Due to production scheduling, the MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo match on May 6 (Monday holiday) will be on break.
The next Mecha Koma will be the MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Kashiwa Reysol match on May 11 (Sat).
Review of the previous match against Kyoto SANGA F.C.
The long-awaited first victory of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium. For the two players who scored the heroic goals, it was also a celebratory cannon dedicated to their family members' birthdays.
Just four minutes into the first half, from the right side, Soma ANZAI sent a ball back that flowed to the far side, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE struck with his left foot, saying, "We practiced for the team to enter from the opposite side. I really wanted to score today." The shot hit its target, marking his first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium. He gifted a spectacular birthday goal to his brother, whose birthday was on the day of the match.
Next to deliver a smile was the returning starter Diego OLIVEIRA. He scored an additional goal by powerfully heading in a cross from Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, marking his second consecutive goal in league matches. Despite having a shoulder injury that kept him out of the match roster for a while, this moment hinted at his true potential. This goal became a celebration for his mother's birthday, who lives in Brazil.
After dominating both offense and defense in the first half, the second half saw scenes where Kyoto SANGA F.C. pushed back, resulting in them scoring one goal. Additionally, just before the end of the second half, there was a scene where a penalty kick was declared, but this was overturned with the support of VAR, avoiding a crisis.
Endured about 9 and a half minutes of additional time as is and secured the second consecutive win of the season. After the match, the 'City That Never Sleeps' and the victorious 'You’ll never walk alone' echoed through Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time this season.
Match Preview
Exactly one year ago. There are likely many who remember the frustration of that day. And the numerous disappointments experienced in Sapporo away. The time has come to rewrite all of that.
Since the 2017 season, the official match record against Sapporo is 3 draws and 5 losses. In addition to four comeback losses, last season on May 6, we suffered a heavy defeat with 5 goals conceded, just like this time. The fact that our compatibility is so poor that it is considered a "difficult venue" can be seen from the results.
However, everything is in the past. There is no need to worry at all. The team is currently on a winning streak after defeating Albirex Niigata and SANGA S. They have risen to 6th place. Although this is a place where they have tasted bitter defeats many times, the players stepping onto the pitch this time are focused solely on the game in front of them and aiming for victory. Because they can see the shadows of the top teams, they want to fight for every match with determination.
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo has struggled with no wins in six matches, including five consecutive losses since the opening, but marked their first victory against Gamba Osaka in Sec. 7. After that, they continued with four consecutive draws, but they will face Tokyo with an unbeaten record of five matches.
In the previous match, we drew 1-1 away against Cerezo Osaka, who are competing for the top spots. Currently, we have scored the first goal in six consecutive league matches, showing that our scoring ability is certainly not low. Although we are ranked 17th, we cannot underestimate our opponent. However, we have lost all matches in which we conceded the first goal. There is also a tendency to concede many goals in the final stages of the matches.
As Tokyo recorded the league's highest 19 goals at the end of the last match, they want to use their proud attacking power to score the opening goal at all costs. Since they have also been noticeable for conceding goals in the second half, in addition to capturing the opening goal, solving issues such as game management and time usage at the right moments will likely be key to victory.
Being able to score goals from anywhere has been a significant achievement for the team. It's been two days since the last match against Kyoto. We want to get through this series of matches together and aim for our third consecutive league victory since March 2022 to build momentum for the future.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: The next match seems to be a tough one, coming just two days later.
A, we will prepare thoroughly for that. We always adapt to the situations we face, and no matter the circumstances, even in Monday's match, we will overcome tough conditions and keep moving forward. Whoever plays, we will simply select the 11 players to start on the pitch and fight.
Q. What is your impression of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo this season?
A, they are a very good and dangerous team. I always prepare with respect for the opponent, and I am approaching Sapporo with the same mindset. They seem to have been improving their form in recent matches. In the previous round, they drew an away game against Cerezo Osaka. (YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM) is a tough place to fight, so even a draw is a good result for them. Furthermore, in the match before that, they played a 3-3 game against Shonan Bellmare. This is proof that their form is rising, and we will also make the best preparations to bring out our maximum strength.
Q. The away match against Sapporo has been without a victory for 12 seasons.
A, it's beautiful, isn't it? I love that kind of situation. I believe it's one of the records we can change ourselves. However, the media never told us before the match against Avispa Fukuoka that "we haven't won in 24 years" (laughs). I only heard about the jinx after the game. This time, it's half for Fukuoka, so I want to break the record again.
Q. When using players with only two days of rest, are there any numerical indicators that can be used to make decisions from a medical perspective?
