<Review of the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka>
The match against Avispa Fukuoka in Sec. 21 of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, aiming for a third consecutive league victory this season. The game, targeting consecutive wins at home at Ajinomoto Stadium, started with a probing exchange against an opponent that employed an unconventional system.
Fukuoka adopted a 4-4-2 formation during defense, instead of the conventional 3-back, to neutralize Tokyo's strengths. The side backs closely marked the wings of Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Soma ANZAI, while the two center backs took care of the lone striker, Diego OLIVEIRA. For Tokyo, the key point will be how to break through Fukuoka's strong defensive network, which is one of their characteristics.
The first big chance came in the 18th minute of the first half. While connecting short passes on the left side and probing for an opportunity, Riki HARAKAWA's short pass was received by Kei KOIZUMI, who sharply turned while watching the approaching opponent, leaving the defender behind and making a vertical pass. With a technical change of direction, he instantly moved the team forward, and Kuryu MATSUKI received the ball and made a through pass ahead. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who broke free near the penalty area, was involved with the ball as players joined in one after another, and when Diego TABA dropped it, Matsuki took a left-footed shot from distance. It was a powerful attack that could truly be called a wave-like assault on the Fukuoka goal.
After the start of the second half, Tokyo wants to secure a victory at Ajinomoto Stadium and completely takes control of the pace. However, unable to break through Fukuoka's solid defense, they concede the opening goal in the 17th minute of the second half when a cross leads to a chance at the near post.
After that, Ryotaro ARAKI took a sharp direct free kick, and player Tawaramizuki created a chance by aiming with his right foot from a cut-in, but the counterattack did not bear fruit. They suffered a frustrating defeat, stopping both their clean sheet and consecutive wins at 2.
Match Preview
An away match against Kashiwa. In the previous match, we couldn't break down Avispa Fukuoka and lost 0-1 after conceding a single chance. It was a frustrating defeat in a game where we aimed for consecutive wins at home at Ajinomoto Stadium and a third straight win without conceding. We failed to adapt flexibly against an opponent that came to neutralize Tokyo's strengths, falling into a pattern that has troubled the team this season.
This Wednesday, the U-23 Japan national team for the Paris Olympics will be announced, and both Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Ryotaro ARAKI have been selected. Unfortunately, Matsuki did not make the roster, but the reliable captain stated, "First, in Tokyo, I am switching my mindset to ensure we can win the game in front of us," maintaining the usual stance of aiming for victory in every match.
In the last match against Kashiwa Reysol held in May, it ended in a fierce shootout with a 3-3 draw. Despite conceding a goal early on, the team showcased brilliant soccer with great pace and distance control, successfully turning the game around to 3-1 with Matsuki's beautiful jumping volley. However, the flow changed dramatically when Tokyo had a player sent off. Shortly after the start of the second half, they conceded a super goal from Inukai, and unable to withstand the numerical disadvantage, they allowed the equalizer, ending the match in a draw.
Tokyo wants to learn from the previous match and use the challenges from the Fukuoka game as motivation to fight. This match is crucial for aiming for the top once again, and a victory is absolutely necessary. This week, both Takefusa KUBO and Kento HASHIMOTO, who grew up in the blue and red, participated in practice. They conveyed the "world standard" to the team and provided inspiration. The strength of the Tokyo family also supports the players heading into the match against Kashiwa.
What I hope for on top of that is Matsuki's performance. He has a mentality that allows him to perceive everything as a plus and move forward. While we can only speculate about his inner thoughts, it is at times like these that Kuryu MATSUKI leaves his mark. I want to pay close attention to what kind of plays the blue-red captain will show us.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: In the last match, there were moments when it was difficult to build our attack due to the opponent's strategies. What improvements have you made this week?
