Review of the previous match against Nagoya Grampus
Tokyo struggled to attack against Nagoya Grampus, who maintained a compact formation and closed down the center from the first half, unable to find a breakthrough. After conceding a penalty kick in the first half, they added two more goals in the second half, leading to a difficult situation with a score of 0-3.
The players who were watching from the bench had been building up their energy in a match that wasn't going as they had hoped. Finally, a goal that changed the flow of the game was scored in the 33rd minute of the second half. Three men, filled with a strong desire to counterattack, shook the goal net with their all-out play.
Receiving a quick throw-in on the right side, Yuto NAGATOMO connected with a horizontal pass and dashed forward in an inner lap. Here, Takahiro KO supplied a sharp through pass from a one-touch, and NAGATOMO broke into the pocket on the right side, sliding the ball back to the center. This was finished off in the middle by Ryotaro ARAKI. The three players showcased their respective strengths and scored a counterattack goal with a quick offensive play.
The vertical pass from Takashi, who broke the deadlock with exquisite targeting and passing speed, the inner lap from Nagatomo as he reflected on the assist scene, and the decisive finishing from Araki, who skillfully guided the floating ball's sliding cross from Nagatomo into the goal with the inside of his right foot. It was a vivid attack where the trajectory of the ball and the movement of the players seemed to have arrows pointing the way.
"It may seem like an easy shot, but the ball was also floating, and it was definitely a situation where I had to score, so I focused and made it," reflected the player wearing number 71. For the point getter who returned from the U-23 Japan national team, it was a blue-red comeback goal that shouted, 'Taro, I am here.'
After that, Tokyo created several big chances and attacked the goal, but they were thwarted by the opponent's committed defense, good saves, and clearances just in front of the goal line, resulting in a scoreless game and their first loss in five league matches. Araki said, "To move up, we need to finish those chances. I'm happy to have scored in my comeback match, but I'm frustrated about the loss. It's not good to dwell on it, so we need to switch gears quickly and work together, helping each other out as we move forward."
Match Preview
In the previous match, we lost 1-3 against Nagoya Grampus, marking our fifth consecutive defeat. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI reflected on the match, stating, "We need to improve the areas where we easily concede goals. It was a harsh lesson, but I want to learn from it and prepare for the next match. If we can do that, we will become a team that is difficult for opponents to defeat."
Tokyo outshot Nagoya with 11 attempts, and a goal was scored by Ryotaro ARAKI, who returned from injury in this match, showing that the attacking line remains in good form. However, the issues in defense are clearly evident. After the match, ARAKI stated, "I'm happy about the goal, but I'm frustrated about the loss. However, there's no point in dwelling on it, so I want to switch gears quickly."
This match will face Yokohama F.Marinos at Ajinomoto Stadium. Although they have not won against this opponent since the 2020 season, if they can effectively contain an opponent confident in their attacking power, it should provide a significant boost for Tokyo. Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who started for the first time since the match against Kashima Antlers on April 7, stated, "We will definitely win and work hard to move the team forward." Whether the team can improve and take a step forward, as he said, is being tested.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Do you see reducing the number of goals conceded as the biggest challenge for the team right now?
A, it is important not to overcomplicate things. By tackling problems sharply, I believe we can take a step closer to becoming the team we aspire to be. This is one of the key points that need improvement. I think there have been few scenes where we were significantly broken down by goals conceded so far, but it is necessary to respond properly in the moments just before. Conceding goals naturally makes it difficult to bring the match into the flow we envision. Within the 90 minutes, unexpected situations and developments may occur, but it is important to skillfully navigate and overcome such difficulties and keep moving forward.
There were many difficult moments during the match against Nagoya Grampus. Even in defensive situations, we want to consciously focus again on the connection between offense and defense to bring the momentum to our side. Matches where this connection works well pose a threat to the opponent. What is important is that we share the same understanding of what we need to improve and how to refine it.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Yokohama F.Marinos, who you will be facing this round.
A, they will likely become the Asia champion in a few days. They are a capable team. We have respect for all our opponents. We are excited to face the club that is expected to become the Asia Challenge champion. No matter the opponent, it is important to first play our style of football. Even if the momentum shifts to the opponent, controlling the overall game, playing with intention, and not neglecting hard work will directly lead to victory.
