Review of the previous match against Albirex Niigata
Finally arrived.
Finally, Rei On has scored a goal.
The long-awaited first goal in the J1 League was a brilliant shot that stopped the streak of three consecutive losses in official matches. It was also a farewell strike to send off a comrade who joined at the same time. This season has been filled with frustrating moments as he missed numerous big chances. Nevertheless, it was finally the moment when his continued efforts paid off.
In the 33rd minute of the second half, with a score of 1-0, Kei KOIZUMI made a sharp counterattack, sprinting up the right side. The opposing defense had only two players, excluding the goalkeeper. In front of Leon NOZAWA, who was sprinting towards the goal on the opposite side, there was a vast space.
"When I was running, I made eye contact with Kei-kun. I believed he would definitely put it between the last line and the goalkeeper, so I just ran with all my might and pushed it in with my feelings."
The grounded cross sent from the right side was sharp and delivered precisely to his feet. He had more than enough time and space to shoot, a situation that might have made him nervous and miss in the past. However, he was different on this day.
"I thought I could play naturally today. I was indeed quite nervous, but we had trained in similar situations during practice, and it was the scenario I had envisioned. Since I had prepared for that, I was able to regain my usual self in a balanced way."
With precise steps, he broke through the near post with the inside of his right foot. He reflects, "I just had to make contact. I pushed it in with my feelings," but it was a technical shot that hit the barely left corner of the goal. The moment the net shook, his mind went blank.
"I am really just so happy, and I finally feel a sense of relief that I could respond to everyone's support, along with the exhilaration of scoring. My emotions were all over the place," said the heroic twenty-year-old, who, feeling tears welling up, realized, "If I cry here, I'll become the crybaby character," and desperately held back, running straight to the Tokyo supporters' section. He wanted to go to the fans and supporters who have always cheered him on, no matter the circumstances.
"Until now, there have been many chances, but I often couldn't score, and it was a tough time filled with struggles. However, I was able to score a goal. Receiving various words of encouragement is because we are always fighting together, and I believe that if it were someone else's situation, they wouldn't say those things. I need to turn that feeling into strength and respond with results. I think this has become a catalyst for both me as an individual and the team to come together as one again."
Also, it was decided that Kuryu MATSUKI would leave the team for procedures related to his overseas transfer following this match. He was also a close ally who joined the team at the same time as Nozawa.
"We talked as a team about sending him off feeling good after a win. Personally, it has been very motivating, and while I feel sad about his departure, I can't afford to fall behind as a peer. I want to work hard to become someone who can lead the team even more, so that I won't lose to him as we push each other to improve. From a general perspective, I might seem younger, and he is probably seen as someone truly above the clouds. I think it's positive that I feel frustrated about that, and I need to surpass him. If we can stand side by side and achieve even higher levels together..."
Finally, I have taken a big step forward.
In the mixed zone after the match, he smiled wryly and said, "I'm sorry for being late," and showed a smile as he added, "I finally stood at the starting line."
"First of all, I wanted to get one, and from here, I aim for even greater heights and want to keep scoring. Scoring is what a striker does, and I want to continue as a striker. I believe this goal will give me confidence."
After the circle of joy in the goal area dispersed, he spread his right hand and placed his left hand to his ear as part of his goal celebration.
"I have been doing this since last season, but it's my first time in Tokyo. This performance is meant to bring joy to everyone with my goals and to hear more and more praise and cheers. I was thinking of doing it once I scored, so I want to create more opportunities for that from here on."
Receiving the transfer of my peers has made me acutely aware that I must step up. I will not forget my gratitude to the fans and supporters who supported me with their strict yet warm voices, as well as the staff who accompanied me during extra practice. In order to meet the expectations of those around me, I have been looking forward to my first goal in the J1 League more than anyone else. The unforgettable goal I scored in front of the large crowd at the Japan National Stadium will surely become a significant turning point for him.
Match Preview
In the previous match, Tokyo won 2-0 against Albirex Niigata at the Japan National Stadium, stopping their official match losing streak at three. It was the final match for captain Kuryu MATSUKI, who announced he would leave the team due to procedures related to an overseas transfer, and it also served as a farewell match for Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Ryotaro ARAKI, who will participate in the Paris Olympics. In front of a large crowd of 57,885, which set a new record for attendance at a J1 League match at the Japan National Stadium, they brilliantly secured the victory.
In a match that absolutely could not be lost, Aoiaka showed their determination. From the beginning, they compacted their back line and midfield with a middle block to shut down Niigata's passing game, and as the match progressed, they maintained possession while striking with sharp counters to widen their lead. There were many scenes where they controlled the pace by connecting the ball through build-up play involving the goalkeeper, which is a positive aspect as they were able to consciously adapt their play style according to the flow of the match, addressing previous challenges.
And in the final stages, Leon NOZAWA finally marked his first goal in the J1 League. The fact that the attacker, who is a peer of Matsuki, finally shook the net has resulted in expectations for the future.
The Meiji Yasuda J1 League will enter a two-and-a-half-week break after this matchday. The last match before the break is an away game against Kashima Antlers. The opponent is managed by Ranko POPOVIC, who once fought alongside us in blue and red and challenged on the Asian stage. During his time in Tokyo, his team was known for its beautiful possession football, but now he has adopted a style focused on high pressing and short counterattacks. Leading Kashima since this season, he has guided the team to a record of 12 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, placing them in 4th position.
