Review of the previous match against Albirex Niigata
The orange wave filling the stadium was swallowing the blue-red goal along with the orange-clad 11 players on the pitch.
In the early stages, Tokyo was also aggressive in their attacks, pressing towards the Albirex Niigata goal, but gradually lost control to Albirex Niigata, who pushed forward while maintaining possession of the ball.
Somehow enduring, the clock passed 90 minutes without conceding a goal, remaining at 0-0.
All that's left is the additional time. There was a moment when we were still fighting without giving up hope for victory, and there was an air pocket.
In the 45th minute of the second half plus one minute, while solidifying their own goal area, they were shaken by Niigata, who skillfully used both the sides and the center. A cross ball was sent in from the left side, and a player jumped in free right in front of the goal to head it in.
A header shot taken near the goal area. No matter how tall Taishi Brandon NOZAWA is, the shooting angle is vast. He strikes the ball down to the ground, making it difficult for the goalkeeper to handle, just like in the theory. The shot, riding the orange wave, approaches the goal line.
As if the entire sequence was visible in slow motion, player Nozawa remained calm. He positioned himself on the left side of the goal in preparation for the cross, and as the cross came in, he moved his position to the center of the goal without taking his eyes off the ball.
With a step, he matched his right foot to the ball that flew to his feet and kicked it back. The right foot that rebounded the orange wave. The clean sheet that the team, which had been on a losing streak, needed to regain confidence was achieved thanks to Nozawa's calm and composed response.
Match Preview
In the last match, we drew 0-0 away against Albirex Niigata, stopping our losing streak at two. Yuto NAGATOMO, who returned to play after three matches, said about this game, "We have been thoroughly focusing on defense." During the two-week preparation period, we returned to the basics of defense and confirmed the team's detailed agreements and individual tactics, which paid off.
This season, which has been marked by unstable battles, has seen us particularly struggle away with 2 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses. Player Nagatomo pointed out the reason: "Our defense has been too weak. First, we need to stabilize our defense. We need tenacity to prevent the opponent from playing comfortably and the precision in defense. (In the Niigata match) I was able to at least show the minimum as a defender."
The opponent for the final home match is Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. In the previous encounter, we conceded a season-high of 5 goals away, so stability in defense will likely be a key theme this match as well. Teruhito NAKAGAWA stated, "I want to play a match that gives viewers hope for next season," and he vows to turn this match into an opportunity to release the frustrations built up alongside the fans and supporters who have supported the team throughout this season. As a culmination of this season, we hope for a solid victory accompanied by good content.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: How did you improve the attacking issues seen in the match against Albirex Niigata this week?
A, after getting behind the opponent's last line, we think about becoming a threat towards the opponent's goal. Also, how to use space while maintaining possession of the ball is important. We want to continue improving on playing our style of football while applying pressure on the opponent, putting pressure on the opponent's goalkeeper, and making runs into areas that the opponent dislikes, supplying the ball to those spaces.
Q, after the Niigata match, there were words saying "(we) rushed a bit too much (in our attack)."
A, delivering a perfect performance is extremely difficult, but there were several moments in the game where we could have moved the ball into more space. If we can achieve that, I believe it will pose a threat to the opponent. However, having the mindset to push forward is very important, and in the match against Niigata, I think there were many instances where we lost the ball in situations we could have controlled.
Q: In the last match against Niigata, we were able to keep a clean sheet, so it seems that the results of our training focused on defense have paid off.
A, it was very important for us to organize our defense. At the same time, we must also continue to accumulate goals. In the match against Niigata, we were unable to demonstrate the results of our offensive efforts in the game. We want to express what we have built up in the match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. We expect the players to have a strong mentality to keep a clean sheet, score many goals, and fully demonstrate what we have been building up through training.
Q: How do you feel about the defense and practice focused on the Sapporo match?
Sapporo is a club that plays very wonderful football, and we respect Coach PETROVIC. When Sapporo has possession of the ball, the key point will be how sharply we can defend. We are currently preparing for that this week, and based on the fundamentals and principles of team defense, we want to connect it to good attacks. During attacks, we aim to move the ball skillfully, effectively use space, and break through their defensive block. We want to create good opportunities and make it an exciting match for our fans and supporters.
