<Review of the previous match against Júbilo Iwata>
Tokyo continued to struggle to break down Júbilo Iwata, who allowed a one-goal lead in the first half and fortified their defense by pulling back into their own half. The difficult period extended for a long time, but in the 39th minute of the second half, after revitalizing the pitch with substitutions and launching a fierce attack, the match finally changed.
A free kick opportunity gained on the left side. A sharp sliding cross from Shuhei TOKUMOTO's left foot is sent to the far side, and as if to symbolize the team's determination to "absolutely score a goal," many players dive into the goal area.
The one who met the ball that sharply arced and fell just in front of the opposing goalkeeper was Soma ANZAI, who has been supporting the team with dedicated play since the opening match. He headed the ball with all his might, then quickly got back up while falling forward, raising his right fist towards the stands behind the goal.
In the 23rd official match of this season, the first professional goal that was finally scored also marked the club's 600th goal in home matches of the J1 League.
However, what he was focused on was the next kickoff. Repeatedly pumping his fist, he quickly returned to his position. There was a strong desire to score the go-ahead goal and to win for the team, which outweighed his own emotions.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw. In the mixed zone after the match, there was the figure of number 38, who strengthened his resolve by scoring his first professional goal. He had little smile in response to questions from the press, and he spoke with a hint of frustration.
"Personally, I feel a bit of a weight lifted off my shoulders, and I am happy about that, but since the team is not winning, I want to seek more goals that lead to victories. I understood the criticism directed at me for not being able to produce results while playing in the forward position, and I have been thinking about how to contribute to the team's success. However, even when we win matches, there has been frustration in not being able to leave my mark in terms of numbers, and I have always felt that I need to do more. That frustration was the strongest feeling, but it can only be resolved on the pitch. As long as I am being used in the forward position, I want to meet expectations with results, and I want to continue to achieve results that can meet the coach's expectations without being satisfied with this."
Aggressive defense from the front in the right wing position, a willingness to dive into the goal area, and versatility to play as a full-back depending on the team's situation. While showcasing plays that saved the team multiple times, he also held a sense of pride as an attacker. The rookie, who expressed a desire to score more, delivered a heartfelt header. This may become a turning point for him.
Match Preview
The 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League will reach its halfway point this weekend with the match against Shonan Bellmare. Tokyo is currently in 8th place with 7 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses. This match is crucial to gain momentum for a strong second half of the season, and they want to secure an away victory.
The match against Júbilo Iwata in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 18 held last weekend saw us dominate the game but allow the opponent to take the lead from a set piece. After taking the lead, the opponent chose a defensive strategy by forming a block, making it difficult for us to attack. Despite maintaining possession of the ball, we were unable to switch to an attacking mode and continued to struggle to create clear chances.
In the second half, the players who had been watching the game from the bench were brought in, shifting the momentum towards Tokyo. Then, in the 39th minute of the second half, Soma ANZAI scored the equalizer with a header from a free kick on the left side. However, they could not shake the goal net again, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. This season, they have struggled to secure victories at Ajinomoto Stadium, once again missing out on a win and ending in a draw. In this match, learning from the reflection on the match against Iwata, it seems that the key to victory will be how well they can gauge the opponent's moves, identify opportunities to attack, and make necessary adjustments.
Shonan, currently in 17th place with 3 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses, cannot afford to lose this game at home in order to maintain their position in the relegation zone.
The player to be most wary of for Tokyo is Lukian, the ace who scored 6 goals in 4 official matches leading up to last week's 2nd Round of the Emperor's Cup. In the previous match against Nagoya Grampus, he shook the net but had his goal disallowed for offside after VAR review; however, his calm shot from a clever breakaway left a strong impression of his good form. As a striker who shows strength in finishing work, including headers and one-touch goals, he must not be given any time or space. This week, with Henrique TREVISAN suspended due to accumulated warnings, the team must ensure they do not show even a moment of weakness and maintain solid control.
On the match day, June 22, it is Diego OLIVEIRA's 34th birthday. We hope that the player wearing number 9, who has recorded the most goals in J1 League history with 72 goals while at the club, can score a celebratory goal on his own birthday.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: The first half of the match against Júbilo Iwata was overall stagnant.
