Review of the previous match against Albirex Niigata
With a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses, and a goal difference of 0, the "restart" match saw the blue-red team deliver a fantastic game, winning 3-1. They showcased what they have built up this season on away soil, firmly proving that their current record is not just a mere draw.
Albirex Niigata is maintaining possession and attacking. Tokyo showed a pattern of exchanging possession from the beginning, while keeping a compact formation to restrict passing options and tightening the center to prevent the opponent from creating scoring opportunities. The concentration, quick anticipation, and good starts of all players stood out in both offense and defense.
The hero of this match was the fighter who was involved in all three goals for Tokyo. It was Kosuke SHIRAI, who started as a right back.
First, in the 39th minute of the first half, Henrique TREVISAN cut the ball with a sharp start and connected it vertically from his own half, then sprinted up the right side as if anticipating the next play. He received the ball from Diego OLIVEIRA, who was positioned at the post, and charged forward at top speed, delivering a precise ground cross between the opposing goalkeeper and defender. This brilliant play assisted Teruhito NAKAGAWA's opening goal.
In the 4th minute of the second half, he smoothly entered the area near the penalty arc, requesting a last pass for the ball connected from the left side. He then struck a direct shot from Nakagawa's gentle sideways pass, sinking it into the bottom right corner of the goal.
Furthermore, in the 17th minute of the second half, he persistently regained a ball that was almost lost in a high position on the right side, collaborating with those around him to become the starting point for the third goal. After that, even after changing positions to left wing and left back due to player substitutions, he maintained an aggressive attitude.
Truly elusive. With sharp interceptions that save the team, he takes advantage of the stadium's focus on the ball to sprint up the right side and create the opening goal. Without being marked by anyone, he appears in front of the goal with ninja-like movements, scoring for the first time since the 2019 season.
Here is Shirai, and there is Shirai. It was as if the number 99 had a presence like a doppelgänger on the pitch. Among many players showcasing their strengths, it was number 99 who shone particularly brightly, displaying movements as if using a "doppelgänger technique."
Match Preview
After suffering a frustrating defeat to FC Machida Zelvia at Ajinomoto, our reliable ace made a comeback in the away match against Albirex Niigata. The opening goal was scored by Teruhito NAKAGAWA, followed by an additional goal from Kosuke SHIRAI, and the third goal that pulled the team ahead was scored by Diego OLIVEIRA. The number 9, who scored his first goal of the season, expressed his gratitude, saying, "I want to thank all the supporters and teammates who have helped and supported me. It’s amazing to be on the pitch and to score a goal, but I want to keep this going. I want to do my best for everyone."
This match is a showdown where player Shirai faces his former team, Kyoto SANGA F.C. He demonstrated his good form by scoring a goal in the match against Niigata, marking his first goal in five seasons. Having just turned 30 on May 1, Shirai expressed his strong determination, saying, "It's a team that has taken care of me, so I want to show my growth and win. I think it would be amazing to score in consecutive matches, so I will aim for a goal. I want to score a return favor goal in front of Coach Cho."
For the team, a win would mean their first victory at home at Ajinomoto this season. They will go all out to achieve the long-awaited first win for the fans and supporters.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: May has a packed schedule with 8 official matches. How will you approach it?
A, I think it is very exciting that there are many football games. It is also an opportunity for many people to see what kind of team we want to become and our growth process. We have many matches ahead, but first, it is important to focus on the match in front of us.
Q: It seems that you have been able to score multiple goals in a single match, indicating growth in your attacking play.
A, I believe there is still room for growth, but this is a positive aspect for us. We feel a sense of progress in being able to express good things on the pitch. We want to continue striving to showcase a club and style of play that fans and supporters can be proud of in this match as well. Every game, the players approach with strong determination, and it is important to focus on our own style of play. The mental aspect directly connects to high performance.
Q: Currently, you have the highest number of goals in the J1 League with 17 goals, but you are ranked 4th worst in terms of goals conceded with 15 goals conceded.
A, I am satisfied with the number of goals scored. These numbers reflect the football we have expressed. We want to continue improving. Regarding the number of goals conceded, it is one of the points we need to improve. By tightening the defensive basics a little more, we want to lead to improvements. It is important to direct the focus on ourselves regarding both goals scored and conceded, what we have been working on, and the content so far. Continuity leads to growth. By building up our football, I believe we can prove what position we will finish in when Sec. 38 ends. Physical metrics such as running distance and sprint count are also improving. Looking at the league-wide numbers, we are among the top, and this can be said to be one of the changes that Tokyo has never had before. We will continue to seek continuity and toughness going forward.
[Player Interview]
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q, please reflect on the great performance against Albirex Niigata.
