<Last Match Review: Kyoto Sanga F.C.>
Three consecutive matches with three goals conceded. What we faced in away Kyoto was a humiliating result.
At the start, they took the initiative with aggressive pressing, showing strength in one-on-one situations to recover second balls. They were able to enter the match with an active style. However, the team faced intense pressing from Kyoto Sanga F.C., resorted to using long balls frequently, and the distance between players grew, making it difficult to form effective attacking plays.
After conceding a goal from a cross ball in the 32nd minute of the first half, the flow did not change even after entering the second half. Tokyo tried to connect passes and attack somehow, but Kyoto thoroughly aimed to intercept there. In the 25th minute of the second half, Tokyo lost the ball under intense pressing while trying to build up play and conceded the second goal. Then, in the 30th minute, they were beaten by a long ball breakaway and conceded a sharp shot.
Following the previous two matches, we once again conceded 3 goals and ended in a frustrating third consecutive defeat. However, the blue and red supporters gathered behind the goal continued to sing to the players who were looking down during the post-match greetings.
"We're always with you. If you believe in yourself, victory will follow—"
The players stood in formation, looking up at the stands and quietly listening to the resounding cheers. The singing continued even after the Blue-Red Eleven returned to the locker room. It was a night in Kyoto when everyone thought that this defeat, and this moment, must be what changes the team.
Match Preview
The league match restarts with determination. After experiencing an unparalleled humiliation and pledging to fight together strongly, the Meiji Yasuda J1 League restarts after a two-week interval since that night in Kyoto.
During this period, the team approached training with a strong determination, deeply reflecting on the frustration from the previous match. Above all, the scene they saw after the Kyoto game remains strongly in the players' hearts.
Go HATANO said, "I think it was a very important moment. It truly resonated with me, and we talked about it among the players. I strongly felt everyone's feelings, and I believe we must respond to those feelings no matter what. First, in the next match, I want us to laugh and celebrate together at the end." Masato MORISHIGE vowed victory at home, saying, "I once again felt that we must desperately aim for victory together with everyone. For the fans and supporters, I want to work even harder to deliver a win."
During this break period, there were several developments within the team. First, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Yuto NAGATOMO were selected for the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team) aiming for the FIFA World Cup 26. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA made his Japan national team debut in the first match against Australia. He also made a substitute appearance in the following match against Indonesia. Although he appeared tense in the first game, he demonstrated his strengths in the second by creating scoring opportunities with his signature dribbling. Additionally, Maki KITAHARA participated in the U-17 Japan national team's expedition to Spain, while Masataka KOBAYASHI joined the U-20 J.League selection for a tour in Hong Kong before moving to France to join the U-20 Japan national team competing in the Maurice Revello Tournament.
The team acquired four players to make a comeback in the second half of the season. Sei MUROYA was transferred permanently from Hannover 96 in Germany, Kim Seung-gyu, a former South Korean national team goalkeeper, was transferred permanently from Al Shabab Saudi in Saudi Arabia, Motoki NAGAKURA was loaned from Urawa Reds, and Alexander SCHOLZ, who was also selected for the 2023 J.League Best Eleven, was transferred permanently from Al Wakrah SC in Qatar. Each of these players has a proven track record and is expected to be a great asset in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, it was also announced that Koki TSUKAGAWA will be loaned to Mito Hollyhock.
Another major topic is that Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had been sidelined with a long-term injury since last May, has finally fully rejoined team practice. His top-class breakthrough ability and left foot in the country are expected to boost the team's offensive power from here on.
After two weeks of various developments, the team faced training with a strong determination to counterattack in the second half of the season, fueled by the frustration from the match against Kyoto. The players, preparing for the first game after the restart, each expressed that they were able to practice with a fierce atmosphere driven by the strong desire to win, revealing that the mood was filled with the spirit of victory.
We must use this interval as an opportunity to change the team. While accepting the current situation of being 18th in the league, we vow a major comeback. Player Go HATANO continues.
"There are various ways to fight and tactics, but first, I want to show passion and enthusiasm. Everyone's eyes are really sharp, and we want to approach it with the mindset and gaze as if heading into a battlefield. We want to compete to be among the top from here on, and I believe this game must be the trigger for that. During the break, we were able to train in what could be called the best atmosphere of the season. I'm really looking forward to the match, and I think everyone else can look forward to it too."
