Match Review
Special TournamentThe match against JEF United Ichihara Chiba, aiming for a 5-game winning streak. Having closed the gap to just 2 points behind the top-ranked Kashima Antlers,this match becomes one where securing a victory within 90 minutes is absolutely necessary to keep the possibility of overtaking them in the final round's direct confrontation alive.
While keeping an eye on the future, the important thing is the game at hand. The lineup for this must-win match featured goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, with the back four from right to left being Naruki Muroya, Rio Omori, Hayato Inamura, and Kento HASHIMOTO. For Inamura, who turned 24 today, it was a milestone birthday match. The defensive midfield duo consisted of Kento HASHIMOTO and Takahiro KO, with attackers Keito Sato on the right and Keita Endo on the left, and Marcelo Hian and Ryunosuke SATO formed the two forwards. Additionally, Yuto NAGATOMO, who has recovered from injury, returned for the first time since the March 14th 6th round match against Mito Hollyhock, and Motoki NAGAKURA also made the lineup for the first time since the March 22nd 8th round match against Verdy, as the kickoff approached.March 22nd 8th round Verdy match since then and kicked off.
Tokyo has established their accumulated style, allowing them to take control in both offense and defense. This week, they want to continue showing attacks that combine possession with sharp counters while carefully assessing the situation.
1st―Graduallypushed back and created chances but fell behind by one goal
From the start, intense battles for the ball were fought, and amid a back-and-forth situation, scenes of being pushed back by the opponent's pressure became noticeable. In the first halfat the 6th minute, a pass aimed at building up from the back line was intercepted, leading to a counterattackand CARLINHOS JUNIOR scored in front of the goal, conceding an early opening goal.
Tokyo tries to advance into the opponent's territory with attacks from both the left and right sides, but despite Kento HASHIMOTO's left crosses to Keisuke Sato and Endo's left crosses to Muroya, they fail to finish just at the crucial moment in front of the goal. On the contrary, they struggle against Chiba's high press and side attacks, allowing multiple scoring opportunities from crosses.
Tokyo is required to rebuild their playing style to break through the current situation. They draw the opponent in by connecting from the back line, with Ryuu Sato dropping into midfield to pull out the opponent's last line and aim for RIAN's runs behind. Additionally, Kento HASHIMOTO and Takahiro KO drop back to the last line to support the attacking participation of both fullbacks. While changing their positioning, they aimed to break through the situation. However, Chiba responded by firmly setting up a block after switching from high pressing. Although Tokyo increased the number of scenes bringing the ball close to the goal, the decisive chances were just a step away during this period.
Tokyo has gradually been able to develop a more substantial attack. Player Ryu Sato became the starting point of the offense and made runs behind the defense, with multiple players launching powerful attacks on the opponent's goal. In the first halfat the 39th minute, from Endo's left cross, Inamura pushed the ball in with his left foot at the far post, but this was ruled offside with VAR support, and Inamura's birthday goal was not recognized.
Just before the end of the first half, RIAN carried the ball up the field over a long distance with a dribble and took a shot. The ball was saved by the opposing goalkeeper, and Sato Megumi rushed in to try to push it in with a left-footed jumping volley, but it was not a repeat of the previous match.During the 3 minutes of additional time, Sato Ryu created some highlights, including delivering a sharp vertical pass after receiving the ball back, but the first half ended as it was. The team went into the second half trailing by one goal.
2nd―Attempted a counterattack butconceded 2 more goals andlost the match
Tokyo started the second half without any changes to the lineup. First, they wanted to bring a sense of threat to their attack in order to equalize. At the start of the second half,in the 2nd minute, Inamura supplied a sharp vertical pass from the buildup at the back line. The ball, passed through Endo, was aimed at with the right foot by RIAN. Although it narrowly missed to the right of the goal, Tokyo immediately created a chance in their characteristic style.
In the second half, Tokyo quickly switched from being pressed back to immediately regaining possession, showing sharper reactions to loose balls. Their high pressing also worked effectively, and the time spent transitioning from good defense to good offense increased.
Tokyo wants to quickly even the match while steadily increasing their offensive pressure without rushing. Both defensive midfielders alternately cover the space on the right side while maintaining balance, allowing players Sato Kei and Muroya to take high positions and intensify the attacking pressure.
