Review of the previous match against Gamba Osaka
When focusing on an attacking style of football while maintaining possession of the ball, it is often the case that teams struggle to break through the defensive blocks set up by their opponents.
When you are pressing the opponent and maintaining possession of the ball, there is not enough space when trying to break through vertically. In that case, you can utilize the width of the pitch to stretch the clustered opponents, aiming for gaps between players, or change the play significantly to the side to create opportunities for crosses before the opponent's defense can slide into position.
In the former, skills and play accuracy are required to navigate through the slight gaps that are created, while in the latter, speed is necessary to leave the opponent behind.
In the match against Gamba Osaka, Tokyo struggled to score despite having control of the game, but they chose to take action and changed the score. Moreover, not only showcasing individual skill, but also with a high-level collaboration involving the passer, the second, third, and fourth players, they managed to break through the narrow area inside the penalty box.
With the opponent pushed back, Yuto NAGATOMO, who opened up on the right side, delivers a penetrating pass that becomes the switch for the attack to Diego OLIVEIRA, who has entered near the center of the penalty area.
As the center forward who attracted the opposing defender lets the ball pass, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had been supporting from behind, receives the ball.
Diego TABA ran towards the goal after letting the ball pass, creating space in front of the goal while drawing the defender along with him. There, Riki HARAKAWA, the fourth attacker, jumped in and received Nakagawa's pass.
From here, Harakawa's technique shone. After evading one defender with his initial control, he faked to the center to shake off the second defender, and calmly slid the ball into the net, targeting the goalkeeper's difficult-to-react area at his feet.
A fusion of teamwork and individual skills that keeps the opponent's defense on the back foot in every response. On the day of the club's 25th anniversary, the goal that concretely envisions Tokyo's future was not a coincidence. Turning the pains of creation into future glory. Instead of throwing in the towel in the face of the current situation, the team's efforts to continue growing will surely increase on the pitch from now on.
Match Preview
After a break of about three weeks, the league matches will resume. There are only five matches left this season. The possibility of winning a title or qualifying for the AFC Champions League has disappeared, while on the other hand, J1 League survival has been secured. The focus for the team is on building a style of football that connects to the future and developing a winner's mentality.
In the consecutive wins against Sagan Tosu and Gamba Osaka, even after victories, Teruhito NAKAGAWA calls on his teammates for further motivation, continuously making efforts to promote the team's growth without wasting any match.
In this long-awaited official match, I want to show the fans and supporters the path forward by testing the progress made over the past three weeks while deepening the desired soccer style and balancing the fight to win.
The opponent, Yokohama FC, is in last place and is in the midst of a battle for J1 League survival, just one point behind 17th place Shonan Bellmare. The motivation to fight in this match is extremely high, and it is expected that they will strongly express their desire for victory. Therefore, Tokyo wants to demonstrate that they are a team that surpasses the opponent's desire for victory with their own growth ambitions, as well as show that they are ahead in terms of the deepening of their soccer style.
In the first half of the match, they faced each other in the fourth game after the opening. Tokyo had played three matches with one win, one draw, and one loss, and was not in great form, but they took an early lead within the first five minutes and won 3-1, showing a game flow where they held the initiative.
Following this match, on October 28 (Saturday), we will celebrate the conclusion of the club's 25th anniversary match. We want to continue our momentum of two consecutive wins without interruption in the away game and return to Ajinomoto with 3 points.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Yokohama FC, who we will be facing this round, is a team fighting to avoid relegation. What will you be focusing on as you approach the match?
A is a tough opponent who will fight with a strong desire to remain in the league, so I think it will be a difficult match. The mentality I always demand from the players when facing a game is crucial, and for us, securing all three points is everything. I believe both teams will engage in a passionate battle to earn the three points. We understand the opponent's style of play, so we want to show a game that respects their strengths and exploits their weaknesses.
Q: You haven't achieved three consecutive wins this season yet, but how do you view the value that consecutive wins bring?
