<Review of the Previous Match vs. Avispa Fukuoka>
Neutralizing the opponent's strengths while showcasing their own qualities, they tenaciously pulled in 3 points──. The previous match against Avispa Fukuoka at Ajinomoto Stadium unfolded exactly in such a manner.
The game came after consecutive wins in must-win matches against Tokyo Verdy and Kawasaki Frontale. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI changed eight players in the starting lineup, aiming for the first three-game winning streak of the season with a fresh lineup.
Before the match, it was expected that Fukuoka would play challenging soccer from the front, but once the game started, the opponent did not push forward as much as anticipated. Fukuoka tightened the center and cut off Tokyo’s vertical passes from the back line and defensive midfield. The players on the pitch decided not to take unnecessary risks and carefully observed the opponent’s moves while probing for attacking opportunities.
The attack bore fruit in the 41st minute of the first half. Soma ANZAI adjusted to his left foot in a high position on the right side and delivered a cross. Marcelo RYAN met the softly arcing ball firmly with his head, scoring a goal that hit the right corner. Tokyo succeeded in taking the lead for the third consecutive match.
In first-half stoppage time, Fukuoka's Wellington received a second yellow card and was sent off. Tokyo went into halftime with a one-goal lead and a numerical advantage, and in the second half, they effectively managed the game while neutralizing the opponent's strengths. Although there were moments late in the match when Fukuoka pressed with a power play, the players on the pitch adapted flexibly, achieving a third consecutive clean sheet and proudly securing their first three-game winning streak of the season.
Match Preview
Although phrases like "three consecutive league wins" and "three consecutive clean sheets" tend to be highlighted, the coaches and players involved show no sign of getting carried away. Rather, there is even an atmosphere of tightening their focus more than usual as they prepare for this matchweek.
“Rikizo Tokyo” has become able to show flexible soccer based on the opponent’s approach. The style they have been working on since the pre-season camp has firmly taken root, and the team-building aimed at playing soccer without a drop in quality regardless of who plays is beginning to bear fruit.
In the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, considering the tight schedule with only two days in between, eight starting players were changed. There is a saying in the soccer world: "Don’t change a winning team," but head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI explains his philosophy: "On the contrary, I believe that changing the team precisely when it’s doing well can create something even better. Changing because you lose is not positive. By continuously making changes while winning, competition and a sense of responsibility arise. The new players coming in will also have the desire not to lose when they play, and the more this permeates, the greater the team’s depth becomes."
Perseverance and thoroughness. The team image envisioned before the season is gradually taking shape. Even without achieving the desired results, the unwavering commitment has led to three consecutive wins that showcase adaptability and depth in the squad.
On the other hand, Yokohama F.Marinos currently sit 17th with 7 wins, 7 draws, and 17 losses, totaling 28 points. They have struggled to secure victories since the start of the season and are in the midst of a relegation battle. Among the “Original 10” clubs (the 10 clubs that joined the J.League at its inception), only Kashima Antlers and Yokohama FM have never been relegated to J2. It is not hard to imagine that they enter the final stages of the season with a mission to survive at all costs. Consequently, their determination for this matchweek is undoubtedly strong. This attitude is also reflected in their current aggressive pressing style of play.
Tokyo has gained confidence and composure from the results, and has become able to produce outcomes while carefully assessing the flow of the match. However, this is just the stage where continuity is beginning to bear fruit. That is precisely why they must not lose sight of their footing. Entering the match with a firm focus and controlling the battle against the opponent will be the foundation.
And there is one more important point. It is about how to score additional goals while observing the flow of the match. After all, a one-goal lead can still lead to an "accident." If we can properly manage risks and read the game’s development to secure goals that close out the match, we will become even more skillful at controlling games.
Winning streaks are not something to be counted, but merely the result of accumulating victories earned. It is truly a must-win battle each time. With confidence and a sense of accomplishment, the Blue-Red Army sets out to prove their progress on the field.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. This will be the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, coming off three consecutive wins.
A. I believe the team atmosphere is very good, but we discussed in the meeting that we must never let our guard down. We have to progress steadily. To use a mountain climbing analogy, just as you always descend after climbing once, we talked about firmly planting our feet on the ground and preparing for the next battle from there.
We believe that where we place our focus right now is a very important point. With this three-game winning streak, we have established a good momentum to some extent, but whether we think about "creating a gap with the lower-ranked teams" or "getting closer to the top teams," this difference in mindset makes a huge difference. We have always tried to maintain the perspective of how to climb higher. Of course, it would be a lie to say that we had no awareness of the lower-ranked teams at all, but it is precisely because the players have been looking upward that we have these results now. To aim even higher, we want to thoroughly instill in the team the attitude of always aiming high, never looking back, and moving forward.
Q. In the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, we saw many instances of adapting the game approach and play according to the situation.
A. One factor was that the opponent was reduced to ten men early in the match, but in the opening stages, the agreed-upon assignments of who marks whom and how to move were functioning as rehearsed. Even when reviewing the footage, since Fukuoka is a very challenging team, being able to suppress their pressure was the result of us thoroughly executing what we needed to do.
