<Review of the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol>
Gathering strength, with all his weight behind it, he unleashed a powerful strike. The captain, who has just returned to the team, pierced the goal with his signature left foot, reminiscent of a familiar 'finish hold'.
The U-23 Japan national team, which returned triumphant with the qualification for the Paris Olympics and the championship trophy at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, is back from this match. Among them, Kuryu MATSUKI will show an overwhelming presence against Kashiwa Reysol. With low-centered dribbling, he shakes off the opponent's pressure and runs around the pitch from box to box. Additionally, with quick predictions, sharp starts, and ambitious long-range shots, he got involved in creating chances.
Tokyo allowed the opening goal due to a ball loss in their own territory at the start, but from there, they overwhelmed Kashiwa with outstanding distance control and a versatile passing game with multiple players moving in various directions. Teruhito NAKAGAWA equalized immediately with a header, and then Diego OLIVEIRA scored a penalty kick, marking his fourth consecutive goal in league matches, successfully turning the game around. Then, in the 37th minute of the first half, Matsuki delivered a beautiful volley that will be remembered in the club's history.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE took a left corner kick, and as the ball floated down in the center near the penalty arc, number 7, who had run in from behind, struck with his left foot. He scored an additional goal with a controlled direct jumping volley.
The roaring Ajinomoto Stadium. Amidst the thunderous cheers rising like an earthquake, the player wearing number 7, back in blue and red, showcased his signature "Rainmaker" pose while being drenched in the "rain of joy" pouring down from the entire stadium.
In an overwhelming development, as the match progressed favorably, just before the end of the first half, goalkeeper Go HATANO was sent off. This changed the flow of the game, and in the second half, we conceded two goals, resulting in a 3-3 draw. Despite being pushed back by Kashiwa in a numerically disadvantaged situation, we launched several effective counterattacks but could not settle the match. We endured the opponent's fierce attacks in the final stages and managed to secure one point.
Match Preview
On May 15, on "J League Day," Tokyo will face Nagoya Grampus away. The team, led by coach Kenta HASEGAWA, includes players Kensuke NAGAI, Takuji YONEMOTO, and Takuya MAEDA, making it a match against members with deep ties to both blue and red.
In the previous match, Tokyo's winning streak was stopped at 3 with a draw against Kashiwa Reysol. They remain in 4th place, 4 points behind the leaders, and will aim for a 4-match winning streak with a draw in between this round. With 24 goals so far, they have the most in the league. Their attacking line boasts a destructive power of 1.85 goals per match, and they were also in good form last match, scoring 3 goals.
This season, 12 players have already marked goals, showcasing the strength to score from anywhere. Diego OLIVEIRA has scored in four consecutive matches so far. If he scores against Nagoya, he will tie his personal record set in April 2019 for the longest consecutive scoring streak. It will be interesting to see how he performs in this milestone game, marking his 200th league match with the team. Additionally, there is high expectation for the dynamic performance of Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who celebrated his 20th birthday on the 14th. We should also keep an eye on whether the number 33, showcasing exceptional breakthrough ability on the left side, can score a birthday goal himself.
Nagoya, after starting the season with three consecutive losses and sinking to the bottom, has rapidly risen with five wins and one draw since then. In Sec. 12, they handed Sanfrecce Hiroshima their first defeat. Although they have struggled recently with one win and three losses in the last four matches, there is no doubt that each player possesses the ability to compete at the top level of the league. In particular, the scoring power of the two forwards, PATRIC and Kasper JUNKER, is a threat. Additionally, the intense pressing from Nagai from the front line is something we are well aware of.
In the previous match against Gamba Osaka, we were unable to implement our strong aggressive pressing and ended up being heavy at the back, resulting in a loss. Although we have a tight schedule with only three days in between, there is a good chance we will refocus our mindset for the Tokyo match and boldly challenge by reassessing our style of play.
Tokyo must utilize the lessons learned from the previous match and organize the disarray in build-up play. Since they have been able to avoid pressure with angled passes, they should be able to respond with minor adjustments. Additionally, it is a concern who will stand in goal with goalkeeper Go HATANO suspended, and whether Ryotaro ARAKI, who has returned from the U-23 Japan national team, will be included in the squad.
