Match Review & Preview

Review of the Previous Match Against Kashiwa Reysol

An away game kicked off after receiving news that the top-ranked Kashima Antlers had been defeated. Although the team did not share this information among themselves, each player energized the pitch in this big opportunity to close the points gap with Kashima, firmly demonstrating their competitive strength.

From the start, the game continued with back-and-forth exchanges, as Tokyo displayed an attack blending possession with sharp offensive moves. In the 43rd minute of the first half, they launched a long counterattack from their own half, with Marcelo RYAN sprinting through the center of the pitch and delivering a final pass to the left. Here, Keita ENDO skillfully adjusted and struck with his right foot, giving the Blue-Red the lead just before halftime.

In the second half, Kashiwa continued to connect passes and attack, while Tokyo developed a variety of attacks through flexible responses. As time passed, the rain intensified, but taking advantage of the situation, an additional goal was scored. This happened in the 15th minute of the second half.

Receiving a long feed from the back, RIAN faced forward and passed to Ryunosuke SATO, who was running alongside on the left. From here, number 23 struck a sharp left-footed shot that bounced on the slippery grass and pierced the goal, extending the lead to two goals.

At the 27th minute of the second half, a middle-range shot from a loose ball after a set piece allowed the opponent to score and reduce the deficit by one. However, at the 42nd minute, just before the end, Leon NOZAWA was fouled and earned a penalty kick. Ryunosuke SATO calmly converted it with his right foot, pushing Kashiwa further away once again, securing a splendid 3-1 victory.

This marks the third consecutive victory. The gap to Kashima has been narrowed to just 3 points. The situation remains one where every match must be won to achieve a comeback championship, but including the direct showdown in the final round, the team has secured a significant victory that puts them firmly in the title race.

This Week's Preview

There are only five matches left in the group stage of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. Next up is the 'Tamagawa Clasico' against Kawasaki Frontale, who are three points behind the league leaders Kashima Antlers. If the team can achieve a season double over their rivals across the Tamagawa River here, it will surely boost their momentum even further.

As the team has accumulated matches and points since the season opener, they have expanded their range of options. On the other hand, Kawasaki sits in 5th place in the EAST group. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said, "Although we lost the last match, we had been on a winning streak until then. It seems like they are starting to grasp something, and each player has the potential and ability to decide matches. We must not allow them to show that side of themselves," expressing increased caution.

At the locker room exit after the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, captain Sei MUROYA declared this in the team huddle.

"It's not about the opponent. Everything depends on us."

This mentality was evident throughout the team on the pitch at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium. They will continue this in the upcoming match as well.

And Ryunosuke SATO maintained his good form, scoring his first multi-goal in the previous match. With expectations rising for a third consecutive game scoring streak this match, he shared the following words.

"It's the Tamagawa Clasico, my condition has improved, and I’m feeling confident. In that sense, I believe I’m in a good state. I want to channel this momentum into goals and victories."

The match, played with only two days' rest, will likely be an all-out battle. Heading into the last five games, the Blue-Red will strive to seize victory as a united team.

Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI

Q. In the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, by showing the counterattack we talked about before the game, weren’t we able to take control of the match?
A, both in the counterattack scenes and the scenes that led to good attacks, the defensive and offensive aspects we prepared in rehearsal were firmly kept in mind. From the perspective of the offensive part that I am responsible for, I think that awareness was very high. The way the players committed numbers to the attack was very good, and even with a small number in short counters, they were able to attack simply without wasting many touches. If I were to be greedy, I think if we had scored on the first chance, we might have created an even better flow.

 Regarding defense, since players must play tough, each individual's task is very heavy and important. Of course, there are difficult aspects, but there were no players showing expressions of hardship. In modern soccer, with physical data available, I think that element is often closely observed, but it is not necessarily a positive factor. When to press and how to coordinate and play with simultaneity in response to that were clearly expressed, which is why such defense was possible and it led to goals. I think the way that was expressed was truly excellent.

