Match Review
The team faces a series of must-win matches in pursuit of the top-ranked Kashima Antlers. This week features the 'Tamagawa Clasico' against Kawasaki Frontale. Approaching this match with only two days' rest, the starting lineup was changed by 3 players from the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol.
At the very back was Kim Seung-gyu, and the defensive line from the right consisted of Sei MUROYA, Rio OMORI, Hayato INAMURA, and Kento HASHIMOTO. The holding midfielders were Kouta TOKIWA and Takahiro KO, who returned to the starting lineup for the first time since the 8th round match against Tokyo Verdy. Keiin SATO took the right side midfielder position, and on the left, Leon NOZAWA, who was also starting for the first time since the Tokyo Verdy match, was selected. Up front, Ryunosuke SATO and Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who returned to the starting lineup for the first time since the 11th round match against FC Machida Zelvia, formed the two-forward attack.
Maintaining a win-at-all-costs attitude and still wanting to extend their winning streak at home in Ajinomoto Stadium, the match kicked off at 2:03 p.m. amid very high temperatures.
1st―Breakingthe deadlockKane'sopening goal
At the start, Kawasaki, fueled by a desire for revenge from the previous match, kept pressing forward, but the guardian goalkeeper and the defense continuously prevented any danger. Gradually, composure was regained, but on this day there was no clear target up front, and no breakthrough in attack could be found. Despite boldly breaking behind the defense, they were unable to create any finishing opportunities, and time just kept passing by.
The first shot was in the 27th minute of the first half. Carefully connecting from the back line and breaking down the right side, in the end, Ryunosuke Sato aimed for the goal, but it was saved by the opposing goalkeeper.
It was Keito Sato who dispelled this stagnation. He won the ball in midfield and advanced, delivering a through pass. Ryunosuke Sato aimed for the goal with his left foot, and Keito Sato struck the rebound, which the opposing goalkeeper had deflected, with a left-footed volley. The ball bounced high, missing the goalkeeper's timing, and was swallowed into the goal.
The first half continued in a stalemate as they struggled to find an opening in attack, but Tokyo went into the second half1 goal ahead.
2nd―Leon’sFirst Goalof the Season & Clean Sheetfor the Tamagawa ClasicoConsecutive Wins
Kawasaki was the first to make a move. From the start of the second half, they brought Yasuto WAKIZAKA and MARCINHO onto the pitch, replacing Ito and Miyagi.
Meanwhile, Tokyo, with Taka and Tokiwa along with Ryu Sato also involved in building up the play, broke down Kawasaki's defense with a well-paced connection. From that flow, an additional goal was born in the 11th minute of the second half. Ryu Sato played a vertical pass, and Kei Sato, facing forward, delivered a through pass. Nakagawa, who broke free, carried the ball into the area, and in the scramble, Nozawa pushed the loose ball with his right foot. This happy first goal of the season became a significant one point that put distance from Kawasaki.
Immediately after conceding a goal, Kawasaki substituted Kanda with Lazar Romanić. Meanwhile, Tokyo, looking to strengthen their offense, brought on Fuki YAMADA, Kento HASHIMOTO, and Marcelo RYAN from the bench in place of Keito Sato, Tokiwa, and Nakagawa at the 23rd minute of the second half.
34 minutes into the second half, Rian's cross from the left side was met by Ryū Sato at the far side, but the shot just missed the target.
At the 38th minute of the second half, Tokyo substituted Nozawa with Keita ENDO.Near the end of the match, Suzuki Kaede was brought onto the pitch, replacing Muroya.Suzuki made his happy professional debut on the home pitch of Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tokyo's defense remained focused until the very end,4 consecutive matches without conceding a goal. During the consecutive games over Golden Week,33,991 spectators watched as the blue and red achieved a season double over Kawasaki in the Tamagawa Clasico, and the "City That Never Sleeps" celebrated its4 consecutive victories.
MATCH DETAILS
Detailed match data is available here
Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q, please give us a summary of today's match.
