<Preview of the Emperor's Cup 2nd Round>
The 2nd Round, which is the first match of the Emperor's Cup, is expected to feature a fresh lineup on the pitch. Just three days after the Sec. 20 match against Cerezo Osaka in the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League on June 14, players who have had limited playing time this season and those returning from injury have been preparing for this match. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also mentioned that he wants to select the members considering various factors such as condition and playing time so far. Players bringing in "fresh power" will likely include Motoki NAGAKURA, who joined in June, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who has returned from a long-term absence.
Aiming for their second championship in 14 years, Zweigen Kanazawa, the Ishikawa representative who defeated Chukyo University, the Aichi representative, 6-0 in the first round, will face off in the 2nd Round. Already, in other venues for the 2nd Round held on June 11, there have been several upsets where lower-tier clubs have defeated higher-tier ones.
Coach Matsuhashi said, "I think the first match is really important, so we want to approach it with a focused mindset. I don't think we need to be overly conscious, but we want to believe in our own strength and take the initiative to attack the opponent. If we try to be too calculating, we might get caught off guard." In this single-elimination tournament, the coach's constant message, "The enemy in front of you is the strongest enemy," will be put to the test in this must-win match.
Coach Matsuhashi highlighted "transition" as the key focus of the game. To break through Kanazawa's block set up in the middle zone and shake the goal net, quick switching between offense and defense is crucial. Immediately after gaining possession, the team aims to approach the opponent's goal before Kanazawa can organize their block, and right after losing the ball, they want to regain possession quickly to deny the opponent attacking opportunities.
On the other hand, Coach Matsuhashi says it is also important to calmly connect passes even when positioned in midfield.
"We can somewhat anticipate how the opponent will respond while we maintain possession of the ball. Where the spaces open up and who will move into them. The timing of when to receive the ball. How those around engage with this, and where to aim next—if we can move the ball well, mismatches will inevitably occur. That is the crucial point."
He scored 2 goals in the recent match against C Osaka, but the coach said, "There were still many opportunities to score," and continued.
"That has always been a challenge. Data shows that there are many big chances in the league. There are also many missed opportunities. How to convert those decisive chances determines the outcome. This must be pursued continuously, whether in the league or cup matches."
If the players hungry for playing time can solve the urgent issue of lack of scoring ability, the team should gain momentum heading into the J1 League Sec. 21 match against Gamba Osaka, played with only three days' rest. Furthermore, if they win the championship for the first time in 14 years, it will lead to the AFC Champions League 2.
The match that opens the road to Asia kicks off at 19:00 at Ajinomoto Stadium.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. In the match against Cerezo Osaka, it was a game where we managed to equalize by scoring at the crucial moment.
A. I believe there were still many opportunities to score. This has been an ongoing issue. I think every club has scenes where they fail to convert chances, but data shows that we have a very high number of big chances within the league. However, there are also many missed opportunities. I believe whether we can convert those big chances will determine the outcome of the match, so this is something we must continue to pursue regardless of whether it’s the league or cup matches.
Q. After the disappointing experience in the 2025 J.League YBC Levain Cup, a new cup competition is starting. How do you feel about it?
A. I truly believe the first match is the most important. We want everyone to stay focused and tighten up. I don't think there's a need to be overly conscious of anything, but we want to believe in our own strength and approach the game at full power from the start. We have to be the ones to take the initiative and attack.
Q: The temperature is rising, and the match will be held within a short period of three days.
A. We want to decide the members while considering various factors.
Q. What is your impression of Zweigen Kanazawa?
A. They give the impression of being a very solid team. There are players in the front line who have also performed well in the J1 League. I think they are definitely an opponent not to be underestimated. There are players with individual skills capable of taking advantage of even the slightest gap. I hope we can stay fully alert to that while exploiting their weaknesses.
Q: It is expected that the team will have longer ball possession time in tomorrow's match.
A: I’m not sure if it will be longer, but since the opponent is a team that firmly strengthens their defense, transition will be a very important keyword.
[Player Interview]
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q. In the match against Cerezo Osaka, I think it was a game where I was able to demonstrate my strengths, including assisting the equalizing goal.
A. The match against C Osaka ended in a draw, but personally, I felt a sense of accomplishment and was able to build up visible results. My condition is good, and my confidence is growing. The fact that the team couldn't secure a win is also a responsibility for those of us who came on as substitutes, and there remains a frustration for not leading the team to victory. That is precisely why I want to respond with visible results in the matches I play in and work hard so that people can say, "We won because Leon was on the field." I want to dedicate myself earnestly from the next match onward to gain such trust and growth.
Q. You expressed some reflections after the Levain Cup match against Shonan Bellmare, in which you started in the lineup. Based on that experience, what kind of mindset do you want to have going forward?
A. Although I started in the lineup in the match against Shonan, I was unable to contribute to the victory. There were some good moments in my play, but the result was elimination. The Emperor's Cup is also a single-elimination tournament, so a strong commitment to winning is even more required. As a forward player, I want to be mindful of the numbers and results and meet the expectations of our fans and supporters.
Q. I think there is a high possibility that players who have had little playing time in the league matches so far will also get a chance to play.
A. Since the resumption, there have been some tactical changes as a team, but the basics have not changed. Regardless of who plays, both as a team and individually, we just need to express what we have to do and what is expected of us in the match. We want to make good use of each player's strengths, focus on what we need to do rather than the opponent, and aggressively aim for victory.
Q: The league matches and tournament formats are different, but I believe that winning this game will have a positive impact on both the team and individuals.
A. If I can achieve results individually, I believe my opportunities to play in league matches will increase, and as a team, I feel that winning this match will put us on a good trajectory. It is undoubtedly an important game. While there is the difficulty of a one-off match and a unique atmosphere, we want to align our focus as a team and fight together.
<Ewerton GAUDINO>
Q: In the previous match against Cerezo Osaka, you played for the first time in a while. Please tell us what went well and what challenges remain.
A: Personally, although my playing time was short, I was able to move well and had several chances to take shots. I wanted to finish those opportunities. As for the team overall, the system changed, and we had quite a few very good chances. Since we conceded goals, there are points to improve, but I think the system change created good scenes.
Q: You played as one of the two forwards. How was playing in a position closer to the goal than before?
A, In the position I played, there was another forward very close by. I was able to play constantly in a position close to the vital area. Therefore, there were scenes where I created chances with my passes and dribbles, as well as scenes where I received passes and was set up to create chances. Conversely, whether playing as one of the two forwards or as a side midfielder, I did not find either position difficult.
Q, Tomorrow is the Emperor's Cup. I think it will also be an opportunity to showcase for participation in the league matches.
A: We give our all in every match. No matter the time or the match, we do our utmost to participate. In the next game as well, I will play solely to help the team win. And I want to be able to share the joy together with the fans and supporters.
