Match Review
The unveiling match of "Chikarazo Tokyo" was held at their home Ajinomoto Stadium.
On this day, coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI sent the same 11 players onto the pitch as in the opening match. The substitute members saw a change of 2 players from the previous match. Kento HASHIMOTO and Yasuki KIMOTO, who returned after 4 and a half seasons, were newly added to the roster.
1st HALF—The mirror game remains scoreless
The match, where both teams adopted the same system, took on the appearance of a mirror game from the early stages, showcasing intense localized battles.
Among them, it was Tokyo that created the first scoring opportunity. In the 10th minute of the first half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA took a corner kick, and Masato MORISHIGE headed the ball. It hit the crossbar, and although Kei KOIZUMI pushed in the rebound, the shot could not find the target.
On the other hand, just before the end of the first half, they were caught off guard on the right side, but goalkeeper Taishi Brandon NOZAWA made a crucial block, and the match went into halftime at 0-0.
2nd HALF—The goal is far away, missing out on the opening two consecutive wins
As the second half began, the match gradually reached a stalemate. In an attempt to break this deadlock, the Tokyo side made the first move. In the 19th minute of the second half, Sato Keiin and Soma ANZAI were brought in to replace Marcelo RYAN and Kosuke SHIRAI. Furthermore, in the 28th minute of the second half, Kanta DOI was substituted for Kimoto.
Even so, neither side gives in, and time passes as they compete for control.
Then, in the 37th minute of the second half, when Tokyo was preparing to use their last substitution, the match changed. After being broken through on the right side, a low cross was pushed in by Nishimura, allowing the first goal.
Before the match resumes, Ewerton Gaudino and Hashimoto will be substituted in for Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Koizumi. After that, the blue-red number 18, who returned to Ajinomoto Stadium, will organize the play, but the goal remains elusive until the end, and as Ewerton's long-range shot is caught by the opposing goalkeeper, a long whistle is blown. They lost to Machida, whom they couldn't beat in both matches last season, and were unable to achieve two consecutive wins to start the season.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE/Yuto NAGATOMO/Teppei OKA/Kanta DOI (28th minute of the second half: Yasuki KIMOTO)
MF Hiroshi TAKAU/Yasuki TAWARATSUMIDA/Kei KOIZUMI (37th minute of the second half: Kento HASHIMOTO)/Kosuke SHIRAI (19th minute of the second half: Soma ANZAI)
FW Marcelo HIAN (19th minute of the second half: Keiun SATO)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (37th minute of the second half: Ewerton GAUDINO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Henrique TREVISAN
FW Keita YAMASHITA/Leon NOZAWA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
―
<FC Machida Zelvia>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kosei TANI
DF Henry Mochizuki/ Daihachi OKAMURA/ Gen SHOJI/ Yuta NAKAYAMA
MF Dreshievich/ Ryohei SHIRASAKI (30 minutes into the second half: Hokuto SHIMODA)/ Hiroyuki MAE
FW Takuma NISHIMURA (41 minutes into the second half: Kanishi KUWAYAMA)/ Yuki SOUMA (30 minutes into the second half: Na Sang-ho)/ Se Hun OH (6 minutes into the second half: Shota FUJIO)
SUBS
GK Tatsuya MORITA
DF Kotaro HAYASHI
MF Vasquez BYRON/Keiya SENTO
FW Mitchell DUKE
MANAGER
Go KURODA
GOAL
37th minute of the second half: Takuma NISHIMURA
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, please review the game.
A, as a result, it turned out to be a very disappointing game. However, it was also a game where we saw various trials and errors, and I think it was a game where the players showed a stronger spirit of challenge than in the previous match. It's not just about connecting to the next game, but we must somehow make sure to connect to the next one.
Q: I felt that there were various improvements in the build-up play compared to the last match. What did you focus on the most?
A: During the preparation period, we emphasized our attacking play and worked on that. I believe that if this leads to winning games, it will be worthwhile, but I think one of the very commendable aspects is that we made a solid effort in that area.
Q, you can carry the ball to a certain extent, but I think the coach feels that he wants to add another touch to go further beyond that.
A, it is difficult to play while skillfully adjusting the opponent's system, such as how much pressure to apply centrally against the goal while weakening the sides, or how to strengthen the sides while thinning out the center. The goal is not just to break down the defense, but ultimately to score goals, so taking shots must be an option. Entering that area is also important, so in that sense, we couldn't really create enough depth and it was a bit monotonous, I think.
The reason it became monotonous, I think, is because we failed to properly connect the ball during loose ball situations and easily gave it away to the opponent, causing the arrows to change and the ball to be pushed back into our own half more frequently. We were pushed back further than necessary even though we didn't have to retreat immediately after losing possession. And when we try to push forward again from there, physical stamina becomes an issue. As time passes, I believe we were unable to fully maintain that depth and intensity.
Q: In the scene of the conceded goal, there were plays that couldn't be clearly cleared as I just mentioned, and we were caught off guard in an instant.
A, after all, the outcome is decided in an instant. I didn't see everything because it was just the timing of the substitution, so I will check it from now on, but I think that is definitely something we need to address thoroughly. It's not that the players have no awareness of this, so I want to firmly demand how well they can demonstrate that precision.
[Player Interview]
＜Takahiro KO＞
Q: It seemed that the team's approach to the game was more organized compared to the previous match.
A, first of all, the entire team was aware of the movement to peel off and break through the line when the opponent came, so I think that was better than last time. However, there are still some weak points, and today there were noticeable mistakes in casual passes and control, both personally and as a team, so I want to work on improving those areas.
Q. The balance between offense and defense with Kei KOIZUMI was good, and I think the wing-back positioning was also quite well organized.
<div>A, with player Koizumi, we were able to move in a way that when one of us went forward, the other would fill that position. Our job is to supply passes to the forward players while maintaining a good distance between us, so we want to focus on that even more. How well we can play facing forward also depends on individual quality, so we want to improve that. As we continue playing, we will think about where to challenge as wing backs and proceed accordingly.
Q: The next match will be against Nagoya Grampus in midweek after a three-day break. What areas would you like to improve upon for this match?
A, since we have consecutive matches, first we want to properly condition ourselves and prepare so that anyone can play without problems. Defensively, there were many moments where we had to endure to some extent, and there were parts where we fit well. Above all, everyone wants to be conscious of entering dangerous areas to score goals. Although the time is short, we hope to prepare thoroughly.
<Kento HASHIMOTO>
Q: How was Ajinomoto Stadium after four and a half seasons?
A, it was exhilarating. The moment I entered Ajinomoto Stadium was more moving than I imagined, and when I went to greet the fans and supporters during warm-up, they called my name and sang chants, which really warmed my heart.
Q: Compared to the opening match, we were able to circulate the ball to some extent. I think the next challenge is how to break down the opponent in the attacking third.
A, since there was only one shot on target, you have to take shots to score, and we need to create more shooting opportunities, including from the middle range.
Q. What kind of role do you want to play as an individual within that?
A, I think the coach wants us to get into advanced positions as much as possible. Also, picking up second balls and launching secondary attacks. I believe chances can be created from there, so I see that as my role.
Q, there is a match against Nagoya Grampus in 3 days.
A, since I need to improve my condition quickly, not only during practice but also when I am on the field, I want to be conscious of how well I can play and focus on that.