A, given that it was the second game in two days, the players were prepared for a very tough match, and overall, there was a somewhat heavy feeling, or I think both sides felt that way. However, scoring a goal in the first half under such difficult circumstances was very significant. In the second half, we made sure to share and adjust our attacking approach, and the players clearly expressed their understanding and the byproducts that came from it, allowing us to attack with a good rhythm. Although there were some risky moments in terms of risk management in the second half, we still did not allow them to score in the end. I believe it was a game that can be highly evaluated for keeping a clean sheet.
Q, the team has now achieved four consecutive wins. What areas do you want to further build on going forward?
A, nothing comes to mind immediately right after the match. Truly, we had put a lot into this one game first and foremost, and it is also my job to analyze the next opponent in order to win the following match. Within that, I believe it is important to convey new energy and ideas to the players. How they utilize those will be one of the keys moving forward.
Q、1点目は東京の強みであるカウンターアタックで、後半は多彩な攻撃を見せていました。いろいろな攻撃ができるようになっていると思うのですが、手応えを教えてください。
A、前半に関しては、リハーサルしてきたことが出ていたかというと、そうではなかったと思います。いつもよりはサイドバックの攻撃参加も少なかったですし、重さがありました。ただ、良い意味で、後ろの4枚とボランチが低い位置でしっかりプレーしていたので、仮にボールを失っても危ない攻撃を受けることにならなかったことで、失点しなかった。それは狙っていたことではないですが、ベンチから見ながら「こういう展開になるんだな」と見ていました。後半は、あらためてリハーサルしてきたことの意図をもう一度説明して、どこにパス回しの出口が開いて、そこからどう入っていくと良い攻撃につながるかを話しました。選手たちがそこを使いながら、そこから出てくる新しいアイディアや新たな関係性をうまく出してくれて、それをしっかりと彼らのなかで共有してくれた。それがあって、良い攻撃ができたのが後半だったと思います。
Q, since deploying Ryunosuke SATO as part of the two-forward system, the team seems to have gained momentum. What role have you assigned to him?
A, first and foremost, it is about conducting the attack. While firmly observing the 360-degree field of vision in the center, it involves how he participates in relation to the defensive midfielders, the other forward in the two-top, and the wingers, adapting according to the situation. When we first started using the two-forward system, he was more often cutting inside from the sides, so he was just beginning to grasp the relationship and timing with the defensive midfielders in the center, but it hadn’t yet developed into a smooth flow. Through those experiences, he has now been creating increasingly better scenarios, and seeing how well he maintains relationships with those around him, I believe his high ability, abundant ideas, and accurate adaptability to situations are clearly evident. Not limited to his skills alone, he leverages his relationships with teammates effectively, and I feel he is leading the team as a result.
Player Interview
Leon NOZAWA
Q: Please look back on the goal scene.
A: Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI kept telling me to cut inside, so when I did, the chance came. I think Teruhito NAKAGAWA was also about to strike, but this goal was because I was in that position, and it was a goal made possible because everyone connected the play, so it is by no means just my goal alone. I’m happy to have contributed to the team’s victory by leaving a mark on the scoresheet.
Q: It was your first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium in the league match.
A: The feeling is completely different. It felt like I was embraced by everyone in Tokyo, and I was happy and felt a sense of security.
Q: It was your first start since the match against Tokyo Verdy.
A: I was less nervous than that time. I believed that if I could play my usual game, the results would surely follow. Since we had built a good momentum from the previous match, I just thought I needed to express my feelings and play, and that led to the numbers.
Q: I think it was important to sort out your feelings and mindset after the Tokyo Verdy match, how did you feel?
A: Of course, I was down and reflected on the match afterwards. However, I also think that if any player dwells on it, it could become a burden for the team. Since we have come this far with good momentum, I felt I needed to firmly reset my mindset and help raise the team’s level. Being human, mistakes happen, and not everything can go perfectly; there are good times and bad times. I believe it is important to minimize those fluctuations, and I was able to switch my mindset positively. I want to work on improving my performance even more today.
Q, todayI was surrounded by loud cheers.
A, it feltgreat. There are people who keep supporting us, so I needed to deliver results myself, and I’m glad I was able to respond with at least one result. I want to continue producing numbers and results for the team and definitely aim for the championship.
