Review of the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos
It was a vivid strike that reminded us of "that day" 14 years ago.
In the 10th minute of the second half of Sec. 15 against Yokohama F.Marinos, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA sent a left cross that was picked up by Kuryu MATSUKI, who gently provided a sideways pass. Yuto NAGATOMO then ran in and powerfully struck it in with his right foot.
"I struck it directly, with a good impact. I felt like I was almost in a state of no thought. When I think about strange things, I tend to tense up. So, I think it was good that I could hit it with a clear mind."
This is the second goal of the season. In Sec. 14 against Nagoya Grampus, he also came on as a substitute and assisted a counterattack goal with a strong right-footed cross from an underlap, continuing to deliver results not only with his tenacious defense but also in the attacking aspect.
And this equalizer is the first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium in 5,118 days for the player wearing number 5. "It's embarrassing," he said with a wry smile, as he spoke about his feelings.
"Since 2010, when I scored a super volley in the match before I left for Italy, I think the fans and supporters might have forgotten that I can score goals. I've been able to assist and contribute to the attack. I feel like I'm growing, and I believe I can show a new level of growth in myself."
In the week leading up to the match against Yokohama FM, there were events that renewed Longo's thoughts. Following his fellow Japan national team player Makoto OKAZAKI, Masato MORISHIGE also announced his retirement from active play. In this match against Yokohama FM, his peer Masato MORISHIGE was not on the bench. Furthermore, the competition for positions within the team has intensified. In light of such circumstances, a fire burned in his heart more than ever.
"(The retirement news of the two players) is indeed sad. I also feel a sense of crisis that if I don't continue to show results, the time will come when I have to hang up my boots, and today I was more motivated than usual. There is such competition in the current team that if I can't show results, I might really end up on the bench. If the performance is the same, the team would likely use younger players, and I always fight with the mindset that this could be my last match. Even while thinking that if I don't do well in this match, I might be left out, it was good that I was able to score with a strong mindset. I have the determination to continue to thrive and live on this pitch."
A soul-stirring equalizer scored at Ajinomoto Stadium after a long time. Wearing sunglasses, I greeted with a "Bonjourno" and received a heartfelt booing, about 14 years ago. Although the distance was different, I struck a super goal with a similar trajectory. After scoring, I rallied the stadium with my whole body to create an atmosphere of a comeback, letting out roars multiple times. It was truly a scene reminiscent of 14 years ago unfolding at Ajinomoto Stadium.
"But in the end, the team didn't win, so that's really frustrating. I did roar, but in the end, we didn't win."
Although I scored a goal, the match ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw. Of course, I am not satisfied with the result. I shine to contribute to victory. What I gained from this determined game is a sense of being able to do much more and the frustration of not winning the match. With that feeling in my heart, the 37-year-old fullback vowed to further grow and fully commit to victory.
Match Preview
The Levain Cup 3rd Round match against Sagan Tosu held on Wednesday ended without a resolution even after extra time, and we advanced to the playoff round by winning the penalty shootout.
In the 11th minute of the second half, Riki HARAKAWA's corner kick was met by Masato MORISHIGE, giving the lead. However, in the additional time of the second half, they allowed an equalizing goal, leading to extra time. After that, neither side gave in, and it went to a penalty shootout. Tokyo successfully converted all five penalties, while Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, the goalkeeper, stopped the fifth penalty from Tosu, bringing the fierce battle to an end.
The heroic guardian proudly stated about the final penalty kick stop, "I was able to bring it into my range while reading the opponent's movements. We all fought for this victory; I believe everyone is a hero." The victory achieved as a united team should give momentum to the league matches, where they had been winless for three games.
This match will welcome Gamba Osaka at home. Gamba Osaka, having been eliminated in the 2nd Round of the Levain Cup, will come to Ajinomoto Stadium in a more advantageous schedule compared to Tokyo, who played a match on Wednesday. For Tokyo, it will be a crucial battle to see if they can endure this tough series of matches, testing the true strength of the team. With fresh players like Diego Oliveira, who missed the match against Tosu, and Yuto NAGATOMO, who was selected for the Japan national team, Tokyo aims for victory with a united effort.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q、Sagan Tosu match was a tough game that went to a penalty shootout.
It was a very tough match, but I am proud of the players who gave their all and fought through the full 120 minutes. However, I think it would have been best if we could have finished the game within 90 minutes. There was also a chance to score an additional goal and put some distance between us and the opponent when the score was 1-0. Since it was a cup match, we expected the game to demand hard work until the very end, and the players demonstrated a mentality worthy of winners.