A, the physical team is also making decisions while looking at the numbers. This includes GPS data, which is measured even during the match. We try to make smart decisions by gathering as much information as possible, including the intensity level and fatigue. Today is the day after the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., so recovery is important. Also, since tomorrow is the day before the next match, it is crucial to complete the training preparation. I believe the players selected for the match squad will play with pride in being able to stand on the pitch.
Q. Considering the variations in age and playing time among players, isn't the key to high performance the successful fitting of data like a puzzle?
A, that is one of the things we work on every day. As I always say, the mentality during daily training is important. With that as a premise, we clarify how we need to play. There are various puzzles, but it is crucial that the players work while understanding what they need to do. As we compete through the season, we believe that everyone is necessary. I think you can understand that, especially when fighting consecutive matches like this, we truly need the strength of all our members. However, our football can still progress further. I believe that through daily efforts, we can help the players grow even more. With that, the puzzles should be solvable.
[Player Interview]
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: You will have your next match in two days. How is your condition?
A, I think it is important to take care so as not to carry over fatigue from the previous match against Kyoto SANGA F.C. When I was a specially designated player last season, I played 90 minutes in a university official match and then appeared in the Levain Cup two days later. This season, I have also experienced playing matches with only three days in between, such as the April matches against Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers. To get through consecutive matches, I want to focus on recovery first. Aiming for the three consecutive wins that we couldn't achieve last season, I believe toughness with a focus on results is required.
Q. Exactly one season ago on May 6th. Soma ANZAI made his J1 League debut in an away match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.
A, it was a very disappointing match. I think they were the perfect opponent to make people feel, "Tokyo is different this season." I want to show our growth as a team and as individuals through our results. My J1 League debut was a heavy 1-5 defeat, and I experienced rock bottom on the pitch. Even now, after one season, I feel that experience is still alive within me.
Q. How do you plan to overcome Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, known for their distinctive system and tactics?
A, I think it will be a match with aggressive defense and intense battles for the ball, like in the previous match against Kyoto. Regarding the starting players from the last match, I believe the key point is whether the players positioned wide, including myself and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, can beat their opponents one-on-one during attacks and create opportunities by overlapping with the wing backs. The key point is whether we can quickly commit more players when switching to offense.
Q. The activities of the U-23 Japan national team have ended, and Kuryu MATSUKI and Ryotaro ARAKI will soon return to the team. The competition for attacking positions seems likely to reignite, but please tell us what is necessary to secure a regular starting spot.
A, I want to continue raising the base and standard values such as play intensity and dedication to defense that I have been working on consistently. If I can demonstrate it in numbers like the assist I made in the Kyoto match, I believe I can establish myself on the right side as a player who contributes highly to defense and also leaves numbers in attack. I want to build up step by step from the current base and grow into a player who brings change and becomes an accent in the attack with my play.
<Takahiro KO>
Q: How is your condition for the back-to-back matches with two days in between?
A, surprisingly, I feel like I have been able to play up to this point without feeling too much fatigue. Without using consecutive matches as an excuse, even though it is an away game, the whole team wants to work hard to firmly bring back 3 points to Tokyo.
Q. What is your impression of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo?
A, regarding defense, they tend to play aggressively in a man-to-man style, and in attack, they seem to focus on building up with combination play. For us, we want to achieve a clean sheet with high-intensity defense that does not give freedom to the opposing players. In attack, by breaking away from the players who press us and advancing forward, if we can coordinate plays with the second and third players, chances will naturally come. We want to approach the match with a shared awareness of both offense and defense among all players.
Q: I think closing out matches in the final stages is a challenge. Please tell us what is necessary to reduce conceding goals.
A, in the previous match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., we conceded one goal and allowed them to gain momentum. Although we had to endure for a long time, securing the win first will contribute to the team's growth. However, the longer we have to endure defensively, the more mentally and physically challenging it becomes. To control the game according to the match situation and take the initiative, everyone on the pitch needs to play with the same mindset in both offense and defense.
Q, About one-quarter of the league matches for this season have been completed.
Since the start of the league matches, I spent several games unable to even get on the bench, going through frustrating times. However, from the match against Avispa Fukuoka, I was given the opportunity to start, and I have been constantly thinking about "what I can do for the team" while playing. I want to further express myself on the pitch from here on, and most importantly, I want to increase the time we hold the ball more than now. By quickly sensing the opponent's movements and formation and moving the ball, I believe it will also lead to pressing the opponent. I feel a sense of growth in defense with each match, and it seems the number of times the opponent breaks through from the central position has significantly decreased. However, it is also true that the number of goals conceded has not decreased. Since we continue to concede goals in situations that are not difficult to defend, such as set plays and simple plays, I want to be more conscious of communicating to the whole team from the defensive midfield position and winning the ball back in the central area.
