Previous Match Review: Sagan Tosu
A month celebrating the 25th anniversary of the club was supposed to start off with a bang...
The opponent, Sagan Tosu, has lost 8 consecutive matches, so it was certainly not without a sense of foreboding. However, at such an important turning point for the club, the players on the pitch must have fully understood that it was not a situation where they could talk about jinxes or weaknesses.
Despite this, they lost two goals and went into halftime, pushed back by the momentum of Tosu from the start, even though they were not completely broken down.
The harsh voices directed at the team as they headed to the locker room were a reflection of the expectations of fans and supporters who wanted to celebrate the 25th anniversary with a victory. It was a cry of the blue and red spirit, urging them to recover, turn the game around, and show Tokyo's pride.
That shout ignited the blue and red players.
Kickoff for the second half. The blue and red of the 25th anniversary uniform, which looked uncertain in the first half, came to life.
Gathering the ball to the side and penetrating deep into the opponent's territory, the movements aimed at cross balls and pockets (areas near the left and right sides within the penalty area) disrupt the defense of Tosu. The two goals that brought the score back to square one both originated from crosses by left back Kashif BANGNAGANDE.
With this momentum, it belongs to Tokyo. Forgetting superstitions and feelings of inadequacy, they charge towards the Tosu goal in one swift attack.
The one who finally finished it off was a rookie who had grown up in the academy.
Despite being a rookie, he was included in the registered members for the opening match and made his professional debut in Sec. 2. He has since had the opportunity to play in 22 league matches, showing a rapid growth trajectory. The dribbling skills he displayed during the pre-season camp, his proactive approach to finishing, and his high performance in crucial moments were evident throughout the official matches on the pitch.
There were many close scenes that were just a step away, but it seems that those around him valued his dignified play more than the results. However, he felt differently. In the mixed zone after the match, even though the team won, he couldn't stop reflecting on the missed opportunities. He also experienced the frustration of not being able to step onto the pitch in the prime stage of the Levain Cup.
The final goal of the match commemorating the 25th anniversary created by such a greedy man. The joy brought by Kota TAWARATSUMIDA must not only celebrate the journey so far but also illuminate the future of Tokyo.
Match Preview
In the previous match against Sagan Tosu, we were trailing by two goals in the first half, but we scored three goals in the second half to achieve a comeback victory. The key factor was the bold strategy in the second half. Center-back Masato MORISHIGE moved his position forward and closely marked the opponent's attacking midfielder. This was a risky approach as it left the frontline of Tosu and Tokyo's backline equal in numbers, but each player fought diligently, leading to a dramatic turnaround.
Player Morishige expressed confidence about the tactical changes during the match, stating, "Once we were pushed back, each individual started to take risks in their play, which turned out positively. It was high risk, high reward, but I believe the gears fell into place."
This match is on the day we celebrate a quarter-century since the club's founding, and we will face Gamba Osaka at our home, Ajinomoto. Yuto NAGATOMO expressed his enthusiasm for this commemorative match, stating, "FC Tokyo has accumulated 25 years since its establishment. During that time, many seniors have woven our history, and we have been supported by numerous fans and supporters. I want to make this a passionate match that conveys that sentiment and pride." We will embody the unwavering tradition of blue and red until the very end in this battle.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: It seems that you have been training with the Gamba Osaka match in mind since the beginning of the week.
A: Right now, we are thinking about what we should do to improve further, how to make improvements, and how we will fight. This week, we were able to accumulate very good training at a high intensity. I also feel that we are starting to see solid results and that we are moving in a positive direction.
Q: It was a training session filled with elements of football on both the offensive and defensive sides.
It is important to deepen coordination and play with a good mutual understanding. We have been able to accumulate many patterns in both offense and defense so far. In the last match against Sagan Tosu, we were able to express what we have in a good way in the second half, and we need to grow even further from here. Through this week's training, I felt the development of the team. I want to make sure we can express this well in the match.
Q: Do you feel that what you have built up is being expressed in the matches?
In group A, we want to improve not only our attack but also our defensive precision. During Thursday's practice, we shared defensive rules with the entire team. We are focusing on delivering all performances at a high level.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka, the team we will be facing this match.
A, they are a very wonderful team and will surely present us with various trials and moments to challenge ourselves. We just need to prepare well to compete firmly against such a team. We want to actively take the initiative against Gamba Osaka so that the game unfolds in a way that forces them to solve the problems we pose. A style of play like the second half against Tosu is desirable, but there is no perfection in football. To maintain good performance for as long as possible, we want the entire team to overcome the tough periods together.
Q: October 1st marks the day the club was established 25 years ago. How do you feel about being able to play a match at home on this memorable day?
