<Review of the Previous Match vs. Nagoya Grampus>
The previous match against Nagoya Grampus, played amid a congested schedule with just two days after the Emperor's Cup quarterfinal against Urawa Reds and three days after the Sec. 27 Meiji Yasuda J1 League home game against Kyoto Sanga F.C. It was a tough situation with many injured players and three experienced players—Yuto NAGATOMO, Kento HASHIMOTO, and Kei KOIZUMI—suspended. However, the match progressed with Tokyo maintaining possession of the ball.
The key point was Kouta TOKIWA, who got his first league start as a defensive midfielder. In attack, he showed movements that demonstrated a wide field of vision, and he also made his presence felt with proactive defense that anticipated the flow of play.
His movement to receive the ball in space was also good, and while supporting those around him, he displayed play that could be called the "dynamo of the midfield." Early in the game, he powerfully aimed a long-range shot, and in the 42nd minute of the first half, he intercepted the ball high up the pitch and carried it forward, becoming the starting point of a decisive chance that connected from Motoki NAGAKURA to Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. Although it unfortunately did not lead to a goal, it was a scene that showcased his strengths.
However, against Nagoya, who solidified their defense with a five-back formation, Tokyo struggled to break through and had difficulty penetrating the attacking third. In the first half, while Nagoya also created chances, Tokyo showed resilient defense and went into the break with the score still goalless,
Early in the second half, goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made a flying fine save to try to build momentum from the defense, but in the 20th minute of the second half, the opponent scored by pushing the ball into the goal amid a scramble following a right corner kick. Nagoya, who increased the pressure from the front compared to the first half, was given more opportunities for set plays, which ultimately led to conceding the opening goal.
After that, the Blue-Red Eleven launched a desperate counterattack. The players’ determination paid off in the 37th minute of the second half.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE’s cross from the left hit an opposing player’s head and flowed toward the goal, where the opposing goalkeeper made a catching error. Keita ENDO didn’t miss the moment and quickly stretched out his right foot to push the ball into the net, scoring the equalizer. With the mindset of “if something happens,” the player wearing number 22 maintained his concentration until the end, bringing FC Tokyo back to even terms in the match.
In added time of the second half, Marcos GUILHERME, who came on as a substitute, launched a counterattack and played a through pass. Endo, who broke free, sent a decisive final pass in front of the goal, but the timing was just slightly off with Keito Sato, who was running in from behind. Tokyo missed this golden opportunity and the match ended at full time. The away game concluded in a painful 1-1 draw, unable to break down the opponent’s solid defense.
Match Preview
"There is nothing but victory. We have no choice but to win." (Teruhito NAKAGAWA)
"This is a match where only victory is demanded." (Keita ENDO)
"The players must approach the match with a special mindset." (Masato MORISHIGE)
Yes, what is demanded this week is victory. Nothing else. Of course, content and tactics are important points to win, but how much the thirst for victory, awareness, and determination can be expressed on the pitch will be the decisive factor more than usual.
This match marks the first game after the International Match Week break, and Tokyo will host Tokyo Verdy. They are a team that also calls Ajinomoto Stadium their home. This is an opponent they absolutely cannot lose to—no, they absolutely must defeat.
This break period has worked as a great advantage for the blue and red. Players who had been sidelined have steadily returned, significantly strengthening the squad depth as they approach this important game. Additionally, Japan national team’s Yuto NAGATOMO and South Korea national team’s Kim Seung-gyu have rejoined the team after their respective countries’ tours in the United States. Both have played one match each and surely vow to shine in blue and red as they head into the survival battles toward the main tournament.
On the other hand, Tokyo Verdy currently sits in 15th place with 32 points, one position and one point above Tokyo. Player Endo said, "Looking at the standings, we want to secure a win here and build momentum. The opponent is a team strong in running ability and duels, so we want to be fully prepared and not fall behind." Meanwhile, player Nagatomo emphasized the importance of this match, saying, "Every match from here on is crucial. Winning this game against Tokyo Verdy will give the team the strength to move forward."
Just one match, yet an important one. Player Masato Morishige spoke with calmness yet passion, saying, "It is one league match, but this game carries a different meaning."
Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who experienced a unique atmosphere in the previous encounter, is also preparing to send the players out with determination for the match against Tokyo V.
"I truly believe it will be a space filled with energy. I’m sure the players’ spirits will definitely be in it, so I want them to give their all to the point of fully embracing that energy, and I also want them to absorb the energy from everyone supporting us and fight with it. We are fully aware that it will be an intensely heated battle, so within that, we want to play a game where we firmly secure the three points."
Looking back, since the 2011 season when we faced each other in the J2 League, the last five league matches have all ended in draws. Player Nakagawa commented, "We have to settle this once and for all here and show that 'Tokyo is strong.' We want to express the passionate feelings of all the fans and supporters on the pitch." He spoke with determination to aim for victory on behalf of the blue-red family.
