Aiming for the league's first championship, fighting until the very last second
This season, Tokyo has been forced to play consecutive away games since summer because Ajinomoto Stadium is unavailable due to hosting the Rugby World Cup. Despite this tough schedule, the team has maintained a top position and is currently in a spot to aim for their first league championship. Captain Keigo HIGASHI reveals the truth behind this situation.
Tough 8 consecutive away matches Fight through to the end
— How do you feel about the eight consecutive away matches continuing since the end of August?
"First of all, playing away games itself is difficult, and from summer to mid-November, we have a series of consecutive away matches. In that context, as the record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses in the six consecutive matches until the end of October shows, I once again feel that it is not easy. Naturally, since these are the opponent's home games, they have momentum and apply intense pressure from the start, making the way we play very challenging. However, up to this point, I believe we have steadily accumulated points without any major collapses."
――Was the Sec. 28 match against Tosu, where we suffered a come-from-behind loss, a frustrating game?
"We created many chances, and it was a match where we definitely needed to score when it counted. I believe there is always a reason for winning or losing, and nothing is accidental, so we must face the reality of being overtaken in the final stages. How should we have controlled the remaining time while leading? This is always a challenge for us, but even though we lost, we discussed within the team calmly to accurately identify the cause of the defeat without getting emotional."
――That kind of team attitude led to the victory in the next match against Kobe.
"Since Sec. 26 against Kashima, we hadn't been able to score during the flow of the game, but we managed to score 3 goals in the first half, maintained the lead, and effectively managed the time. Even in the final stages when we faced counterattacks, we adapted by switching to a three-back defense, solidifying our defense flexibly, and I believe we were able to steadily secure 3 points. Arthur SILVA's middle-range shot scored, creating scoring patterns that we hadn't seen in the first half of the season. If we can score both during the flow of the game and from set plays, our attack will become more robust, and if players starting for the first time or those who had few opportunities to play perform well, it will also be a stimulus for the team. This was a very important away match heading into the final stages of the season."
— When Kenta HASEGAWA was appointed manager for the 2018 season, he also said that the team needed new energy to bring momentum in order to win the league championship.
"Now, while competing for the championship, I want the young players to take on more challenges. I believe Tsuyoshi WATANABE, the center back, is one of the players who has seized the opportunity this season riding the team's momentum, and I hope other young players will also show bold plays. I think the coach is also waiting for such players to emerge. New energy instantly revitalizes the team, and I believe that kind of atmosphere and talent currently exist within the team."
At the end of October, the club officially announced the contract renewal of Coach HASEGAWA.
"Since Coach HASEGAWA took office in Tokyo, I think the entire team has changed. Under a coach who is strict about discipline, we have become a group that fights harder than ever, and I believe the quality of our soccer itself has matured even more from the first year to the second year. Various players joined and left the team since last season, but even with changes in the roster, the team's foundation has not wavered. Good or bad, capable or not, the coach clearly points these out, so as a player, it is very easy to work under him and I feel that I am growing. I want to continue building on this situation more and more, and I believe we must achieve good results this season to connect to next year."
— This season, I am leading the team as captain.
"I always feel the responsibility that I must do it. I had the desire to change the team and make it stronger, and I also want to change myself and become a much better player. No matter how bold my words are, if I don't show play worthy of a captain, it won't resonate with everyone. I believe it's important to keep playing in matches, showing my fighting spirit, and speaking to the team while doing so. However, from here on, it's crucial. We must continue what we've been doing until the end. We want to win the championship in Tokyo, and there are players with strong feelings about that."
First victory at Ajinomoto in about 3 months: The passion for winning
――The Sec. 32 match against Shonan on November 23 will be the first home game in about three months since August.
"I want to play at home as soon as possible. I can't wait for the atmosphere at Ajinomoto Stadium. This season, our home games at Ajinomoto have a good winning rate with 12 wins and 3 losses. When the stands are packed with blue and red fans and supporters, the opposing team must feel a lot of pressure. Before the eight consecutive away games start, I declared, 'I will come back in first place,' so as promised, I want to return to Ajinomoto at the top of the table."
The Rugby World Cup held at the same stadium featured a series of thrilling matches filled with excitement.
"We want to create that kind of passion ourselves this time. As a club based in the capital Tokyo, we aim to energize the J.League, so we want to achieve good results in the remaining away matches, return to Ajinomoto Stadium, and play in front of a full house."
――Please share your thoughts on the club's theme for the last two home matches, "Until the Last Second."
"From my experience, I deeply feel that soccer is a sport where the outcome is uncertain until the very end. No matter how much you dominate the game, if you slip up at the last moment, even in tough situations, you can turn things around with the final play. It's important to fight without giving up until the very end. Until the last second, the entire team must stay focused and fight to reach the top."
Since joining Tokyo in 2013, Higashi has always said, "I want to compete with a tense atmosphere that keeps me on edge until the end of the season."
"I believe that this kind of situation is something to be happy about as a player. That’s why I intend to enjoy it until the last match. Like many of my teammates, I have never experienced competing for the league championship under such thrilling tension, but on the other hand, you could say I am fearless. We have nothing to lose, so as challengers, we want to wholeheartedly aim for our first championship victory."
――Finally, please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
"The second half of the season involved consecutive away games, but I am truly grateful that many fans and supporters came all the way to the distant stadiums. There are only two home games left this season at Ajinomoto Stadium, and I want as many people as possible to invite their friends and come to Ajinomoto Stadium. A full stadium encourages us and greatly boosts the team's morale. I want to fight together with many fans and supporters who love Tokyo until the very last second of the season. Please continue to support us!"