Q. Tactically, it seems the two holding midfielders have developed a new formation where they line up side by side without dropping back to the defensive line, and the team’s tactical options appear to be increasing with each match.
A, that's right. Ideally, not dropping back to the last line allows us to commit more players forward. When looking at the opponent's formation, we had prepared for who would find it easier to move forward positively. When considering who can create surprises during the match, there are only 11 players on the pitch. For center backs, they must consider the risks. However, if the timing is right, there may be situations where the center back must step out. Even if not in front of the opponent's goal, there have been many instances in previous matches where center backs have entered the opponent's attacking third. I believe that if the accuracy of the final finish and risk management become even stronger, things will improve further.

Q, in terms of creating surprises, Rio OMORI played for the first time in a while in the last match and showed good performance. Although he has played well so far, only two center backs can play in a match, and Rio OMORI has continued to work very hard. Would you say that his efforts have been rewarded?
A, that's right. Players who continue to play regularly may find it easier to develop a good sense of the game and understand how to play while reading the flow of the match, but for those who are playing after a long time, there can be unknown factors such as rhythm and reading the flow of the game, which can make it difficult. The ability to grasp that rhythm and flow when entering a match is also an important skill. Not limited to just that ability, being able to adapt well to the match and perform is the result of daily effort. Of course, I believe they have also made good preparations mentally.

Q. What is your impression of Kawasaki Frontale?
A. Although we lost the last match, they had been on a winning streak before that, and it feels like they are starting to find their rhythm. Each player has high potential, and there are players with the ability to settle the game if given even the slightest opportunity, so we must continue to focus on not allowing them those chances in this match as well.

Player Interview

Kota Tokiwa

Q. This will be the Tamagawa Clasico coming off three consecutive wins.
A. We have closed the points gap with the Kashima Antlers to three, but if we lose here, it will all be meaningless. I think this will be the most important match in this five-game stretch. Although it is a tight schedule with only two days between games, the opponent is in the same situation, so fatigue is not an excuse. I will approach tomorrow’s match with the mindset that whether we win or lose will determine if we are the team that wins the championship or not. We will definitely win within 90 minutes.

Q. In the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale, it was a game where we steadily connected the ball from the very back.
A. In tomorrow's match, we want to keep possession and connect the ball whenever possible. However, right now we are also able to execute simple counterattacks targeting behind the opponent effectively. Just because we were able to do what we wanted in the last match doesn't mean we can do the same this time, and since it's a sport against an opponent, we can't be sure. Regardless of the opponent's ranking, we want to focus solely on winning each match in front of us. It is always us who fight, and how we overcome ourselves will determine the outcome. We want to always keep that in mind while playing.

Q. I think the way you build up play has also changed since the start of the season. You seem to be increasing your range of options as well, but how do you feel about the progress?
A. I felt a significant sense of progress in the last match against Kashiwa Reysol. Against an opponent we couldn’t do anything against in the first half of the season, we were able to manage the game by skillfully switching between connecting passes and quickly launching counters. We were able to proceed with the match in a very good manner, and our attacking options have definitely increased. Which one will be the most effective is something we won’t know until the match starts, but we are not a team that loses everything just because one option is taken away, so we want to attack using various methods. However, in the end, if we don’t score goals, nothing remains, so I want to play with a strong focus on scoring. Also, since we have conceded goals in three consecutive matches, if we can keep a clean sheet, we won’t lose, so I want to focus on that as well.

Q: I think there have been quite a few occasions where Tokiwara himself has advanced to the front of the goal on counterattacks. Expectations for goals are also rising.
A: I have always been aiming for goals, and if asked what this currently strong team still lacks, I believe it is two things: defensive midfielders contributing to goals and scoring from set pieces. Scoring as a defensive midfielder is a personal challenge for me, so by overcoming this challenge, I think the team can aim even higher. That is why I want to target it seriously.

Q. Tokiwa, you experienced many championship battles while attending Meiji University. Although the category is different, what do you think is necessary from here on to win the championship?
A. The thing I dislike most when I am in the position of chasing is when the second-place team steadily accumulates points and backs it up with solid performances. I think the top team feels the pressure of possibly not losing. Tokyo is currently able to show both aspects, so while we are conscious of first-place Kashima, the most important thing is to focus on ourselves first. It is common to shrink back and lose the ability to challenge when faced with situations like “We are 3 points behind” or “If we win next, we might catch up.” Having the mentality to keep challenging and the confidence to play under those circumstances is a crucial factor that determines the outcome. From here on, it’s more about mindset than technique. If even one player loses mentally first, I believe that team will be the loser. When the championship is decided by who wins the final match, I want us to thoroughly pursue whether everyone can play without fear and maintain their current level. If we are aiming for the championship, we must adopt that mindset starting now.

