Review of the previous match against Kashima Antlers
The challenges faced during the long holiday. Overcoming that was the Tamagawa Classico. Following that, we welcomed the match against Kashima Antlers, who were on a five-game winning streak with five consecutive clean sheets.
5 consecutive matches without conceding a goal.
Kashima's defensive intimidation was as recorded. The pressure at the ball, the speed of retreat after losing the ball, and the strength and height in front of the goal. From the moment of kickoff, their strong points were pushed to the forefront, building an impregnable wall.
Impenetrable fortress that suggests no gaps.
By allowing Kashima to take the lead, their rigidity only intensified. In a situation where precise passes and coordination akin to threading a needle were required, there was a man who did not miss a moment of opportunity.
From the beginning, Diego OLIVEIRA was engaging with the opposing center-back. In the 25th minute of the first half, he positioned himself to switch with the opposing center-back, turned towards the goal, and was fouled from behind, earning a penalty kick.
Shuto ABE's loop pass, which did not miss the movement, was impressive, but it was Diego TABA's brilliant positioning, slipping his body between the opposing defender and the goal, that pried open the fortress door.
After equalizing, both teams maintained their intensity until the final whistle, engaging in fierce battles for the ball and rapid exchanges of offense and defense. If they had entered the second half while defending a one-goal lead, there was a possibility that Kashima's strong winning mentality would have allowed them to escape with a victory. The ace's brilliant turn that drew the opponent out became the key point of this match.
Match Preview
The three-match series against the top teams has reached its second game. In the previous match, Tokyo faced the Kashima Antlers, who were on a five-match winning streak away from home, and Diego OLIVEIRA converted a penalty kick he earned himself, breaking the opponent's clean sheet record. Furthermore, throughout the match, the intensity did not drop, and they showed a push against the opponent.
This match will be against Vissel Kobe, who are currently at the top of the league. They have the second highest number of goals scored and the fewest goals conceded, making them a well-rounded team in both offense and defense.
This match comes right after Andres INIESTA announced his departure, and being a home game, the stadium will likely be filled with a warm atmosphere of farewell for INIESTA. The team will surely step up their game more than ever, determined not to waste the little time left to play with a global legend.
As Tokyo, we want to stick to the style we are building without being overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the stadium or pressured by Kobe's momentum. In particular, we need to be on high alert for our powerful attacking lineup, centered around player Osako, who is currently at the top of the league scoring rankings, and former blue-red warrior player Muto, who has marked 4 goals this season, more than in previous matches.
After a losing streak during the long holiday, the team has created a flow where, based on the common understanding of "first, we need to solidify our defense," they have increased the intensity at the ball contests through organized defense, creating more opportunities to regain possession, and gradually taking control through subsequent short counters and ball retention.
At the top, Iniesta, Osako, Muto... there are countless factors to consider. Of course, it's important to know the opponent and prepare countermeasures, but we want to surpass the opponent with our own style, focus our direction on ourselves, and return to Tokyo with points.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: We will be facing Vissel Kobe, which has a lineup of highly skilled attackers.
A, compared to last season, Kobe has transformed into a team with very high intensity. They have a strong awareness of aiming for the goal and seem to have changed significantly from last season into a team that skillfully incorporates direct play while building their attacks. They work hard for the full 90 minutes, and there are many dangerous players up front. I believe the team composition allows the individuality of the forward players to shine.
Q: What kind of approach is important when facing Kobe, who plays with high intensity?
A, first of all, it is important for us to express at least the same level of intensity and win duels in all situations, starting with one-on-one situations. Then, we need to maximize the quality that our players possess. Kobe will likely apply intense pressing from the front line. It is important for us to respond with equal or greater play. As I always say, the J1 League is very competitive. In closely contested matches, the first goal has a significant impact on controlling the flow of the game. That is why it is necessary to stay focused from the start of the match.
Q: How do you see the players' condition from the coach's perspective during the consecutive matches?
A, This week, we face Kobe after just two days of rest, but I recall that during the previous COVID-19 period, the league schedule was even more congested. In tomorrow's match against Kobe, which is the third game in a row with only two days of rest, there is a significant possibility that some players will clearly show signs of fatigue after the 20th minute of the second half. However, since several players did not participate in Wednesday's Levain Cup or had their playing time managed, I believe we can manage this effectively through player substitutions and other management strategies.
Q: In Kobe, there is Andres INIESTA, who was announced to leave the team yesterday. Please tell us the coach's impression of INIESTA.
A, in the history of the football world so far, he is undoubtedly one of the top 20 greatest players in the world. And by him coming to Japan, the global recognition of the J.League has also greatly increased. Everyone knows how wonderful a player Iniesta is.
Q: I think there is a possibility that Iniesta will participate in tomorrow's match. What kind of match development do you expect?
Everyone knows the high quality of player Andres INIESTA. If he steps onto the pitch, it is possible that he could dramatically change the game with a single play. He is a world-class player, after all.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q: If you play in tomorrow's match against Vissel Kobe, you will achieve a total of 450 appearances in the J1 League.
A, it felt like it passed in the blink of an eye, and it still feels like I just recently reached 400 appearances. As I get older, it seems to be going by even faster.
Q: How do you feel when you look back on your career so far?
A, I have never had an easy and smooth season, and there have been difficult times. I play every season feeling the challenges of professional life.
Q: What has been your motivation for playing for such a long time?
The driving force is the desire to win and the sense of responsibility that comes from having played in Tokyo for a long time.
Q: I got the impression that the defense has been organized since the recent match against Kawasaki Frontale.
A, we still lack the ability to fix things and solve problems among the players. I believe we can discuss and make corrections during halftime and after the match as much as needed. During the game, I think the players who are on the field need to think carefully and play accordingly.
Q: There are scenes where the sense of security when Masato MORISHIGE and Shuhei TOKUMOTO are in possession of the ball can be seen in their play.
A, there are moments in the match where it feels difficult to maintain balance in the back line. In the past few games, we have played in a way that quickly sends the ball to the front line, accumulating points. Quickly sending the ball forward, making solid decisions to connect from our own half, and having a sense of balance on how to utilize the strengths of each current member are all important.
Q: Please tell us your feelings as you prepare to face Mutou again.
Both as a team and for player Muto himself, we feel he is in good form. Looking at the past few matches, his physical sharpness is excellent, and he has been steadily scoring goals. I believe I understand his strengths well, and of course, I think Muto also knows a lot about me. Within that context, I want us to have a good match.
Q: The player partnering with Muto is Osako. How will you contain the highly offensive attackers?
A, I also confirmed it on video, but he uses tactics and slight movements in front of the goal to get behind the defense. I feel his skill, and I want to be especially careful when playing in front of the goal.
Q: Do you think that winning against the top team, Kobe, will bring a good momentum?
If we can secure a victory against the top team in consecutive matches including the Levain Cup, I believe it will create a good momentum for the team. Since we will continue to face top-ranked teams including next week's match against Yokohama F.Marinos, we want to approach it with full concentration.