In every match, there are always moments where we must take on challenges. While Avispa Fukuoka showed solid defense, what we need to improve on is breaking through the attacking third, making better play choices, and the final finishing touches. We are able to carry the ball into the targeted areas, but there are issues with how we conclude our attacks. In closely contested matches, it is crucial to convert chances into goals reliably. Similar situations occurred early in the season, but the team has grown and improved to reach this point. As a result, we have scored many goals and achieved good results. We want to use the lessons learned from the Fukuoka match to fuel our next stage of growth.
Q: Please tell us the key points for breaking through the attacking third.
A, the balance between each player's decision-making on the pitch and the instructions from our staff is important. I believe our strength lies in the fact that no matter who plays, they fully understand the team's objectives and tactics, and can express their individual strengths on the pitch.
Q: In the first half against Fukuoka, there were strengths in defense, but there were still issues in the attack.
A, it was a match with few events that significantly influenced the course of the game in a close contest. From an offensive perspective, we needed to play a bit sharper. During the periods when the play became stretched out, the opponent's direct style worked well, increasing the number of times they won second balls, which ultimately led to conceding a goal. We are frustrated by the 0-1 loss, and we want to improve the issues in our attack and finish on a positive note. We aim to threaten the opponent with plays directed at goal and refine our style of play.
[Player Interview]
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: You started as a left winger in the match against Avispa Fukuoka. What was your mindset while playing?
A, when playing on the left side, I entered the match with various images in mind, but during the game, there were many times when I had to choose plays according to the situation and development. There was indeed a big difference between moving to the left side position midway and playing on the left from the start. To bring out the best even as a left winger, I think the ability to adapt quickly is required, and I want to demand of myself to continue and develop the rhythm I grasped in the second half of the match.
Q: It seems that the change in the play area from right to left has also changed the choices and movements in the play.
A, the scenery you see is completely different, and the way you carry and receive the ball also changes. However, regardless of which side you play on, the fundamental plays required and the repeated movements to break behind the defense remain the same. I want to maintain my forward awareness and improve the accuracy of my play.
Q: In the match against Fukuoka, there was a noticeable stagnation in our attacking play. Please tell us what is necessary to break through such a game situation.
A, I believe that patience as a team is especially required. Looking at the entire season, there are times when things go well and times when they don't, and in recent matches, there were games where we felt that way. However, how we accumulate points in such matches is the most important thing. Persevering in battle is what is most needed right now, and we are in a position where the point difference with the top teams can be overturned in 2 or 3 matches. Although we lost to Fukuoka, that defeat did not mean everything is over. Also, avoiding consecutive losses and being able to fight with patience and consistency is crucial.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for this match.
A, it is important not to concede goals easily, and although not multiple, we have been able to score continuously, so I think it is crucial to take the lead and create a flow to score additional goals. We want to fight patiently as a team during difficult periods.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: This match is against Kashiwa Reysol. We scored a goal in the first half of the league match.
A, I personally have a good feeling about the match against Kashiwa. In the first half of the season, we had a player sent off, but it was a good game where we scored three goals in the first half, and I think the other players also have a positive image. The last match ended in a 3-3 shootout, and since both teams have scouted each other's tactics and play, I believe we can show another great game with both sides powered up.
In the last match against Avispa Fukuoka, we lost, so first of all, we need to avoid consecutive losses. Although it's an away game, we will do our best to bring back points.
Q: Please tell us the key points to gain an advantage in the away game against Kashiwa.
A, although it is an away game, Tokyo has been able to accumulate points in away matches this season. We want to approach it with confidence, have everyone aim for the goal, and play an attacking style of soccer with depth. Kashiwa has many excellent players, but of course, we also have a high-quality attacking lineup. We want to overwhelm the opponent's defense and exploit their weak points.
Q: There have been no consecutive losses in the league this season. Please share your enthusiasm.
After the match against Fukuoka, we were able to align on the issues, and I think the team's condition is good. Avoiding consecutive losses is at least important, and I believe we just need to win the match against Kashiwa. We want to continue playing an attacking style of soccer.