Tokyo, wanting to change the momentum, in the second halfat the 25th minute, quickly sent three players onto the pitch. The left side back was switched from Kento HASHIMOTO to Nagatomo, the defensive midfielder from Takahashi to Kota Tokiwa, and one of the two forwards from Ryu Sato to Nagakura. Adding fresh players, they aimed for a comeback.
However, immediately after, in the second halfat the 28th minute, the right side was broken through and a crossball was allowed, Ishikawa headed it in the center, and the rebound off the crossbar was pushed in by Himeno for the second goal. Furthermore, at the 34th minute, Hidaka scored directly from a free kick, extending the lead to 0-3.
Change the momentumTokyo, aiming to score back one goal at a time, made substitutions in the 36th minute of the second half, replacing Keisuke Sato with Fuki YAMADA and Keita ENDO with Leon NOZAWA. Both wingers wereswitched to try to break the situation.
Player Inamura's vertical pass, Player Nagatomo's cross ball from the left, Player Tokiwa's middle-range shot, and other players showed enthusiastic play trying to lead a counterattack goal, but they could not create a decisive scene. In the additional time of the second half, when Player Tokiwa aimed a middle-range shot from a corner kick rebound, the opponent was judged to have handled the ball. However,with VAR support, the penalty kick was canceled.
The match ended as it was, and the winning streak chasing Kashimastopped at 4.It was a disappointing result at home Ajinomoto Stadium.
After the match, the blue and red family behind the goal, who did not give up on the possibility of a comeback victory, continued to sing the chant 'Pour out your passion! Grab the championship!' to encourage the players. For the upcoming decisive Final Round, they displayed a large flag of 'TOKYO' and, with loud cheers of 'We can't lose to Verdy,' they continued to convey their spirit of unity and determination to win every match.TOKYO
MATCH DETAILS
Match detailed data is here
Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q,Please summarize today's match.
A, it is unfortunate that the result was very disappointing. However, even in the locker room after the match, there were players already getting ready for the next game, so I believe we must properly prepare well for the upcoming match.
Q,This season, we conceded 3 goals for the first time. How do you view the challenges, especially in dealing with crosses from the sides?
A, For both the first and second goals,I believe the cause was that we were not able to respond properly. This has been an issue we've recognized before, and we have been addressing it seriously. However, creating gaps there makes the game more difficult. With fewer matches left in the season, these kinds of mistakes reveal our weaknesses and lack of discipline. Still, I don't think the efforts we've built up so far have been in vain, and there are parts where we have been doing well.
Q. Regarding the simultaneous substitution of the three players in the second half, please tell us the coach's instructions and the intention behind their introduction.
A. First, for Yuto NAGATOMO, the task was to further energize the left side, and I believe he expressed that well. For Motoki NAGAKURA, he came on in place of Ryunosuke SATO, and while maintaining Marcelo RYAN's aerial presence and role as a focal point in set plays and behind the defense, we expected him to draw the ball out between the lines and build relationships with those around him. As for Kouta TOKIWA, since Takahiro KO played the full match in the previous game, although the task was similar, we expected him to firmly become a focal point and control the game to bring it into our hands. Rather than giving detailed instructions, I told them to bring out good flow through their individual play. In that sense, I believe all three fulfilled their respective roles well.
Q. In attack, you created many chances and took 25 shots according to preliminary stats (official record shows 16 shots), but only 3 were on target. When winning, shots usually hit the target, but today they didn’t. How do you feel about the difference compared to before?
A. I think there are technical aspects involved, as well as factors like the condition of the ball when it comes to me and anticipation, among other elements. We did take shots decisively, and in the first half there were moments where it wouldn’t have been surprising if the ball had hit the net. However, in the second half, although we still got shots off, the opponent’s blocks were just as frequent, and most were blocked physically before reaching the goal. I think it would have been better if we had a bit more composure and ideas to catch the opponent off guard, but their defense was very solid. Even so, being able to take many shots is a positive point, and although there were fewer shots on target this time, next time we want to increase shots on target and execute our attack more effectively.
Player Interview
Kento HASHIMOTO
Q, please review today's game.
A, we conceded an early goal and made the game difficult for ourselves. Including the fact that we couldn't score even one goal throughout the 90 minutes, it's very frustrating, and I believe we need to look up and keep moving forward once again.
Q. The next match against Verdyis of course a game we cannot afford to lose, but isn't it going to be even more important than usual?