[Player Interview]
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q: Considering the team's situation, I believe it is necessary to reduce the number of goals conceded in order to compete for the top positions.
A, since the role is to prevent the opponent's attacks, I feel a great responsibility as a center-back player. Both offense and defense are things the entire team should work on, and everyone needs to adjust together, but we defenders need to take the lead in making improvements to reduce goals conceded. We want to achieve a win with a clean sheet in the next match.
Q: What is the main point of correction to reduce goals conceded?
A, communication according to the situation is the most important. There were various cases such as goals conceded due to mistakes and goals scored by the opponent committing multiple attackers, but in any form, I believe it is necessary for the defensive players to take the lead and control from the back line through communication.
Q: This match is against Yokohama F.Marinos.
A, we lost to Nagoya Grampus in the previous match, but before that, we maintained good form with 3 wins and 1 draw. We believe that winning the next match against Yokohama FM will help us regain our rhythm and confidence.
Q: Yokohama FM has a lineup of forwards with high individual abilities.
A is a powerful presence and a wonderful team with a high level of team completeness. By taking 3 points from a high-quality team like Yokohama FM, our motivation will undoubtedly increase. I believe that overcoming a difficult match as a united team and winning will lead to confidence as a team.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q, please review the scoring scene of the Nagoya Grampus match.
First of all, I have been able to play with a good feeling, and although I was away from the team activities for a few weeks due to my involvement with the U-23 Japan national team, I feel comfortable and find it easy to play. There were moments where I was able to express the plays I should make and the parts that are expected of me, but above all, I really wanted to win. The goal from the cross is a pattern the team has been working on, and it is one of the attacking moves I have been consciously focusing on since coming to Tokyo. I think the number of such scoring scenes has been increasing this season as a team. It is important for the team to have a way to score goals, and I feel the results of the efforts we have built up.
Q: Do you feel a great sense of achievement after scoring immediately upon joining the team?
Since the league matches started, I was worried that things were going too well for me, and I am also relieved that I was able to score immediately after joining the team like this. I want to continue playing well consistently.
Q: After a series of matches with multiple goals conceded, we suffered a defeat for the first time since Sec. 9 in the last match. What points should we clarify here and now?
A, first of all, we want to reduce the number of goals conceded. It is significant that despite conceding so many goals, we are still in a position to aim higher, and since the competition for the top spots is tight, I think there will be more matches decided by a one-goal difference or closely contested games. Addressing the defensive issues is the key to establishing ourselves among the top teams.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Yokohama F.Marinos.
If we can win against Yokohama FM, I think the team will gain momentum again, and matches after a loss are especially important regardless of the opponent. We will play in our own style, attack aggressively, and aim for victory.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: The match against Nagoya Grampus on Wednesday ended in a disappointing defeat. How do you reflect on it?
A, we did not play very well, but I don't think the difference in ability was as large as the 1-3 score suggests. Tokyo also had many chances, so I am not pessimistic. We want to correct the issues and prepare for the next match.
Q: Since the match against Albirex Niigata, you have scored 4 goals in 5 matches. What changes do you feel in yourself, Diego OLIVEIRA?
A, there is nothing in particular that I have changed. I believe the main reason is that the injury I sustained early in the league matches has healed and my condition has recovered. Since returning to official matches after a long time against Albirex Niigata, I have been able to play my natural game without any restrictions, which is why I have been able to keep scoring goals.
Q: What do you think is necessary for Tokyo to compete for the top positions from here?
A, This season the competition for the top positions is very close, and of course, we also have a chance to aim for the top. However, during the season, it is more important to focus on the matches in front of us rather than thinking about the title. If we keep up without falling behind the top teams, I believe the results will come at the end.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for this match with the fans and supporters.
Group A, Yokohama F.Marinos is a very good team, so I think it will be a difficult match. However, we must win at home no matter what. The support from our fans and supporters is always our strength. I have heard that the Brazil Festa will be held this round, and I want to deliver the joy of victory at the end of such a day.
