<Review of the Previous Match: Kashiwa Reysol Match>
The match against Kashiwa Reysol, played away, aimed at achieving the first three consecutive wins of the season. For Kim Seung-gyu, who became a member of Tokyo in June, it was his debut match in blue and red against his former club.
Expressing on the pitch the confidence gained from consecutive wins in the two matches against Yokohama F.Marinos and Yokohama FC. From the start, they showed one-touch passing to evade the opponent's press, displayed proactive soccer with long vertical passes from Sei MUROYA to the forwards, Kashif BANGNAGANDE joining the attack, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA aiming pinpoint headers from crosses by Leon NOZAWA. Defensively, they alternated between pressing from the front line and forming a solid central block to deny Kashiwa any freedom, while Kim Seung-gyu’s fine saves helped firmly protect the goal.
The intense battle continued with neither side gaining the upper hand in the second half. Rene's left foot demonstrated power both on set pieces and in open play, creating promising opportunities. However, they narrowly missed shaking the net. Then, in the 28th minute of the second half, after losing the ball while pressing forward, they were broken down by a switch of play, conceding a goal when the opponent's cross from their own right side was met centrally. They were caught off guard in a brief moment of vulnerability and conceded the opening goal.
They continued to press forward and attempted a counterattack with shots from Motoki NAGAKURA, who had been a key attacking outlet since the first half, but the match ended 0-1. Despite putting pressure on Kashiwa, who are competing for the top spot, they suffered defeat and, while playing an evenly matched game or better, narrowly missed out on points by the slimmest of margins.
Match Preview
That frustration is still unforgettable.
An away game at Saitama Stadium 2002, where we came in riding a two-game winning streak. We took the lead twice but were caught up, and in a manner overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum, we conceded the winning goal at the very end and suffered a come-from-behind loss. Tokyo entered a tunnel of five winless matches starting from this defeat. It’s a matter of 'what if,' but if we had secured a third consecutive win in that match, there was a good chance we could have fought while seeing a different landscape.
However, there is no point in being stuck in the past. We have no choice but to move forward with that frustration in our hearts. Above all, it is an undeniable fact that the current Blue-Red squad has evolved into a team that can show a different form from back then. Rather than aiming to take revenge for the last time, we want to showcase the new strength we have gained at Ajinomoto Stadium, excite the home Blue-Red family, and share the joy together.
Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach, ahead of the match against the Urawa Reds the next day, said, "We have been increasing good attacks. Risk management is important, but to score goals, we have to take risks. Urawa's defense is very solid, so attacking from the sides will be a major point. On that premise, spaces will be created where we can show our strengths, so by balancing left and right, I think we can gradually diminish the opponent's strengths," highlighting the importance of side attacks and defense as the key to the match.
The team faces Urawa just two days after the away match against Oita Trinita in the 3rd Round of the 105th Emperor's Cup JFA All Japan Soccer Championship held on Wednesday. Due to travel and recovery, the tactical work mainly focused on confirmation, but even so, the style of play—mixing long and short passes, switching between fast and slow attacks depending on the situation, and fiercely contesting every ball—has been established as the base. From here, it’s about assessing the situation to decide which players to field and what strategies to deploy.
This match, Motoki NAGAKURA, who is on loan from Urawa, cannot play due to contractual reasons, but the style of the whole team working in unison while putting a fighting spirit front and center remains unchanged. Coach Matsuhashi also said, "There are players who have been delivering good performances so far. We are selecting players who can make the most of their individual strengths, so I have high expectations for them."
For Alexander SCHOLZ, who joined in June, this match is against his former club where he spent three and a half seasons. With the current situation of increased goals conceded from crosses, he is expected to become the new “blue-red wall,” not only repelling Urawa’s attacks but also contributing goals from set pieces.
This match will be held as "FIREWORKS NIGHT supported by Paidy," featuring a flame performance at pitch level on the back stand side from around 6:50 p.m. during the player introductions until the players enter the field, and at halftime, special effect fireworks and moving light displays will be presented from the roof.
A crucial match where the pride and passion of the blue and red collide. This is an important game where we absolutely want to seize victory as we prepare for a summer comeback.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. The match against the Urawa Reds comes after just two days of rest, so I imagine there are some difficult aspects, including player selection.