Q: It seemed that the defense line was set higher than usual.
A, it was one of the ways to develop our style of play and a choice to fight aggressively. Instead of adapting to the opponent, we want to continuously encourage growth. After winning the ball with aggressive defense, quickly sensing where the space is and going for the score. Attack and defense are always connected. Growth in this area is important.
Q: Gamba Osaka, our opponent this round, is a team with a very high awareness of connecting play from the back.
A, it is a match against a good team, and I think this round will also be a tough game. There may be unexpected phenomena occurring on the pitch. We just need to fully show our way of playing and performance to the opponent. That is exactly the football we desire. Of course, there will be times during the match when we cannot express our style of soccer, but it is important to adjust on the pitch.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: After winning against Sagan Tosu in the Levain Cup, you have advanced to the next stage. How do you want to build on this victory?
A, we have not been able to win as a team in away games against Tosu, so I think it was good to win in any form. Regarding the content, of course, we need to work on the parts that need correction as a team, but I want to use this victory as a starting point to develop a "winning habit."
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka.
First of all, I think we just need to express our own style of football. We want to maintain solid ball possession and create many opportunities that lead to goals. Rather than prioritizing defense to reduce conceding goals, we want to establish a strong rhythm in attack and take control of the entire match. We will organize what kind of play is required both offensively and defensively and approach the game accordingly.
Q: It seems that the team is aiming to score additional points, rather than just focusing on defense, looking for 2 or 3 more goals.
A, I think our strength lies in offensive play, and defensively, we set a high defensive line. By playing offensively, the risk of conceding goals increases, but we prioritize scoring first. If we can also fix the issues in defense, I believe we will improve further in both offense and defense. In the Levain Cup match against Tosu, we raised our line and defended with a high-press approach. Although we did concede goals, the awareness to win the ball back high up the pitch reaffirmed one of our strengths. The players on the back line have high individual abilities, and trusting the defenders behind us, we forwards want to strongly focus on pressing from the front.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q, thanks to the performance of Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, we won the penalty shootout against Sagan Tosu.
By stopping the fifth kick, I ended up standing out, but it was thanks to everyone successfully scoring all five kicks and my teammates' hard work over 120 minutes. I believe each player showed their contribution on the pitch that brought us closer to victory. During the penalty shootout, I focused on watching the opponent and not getting drawn into their range. By bringing it into my own range, I was able to make the save in the final moment. As a team, I think anyone who plays fights with a strong desire to win. Amidst the continuous matches, being able to unite and win in the tournament-style Levain Cup will surely lead to future success.
Q: It seems that as your playing time has increased, your condition has also improved.
<div>A. There are many aspects such as timing and coordination that can only be felt during matches, which come from accumulating playing time. By participating, I find my own rhythm and establish a cycle, and I am grateful to have been able to play in three consecutive official matches recently. From here, I need to demonstrate even higher quality play and contribute to the team's victory with a sense of tension.
Q, please tell us the key points of victory in the match against Gamba Osaka.
A, Gamba Osaka has offensive power, and I have the impression that they are a "difficult team" to face, but I think the important thing is to play with our own rhythm and sense of speed. I think the opponent will connect the ball carefully, but it is important to maintain high intensity in both offense and defense and to take an aggressive approach.
<Keita ENDO>
Q, it was a long-awaited official match appearance in the Levain Cup against Sagan Tosu.
A, since it was the first official match in a while, I was scheduled to play for about 20 minutes, but because the game went into overtime, I ended up playing for a total of about 60 minutes. Having been out since mid-April, I feel it is very meaningful to have returned to the match first and foremost. There have been no rebounds such as injuries or poor condition at all, and I am grateful for the support from the rehabilitation team. Personally, I want to get as close to 100 percent as possible in terms of match sharpness and running ability.
Q: What aspects did you feel after being away from the game for a while and returning to the pitch?
I don't have a strong feeling about it, but the most important thing is that I've returned to the pitch for official matches.Since the recent match was a cup game, the priority was on the result of victory rather than the content. My own performance is still to come, and if I reflect on the match against Tosu, I believe that winning and moving on is everything.
Q: The league matches, Levain Cup, and Emperor's Cup are coming up. How do you want to contribute to the team?
A, the period I was away from the team coincided with a stretch of consecutive matches, causing inconvenience. Because of that, I will work to make up for the lost time and bring positive elements to the team. Gamba Osaka, including the newly joined foreign players, has a strong attacking lineup. With the performances of Usami and other players in good form, I think they are a high-level team both offensively and defensively, but first, we just need to play our own football and aim for victory.
