Match Review & Preview

Review of the Previous Match Against Yokohama F.Marinos

An away game where we want to earn 3 points to intensify the championship battle again, using the frustration of losing to FC Machida Zelvia in a penalty shootout as motivation. The match, played under strong sunlight, saw the opponent adopt a style combining high press and long balls, resulting in a period early on where it was difficult to settle possession.

Still, Tokyo gradually gained momentum, and near the end of the first half at the 45th minute, Marcelo RYAN made a solo dribble after a pass from Ryunosuke SATO, who intercepted the ball in midfield. Marcelo RYAN carried the ball powerfully and sent a final pass, allowing Keisuke SATO to score the opening goal with his left foot after a one-touch control, securing the lead at a good moment.

Even after entering the second half, the blue and red pace does not change. With Kim Seung-gyu's fine saves and Ryu Sato's daring final passes and shots, the momentum is pulled in, and in the 19th minute of the second half, Tokyo scores the long-awaited additional goal.

Right side back Sei MUROYA supplied a through pass slicing from the center of the pitch to the left front. Lucas RIAN, who broke away on this, struck a powerful left-footed shot with one touch, successfully extending the lead to two goals.

At the 29th minute of the second half, we somewhat took a defensive stance and conceded a middle-range shot, allowing the opponent to score one goal back. However, the team demonstrated the proactive spirit in line with the "+1 GOAL" philosophy we uphold. At the 33rd minute, from a direct free kick opportunity on the right side of the penalty area, Kento HASHIMOTO delivered a sharp ball with his left foot, which induced an own goal by the opponent, making it the third goal. Despite VAR support, the goal was confirmed, extending our lead to two goals once again.

The match ended with the current score. Securing a solid 3 points away, they have matched the points of the top-ranked Kashima Antlers, despite having played two more matches.

This Week's Preview

Tokyo will face their first match since April 11 due to schedule changes accompanying the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Finals. During this period, Kashima Antlers have secured consecutive wins, widening the points gap with the leader to 6 once again. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI stated, "We are in a situation where we are chasing them. Since there is a direct confrontation in the final round, it is essential that we do not miss the chance to challenge, and we must never let go of that determination. We have no choice but to fight hard in each and every match," emphasizing the importance of winning each game as they prepare for this round against Mito Hollyhock.

The team will start a five-game winning streak during Golden Week beginning with the match against Mito. To achieve a comeback championship, they must push forward on a winning streak like a tournament from here on, continuously putting pressure on Kashima. Center back Hayato Inamura said, "Everyone understands that until we face Kashima in the final match, we must accumulate victories within 90 minutes. Each game is truly a battle, and there are no excuses even during consecutive matches," showing his determination.

Also, Jin SATO, who scored the opening goal in the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, said, "Five consecutive matches are tough, and we can't win with the same members. I truly think it will be an all-out battle, so no matter who plays, we need to be a team that can play our style of soccer and fight together as a whole. The Mito match, which starts the consecutive games, will be the most important match, so we absolutely want to win and build momentum." It is truly a series of battles embodying the spirit of 'do your best and leave the rest to fate.'

The away game on March 14 against Mito, which gave us a hard time, is still fresh in our memories. Although we struggled with strong winds and a rough pitch, we continued to have a hard time dealing with Mito's relentless high press and their middle block defending the goal tightly. It was a match we barely won after a penalty shootout. Tokyo's players have strengthened their awareness to adapt flexibly to the opponent's tactics, learning from that experience.

If Mito increases pressure upfront, we want to target the space behind; if they solidify the center, we aim to connect passes and use the sides to take advantage of direct play and get behind them. Kento HASHIMOTO, who balances offense and defense in midfield, explained, "The opponent's pressing is intense, so quicker decisions are necessary. I also want to attack by slipping through their press and use the open spaces." Without being overly fixated on holding the ball, we want to attempt well-targeted breakthroughs and launch dynamic attacks to secure 3 points at home in this game.

There are no easy opponents to beat. Even so, we have no choice but to keep winning. The start of the crucial five-match streak that will greatly influence the course of this season, the Red and Blue Army aims for victory in every match with all their might.

Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI

Q. With an irregular schedule, there was a two-week gap since the last match. How have you spent this time?
A, we were able to fully utilize this time from the introductory part to the more realistic aspects in preparation for the match against Mito Hollyhock.

Q. We are now entering the final stage all at once. How do you view this series of five consecutive matches?
A, although it is a series of consecutive matches, I believe the situation changes moment by moment. First, by firmly focusing on this one match, creating a good game, and securing a victory, the momentum and flow can be established, which may become even more important than the battles so far.

Q. You always talk about playing with the image that something will happen in the final match against Kashima Antlers. In that sense, isn't it true that really important matches will continue?
A, we are still in a situation where we are chasing them, and we absolutely want to make sure we do not miss the chance to challenge. The final match will be a direct confrontation, so the premise is that we approach it while still holding the right to challenge. I believe we must never let go of that determination.

Q. The point difference with Kashima is 6, but from here on, I think there will be matches where earning 3 points per game, like in a tournament, will be necessary.
A, this is the same for every team. Of course, it's not easy for the chasing teams, but it's also not easy for the teams being chased. I believe every team has its own battles, not just us, so we need to develop the strength to firmly overcome those challenges. 

Q. Looking back on the season so far, I think a major difference from last season is the atmosphere where winning feels like a habit or something natural. How do you feel about that?
A, I believe various factors have led to the current results, but whether we have developed a winning habit is still unclear. It is true that the results so far suggest this, but I think we must always stay grounded and fight. Even if we look for elements or factors to rely on and bring them up, there is absolutely no guarantee that they will lead to the next 3 points. Therefore, I believe we must fight each match thoroughly. 

Q. In the previous match against Mito Hollyhock, we were left with the impression that we struggled against their high press and tight defense. What have you focused on in your preparations?
A, we anticipate the possibility of the opponent having the ball, and we also expect situations where we can take the initiative effectively. However, by staying calm and firmly holding onto our objectives, if we can demonstrate our strength there, I believe it is possible to control the flow in our favor. 

Q. What would you say are the key points that decide the outcome of the match?
A, there are various factors. Of course, scoring the first goal is important, but since you really never know what will happen in 90 minutes, it is essential to believe in ourselves until the end and firmly envision that we are securing the 3 points. As mentioned earlier, the factors that foster a winning habit and draw victory closer depend on how well prepared we are and how much we can challenge ourselves in response. I believe the number of challenges taken ultimately leads to positive outcomes, so it’s not just about the results, but about believing in ourselves and how many times we can take on the challenges we have prepared for during the 90 minutes. 

Q. In terms of believing in what has been done, including the fact that results are being achieved, do you have a sense that the players are able to move forward with the same perspective?
A, I truly believe that the players are looking in the same direction. However, I also think that we should not rely solely on that. 

Q: In the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos, you struggled with their high press, but because you scored on a long counterattack, I think it became harder for the opponent to maintain their press. Please tell us about the advantage of having both build-up play and counterattack capabilities.
A, the strength of being able to adapt to various situations is not just about whether to build up or counterattack; there are also times in a match when we need to calm the ball down. Since the opponent can also be composed at times, I believe we can apply pressure by responding to various flows. Our strength lies in being able to launch a counterattack the moment we regain possession. I think this will definitely pose a threat to the opponent and may also halve their attacking power as they become cautious. Some opponents might decisively press us because of this, but that is a situation that arises during the flow of the match, so it is important to respond properly. At a glance, it may seem like we are struggling, but by bringing out one of our strengths, we can drastically change the flow of the game, so I think we need to maintain that strength in various situations.

Player Interview

Kento HASHIMOTO

Q, the season has entered the second half. Please review the developments so far.
A, there were many good matches, and I feel very positive about actually being involved in the title race right now. In terms of the progress we've made since last season, we have been able to play the style of football we aim for in many matches, so I think it's really something very good. This was true in the FC Machida Zelvia match as well as the Verdy match, but there were games we couldn't win, so while I do wish we could have secured those wins... looking at the first half of the season from a broader perspective, I take it very positively.