Having a little break allowed us to focus on training, and it's positive to think that the team's mindset has distanced itself somewhat from winning and losing. By turning the focus inward and preparing thoroughly, we have shifted our mentality from just stopping the losing streak to moving forward with victories from here on.
Towards a counterattack in June. United as one in blue and red, we aim to secure victory in this round's match against Cerezo Osaka, and with determination, firmly carve out our future with our own hands.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. There was an interval of about two weeks. Please tell us what improvements you made during this period.
A. We reviewed our way of playing as a team once again. We were able to dedicate ample time to both offense and defense. The players also worked diligently on the areas where the team was lacking. Whether big or small, or even the finer details, we have addressed everything we could face. I also feel the players’ attitude toward this as a positive sign. Now, all that remains is to demonstrate our strength in the match.
Q. Against Cerezo Osaka, based on the first half of the season, what kind of match do you want to play?
A. They are a very offensive team and give the impression of having many shots per game, but we must not take a defensive stance; we need to approach the match with momentum. Even if we end up spending a lot of time defending, it is essential to thoroughly neutralize their strengths. While keeping in mind that they will try to add depth to their attack up front, we want to proceed with the match accordingly.
Q. Not only to stop the losing streak, but also a victory at home is expected.
A. We have used this period to firmly focus on ourselves and prepare thoroughly. Rather than just stopping the losing streak, we want to approach the match against C Osaka with a mindset of moving forward and winning. We want to meet the expectations of our fans and supporters who continue to support us even in difficult situations.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q. During the first half of the league, while going through difficult times, what were your honest feelings?
A. Including myself, I felt a sense of dissatisfaction. There are still many things we need to work on. I think the first half of the league left us with many challenges to overcome in order to win.
Q. The previous match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. was a difficult game both in terms of content and result.
A. Kyoto outperformed us in the plays and elements necessary to win. The match content and result reflected our current situation. Everyone has the desire and sense of urgency to somehow change this situation, and we want to make the match against Cerezo Osaka this week the turning point. This applies not only to each player's mindset but also to everything else—we must express ourselves more than we did in the first half of the league. We accept the reality of being in a difficult position and will fight to seize the opportunity to rise starting from this match.
Q: There was an interval of about two weeks. During that period, was there anything the team or player Higashi personally focused on consciously?
A. First of all, it’s about switching between offense and defense. The basic aspects are crucial when playing, but conversely, they tend to be neglected. We focused on raising our awareness of switching and strength in one-on-one situations to the next level, and improving their quality. Soccer is about expressing these not only in training but also in matches. It’s not a sport you can win by that alone, but first, we are enhancing the foundation for fighting. I also want to add the essence of offensive play and my own strengths. By sharpening that feeling and sensitivity, I want to increase the number of plays where I’m involved in scoring goals.
Q. The second half of the league starts with the match against Cerezo Osaka. Once again, what kind of play would you like the team and individuals to focus on?
A. I will play with a strong attitude toward winning at the forefront. I believe I have done so up to now, but I want to be even more particular about my play. And I want to spread that mindset to the other players around me. I want to show that attitude on the pitch and greedily pull victory closer.
<Takahiro KO>
Q. During the two weeks without matches, what kind of activities have you been focusing on?
A. I felt frustrated in the match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. Since there was a break in the schedule, we all agreed that "we have no choice but to start from training." Personally, I have been continuously preparing to win the next match, focusing not only on the small details but also on overall readiness.
Q. Even when talking with the players, I felt there was a fierce intensity on the pitch.
A. I do feel that. Even in the game-style training during practice, we are competing more fiercely than ever before, and everyone has a strong desire for the next match, so we are able to have really good training. I think we just need to express that in tomorrow's game.
Q. What do you want to express on the pitch in tomorrow's match?
A. I think it is important to fight compactly and firmly. Once again, the aspects of duels, running, and transitions are strengths of this team, so we want to maintain those without dropping them. From the start of the match, we want to consistently surpass our opponents. Not only myself but the entire team will strive for this.
Q: Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI used the word "determination" during an interview in the interval period. Will the match against Cerezo Osaka be an important one?
A. We have been going through tough results, and since this match marks the restart after the interval, we must express what we have been working on. I believe there is a chance if we keep winning from here, so I want to make this one match a restart that allows us to climb back up.