A. Kashima Antlers won today's match, and since we also have a series of games we absolutely cannot lose, I think there's no point in dwelling on today's defeat.Time is limited, so I want to look forward, focus only on scoring goals and defeating the opponent.
Q: I heard that the atmosphere in the locker room was positive looking ahead to the next match.
A: Yes. Although we conceded goals and it was difficult to stay positive during the match, in the locker room we faced forward, made a clear switch, and there were positive voices. We will properly reflect on what needs improvement, make corrections, and approach the next game with determination.
Q. Are you feeling the cheers from the fans and supporters today?
A. Truly, I believe everyone has high expectations for us. Since we are in the title race, it’s meaningless unless we secure results, and in the next match, we definitely want to earn 3 points and celebrate together with everyone.
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q. How did you view the situation before the match started?
A. Since it was a series of consecutive matches, I had the impression that everyone felt very heavy physically today. I especially felt that we lacked a bit of momentum when watching the first half.
Q: At the time you entered the game, I think you wanted to change the flow by substituting three players.
A: In the end, we conceded two goals after the substitutions, so I do feel responsible for that. Honestly, the second goal was a very difficult situation to handle, but since we actually lost, I regret that we couldn't give the team momentum. However, personally, after coming on, I had some good breakthroughs and crosses. Since I just returned and restarted, the most important thing is that I was able to come back without injury. Including the fact that I was able to return this quickly, I view that very positively.
Q. After your injury, you mentioned "replacing the engine." Were you able to do that successfully?
A. I'm only going to improve from here. Returning after two months, being able to make breakthroughs like that and deliver crosses means starting from zero. I want people to watch as I work on improving my condition from here on.
Q. How did it feel to play in the match?
A. I definitely felt the intensity was high, but I also realized I could perform better than I expected. However, since it was my first time in two months, I just want to show that I will start pushing forward from here.
Q. How did the crosses feel?
A. I delivered about three crosses, and all three felt pretty good. Especially the second cross after breaking through, and the third cross were both on target. If they had gone just one step further, they would have reached Marcelo RYAN. I think those parts were good. However, since none of them resulted in an assist, I have to look at it critically.
Q. It was impressive to see you talking with Hayato Inamura immediately after entering the pitch. What did you say to him?
A. I told him to watch my movements. He can really deliver fast balls and also balls behind the defense. I asked him to watch my movements because I would make runs based on that. (Regarding the advice to Inamura related to the first conceded goal) Of course, he might have made a mistake in the situation of conceding the first goal, but there were many scenes where attacks starting from him led to goals. That shows how excellent his build-up play is. I told him, "Keep facing forward and play."
Q: The next match is against Verdy.
A: We have already switched our focus to that. This loss is frustrating, but there's no point in dwelling on it. Although it was a penalty shootout, we lost to Verdy in the previous match, so a second consecutive loss is out of the question. We are already fired up.
Motoki NAGAKURA
Q. It was a frustrating result, but it was your comeback match, Nagakura. How do you look back on the game?
A. I feel that we couldn’t bring our game from the first half. As a team, we really needed the 3 points, and I think that was all there was to it.
Q. While watching the first half from the bench,what were you focusing on?
A. It wasn’t so much that things weren’t going well, but rather that the flow was indecisive.Both the opponent and Tokyo had good moments, so I was focused on coming in and shifting the momentum in our favor.
Q. What aspects did you find difficult?
A. From an outside perspective, it seemed like the pressing wasn’t going well, but you can’t really know until you try it yourself. When I actually came onto the pitch in the second half, there were moments when we pushed forward too much due to the timing, so it’s hard to say definitively about that part.
Q, how does the team perceive this result, and how will you approach the next match?
A,We have no choice but to apply the issues identified in today's match to the next game. While it is important to move on, I believe making use of today's lessons is the most important thing.
Q. I think this is a match where we absolutely cannot lose and must win within 90 minutes. What kind of mindset will you have going into it?
A. As a league match, it is an important game, and I believe it is the most important match for the team, so I definitely want to win this game.
Q. How do you feel about the presence of fans and supporters who continued to cheer even after the match?
A. Having the fans and supporters cheer us on towards the next match really motivates us. We want to switch our focus to the upcoming game and prepare to fight with all our strength. I aim to score goals and play in a way that can save the team.