Q, I was suddenly called to play in the previous match against Mito Hollyhock. I believe it was a difficult situation including the course of the game, but please review the game.
A, personally, due to Yuto NAGATOMO's injury, I had to come on as a substitute early in the 20th minute of the first half. It was my first experience like this, and as a match, the opponent was able to do what they wanted from the start of the first half. We were under pressure from the opponent's front line, and we couldn't advance the ball as well as we had in the previous few matches. However, even in that flow, I think it was good that I was able to fully engage in the match and provide an assist that led to the opening goal. But there was also the issue of conceding a goal immediately afterward. Although we won in the penalty shootout, I believe that in matches like that, we need to secure the win within the 90 minutes to be able to win the championship.

Q. Considering those points, how do you feel about the current progress of the team?
A, gaining confidence throughout the team by winning and having a shared understanding that "we are not wrong on this path" is a significant achievement. This also leads to bold play and trust among the players. However, I still feel we are only halfway there. In the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, although we were pressed and could not play in our ideal style, being able to secure 3 points was a major growth. Right now, we are confident because we are winning, but when asked if we can maintain confidence even when we don't win, I believe it is not yet sufficient.

Q. What do you think will be the key points of the match?
A, Mito works hard against their opponents, so we believe we can naturally maintain the pace by continuously winning individual battles in each situation. Even if the ideal attack, like in the previous match, does not go well, the team shares a common understanding that if we can control the opponent through defense, we can rely on counterattacks. First and foremost, we want to always be conscious of not losing to the opponent in front of us.

Q. In the previous match, you were involved in scoring through your specialty kicks. How do you want to showcase your strengths in attack moving forward?
A, my strength lies in being involved in assists and goals through the quality of crosses and kicks, so I want to continue delivering that. To put in more crosses and to play in dangerous areas close to the goal, I want to increase my movements to get past the players ahead and the number of times I get involved with the ball.

Q: This season, there have been no victories within 90 minutes at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, I believe that you cannot win the championship without always winning home games. Teams that win championships tend to have a strong presence at home, and even when playing against them, it feels difficult. I want to make the opponents not want to play at Ajinomoto Stadium. For that reason, I want to make sure we win at home.

Q. Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A, we will win! Please support us!

Player Kei Sato

Q. Personally, you have scored 3 goals and made 3 assists, showing good results.
A, I want to play each match with the mindset of producing results, and I believe that will lead to winning the championship.

Q. Having played as a forward, you were also able to achieve results as a right midfielder, where you had many playing opportunities this season. Do you feel like you have gotten a good grasp of the sense?
A, I spoke with Naohiro ISHIKAWA, the community generator (hereafter referred to as CG), after the match against Verdy. I received various pieces of advice, and by keeping them in mind while playing, I was able to score a goal.

Q. What specific topics did you discuss?
A, from Coach Ishikawa CG, I was told to "try to be aware of connecting with the players in the middle." It was a goal from a counterattack, and I was able to connect with Marcelo RYAN. I was also connected with Ryunosuke SATO, who took the ball, and with Keita ENDO, who ran in from the side. In terms of connection, it's good to be able to provide the final pass and assist, but when it comes to scoring myself, I think the connection with the players in the center becomes important. I received advice that instead of making moves that conclude by myself, I should be aware of the connection to get into a position where I can ultimately score and receive the ball, and to make moves that anticipate two or three steps ahead.

Q. I think the upcoming five consecutive matches will be very important for the team. The first match is against Mito Hollyhock.
A, a five-match streak is definitely tough, and there are parts where we can't win with the same members alone, so I truly think it will be an all-out battle. Since we are aiming for the championship, we cannot afford to lose even one match, and we need everyone's strength to win them all. No matter who plays, the team must be able to play our style of soccer and fight with all-out attack and all-out defense, which is important when facing consecutive matches. Participating in the AFC Champions League Elite results in a congested schedule. This team is looking that far ahead, so we want to do what needs to be done every day for that. The first match is the most important among these five games, so we absolutely want to win and build momentum.

Q, what kind of enthusiasm do you want to bring to the match against Mito?
A, in the previous match against Mito, we played a game that disappointed our fans and supporters, so first of all, I want to erase that. Since the match is at Ajinomoto Stadium, we really want to win. To become champions, we cannot afford to slip here, and in terms of putting pressure on Kashima Antlers even a little, I think this will be a match we absolutely cannot lose.