Review of the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
Tokyo conceded an unexpected goal early on. After that, there were periods where the opponent maintained possession of the ball.
It was the reliable number 9 who broke through such a difficult situation. Diego OLIVEIRA showed a game-changing play.
First, in the 27th minute of the first half. Involved in the build-up from the right side by dropping back to the midfield, a superb through pass was made with a one-touch to the right front. Anticipating Diego TABA's hold-up play, Takahiro KO made a run into space and broke free, and in the center, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA connected with a left-footed volley to equalize.
Tokyo, having brought the match back to square one, maintained compactness with two lines in the midfield and defense, restricting the opponent's freedom by tightening the center. They developed a focused game plan, not rushing, to ensure they did not miss any momentary gaps shown by the opponent.
The switch from stillness to motion was flipped just after the 15-minute mark of the second half. Launching an intense press that was unimaginable from the previous developments, it induced confusion in Sapporo.
Then, in the 20th minute of the second half, we raised the intensity another notch and launched an aggressive press with coordinated movements to attack the opponent's territory.
Diego TABA's pressure on the opposing goalkeeper's build-up caused Sapporo's passing play to break down, and Soma ANZAI intercepted the ball high up the pitch. The number 9 received the ball and passed it to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who then made a run into the space in front of the goal. Here, NAKAGAWA, surrounded by defenders, managed to keep the ball alive and ran in, extending his left foot just before the opposing defender could block it, scoring the turnaround goal.
From a focused stance, a sharp short counter like an iaijutsu draw. And his finish was also a strike that seized a momentary space and timing like an instant.
As an individual, I have scored in three consecutive matches, and the team has achieved three consecutive victories. The outstanding striker said with a smile, "I am happy that we have won every match in which I scored. If I score but the team doesn't win, it means nothing. I want to continue this."
A victory in Sapporo, where we have faced many hardships, marks our first win since the 2012 season. This raises our league ranking to 4th place.
Match Preview
In the previous match, we achieved a comeback victory against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo with a score of 2-1, marking our third consecutive win. This victory at Sapporo Dome is our first in 12 seasons. Diego OLIVEIRA, who scored in three consecutive matches, stated, "Even the players who weren't here are competing together at Kodaira Ground. That's why I believe this victory is something we all earned together. I'm really happy that my goal was the winning goal, but it was also a goal we all fought for together. I want to share this joy with all the fans and supporters."
In this match against Kashiwa Reysol at Ajinomoto Stadium, a player who will further accelerate the team, which has risen to 4th place, is returning. Kuryu MATSUKI, who participated as a member of the U-23 Japan national team in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 and secured a ticket to the Paris Olympics, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA are back. Reflecting on his experience, Matsuki said, "This tournament has become a memorable one in my soccer life," as he raises his spirits for the battle in Tokyo. "Next, I need to prepare well to perform in Tokyo and further enhance my value. I also want to leave visible results for myself."
The strong desire for victory is unchanged for every player. The team unites to seize the 3 points, and Tokyo enters the championship race.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, we achieved victory over Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, marking our third consecutive win.
A, what is important for us is to respond alertly to what happens on the pitch. We respect the efforts of the players and staff regarding the results so far, but what we should do for the next match and what actions to take are crucial. Continuity leads to growth. We also want to fight tough in this week's match against Kashiwa Reysol.
Q: In the recent matches, we have developed the ability to come from behind without getting discouraged even after conceding goals.
<div>A, there may have been such matches in the past, but the players are approaching the environment we are creating here now with a hungry spirit. When patience, each player's character, and their respective mentalities come together, I believe we can overcome any obstacle. It is important to continue challenging ourselves to carve out our own path and to keep moving forward without stopping.
Q: I believe that the play, which was not confined to a specific position, led to the goal in the Sapporo match.
A, Takahiro KO did a wonderful job. I believe the equalizing goal in the Sapporo.D match contained many good elements as a team. The finish by Kota TAWARATSUMIDA was a goal that came from a good movement. Such individual good plays by the players can be seen a lot in practice. I am pleased that what has been built up through daily training at Kodaira Ground has been returned to the players. On the other hand, there were also points that need improvement. I believe that by continuing and addressing these issues, we can grow further.
Q: Looking back at the scoring scenes so far, how do you feel about the overall fluidity of the team?
A, I think the most important thing is the team's growth and how we use space. The players are consciously targeting areas and spaces that the opponent dislikes, showing good coordination and connection in their play. Even if Diego OLIVEIRA did not play as a forward in the match against Sapporo.D, the player who took his place would have made the choice to play in that position or to pass to Takahashi, who moved to the side. I believe the team's overall awareness and understanding can still improve a lot. Because the team has a structure, fluidity is created. Especially, we have a strong focus on moving forward. Watching the game, I feel that the exciting scenes that send a thrill through the body are leading to goals.
