Match Review & Preview

Review of the previous match against JEF United Chiba

Tokyo wants to close the gap to just 2 points behind the top-ranked Kashima Antlers, keep applying pressure on the leaders, and maintain their chances of overtaking them by extending their winning streak over 90 minutes. However, the match took a turn as JEF United Ichihara Chiba, showing aggressive pressing and fierce battles for the ball, seized control of the game.

From the start, chances were created against us, and in the 6th minute of the first half, an interception was allowed while trying to build up from the back line, leading to a counterattack and conceding a goal. We ended up falling behind early in the game.

Still, the positioning and the distance between players were finely adjusted, with the defensive midfielder dropping back to the last line to rebuild the attack. Ryunosuke SATO gradually created rhythm by dropping back from the front line to the midfield to receive the ball.

In the 39th minute of the first half, it seemed that Hayato Inamura scored by pushing in a cross ball from the left by Keita ENDO, but this was ruled offside with VAR support and no goal was awarded. Near the end of the first half, Megumi Sato took a volley shot following a breakthrough by Marcelo RYAN, but unfortunately, the ball went over the crossbar and did not shake the net.

Even after entering the second half, sharp vertical passes from Inamura and counters from Takahiro KO's interceptions created opportunities. At the 25th minute of the second half, Yuto NAGATOMO and Motoki NAGAKURA, who had left the field due to injury, were sent back onto the pitch to prepare for a counterattack.

However, immediately after, in the 28th minute of the second half, the side was broken down and an additional goal was conceded, followed by a direct free kick goal in the 34th minute, resulting in a painful third goal against. The team increased the time pressing forward and created many chances but failed to convert them. In a game where victory was absolutely necessary, they suffered a 0-3 defeat, widening the gap to the top-ranked Kashima to 5 points.

This Week's Preview

"We can't stop, let's show the power of Tokyo"

The pitch at Kodaira Ground, on the eve of the big match against Verdy, was decorated with blue and red banners, to which a handwritten message was added. This match is not one we can afford to lose; it is one we absolutely must win. That determination is firmly ingrained within the team.

In the previous match, they were defeated by JEF United Chiba, stopping their winning streak at four games as they chased the top spot. The point gap with Kashima Antlers has widened to five, and in order to revive the possibility of a comeback victory in the direct confrontation awaiting in the final round, they cannot afford to drop a single point.

Of course, there is no change in the fact that we must continue to win. The game against Tokyo V at that timing will be an important match with more significance than usual encounters, as we cannot afford to lose to an opponent who also calls Ajinomoto Stadium their home ground.

Captain Sei MUROYA says, "From the moment the kickoff whistle blows, we want to show our determination. There are no more excuses, and the whole team truly feels the frustration from the last match's defeat. We are very grateful for the banners being displayed like this, and we feel the support. Our rebound mentality will be tested, and we want to prove that on the pitch. In any case, this will be a match we must win."

Kento HASHIMOTO, who has grown up in the red and blue from the academy, spoke about his feelings as he faced the pre-match training surrounded by red and blue banners, saying, "It’s thrilling." He added, "There is a sense of tension. I want to show the determination that we will defeat every opponent in front of us as a team. Because I feel that we are fighting together, I want to repay that support with results and celebrate together after the match."

The match concluding the five-game series marks the start of the last three games in the special tournament. For Tokyo, it is truly a survival match to stay alive in the championship race. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also said, "There is still potential, and without that mindset, it won't work. We absolutely must not give up and must fight believing in our possibilities."

If you believe in yourself, victory will follow──. As a team, there is no doubt that we have built up enough to say that. We will win the battles for the ball, choose a style of play that accurately reads the flow, and show our fighting spirit where we need to score and defend. No matter what anyone says, don't worry about others. Show the pride of blue and red, and with the 11 players on the pitch and the support from the stands united, bring a joyful and promising victory to Ajinomoto Stadium.

Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI

Q, Last match resulted in Kashima Antlers pulling away, but please tell us what you thought after the game and what you conveyed to the players.</strong>
A, we are still catching up to Kashima, and I think it won't work without that mindset. There is still potential, so I am telling them to never let go once they catch up to Kashima. We must never give up and believe in the possibilities as we continue to fight.

Q, I think we have no choice but to move forward toward the next match. The last game ended in a disappointing result, but considering the points for reflection heading into the next match, what would those be?</strong>
A, in terms of body movement, there were several points where our planned and prepared parts did not go well. However, we also had many chances, and those did not convert in the previous match. We are the team with the most goals scored among both groups in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, and we want to maintain that confidence. As long as we can shake the goal net, we want to be confident that we can definitely earn 3 points. Rather than reflecting on it, it was unfortunate that the match turned out that way, but the moment the match ended, all the players switched their focus to the next game in the locker room, and that was enough.

Q, this match againstVerdy comes at this timing. It will be a more importantgame than usual.
A, truly, we have everyone's hopes, and we must definitely win in order to advance. I believe in 'definitely winning,' and the players also share this belief. I think this is a shift from the previous match, so we are really just focused on moving forward toward that goal.

Q, in the last match, there were parts where you struggled against the opponent's tight defense. What do you think will be the key points in tomorrow's game, and what is your current impression ofTokyo V?</strong>
A, I reviewed the previous match, and it was definitely not like that. We had chances, and so did the opponents. Rather than struggling with something, it was a game where we were able to show our style clearly. Of course, Tokyo V also showed their strengths well in the match, but in terms of the number of times the ball went one way or the other, we had more. I believe that if we can firmly shake the goal net tomorrow, we will definitely be able to win. Tokyo V is a team where everyone is always aggressive and can fight both offensively and defensively. I think the team is united as one, so we need to exploit any cracks in that unity.

Q, please tell us in one word the significance of this match once again.</strong>
A, this is an important match for us to achieve our goals.

Player Interview

Kota Tokiwa

Q. In the previous match, you came on as a substitute. It seemed like the first half was especially challenging. How did you feel watching from the bench?
A, JEF United Chiba applied intense pressure from kickoff in the match against Ichihara Chiba, and we were unable to fully respond to it. After conceding a goal, Chiba set up a defensive block, and the challenge was how to break through it. Watching from the bench, I felt that with their solid central defense, we were struggling to find effective solutions.

Q. What did you focus on when entering the pitch as a substitute?
A, since we conceded 2 goals after I came on, I felt that was due to my lack of ability. If we had been able to keep the game within a one-goal difference and scored in the last chance, we might have been able to secure a draw. However, after I entered the match, we ended up conceding 2 goals and losing 0-3, so I felt very disappointed in myself. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI describes substitute players as game changers, but at the time I came on as a substitute, I was unable to turn the game in a positive direction. I feel that this was due to my lack of ability and failure to fulfill my role.

Q, I think it is important to leverage that experience for the next step.
A, when starting in the lineup, I am able to play while reading the flow and the opponent, but when coming off the bench as a substitute, what can I do as a game changer? I have not yet had the power to completely change the flow of the game when coming on midway, so I believe this is an area where I can still grow. Of course, I want to start every match, and I think every soccer player wants to play the full 90 minutes. However, I believe that what you can do even in the last 5 minutes when given a role will be important for your future soccer career.

Q. This season, you have had many starts in the starting lineup, but in the previous match against Verdy, you started from the bench. You must have felt some frustration, didn't you?
AIn the previous match against Tokyo V, I had the mindset from the start that I wanted to make an impact, but I ended up starting on the bench, which was frustrating for me. Even then, when I came on during the Tokyo V match, I couldn't change the flow of the game, and this time as well, I believe the most important thing is to play in a way that helps the team win when I am on the pitch. Rather than focusing on my own performance, I want to play well for the sake of the team's victory.