A, the match content was unsatisfactory, and we want to reflect, improve, and connect it to our performance in the next game. From that experience, we shared with the players what we can do and what is necessary to become the team we aim to be. In the match against Iwata, the players showed good performance in the second half, which allowed us to equalize. However, we are disappointed that we could not score an additional goal to take the lead.
Q: It is expected that more teams will adopt a defensive block like Iwata in the future.
A, first of all, it is important to focus on what we need to do regardless of the opponent. In the first half of the match against Iwata, the tempo of moving the ball was poor, but in the second half, with increased movements to get behind the opponent and to advance, I think the balance of our attack improved. We were able to play our football in the second half, but not being able to express it consistently from kickoff to the end of the match is the next challenge. Scoring the first goal is very important in any match. No matter what kind of soccer the opponent brings, we want to encourage growth so that we understand how to play our soccer and find solutions.
Q: This match is against Shonan Bellmare.
A, Shonan is a team with high hard work and mobility. They will be an opponent who fights with everything at stake. We want to surpass them in intensity and strength, and play with an awareness of football connections. We aim to pursue victory.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: This match will mark the halfway point of the 2024 season.
The first half of the league ends with the match against Shonan Bellmare, but we must not play like we did in the previous round. I think Shonan will come with a three-back formation, so we want to carefully prepare countermeasures and analysis including the opponent's system, and aim for a match and victory that will increase the team's momentum.
Q: It seemed that after Matsuki entered the pitch, the attack gained momentum.
A, watching the game from the bench, I felt that the team played passively overall in the first half. When I entered the pitch, I focused on playing positively and adding depth to the attack. It was the second half, and I could also sense the opponent's fatigue. We were able to exploit the spaces left by the opponents, especially with the substitute players, and I think the way we received the ball and the finer details became more positive as a whole. It may be a simple thing, but just changing those aspects made me feel that the depth of our attack improved in the second half.
Q: You have played in an attacking position many times this season. How do you feel about it?
A, I myself have been playing more often in a position one step ahead compared to last season, and I am focused on the “numbers” like goals and assists that decide the match. For example, I have been able to play at a good distance with Ryotaro ARAKI, and we can play freely while watching each other's movements. I believe that by continuing in a good way, results will naturally follow, and as the chances to score increase, the team's form will also improve.
<Takahiro KO>
Q: Please tell us your impression of Shonan Bellmare, whom we will be facing this round.
A, Shonan Bellmare's style gives the impression of a team that does not shy away from hard work. Since Shonan's coach Satoshi YAMAGUCHI and I had a coach-player relationship during my time at Gamba Osaka, I personally look forward to the match. Coach Yamaguchi is someone who understands soccer well, so I think it will be a tough opponent and a difficult game.
Q: In the last match against Júbilo Iwata, I think there were times when we struggled against an opponent that set up a defensive block.
A, we had a long time holding the ball, but I feel that we lacked the effort to break down the opponent's block during that time. In the match against Iwata, I personally think I had fewer forward runs and plays in advanced positions, so I believe that expressing such efforts without hesitation will be one of the solutions.
Q: What triggered the improvements in the second half, and what kind of communication took place among the players?
A, given that we were trailing, I think the second half unfolded accordingly. As a team, we were able to strongly focus again on movements behind the defense, and the players holding the ball were able to make playing forward their first option. Including the substitutes who came on, I believe the increased momentum led to the developments in the second half of the match.
Q: The first half of the league will conclude with the Shonan match this round. How do you perceive the results and challenges of the first half of the league?
A, I myself joined Tokyo this season, and there were times when I couldn't play in matches and struggled to adjust, but gradually I have had more opportunities to contribute my strengths to the team. However, the first half of the league was a period of ups and downs both for the team and individually. I want to continue gaining match experience from here on and show my presence through my play. To move in a positive direction for achieving the team's goals, I want to secure 3 points in the last match of the first half of the league against Shonan and make it a match that leads to the next.