A, throughout the match, the team was able to thoroughly execute what needed to be done. Anticipating that there would be times when the opponent controlled the ball, we scored from counterattacks, securing the second goal early in the second half, followed by the third goal, which I believe was the key factor in gaining the upper hand in the match. The final conceded goal was unfortunate, but aside from that, it was truly a well-flowing game.
Q: With 1 goal and 1 assist, your good form is evident.
A, my condition is very good. It was my first goal in five seasons, so I was very happy. I made two assists in the matches against Verdy and Niigata, but this was a different kind of joy, and I felt a bit relieved. I wasn't aiming for a nutmeg at all, but the ball flew exactly to the course I aimed for.
Q: In the matches against Verdy and Niigata, there were assist scenes that highlighted the characteristics of Kosuke SHIRAI.
As a team, of course, there is an intention for full-backs to join the attack and position themselves strategically, but I believe a big part is that my teammates understand my own strengths. Regarding the assist scenes, I was able to express the style I excel at. In both situations, there was space in front of me, allowing me to sprint and play with speed. By leveraging my strengths and achieving results accordingly, the combination with my teammates has increased, and I feel that the range of my play is expanding.
Q: Please tell us the important points to aim for the top from here.
A, I think it is important to eliminate conceding goals in the final stages of matches like the one against Niigata, as well as goals conceded like the second goal in the FC Machida Zelvia match. Since we are able to score goals, the key to moving higher is to first eliminate easy goals conceded.
Q: This match is against Kyoto SANGA F.C.
A, Kyoto has truly taken good care of me and is the team that helped me grow. I want to show my growth on the pitch through my play. I want to repay them by winning.
Kosuke SHIRAI ORIGINAL COLUMN is here
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: Please reflect on the previous match.
A, Tsubasa TERAYAMA got injured in the first half, which was an accident, so I entered the pitch earlier than planned. Soccer is a sport where various accidents and unexpected events can happen, and although I came on as a substitute without rushing, I was able to calmly get into the game. I felt that I was able to play well, and I’m glad I was able to score a goal. I don’t know what kind of opportunity will come next, but I want to continue making good preparations steadily.
Q: After the league opening, there have been some changes in the members and positions.
A. I think the team has been moving in a positive direction since the season opener. In that context, I believe each player is required to adapt to various changes and grow. These changes can also be seen as contributing to our good form.
Q: Currently, Tokyo is at the top for both total goals and shooting accuracy in the J1 League. You can truly feel the "change" in their scoring ability improvement.
A, I am most pleased that it is reflected in the numbers. Last season, the team had challenges with scoring ability. If this season we have cleared that hurdle to some extent, I want to continue moving step by step in a positive direction from here. We have good players up front again this season, but the results are not just from the forwards; I believe it is proof that the defenders are increasing their build-up play and passes that start the attack. The team has organized the shape leading up to the finish, and the forwards are finishing decisively. The whole team is united, and the good work accumulated from practice is leading to these results.
Q: The opponent this match, Kyoto SANGA F.C., has a strong defense and aggressive play on both offense and defense as their strength.
A, I think Kyoto is a very momentum-driven team after their victory against Vissel Kobe in the last match. Their quality in attack is high, and above all, they seem to have strengths in physical aspects. I believe the next match will also be a tough contest, but to secure our first win of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium, we want to stay focused and fight tough.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q: Please tell us about your sense of progress and challenges as you gradually gain playing opportunities in recent official matches.
A, I feel encouraged that despite limited playing time, I have been able to get involved in chances and shooting scenes. I have been able to use my speed, which is my strength, to penetrate into the box, but the issue is that I have not been able to finish decisively and show it in numbers or results. A striker is someone who produces results in any form, and I want to be particular about achieving results.
Q: In the matches against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama and Albirex Niigata, there were plays that created significant opportunities.
A, I believe the communication during practice and practice matches is reflected in the games. The players around me understand what kind of player I am and bring out the best in me. This season, I am especially conscious of playing in a connected and coordinated way with those around me, and because I am supported by them, I have a strong desire to meet expectations through scoring. I want to repay that with numbers.
Q: Players like Takahiro KO, Kosuke SHIRAI, and Soma ANZAI, who felt regret at the beginning of the league, have seized their opportunities and are now part of the starting lineup. Does their success serve as motivation for you?
A, I am inspired by the performances of players in similar positions to mine. First, I need to think about "what I can do" during the time given to me or when I come on as a substitute, and show the plays expected of me through results. I want to learn from and surpass those who seize their chances and have grown into indispensable players for the team. Since this sport does not offer multiple chances within a single match, it is important to seize the opportunities that come and maintain the awareness to prepare for them. I want to delve deeper and face the areas where I am lacking head-on.