Q, after the previous match against Tokyo V, you said not "We can't lose" but "We must win." I think this match will be one where you cannot afford to lose in order to win the championship.
A , if we want to compete for the championship, we have no choice but to win three more consecutive games, so there is no doubt that this is an important match. We can't afford to be distracted by Tokyo V; rather, if we want to win the championship, we really have to look upward and focus on that. It's not about wanting to win just because Tokyo V is the opponent, but we must win to stay in the championship race, and we absolutely must beat Tokyo V—these two points are non-negotiable. On the other hand, if we lose, we won't be able to win the championship, and there's even a possibility that we'll fall below Tokyo V in the standings. We want to approach this match with the mindset that we must win each game to aim for the championship right in front of us, and this time, the opponent right in front of us is Tokyo V.

Q. Today as well, fans and supporters are showing their support by hanging banners at Kodaira Ground. Please give a message to those fans and supporters.
A, this morning when I came to Kodaira Ground, I was really surprised to see the red and blue banner hung up. Having that there changed the atmosphere, or rather, I think it created an environment where the players could concentrate even more. The mood was that tomorrow's opponent is Tokyo V and we absolutely have to win, so I am very grateful. Despite the disappointing loss in the previous match, the fans were singing chants to push us toward the championship. Indeed, I believe the fans and supporters always cheer for us with more than 100% effort, so we want to give back by giving more than 100% on the pitch and showing results. And after the match, I want to celebrate together.

Keita ENDO

Q. First, how do you feel looking back on the content and results of the previous match?
A, the opponent also approached the match with high motivation. I think the first goal we conceded gave them momentum, and it definitely made the game difficult. Throughout the match, I believe our performance was not worthy of winning.

Q. I think it was a match where we were not unable to create chances.
A, that said, it is also true that there was no sense or atmosphere of a goal being scored. However, as long as the probability of winning the championship is not zero, I think we just have to focus solely on winning. Since the match is already over, I feel we have no choice but to move on.

Q, please tell us if there are any key points for us to smoothly switch within the pitch.
A, simply put, I think there were players other than myself who continued to play in the matches, and of course, those players must have been fatigued. In that situation, I believe it was necessary for myself, who had prepared after a long time, and Marcelo RYAN to lead the team.

Q. The next match is against Verdy, which has its own significance, but is your stance, having fought with the championship in mind, unchanged from before?
A, of course, since it's a match against Tokyo V, there are various reasons why we must not lose, but if there is even a 1% chance of competing for the championship, I believe this is one of the matches we must win. Having this match right after a loss means we are being tested.

Q. The match against Verdy, as with this season's encounter, left the impression of being a closely contested game.
ASince I was on the bench in the last game, this is just my impression from the sidelines, but they will probably come in fired up, and if they can even slightly reduce Tokyo's chances of winning, I think they will desperately try to crush that. I think it might be a tough match, but in the end, I just want us to be the ones who win.

Q. In that case, besides the tactical aspects, would the basic elements also be required?
A, well. I think the team that wins in terms of spirit will win the match.

Q. Keita ENDO has scored goals in past matches and gives the impression of being strong on big stages.
A, that is a thing of the past and already finished. We are preparing to face a new game ahead.

Q. This season, you have scored goals from the left diagonal position of the goal and created decisive scenes. Do you feel like you have developed a "pattern"?
A has been improving their shooting skills year by year, and it has become a bit of a confidence booster. The goal scene in the Kashiwa Reysol match felt good, and although it was a situation (to the left diagonal of the goal), I now feel quite confident in my shooting.

Q: You have been delivering results and fulfilling your role in attack, but what kind of tasks are expected from you in defense?
A, there are indeed two players on the right side with strong defensive abilities, so compared to them, I think I am weaker in terms of completely taking the ball away. However, I also recognize that in the current team, if you don't absolutely return to dangerous areas or where you should fall back, you can't get playing time. I think the strength of the current team is that everyone is working hard without slacking off.

Q. Lastly, please give a message to the fans and supporters ahead of the match against Verdy.
A, in a way, I think this match will be a test for both the players and the fans/supporters. Of course, I was disappointed and felt down after losing the previous match, and I believe the players and fans/supporters shared that shock. That is the reality, and it's something that has passed, so I think the key is how much we can show our fighting spirit or rebound mentality in the upcoming Tokyo V match. I'm looking forward to that.