A, we are focusing on what we need to do now in our performance. If we can fully demonstrate in the match what we have encouraged so far and the areas where we have grown, I believe we will be a threat to our opponents. We are focusing on maximizing our performance and expressing the best football. For that, it is important to maintain concentration in any situation and win the decisive moments. Every match has turning points that determine the outcome, and we demand that we firmly take those moments as our own. What we need to cultivate may be a mentality to fight ruthlessly against our opponents at times. I always think only about winning the match in front of me. I want to give everything I have to win against Yokohama FC.
Q: After a break of about three weeks, will there be any changes in the members?
A, as we practiced today, there are variations in the members and we have multiple options. Since there is time until the match, I would like to consider the players' conditions during practice.
Q: Four players who were selected for the U-22 Japan national team have completed their activities and are returning home. How do you feel about them gaining match experience and coming back to the team?
A, after returning to the country and arriving at the clubhouse, I would like to check the condition of each of the four players. I do not know whether they will participate in the match against Yokohama FC. Including whether they play or not, I cannot say anything at this time. Representing the country in competition is truly something special and feels very rewarding. I want to carefully check their condition and make a decision.
[Player Interview]
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q: In the last match against Gamba Osaka, you achieved a shutout victory and extended your winning streak. What kind of feeling do you have about this?
In the match against Gamba Osaka, I believe we were able to secure a very good victory. As a defensive player myself, I feel confident that we managed to keep a clean sheet by not allowing the opponent to score, and that our defense contributed directly to the win. This week, we are preparing to face Yokohama FC, and after about a three-week break, I think both our bodies and minds are refreshed and ready for the match. As a team, we have been conducting good training sessions in preparation for the Yokohama FC game. I want to put the Gamba Osaka match behind us and focus on winning the next game and extending our winning streak.
Q: There was talk about the break period, but were there things that the team improved or organized?
A, during the approximately three-week break period, I feel that we were able to practice very well. In particular, we were able to strengthen our physical condition and deepen the coordination within the team, and we also worked on tactical training. I believe we are making progress step by step in a positive direction.
Q: Is there anything you are conscious of in terms of play, instructions, and coordination between the defense to build the defense that Coach Klamovski is seeking?
A, as a defensive player, individual defensive skills are naturally required first, but what I value is communication with teammates and positioning when defending. I focus on communicating during practice and directing positioning from the defensive line when defending. I feel that it is gradually improving.
Q: Yokohama FC has players, including foreign players, who have the ability to break through individually in the front line. What measures will you take against them?
A, not only for this round against Yokohama FC, we are determined to fight with the mindset that there are no easy matches. The opponent has many highly skilled players, and it is expected to be a very difficult game. Considering Yokohama FC's current team situation and ranking, I believe they will approach this match with a very strong desire to win at all costs. We will also aim for our third consecutive win and want to fight passionately in pursuit of victory without being passive.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: Expectations are high for scoring in three consecutive matches.
A, there are only 5 matches left this season, and I want to do my best aiming for consecutive goals. Whether I play on the left or right side, I will not change my style; I want to focus on vertical attacks, shooting awareness, and delivering crosses from the side that lead to scoring opportunities.
Q: It seems that the dribbling, which is a weapon of player Tawaramizuki, is leading to goals and chances.
A, it was clear from the training at the beginning of this season and the debut match that my strong dribbling skills would be effective, and I felt confident about it. Dribbling is one of my personal strengths, so if it didn't work, I would consider it the end. I have gained confidence in that and want to continue improving it.
Q: You have been participating in matches and scoring goals, what areas do you feel you have grown in?
A, there are still challenges in the defensive aspect, but I feel that awareness is gradually improving. I have been taught and asked about positioning and small details by various people, and little by little, I believe we are aligning with the defensive style the team demands. Compared to the beginning of the season, I feel that my stamina has improved.
Q: What kind of approach is important for the match against Yokohama FC?
A. When defending and forming a block against the opponent, there are situations where simply having the ball is not enough to break through. In such cases, I want to use my dribbling to break down the opposing defense and show plays that lead to scoring. While scoring in three consecutive matches is ideal, I want to focus on the task at hand in every game and play with that awareness.