On September 13, in the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Premier League 2025, FC Tokyo U-18 faced Tokyo Verdy Youth. The team united and fought tenaciously, securing a dramatic victory with a winning goal in the second half's additional time. The “younger brother” team achieved an early win and passed the momentum on to the top team. This can also be said to be the support of the Blue-Red Family.
With no clean sheets in seven consecutive official matches, a defensive resurgence is essential. Additionally, an aggressive attacking force determined to shake the back of the net is also required. Needless to say, not losing the battles for the ball is a given; we want to surpass our opponents in both offense and defense and let the victory anthem resound at Ajinomoto Stadium.
After the previous match ended in a draw at Toyota Stadium, a chant of "We must not lose to Verdy" continued to resonate from behind the goal. That cheer was also sent to Endo, who went to greet the fans alone after finishing his interview during the match broadcast. Wearing number 22, he said, "It's not a given that they would sing so much just for me alone, and I want to respond to that feeling." As he returned to the locker room with the voices of the fans and supporters behind him, he repeatedly looked back to respond to their feelings and tapped the emblem on his chest with his right hand.
The message to fight as one has been firmly conveyed to the team. Therefore, the players on the pitch have no choice but to respond to that feeling. Hearts burning hot, minds cool.
Put your blazing passion front and center and prove your worth on the pitch. United in blue and red. At home in Ajinomoto Stadium, prove that Tokyo is truly Tokyo.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. How do you view the match against Tokyo Verdy?
A. I think it will be a heated battle. I expect it to be a space filled with energy, and I want to fully embrace that. I believe the players have the mindset not to be overwhelmed but to overwhelm that energy, so we want to unleash that energy to the fullest. We also want to absorb the energy from the fans and supporters who back us. I don’t think it will be a calm game, and we are fully aware of that. We want to firmly secure the three points within that context.
Q. Considering the current situation of the opponent, what kind of match do you anticipate?
A. This week, through discussions with the players, we had both good results and challenges. That is natural; we cannot be complacent with the good, nor do we need to be negative just because challenges have emerged. It is difficult to proceed with the match exactly according to tactics, so we want the entire team to properly understand the intentions and respond flexibly to situations and moments of transition. The ability to recognize a chance as a chance and a crisis as a crisis is very important during the game. Including those aspects, we have prepared well, and the players are maintaining good condition.
Q, The opponent is expected to fight tenaciously, but I think it will be important to push through and secure victory until the very end.
A, The probability of scoring is highest when taking shots near the goal area, so ideally we want to reach that area every time. However, goals are not always scored through perfectly executed plays or only from high-probability positions in front of the goal. Even without a perfect breakdown, goals can be scored from crosses. It’s not just about probability; even if there is only one player in front of the goal, if a cross is delivered and they connect properly, a goal can be scored. If everything is limited to only high-probability or highly accurate attempts, then challenges disappear, and the ball rarely reaches the goal. The area in front of the goal is a place where you should boldly take on challenges. If the opponent defends that area firmly, it becomes absolutely necessary to try different approaches and keep challenging.
Q. In the league matches, we have conceded goals in the last seven consecutive games.
A. That is our challenge. Even in really good games with good content, there are times when we concede goals that feel like our knees just give out. To prevent that at the final moment, individual ability, organizational strength, and mentality are all necessary. I believe that the weakness in these areas ultimately comes down to how seriously we can address and eliminate each issue during daily training.
[Player Interview]
<Kento HASHIMOTO>
Q. Tomorrow is a match against Tokyo Verdy.
A. Everyone is well prepared both mentally and physically, so now all that's left is to defeat the opponent. We want to go for the win as a team.
Q. This week, you have been focusing on training that emphasizes the “connection” between plays and players. What kind of response or feeling have you gotten from that?
A. I believe there is still room for improvement, and there are parts that have gotten better with each match, but everyone needs to show their desire to win more prominently. I want us to fully demonstrate that in all upcoming matches, including tomorrow’s game.
Q. How do you think about the key points to break down the opponent's defensive block?
A. The quality in the attacking third is an issue we are working on this season. Since the situations differ in each match, I believe it is important to play with our own creativity and without fear of making mistakes while observing the opponent.
Q. Don’t you also have a strong desire to score your first goal of the season in this match?
A. It’s about time I score. I feel I need to increase the number of times I get into the goal area when I see a chance. Along with that, I also need to increase the number of opportunities. Stabilizing the build-up from the back while joining the attack at the right timing is the kind of play I am expected to show. I want to demonstrate play with that awareness.
Player comments ahead of the September 15 (Mon, public holiday) Tokyo V match arehere