The period of four unbeaten matches shows that the team has developed the ability to adapt its style of play according to the opponent's approach. In this match as well, we want to continue competing aggressively in the Tokyo style without ever being passive, steadily scoring and achieving victory to remain in the race for the top positions.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: I think that increasing the time we hold the ball raises the possibility of making mistakes that could lead to conceding goals, like in the match against Kashiwa Reysol. Is it important to continue to challenge ourselves?
While challenging ourselves, we must learn from the mistakes that occurred during the match. In the game against Kashiwa, there were mistakes as I mentioned earlier, but we were able to develop our football, including defense, while skillfully moving the ball. Regarding the first half, Kashiwa had zero shots inside our box. Although we conceded a goal from a lost ball, we limited the number of times the opponent could play inside our box in the first half. In other words, developing our football also leads to good defense. Negative moments occurred, but the players organized how to respond in such situations and showed good performance on the pitch.
Unfortunately, we had a player sent off, but the players continued to play without giving up on a victory at home until the end. We respect the mentality they showed throughout the match. We are a team in the process of growth. I believe that continuing, learning from matches, and improving to apply it next time are essential elements to bring the team closer to the place we dream of.
Q, This match is against Nagoya Grampus.
A, I want to review the footage with the team staff and provide good information to the players. To advance our style of play, we want to prepare well and approach the match against Nagoya with confidence. Nagoya is a team that has been improving their form, so I expect a tough 90 minutes. After losing to Gamba Osaka in the previous match, they will likely make improvements and countermeasures to aim for victory this time. However, we will focus on our own style of play. Today's practice was also conducted sharply. We are concentrating on securing the win.
Q. Nagoya is a team known for its strong defense.
A, Nagoya is a good team. Every team has its own characteristics and strengths, and should not be underestimated. Whether we face the best team in the world or a J1 League team, no matter what kind of team the opponent is, we focus on expressing our football and continuously growing through daily practice and matches. Every single match has meaning. First, we want to concentrate on winning against the opponent in front of us, winning against Nagoya.
[Player Interview]
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA＞
Q: With a high possibility of playing in this match, what is your mindset?
Regarding the match against Kashiwa Reysol, I think conceding goals at the start of both the first and second halves made the game difficult. We want to approach the start of the match more carefully. As a team, we need to organize how we handle the beginning of the game, and personally, as a goalkeeper, I want to focus on not conceding goals easily.
Q. What kind of play do you want to demand from yourself?
A, I think it's just about aligning what the team needs to do with what I personally have to do for that purpose. Since it's soccer, mistakes can happen within the 90 minutes, but if the team can cover for them, I believe there is no problem at all. The goalkeeper position is the last line of defense that can cover for mistakes that have occurred. To put it extremely, if you can prevent mistakes from leading to goals, it is the only position that can at least connect to the next play. First of all, I want to prioritize playing what the team needs to do.
Q. What are the key points to prevent conceding goals?
A, first of all, it is an important point for the team to score the opening goal in order to improve the flow. Then, the style of scoring the second and third goals is also very important. At the same time, when the team pushes forward, it becomes necessary for the goalkeeper or the defenders to exert more than one person's effort. It is crucial how much the players in the back can respond to the hard work of the forwards. I hope the team can play proactive defense by covering each other's spaces and having surrounding players cover mistakes.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, Happy Birthday. How do you want to spend your 20s?
A, thank you very much. It feels like a milestone to have reached the age of 20, but I still don't really feel it (laughs). I want to take on more responsibility than ever before, not only in soccer but also in my personal life, and make both fulfilling.
Q. In the match against Kashiwa Reysol, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's cross led to a goal.
A, I think it was good that we were able to get past one opponent on the short corner before delivering the cross. The quality of the cross was also good, as it went over the first and second opponents in front of the goal, making it easier for the player in front of the goal to contest the ball. I believe this was a scene where the results of our practice showed.
Q: This season, you have been able to assist from your specialty dribbling, but you have not yet scored from dribbling.
A, I definitely feel that we are being more closely marked compared to last season, and the pressure has become tougher. As a result, shots taken after dribbling and cutting inside often hit the opponent's block. I believe that skillfully controlling the shot to avoid the block will lead to scoring, so I want to improve the quality of my shots.
Q. How will you approach the match against Nagoya Grampus?
A, I want to approach the match without changing what we have been doing so far. It's not about the opponent; first and foremost, I think it is important to express our own style of football.