October 1st is a special day for Tokyo. We want to deliver a special performance on this special day. We hope to provide an exciting match that will make everyone involved with the club so far, including fans and supporters, proud of the club called Tokyo once again. And we want to present a victory.
[Player Interview]
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: In the last match against Sagan Tosu, we secured victory thanks to the performance of Kashif BANGNAGANDE.
A, starting in the league match for the first time since returning from injury, I feel a great sense of achievement both as a team and individually for being able to deliver results.
Q, please review the assist scene.
A, it was a cross supplied after making eye contact with Adailton, and since we have been actively delivering such crosses in daily practice, the players in front of the goal also anticipated a ball like the one in practice and jumped in. With Adailton, we have been trying and confirming things during practice, which has led to good coordination. In the first half of the Tosu match, I couldn't fully control Adailton defensively, so I want to make use of that experience in the upcoming games.
Q: Do you feel that there were many issues remaining in the first 30 minutes of the match against Tosu?
We are currently discussing among the players why we couldn't play the second half's style of soccer from the first half, and how to adjust during periods when our defense isn't working well is a challenge for the team. If everyone's awareness in the team isn't aligned, each player will act independently, causing us to fall behind. If we can improve how we initiate our defense, I believe we can express aggressive team play in the Gamba Osaka match, just like in the second half against Tosu.
Q: What is your enthusiasm for the second match since your return?
A, I was able to contribute to the team with an assist in the previous match, but if we hadn't won that game, I thought the assist would have been meaningless. I believe the next match after such a victory is the most important. We lost to Gamba Osaka in the last encounter, so I absolutely want to win. It's not about individual matters, but I want to focus on winning by emphasizing the result.
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q: The match against Sagan Tosu in the last round had a completely different development in the first and second halves. Please reflect on the last match.
A, there are always periods in any match when the flow is not good. It is important to see how well you can keep the score at zero during those times while progressing the game. I don't think it is very realistic to play soccer like in the second half of the Tosu match for the full 90 minutes of every game. When the team's flow is bad, if you can defend firmly, your own momentum will gradually emerge. I believe that after enduring firmly in moments where you can be patient, your own flow will be created.
Q, the word "patience" came up, but does that mean that patience was indeed necessary during the first 30 minutes of the match against Tosu in the previous round?
As for Tosu's style, from my past experience with the team, I knew they are a team that starts the first half very well. Soccer is a sport that depends on the opponent, so it is important to fight while skillfully accepting the opponent's way of playing and patiently enduring. In the match against Tosu, we were able to score 3 goals in the second half alone, and if we hadn't conceded goals in the first half, it would have been a 3-0 victory. We want to play with the whole team unified in the intention that it is necessary to extend the time during which we do not allow the opponent to score.
Q: The team has been going through a tough period, but do you think the victory against Tosu will be a good turning point?
A, I had the impression that when we concede a goal, the tension on the pitch drops by one level, so a come-from-behind victory like the one against Tosu will lead to a successful experience for the team and become a significant turning point. It is important to focus on ourselves rather than being influenced by the flow of the match.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka, the team we will be facing this match.
A, I have the impression that they are skilled at circulating the ball. I think they are a team that controls the game by passing the ball while watching the opponent's movements. The key is to overwhelm the opponent's momentum and flow with high-intensity play, and even if there are periods when things don't go well, I want to play without losing focus.
Q: Including this match, there are only six games left this season. Please share your enthusiasm for the final stretch of the season.
A, I believe how the season ends is important for connecting to the next one. I want to focus on the results until the very end, and of course, the team and myself will concentrate to perform well in every match. Please continue to support us until the end.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, it felt like we were watching two completely different teams in the first and second halves of the Sagan Tosu match.
A, the first half was a very poor performance. As we entered the second half, we made tactical adjustments in the locker room and discussed among the players to approach the game with a strong mindset. I am pleased that from the difficult first half where we conceded 2 goals, we were able to score to equalize and then take the lead in the second half. I believe the mental aspect changed the game for the better. The players on the pitch were obviously aware that the first half was not going well. In terms of mentality, we were stronger than the opponent in the second half, and scoring early gave the team momentum.
Q、With one more goal, you will tie the record for the most league goals in Tokyo with 14 goals. What factors have contributed to your good form this season so far?
A, Last season, due to injuries, I was unable to play as I had envisioned and could not accumulate many goals. My record for most goals is 14, but with 6 matches remaining this season, I want to score many more and break my own record. There are only a few games left this season. I want to make sure to show the energy we have until the league matches end, leading us to victory.
Q、On a special day, October 1, which marks the 25th anniversary of Tokyo's establishment, a match will be held against Gamba Osaka.
This will be a special match marking the 25th anniversary of the club. Not only us players, but also the staff, club officials, fans, and supporters will all approach this game with special feelings. We will put our hearts into it and do our best to deliver a victory.
