last week, and the breakthrough from the right side shown in the second half against Cerezo Osaka, are precisely examples of his weapons being unleashed. Coach Matsuhashi also expresses his trust, stating, "He truly has running ability and physical strength, and there are moments when he can firmly control the ball." He is a talent who can become a point getter in the blue and red. Continuing to take a fighting stance that attacks the goal centered around him should pose a threat to the opponents. If we are winning, we aim for additional goals; if the score is tied, we seek a go-ahead goal; and if we are at a disadvantage, we look for a counterattack. By always maintaining a sense of 'fear' as a team, we want to broaden our approach to the game.
Given the congested schedule, it is expected that this match will also be a full-scale battle. Coach Matsuhashi stated, "While checking the timely situations of each player, we will make solid judgments. On top of that, if we can consider various elements such as the opponent's tactics, power dynamics, and player conditions, we will be able to think it through effectively."
Gamba Osaka, the opponent, currently stands 12th with 4 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses. They have won all 4 matches in which they scored the opening goal, while in matches where they conceded first, their record is 2 draws and 5 losses. Considering that Tokyo’s record is 2 wins and 1 draw when scoring first, and 2 draws and 5 losses when conceding first, the importance of the opening goal will be even greater than usual in this game. Gamba Osaka is originally known for their solid defense and a style of play that emphasizes maintaining possession, so this match is likely to be a clash of contrasting styles.
And this week, the struggling blue and red army was injected with the fighting spirit of a reliable man. Diego OLIVEIRA, who retired at the end of last season and returned to Brazil, visited the team. Making his first visit to Japan as the club ambassador, he powerfully encouraged the team as they continued preparations for the G Osaka match. He also greeted everyone at the full team meeting before practice on the 24th.
Ambassador Diego once again expressed his feelings toward the club and the fans and supporters during a group interview after the previous day's practice.
"The current ranking in Tokyo is not appropriate. I believe there are tough times in football, but by delivering results here, we can break through and achieve better results. Everyone is working hard and practicing to win, and I was the same during my playing days. However, if the reality is that we still can't win, then we have no choice but to keep going. If we are lacking, we have to do even more. No matter what, the fans and supporters are always cheering for us. Everyone's support truly empowers the players, and I am very grateful for it, both during my playing days and now. I hope we can come together as a team and overcome these difficult times together."
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: From here, there will be consecutive matches.
A: While properly adjusting the condition, we have good tension and good concerns.
Q: Specifically, what do you mean by 'good concerns'?
A: Not everything goes perfectly, and we are always thinking about how to prepare for the next match.
Q: Please tell us what you focused on with the players during this period.
A: Reviewing the matches is important, but continuing to work as a team is crucial. There were unnecessary and regrettable goals conceded, but not everything about the game was bad. Rather than focusing on the content itself, I want us to keep winning in mind and be conscious of how we play. Aligning our perspectives on methodology and tactics is important, but we must also coordinate on what to do during the actual game.
Q: Are the players’ perspectives aligning more as they play more matches?
A: We are able to align our perspectives well during training. From here on, we want to consistently pursue quality.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka.
A: They have a solid defense, and their members possess the skills to move the ball effectively, with plenty of talented players. I get the impression that there are many moments where they showcase how they use time and demonstrate differences by leveraging individual abilities.
[Player Interview]
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: The match against Cerezo Osaka ended in a draw, thanks to the hard work of the players who came on as substitutes. Please tell us what is necessary to turn this into a win.
A: Of course, increasing the number of chances is important, and finishing them properly is also crucial. I don't know if that's good or bad, but personally, I think it's important to return to the basics once again. Not losing in one-on-one situations, not allowing easy crosses, and in attack, having more commitment to each individual play. Rather than tactical mistakes, I want each player to thoroughly focus on technical mistakes and work on improving them.
Q, there have been many scenes where easy mistakes that can be improved with individual awareness have led to crises.
A, of course, mistakes are inevitable when expressing this kind of challenging style of soccer. For example, connecting every pass cleanly from a goal kick all the way to scoring a goal requires an exceptionally high level of quality and is difficult to achieve. It’s not about honestly challenging head-on every single time; if there is a strong player up front, sometimes it’s fine to simply kick the ball. It’s not like we are told never to play long balls either. It depends on whether the players on the field can translate their judgment and the situation on the pitch into their play. I believe each player has their own strengths. If a player is good at dribbling, teammates support them by creating zones where it’s easier to take on opponents with dribbling. If a player is good at making runs behind the defense, using long balls and space effectively leads to plays that bring out their strengths. We want to bring out each player’s strengths as a team.
Q: In the next league match, I will reach a total of 300 appearances in the J1 League.
A: This is not a team record but a personal milestone, so I just want to fully acknowledge what I have accumulated so far and continue to do my best.
Q: Mr. Diego OLIVEIRA visited Kodaira Grand as an ambassador. Did you receive any inspiration or power from it?
A, he is one of the players who has been active in Tokyo for a long time, and I was genuinely happy to see him again after a long time. He kindly came all the way to Japan and will watch two matches against Gamba Osaka and Shimizu S-Pulse. We want to deliver winning matches to Diego as well.
<Tetsuhiro OKA>
Q: I think Teppei OKA will also be expected to break through a barrier in his play and take command as a defensive leader.
A: With Masato MORISHIGE away from the starting lineup, someone has to take leadership and bring the team together. This season, I have been consistently playing as one of the defenders, and even though it is only my second season with the team, I want to lead by demanding from everyone and by raising the team's spirit or tightening the atmosphere with my voice.
Q: I think that in order to turn a difficult match into a victory, it is even more important for the players to share the same vision and communicate with each other.
A: I think soccer is often resolved through communication. It’s not just one person, but all 11 players on the pitch must constantly communicate and coordinate their play. We want to create a situation where there is never a silent moment.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka, the team you will be facing.
A: There are players with height and strength, as well as players with speed, lined up in the front line. If we defenders can firmly suppress the strengths of the opponents, I believe the team will gain momentum. I want to use anticipation to carefully manage the opponent’s key points. To avoid individual players making isolated plays, the entire team should be conscious of supporting and covering each other, and of coordinated play and support in every situation. Soccer is a team sport. We want to proceed through the match by helping each other.
Q: In terms of offense, players like Marcelo RYAN and Keito Sato, who are characterized by their speed, are also lined up in the front line. I think the strength of OkA, who can deliver balls with either foot regardless of his dominant side, will also increase from here.
A: I think it’s about how I can make the most of my strengths while maintaining possession as part of the team’s style. While ensuring the team secures enough time controlling the ball, I want to strengthen my awareness of aligning my own characteristics with that. I also want to be mindful of using long balls that leverage the strengths of Lucas RIAN and Sato, and sometimes changing the flow of attack or shifting the opponent’s focus with a single pass or a side change.