Q, the start of the first half was a difficult period for the team as well.
A, it was a challenging time both offensively and defensively. The heat was also a factor, but the opponent was in the same situation. When we thought about how to win under those circumstances, playing while choosing to move forward was key, and I believe the opening goal came because everyone was aligned in the same direction. From there, we were able to seize the momentum. Regarding in-game adjustments, of course we listen to the coach and manager’s instructions at halftime to make corrections, but since halftime is only 15 minutes, it was through communication about how players could proactively regain momentum during the flow of the game that we were able to capture a good rhythm.
Q, it’s the first clean sheet in 4 matches and 4 consecutive wins.
A,I don’t know how everyone else feels, but to me, it still feels like only 4 consecutive wins. It went by in a flash, and I believe we can go even higher. Before I knew it, I was riding a good wave too. More players like me need to step up. With consecutive matches, the team’s overall strength is tested, so players like me need to become that extra plus to raise the team’s level. Of course, we aim to win the championship, but first, we want to prepare with everyone pointing in the same direction for the next match against JEF United Ichihara Chiba.
Q, You have taken the provisional top spot, but does winning today while rotating players give momentum to the team?
A, I myself felt there was a gap between the starting players and the substitutes, but to overturn that, numbers were necessary. I don’t think we have fully overturned it yet, but I’m happy to have contributed to the team’s victory. Since playing with that goal in mind, I’m relieved to have at least achieved one result. Rather than focusing on being in first place, I want to concentrate fully on the match in front of us.
Player Kei Sato
Q,The start of the first half was a tough situation, but what were you thinking about as you played?
A,We had a long time of enduring, but I was thinking of turning the tide with a single counterattack strike. That led to the first goal.
Q: Please look back on the goal scene of the opening goal.
A: We had been going through a somewhat difficult period, but as a team, we were aiming for a counterattack and that pass was also targeted. We managed to steal the ball well and I gave the final pass to Ryunosuke SATO. I wanted him to finish there, but I want to praise myself for properly positioning myself where the rebound shot came and reacting well to the ball.
Q,It was a difficult position, but was it as you intended?
A,I wasn’t aiming for that (laughs). Given my position, just making contact was the best I could do. I feel lucky. What was good was that I ran properly to that spot and was able to make good contact with the ball.
Q,The momentum just doesn’t stop, does it?
A,I couldn’t score in the previous match, but I believe I’m the one who can score when it really counts.
Q, Even in the scene of the second goal,I received a vertical pass from Ryunosuke Sato, turned skillfully, and connected it to a through pass.
A,I was on the opposite side in that scene, but at the timing when I moved inside, I made eye contact with Ryunosuke Sato. When I thought "he’s coming," as expected, a good ball came, so I was able to turn well, and at that moment Teruhito NAKAGAWA made a good run, so I was able to use him properly.With just twopasses, we broke through, so I think we were able to execute the fast vertical attack we aim for. The fewer passes there are, the faster you can reach the goal, so we were able to embody that well.
Q、It seems your combination with Ryunosuke Sato has matured.</span>
A、I think you can especially see it in the second goal scene; when our eyes meet, the pass comes, and since he doesn’t lose the ball, he always manages something. I understand that if I hold the ball and try to break behind the defense, I can be effective too. He’s a superb player. I have nothing more to say.
Q,You want to increase your goal tally as well, right?
A,To win, we need to score goals, so I will be the one to score.
Q,The top-ranked Kashima Antlers have a match scheduled for tomorrow, but as of now, we have become the provisional leaders.
A,I think we are putting quite a bit of pressure on them, and if we win all the remaining matches from here, I believe we can secure the championship on our own. Rather than focusing on the opponent, we want to aim solely at winning all our games to claim the title.
Hayato Inamura
Q, How do you feel about being able to secure wins during this series of consecutive matches?
A, I think it shows Tokyo’s progress; the players’ awareness and what the staff communicate are in sync, which is proof that we are fighting with a strong sense of unity.
Q, Do you feel that the team is on a good run?