Additionally, Kashima has acquired former Japan national team player Kento Misao on a full transfer this week, who had been playing in Portugal and Belgium. The large midfielder, returning to his former club, has already completed his player registration and will be eligible to play as early as the match against Tokyo. Given his high abilities in both offense and defense, it will be necessary to remain vigilant if he is utilized.
Although Matsuki, Araki, and Taishi are absent for Tokyo, they achieved solid results, including three consecutive wins during the Paris Olympic qualifiers from April to May when they were missing. The players who took the pitch have been performing well in turn, which is characteristic of Tokyo this season. First, we want to secure a solid victory away against Kashima and enter the break in good shape while aiming for a higher ranking.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: I think the two goals against Albirex Niigata were highly reproducible plays. Do you feel that the aim was successfully implemented?
A, there are several formations within the team to exploit space and the opponent's area. Both goals came from hard work, with each player recognizing their role and positioning accordingly. I believe it was a series of moves that were difficult for the opponent to stop. This is proof that each player has grasped the objective. However, one thing that needs improvement is how we use space during attacks. While increasing the time controlling the ball, we need to skillfully exploit the opponent's space.
Q, during the second half of the match against Niigata, there were times when the defensive block's position dropped slightly.
A, that is also part of football, and it can happen during a match. In the second half, there were moments when we lost control of the ball. If we had been able to move the ball while finding the opponent's spaces, I think we could have maintained possession longer. The fact that we couldn't do that, combined with Niigata being a team skilled at maintaining possession, meant that our defensive workload increased, which I believe was one of the factors. It is important to accept and fight through difficult periods that can occur during a match. However, improvement is essential. I believe that by not losing the ball easily and by utilizing space, we can push the whole team forward.
Q, I believe that a sense of balance in increasing the number of chances created and the time spent holding the ball will be particularly required in the future.
A, it is important to proceed efficiently in attack. When in possession of the ball, simply holding onto it is naturally not interesting for the spectators. While maintaining control, it is essential not to lose the awareness of moving forward. This forward awareness brings depth to our attack. I believe overall control creates effective play.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, please reflect on the match against Albirex Niigata.
A, we were on a losing streak, so this was a match where we absolutely needed a victory. Throughout the game, we focused on playing with a clear mindset. The opponent was not lenient enough to allow us to score through build-up in every situation, so we also consciously created opportunities to move toward the goal without excessive passes. Additionally, we made adjustments during the match on whether to take goal kicks or play out from the back. On the defensive side, since we knew the opponent would maintain possession, we shared the understanding that it was acceptable to let them have the ball at times, which allowed us to manage the game well. Those decisions were a positive aspect.
Q: What was the intention behind the assist scene for the second goal in the Niigata match that led to the additional point?
A, the fact that the defensive midfielder would make a forward run was something discussed even before the match, so I think utilizing that space effectively as planned led to the goal. Indeed, such forward runs tend to disrupt the opponent's formation, increasing the chances of creating opportunities. We want to keep increasing those runs and score more goals.
Q: This will be the last match before the league suspension. How will you approach the match?
A, in order to break into the top ranks, I think it is important to firmly win against teams that are above us. Since this is an important match where we can directly reduce the point gap, we want to prepare well and face it with confidence.
<Go HATANO>
Q: If I participate, it will be my first league match in a long time.
A, the team won the previous match against Albirex Niigata, but I don't think the content was satisfactory. We had been on a losing streak until then, so this time we want to do our best to achieve consecutive wins. I believe we have been able to communicate during practice to ensure the defensive block does not drop too deep, and we want to make use of the reflections from the last match.
Q: Wasn't there a lot of frustration about not being able to participate in the match?
A, rather than frustration, I feel a sense of responsibility for myself. If given the chance to play, I want to fully engage in the match and express everything I have.
Q: We will be facing Kashima Antlers, who are positioned at the top.
They are the team currently in 4th place, but I feel that every team in this season's J1 League is at a high level. I want to play with a calm mind without getting overly excited. I want to energize the team from the back and help with my play and voice during tough times.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q, Albirex Niigata match recorded the highest number of sprints (26 times) in Sec. 23 of the J1 League. I believe that dedication greatly contributed to the victory.
A, It was a match where the opponent had possession of the ball for a long time, but I believe that patiently defending and scoring at the right moments led to our victory. Personally, it might have been a game where I was more 'forced to run' rather than running on my own, but there were also moments where I was able to utilize my defensive strengths. Regarding sprints, I want to be more conscious from the next match onward to demonstrate that power more effectively in attack.
Q: What measures and care are important during tough matches in the summer?
A, summer matches are tough and tend to become battles of attrition. When facing a team like Niigata that maintains possession, it is important not only to play defensively but also for us to hold the ball well and increase the time we control the match. Teams that excel at ball possession dislike having the opponent hold the ball. Tokyo has many players capable of hard work, so we can play like we did against Niigata, but we want to focus on making the opponent run and increase the time we control the attack and the flow of the game. Personally, I am good at playing in summer matches. If the opposing players show signs of fatigue, I want to repeatedly challenge them with sprints that surpass theirs and energize the flanks.
Q: This match is against the 4th place Kashima Antlers.
A, in order to aim for the top positions, we cannot afford to lose a single match from here on. We want to secure a solid win against Kashima, who are positioned above us, and close the gap with the top teams.