A. This is not just about yesterday or today; with various matches taking place, I always have the desire to show the best possible performance at that time according to the mid- to long-term plans and circumstances.
Q. This will be the first official match against Urawa in a while. What do you think will be the key points of the game?
A. In the previous away match, we suffered a truly frustrating defeat. It’s not about the often-used word “revenge” or anything like that, but rather, we want to firmly channel that frustration and the strength we currently possess into our performance at home.
Q, Although the lineup is somewhat different from that time, what is your impression of Urawa?
A. They play compact and tight defense, and when they win the ball, they aim to score through quick attacks and counters delivered to their forward talents. There are obviously clear aspects to their style of play, but it’s not just that. Looking at each Urawa player individually, they are a team with very strong individual abilities, so we must remain fully vigilant. Of course, there are parts the team is trying to execute collectively, but I believe it is crucial to have the mindset to win in individual battles as well.
Q. Is there anything you have emphasized to the players in this short period?
A. On both offense and defense, we have been working a bit on our inside play, and as we have played more matches, good moments have gradually increased. Even from the perspective of attacking while taking some risks, positive aspects have emerged, and it is precisely because of that balance that we can also express immediate ball recovery. Attacking from the flanks will be one key point, and I believe that this will create spaces where we can showcase our strengths as a natural consequence.
Q, In the previous match, we conceded multiple goals due to miscommunication in dealing with crosses.
A, As a key point, we have repeatedly trained to properly align our line of sight. They are an opponent who launches attacks starting from the flanks, and to some extent, their team shape is easy to understand. Whether the attack comes from the left or right, maintaining proper balance is essential, and when the ball is switched to the opposite side, that side must also be conscious of maintaining balance. It is a very simple matter, but by being fully aware of this for the entire 90 minutes, I believe we can gradually diminish the opponent’s strengths.
[Player Interview]
<Alexander SCHOLZ>
Q. This will be a match against your former team. How do you feel about it?
A. I have many memories not only with the club Urawa Reds but also with the players and staff who belong there. This will be my first time facing my former team in Japan, but I have experienced it in Denmark and Belgium as well. I consider it just a regular match.
Q. What is your impression of the Urawa Reds?
A. My impression is that the team has not changed from what I know. The coach’s style remains the same, organizing a very compact formation, and since there are many players with high individual ability, I can somewhat imagine what kind of game it will be.
Q. What do you think is the key to winning the match?
A. I think scoring the first goal is important. I expect it won’t be a match with many goals, and as a defensive player, I hope it will be that kind of game. Set pieces and fine details will decide the outcome. Although we lost the first match this season, from my experience, matches between Tokyo and Urawa are always intense, so there are many memorable games.
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q, How do you feel about your current condition?
A. We had the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round match against Oita Trinita on Wednesday, and soon after, we face the Urawa Reds match in a short period. Despite the tight schedule, we were able to train in a very good atmosphere, and I have been able to adjust my condition well. Of course, we have also thoroughly shared countermeasures for the Urawa match, and we have high motivation and good preparation to win.
Q. With Motoki NAGAKURA and other attackers performing well, how do you feel about your motivation to score and go for goals again?
A. I believe that not only myself but every player has the desire to start in the lineup and perform well in matches. Although I have recently been starting on the bench, I am playing with a strong will to contribute to the team's victory. I simply approach each match with the awareness that my play and goals can lead to a win.
Q. The Urawa Reds will also participate in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, and this match will be their first game after returning home.
A. They are a team with enough ability to represent Asia and participate in the Club World Cup, and there is no doubt about their individual skills and overall team strength. Within that context, I think this match will also be very difficult, but we want to aggressively aim for victory.
Q. In the previous match, Marcelo RYAN also scored, but we suffered a frustrating come-from-behind loss.
A. Unfortunately, we lost the previous away game, but there were many good aspects throughout the match. I think it was positive that we took the lead, were caught up to, and then regained the lead, and it wasn’t a situation to be completely pessimistic about. I want to fully overcome that frustration by winning this upcoming match.