A, Rather than a run, I think it is the result of the players being conscious of the daily things that Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI often communicates. That shows in each match. I do think there is a flow, but right now the passion we put into each and every game is very strong.
Q, There were many crosses to deal with in the second half, but you managed to keep a clean sheet.
A, It is also a personal challenge of mine, and it has been a pattern of Tokyo conceding goals, so I work on it daily. I think the defenders were able to communicate well and defend together. There was a match where I once lost an aerial duel and conceded a goal, so I’m glad I was able to play firmly this time by learning from that reflection.
Q, In the first half, it seemed that Rio OMORI was targeted with long balls. Did the two center backs discuss this?
A, OMORI is a player who is strong in that area, so it was absolutely no problem and I wasn’t worried at all. We were focused on not losing there and making sure to properly execute challenge and cover.
Q. What do you think is the reason the team is starting to click?
A. As I mentioned earlier, I believe it’s because everyone shares the same strong desire and focus for each and every match. Both the players and the staff have the mindset of 'for the team,' and there is a sense that everyone involved with Tokyo is working hard in various ways for Tokyo and for all the people connected to the club.
Q. How do you feel about winning the first match of the three consecutive home games?
A. The players feel the same way, but as a team, we don’t really focus on the fact that it’s three consecutive games. We take each match as it comes, focusing on the game in front of us. I think the strong determination we have for each match compared to our opponents is reflected in the results. I believe there is also a momentum, but the atmosphere created by the fans and supporters from the warm-up onwards is the biggest factor. We are truly grateful.
Q. Please share your enthusiasm for the next home game against Chiba.
A. It is called an all-out battle, but I believe that includes the fans and supporters as well. Regardless of the opponent, we want to fight together as a team for the match in front of us.
Kaede SUZUKI
Q. Congratulations on your professional debut. How do you honestly feel?
A. I’m very happy to have been able to step onto the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, which I have watched since I was little. But this is just the starting line, so from here I want to increase my playing time and work hard to contribute to Tokyo’s victories.
Q. Since you were brought on during additional time, I assume your role was to help close out the game. What instructions were you given when you were sent onto the pitch?
A. There were no particular instructions, and Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI told me, 'Just enjoy it as usual,' so that helped me relax and I was able to enter the pitch without feeling too nervous.
Q. Experiencing the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium as a professional for the first time, what kind of feel and atmosphere did you sense?
A. Simply put, the support was amazing, and since I was alwayson the side cheering from behind the goal, standing on the pitch made me realize once again, 'So this is the kind of atmosphere the players have been experiencing.' I want to repay the fans who support us through my play.
Q. At the moment the final whistle blew, I believe you shared the joy of victory with your teammates. What kind of emotions did you feel?
A. The feeling of victory experienced in the stands and the feeling of victory experienced on the pitch are completely different emotions. We want to keep making our fans and supporters feel this emotion, so we will continue to fight on the pitch.
Q. You were on the bench for the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, and I imagine you were nervous at first. With some time having passed since then, were you able to organize your feelings in preparation for today’s game?
A. As a defender, I understood that substitutions are difficult, but during this series of matches, Coach Matsuhashi also told me this. Since I don’t know when my chance will come, I have always been preparing to perform at my highest level.
Q. Given the current team situation with a thin depth in the fullback position, were there also expectations placed on you?
A. Since I can play anywhere in the back, even up to defensive midfield, I view this as a strength. I take it positively that if I am on the bench alone, I can cover any position. I want to appeal more during practice and work to increase my playing time.
Q. Regarding your play so far, not just in today’s match but also previously, what areas have Coach Matsuhashi and the coaching staff told you to improve?
A. Currently, Tokyo mainly focuses on build-up play, so I am always told about the importance of building from the back and looking one step ahead. I believe it is important to have confident kicks that consistently look far ahead while also distributing the ball to nearby teammates.
Q, in that regard, is there anything you want to learn from your teammates?
A, I find Hayato Inamura’s ability to intercept vertical passes and long balls very inspiring. I want to become a player who can skillfully switch between long and short kicks like Inamura.