Leon NOZAWA

Q. The team has achieved three consecutive wins and seems to be on a good streak. Leon NOZAWA, how do you feel about the team's condition during daily practice and matches?
A. The atmosphere is good, and I believe these results come from the team truly uniting and facing the same direction. Of course, everyone aims for the championship, but first, everyone is focused on winning and finishing the matches in front of us, which is why we have been able to secure three consecutive wins. Personally, I have recently been able to make the matchday squad, though sometimes I play and sometimes I don’t. I focus on what I can do during the matches and minutes I get. I am always committed to numbers and results in daily practice, so I want to keep producing plays that translate into measurable outcomes.

Q. As a whole team, it feels like everyone shares the same perspective no matter who plays, and the basic foundations such as the fighting spirit and intensity of play are very high.
A. This applies not only to players who are not in the matchday squad, but also to those starting on the bench and those who are on the bench but don’t get to play—there are various positions, but everyone must show that fighting spirit at the base level. I believe that unless the team is one where anyone who plays can perform without any drop in quality, winning the championship is probably impossible. Raising the overall level of the team is a very important role for us, and we also need to create an atmosphere of competition where players can challenge and surpass those in the starting lineup. This is something I always think about and try to communicate to those around me. I want to foster that kind of atmosphere even more during practice.

Q. Coming on as a substitute repeatedly must have its challenges, including preparation. How do you approach your daily training under these circumstances?
A. Because the team is in a good flow, I constantly think about what I can do to add momentum or be that extra plus for the team when I play. Of course, I focus on what is expected of me, but I also have a role within the team, so on top of that, how much I can express my own style is very important. I believe other players have different strengths as well, and knowing when and how to use those strengths is crucial for the team. I want to keep refining these aspects and work hard to become that additional asset for the team.

Q. I believe Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach, refers to players brought on as substitutes as game changers. In the match against Kashiwa Reysol, there was precisely a breakthrough leading to the third goal at the moment when the team had just conceded a goal and wanted to break the unfavorable momentum.
AWhen I entered the match, I was told to fulfill my role as part of the team, including defense, and to score goals. It’s the same every time, but I wanted to get on the scoresheet myself, and with the team in a tough situation after conceding a goal, I wanted to be the catalyst to shift up another gear. At that moment, once I had the ball, I thought I would keep pushing forward aggressively. I intended to play in a way that would benefit the team by connecting and communicating with those around me. Of course, there were still many areas where I fell short, such as needing to be stronger defensively and improving the quality of my attacking play. But first of all, I think being able to make a play that led to a goal was a positive. After all, results are expected of me, and I want results myself, so I want to be even more hungry and driven in that regard.

Q. When watching Nozawa’s play, I think there is a clear vector pointing toward the goal.
A. That’s right. If I played facing backward, I would really become a player with nothing to offer, but by constantly pointing the arrow forward and moving toward the goal, my strengths naturally come out. The players around me also follow that. In the past, I used to think about matching other players or riding their momentum, but now, even though I come on fresh from the bench, I want to be the kind of player who can take the lead and bring momentum from the middle of the game onward.

Q: We are right in the middle of a series of consecutive matches. I think the full strength of the team is being tested.
A: It truly requires the effort of the entire team, and this stretch of consecutive matches is a crucial moment to hold on. I believe if we win here, the prospect of the championship will come into view. However, we must first focus fully on the match in front of us, and winning that match is essential. I understand this personally, and the team does as well. It’s important to show the significance of each match through our mindset, and also to demonstrate it clearly through our play and results. I will give my all, run for the team, produce results, and first and foremost, aim to secure the win.

Q. In the last match, playing in a stadium where the stands are close and having a play that led to a penalty kick, being able to feel the cheers of the fans and supporters right in front of you must have been a motivation, wasn’t it?
A. I was really happy to be able to contribute to the victory with my play, and it gave me another boost of confidence. I want to keep making plays that lead to wins, and of course, I want to win the championship with this team. I want to go even higher with this club, so I will stay focused and keep working hard for the team.