Q: This week's match against Sapporo will be the final home game.
A, this is a special and important match. Everyone understands how crucial it is to secure a victory. We are focused on making our fans and supporters happy. To achieve this, the players and staff are fighting desperately and have prepared thoroughly. I believe the players will give their all to win.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q: The season is approaching its final stages. Compared to last season, hasn't it been a difficult season?
As you can see from the standings, I feel that this season's performance was disappointing, and the results clearly reflect that. The coach was even replaced midway through the season, and we were unable to compete in the way we had envisioned at the start of the season. It turned out to be a very difficult season.
Q: During difficult times for the team, you must have often played the role of captain, right?
A, Coach CKLAMOVSKI took over midway through the season, and I believe we should not leave everything up to the coach regarding what kind of football to play and what style to build. Of course, each coach has their own unique approach, but the most important thing is for the players themselves to take action and challenge various things. Creating an environment for challenges, gathering each player's opinions, understanding what everyone thinks, and coordinating on what kind of play they want to perform in each position are tasks that I feel we need to increase going forward.
Q: Looking back at Morishige's comments this season, it seems to focus on "what the players will do."
A, it is not the coach but the players who play on the pitch. The coach steers the overall direction, but we players on the pitch must grow and express through our play what we feel in each moment. Each of the 11 players on the pitch should think more about what they want to do, what kind of play they want to make, how their chosen play affects the team, and what their strengths are, and express that. It is necessary to express not only what is required but also more than that. I believe each player should communicate what they want to do.
Q: How will you approach the last two matches?
A, in a way, I think these two matches are an opportunity to try various things. There are only a few days left until the final matchday on December 3rd, but I believe there are plenty of challenges we can take on during this remaining period. Of course, the league standings have become somewhat clear, but above all, for the fans and supporters, and to connect to our next season, we want to take various actions. Even if it’s just one thing, we want to seize an opportunity. If we start looking for that opportunity only from next season, it will inevitably take time to move forward. In that sense, I believe the battle for next season has already begun.
Q: This season, you achieved a total of 450 appearances in the J1 League. Furthermore, as a defensive player, you are expected to tie for the all-time record with 12 consecutive seasons of scoring in the J1 League.
A, this season I have been working on strengthening my physical condition to improve my overall condition, and I believe I can give myself a certain level of credit. I still feel I can compete, and being able to fight through the entire season has boosted my confidence for the future. Regarding consecutive goals, I often hear about it from those around me and can't help but be conscious of it, but I don't try to change anything by aiming specifically for that. Of course, I am happy to achieve records, but I believe there are still other areas where I can show my abilities, so I think it would be great if I can ultimately break records as a result.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: The away game in the last round against Albirex Niigata ended in a draw, how will you carry that momentum into the next match?
A, we were able to finish the away match with a clean sheet, but since we did not score any goals, I think it is necessary to improve that for this round. Keeping a clean sheet away is a good result, but the match content was not satisfactory. We want to improve both offensively and defensively.
Q: What kind of role do you want to take on in both offense and defense, Nakagawa?
A, I believe the important things are the intensity in one-on-one situations and the mindset and mentality when approaching the match. We want to increase possession by holding the ball longer in the opponent's territory. I think what I just mentioned is everything needed to win, but first and foremost, we focus on fighting to achieve the result of victory.
Q, as Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo applies high pressure, it is expected that many options will arise in the attacking phase.
A, if you can successfully break through the opponent's defense and exploit the space, the number of scoring opportunities will naturally increase. On the other hand, if the ball is lost in a deep position in our own half, it will directly lead to a dangerous situation. I believe that unless players continuously challenge themselves to skillfully evade their matched opponents during the game, neither the team nor the individual will grow, and this will be the key point that determines the outcome of the match.
Q: This match will be the final home game of the season.
A, Above all, we want to end with everyone smiling in the end. We want to show the fans and supporters a match that gives them hope for the next season.