[Player Interview]
＜Diego OLIVEIRA＞
Q: Scoring in three consecutive matches has brought the team three straight victories.
A: Right after the league started, the team struggled to secure wins, and we didn't achieve the results we desired. There were times when my individual condition wasn't improving, and overall, we couldn't get off to a good start. Since late April, both the team and I have felt an upward trend in our performance, and I want to play with the intention of maintaining this good situation. Scoring in three consecutive matches is not something I've experienced often in my career. However, the most gratifying thing is that we have won all three matches in which I scored. I believe that the team's victories and my ability to score are well linked.
Q, I believe that the good collaboration among players, starting with Teruhito NAKAGAWA, is a factor that leads to scoring.
A, as everyone knows, Nakagawa is a player with exceptionally high abilities. No matter which position he plays, he supports the attack with high-quality play. This also applies to me; if the team requires it, I may need to play in a different position than I do now. It is important for everyone to work together for the team's victory.
Q: Diego OLIVEIRA is always involved in the team's recent goals.
Regarding the goal against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in match A, I believe it is proof that the team is fighting together and coordinating well. For the first goal against Sapporo, Takahiro KO, who usually plays in a central position, took advantage of the opportunity by moving to the side, which led to the goal. Also, I think our forwards have increased not only their attacking efforts but also their awareness and intensity in supporting defense. The main reason for the good results is that everyone is fighting with the same mindset, regardless of their position.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: How do you reflect on the U-23 Japan national team's activities ending with a championship?
A, it was a schedule with consecutive matches, and I believe we were able to win the championship precisely because the entire team fought tough. My honest impression is that we fought well until the end. Although we lost the match against South Korea, I think what the team has built up led to the result of winning the championship. There were many things I had never experienced before that I was able to enjoy in this tournament, and it was a memorable tournament in my soccer career where I spent a very intense time. We returned to Tokyo in good form, and the team is positioned to aim for first place, so I want to focus on switching gears properly and contributing.
Q: I heard that you were paying attention to Tokyo's matches and results even during the national team activities.
A, despite having some injured players, gave a tough fight. By securing a solid three consecutive wins during the Golden Week matches, the entire team has become more united and is moving in the same direction. This match is a home game, so we want to win firmly and enhance the team's value. I personally rejoined the team after a long time, and the atmosphere is full of energy, allowing us to play well even in practice. Since I just rejoined after national team activities, I want to get used to the feel of the turf and the weather, and properly adjust my condition.
Q: Please tell us if there are any important points regarding the match against Kashiwa Reysol.
First, I want to combine my strengths with what the team has built up during the period we were away for national team activities, and create something even better. Since the match is at Ajinomoto Stadium, winning is an absolute requirement. I want to focus on playing with the top priority of "victory" in the home game.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: After defeating Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, the team is currently on a three-game winning streak. What kind of feeling do you have?
Regarding the fact that key players were away from the team due to activities with the U-23 Japan national team, I believe the entire team feels confident about the result of three consecutive wins. However, there are many issues and points to correct that we felt during the matches, and we have not been able to finish a game without conceding a goal. There are many areas we need to thoroughly work on to aim even higher from here. Although we have achieved three consecutive wins, I believe this is just the start of the battle for the top positions. We cannot afford to lose any match. Including the match against Kashiwa Reysol, we want to focus solely on winning the upcoming games.
Q: The team is currently in 4th place, with the highest number of goals in the league at 21 goals. Please tell us the reasons.
A, I think the various scoring patterns, especially the many goals from open play, are working to our advantage. The increase in scoring variations is proof that all 11 players on the field, the bench members, and even those who did not play in the match share the same awareness and understanding of what we want to do and the tactical points. Recently, there have been many goals from crosses, and the team's overall understanding of the points for penetrating in front of the goal and the points for sliding the ball in has deepened. Also, Tokyo's players are all very high-quality players. I believe the high level of shared understanding in attack is reflected in the league-leading number of goals scored.
Q: Please tell us what you are conscious of when playing as a right winger.
A, I have a strong desire to fight for the team. I always strive to run for someone else and cover for my teammates with my fighting spirit during tough times. In the match against Verdy, I was sent off in the first half and caused trouble, but my teammates saved me. Including those feelings, I believe it's now my turn to help the team, and I play with that in mind.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Kashiwa.
In May, we face a tough schedule with consecutive matches, but I believe it is important for everyone involved with Tokyo—including the players who get to play, those who don’t, and the fans and supporters—to come together and fight as one. We will use your support as our strength and show it through our play on the pitch. In the previous home match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., during the difficult period in the second half when we were under pressure, your cheers undoubtedly pushed us forward. When the game comes down to just a little more effort or a few more centimeters, your support makes a difference. Please fight alongside us again this match.
Soma ANZAI ORIGINAL COLUMN "365 - Growth Turning Point -" is here