Q. What is your impression of Yokohama F. Marinos?
A. They have gradually been powering up and also have a very straightforward style of play. Because of this, I feel the threat in their attack is somewhat different from the Yokohama FM we have faced before. However, if we take the initiative, lead the match, and control the game, I believe we can handle them sufficiently. Not only tactically, but also in terms of intensity, which is one of our strengths, they are a very good opponent. Also, since they set up with a very high defensive line, if we can effectively exploit the space behind them, I think our chances of winning will become clear.
Q. I think the fact that we are getting results even while rotating players is a result of the overall strength of the team improving.
A. I believe there are various perspectives on this. From a player's point of view, it is natural to want to be selected when in good form and to continue being used if they produce results, and this certainly contributes to team stability. However, I think that precisely because the team is in good condition, changing members can create something even better. I wouldn’t call this a philosophy derived from my experience, but it is one way of thinking. Changing members because we lost does not create a good cycle. Rather, by making changes when we are winning, healthy competition and a sense of responsibility arise within the team, and the players who come in develop a strong desire not to lose the matches they play in. Beyond these psychological effects, the more this policy permeates the team, the deeper the player pool becomes. As a result, I believe the team will grow into one that can win no matter who plays. Of course, I also understand the team-building approach of fixing members to maintain stability and clearly defining roles. However, I believe that introducing changes brings positive energy to the team in various ways.
[Player Interview]
<Sei MUROYA>
Q. Please tell us the reasons why the team has kept a clean sheet in the last three matches.
A. I feel that the biggest factor is that the entire team is able to play with confidence. Especially in defensive situations, each player takes responsibility and fulfills their role, which I believe has led to these results.
Q. There is an impression that more players are able to play with their heads up.
A. This is proof that each player is able to express the play they envision, and I believe that continuing to win is exactly what this state refers to. The team has a good atmosphere and confidence, and we have come to be able to create our own time during matches. Of course, we want to maintain this good condition, but at the same time, we understand that a slight lapse in concentration could worsen the situation. The coach often says this, but precisely because it is a good period, I strongly feel that it is important to keep our feet on the ground and continue to play steadily.
Q. In the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, the game took an irregular turn due to the opponent receiving a red card early on.
A. The opponent had been defending solidly from the start of the match, and after the red card, they retreated even further to defend. However, in terms of us taking control of the pace and managing the game, I think it was a type of performance we hadn’t seen in the league matches so far. Ideally, dominating the match to that extent is what we aim for, and I honestly didn’t feel like we would concede a goal. Moving forward, we want to continue holding the initiative while increasing our ideas for attacking the goal. The more time we keep possession, the easier it becomes for the fullbacks to take higher positions, so we also want to increase our contributions on the offensive side.
Q. The next opponent, Yokohama F.Marinos, will likely play a high defensive line.
A. They are an attacking team, and naturally, space will open up behind their defense, so as a team, we need to constantly target that space. Since they are fighting to avoid relegation, we can expect them to fight desperately. Against such an opponent, it is key to victory not to be passive but to play assertively and with confidence. When we last faced Yokohama FM, I recorded an assist, and I want to increase plays like that even more.
In the recent matches, we have kept a clean sheet for three games, but we are not solely focused on winning without conceding goals. Rather, I believe we are a team capable of scoring more goals. Although we have won three consecutive matches with a 1-0 scoreline, that is not the entirety of the football we aim to play. If the game turns into an open goal-scoring battle, we have the strength to face it head-on. We want to deliver football that is entertaining for the spectators.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q. What do you think is the reason for the consecutive clean sheets?
A. I believe the main reason is that we have been able to maintain a high level of concentration throughout the full 90 minutes. Additionally, the number of mistakes has decreased. Since there used to be many mistakes that led to conceding goals, I think this has been improving.
Q. I believe becoming a team that can score a second goal will lead to further growth for the team.
A. Mentally speaking, of course we want to score a second goal, but it might be that we can maintain higher concentration with a 1-0 lead. We won’t know until we actually face that situation, but since the club has the vision of "One More Goal," we want to pursue scoring a second and third goal. Personally, one goal is not enough, and I will greedily aim for additional goals.
Q. The match will be against Yokohama F.Marinos.
A. As a Tokyo player, I will simply do what needs to be done to win. I also think it’s important to show Yokohama FM my presence. Looking at the current standings, I believe the opponent will come with the mindset of a challenger, but we are also in a position where we cannot afford to let our guard down. It would be no good to get carried away here. I think it’s important to keep our feet firmly on the ground and focus on extending our winning streak, as this is a crucial process for steady growth and moving forward step by step.
Q. I think a team that sets a high defensive line is the situation where Teruhito NAKAGAWA can shine the most.
A. That’s true for me as well, but we also have players like Marcelo RYAN and Keito SATO up front who excel at getting behind the defense, so I think that will be a key point. While aiming to exploit the space behind, I want to firmly control the ball and actively participate in building up the play as we look to score goals.
