Review of the previous match against Verdy
In a match that absolutely cannot be lost, the blue and red guardian showed an overwhelming presence.
In the home match against Verdy, the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 27. The game, which attracted 39,921 spectators to Ajinomoto Stadium, saw Tokyo launch an offensive from the early stages.
Connecting the ball while observing the situation and spreading it to the sides, increasing possession without forcing the play. Takahiro KO and Ryotaro ARAKI created the rhythm in the center, taking control while utilizing Diego OLIVEIRA's hold-up play.
However, as they struggled to shake the goal net, the match gradually shifted to the opponent's pace. After the 20-minute mark of the second half, they faced several crises, but standing in their way was Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. He locked down the Tokyo goal, preventing several decisive chances.
With a sideways leap, he deflected the opponent's header shot, and with a stretch of his right hand, he made a big save on the ball that was sent to the center from a corner kick. He showcased an amazing reaction to a difficult shot that bounced once. Furthermore, just before the end, he faced a critical counterattack, but Nozawa slightly changed the course of the ball, sending it out of bounds.
That figure is truly a "guardian deity." The presence in front of the goal and the sense of security that he is there as the last line of defense is growing with each match. Once he gets going, he won't stop. He is expected to make the next save as well──. He is becoming a player who instills that feeling in the hearts of those watching. However,
"Even if the attack doesn't go well, everyone has the determination today not to let it happen, and we were able to defend with our bodies. (In response to the shots) I feel like I can play confidently with the mindset of 'It's coming' and 'I'll stop it.' I always have a desire to improve, and I can still do much more. While I feel a sense of progress, we haven't been able to win matches, and I want to become a player who has a better impact on the team. As a team, there are times when we need to be patient, so for now, I will focus on what I can do as a goalkeeper."
This year, the young guardian, who grew up in the academy and experienced the AFC Asian Cup as a member of the Japan national team and the Paris Olympics as part of the U-23 Japan national team, continues to fight ambitiously aiming for even greater heights.
The match ended in a scoreless draw. In a game where victory was absolutely desired, despite being helped by Nozawa's fine saves, we couldn't secure the win and ended with a frustrating result of a draw.
Match Preview
This game will test the team's pride in blue and red, as well as their determination and rebound mentality.
The three matches since the resumption have resulted in 1 draw and 2 losses. We have yet to shake the goal net. In the previous match, we lost 0-3 to Kawasaki Frontale, and in the last match, we ended in a scoreless draw against Verdy. This is a difficult situation at a time when we wanted to gain momentum after the league resumed. To close the gap with the top teams and for the team to come together again and move forward, this match must be a game where we absolutely need to secure a victory.
First, we expect the attacking players, who have been scoreless, to rise to the occasion. It is unclear what the lineup will be for a match where adjustments are needed, but there is no doubt that each player possesses high abilities. The key is how to combine those abilities on the pitch. In that combination, how can we multiply the players' characteristics? We hope to see them fight cleverly while reading the flow of the match and to witness the players in action.
Kyoto SANGA F.C. currently has 8 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses, placing them 16th. At first glance, they may seem like a team struggling at the bottom of the standings, but since the match against Kashiwa Reysol in Sec. 20 on June 26, they have rapidly improved with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. It is clear that the main factor for this turnaround lies in their attacking lineup, which includes new foreign players.
Rafael Elias, who joined the team before the break, has scored 5 goals in 5 matches since his arrival. In the last match against Cerezo Osaka, he achieved a hat-trick. Since his joining, the team has scored 10 goals in 4 matches, increasing their scoring ability. Additionally, Marco Tulio and Taichi HARA, who grew up in the Aoyaka Academy, continue to be involved in goals with their aggressive play. They truly form a formidable front three in the league. Currently, Kyoto should be seen as a very dangerous opponent that does not reflect their ranking.
In late June, Takuji YONEMOTO transferred on loan from Nagoya Grampus and has been strengthening his presence as a defensive midfielder. Additionally, Kiyoshi OKUMA, who once managed the team, has taken on the role of GM midway through this season. He is acquiring new talent to help revive Kyoto. While this is also a nostalgic reunion, we must push forward towards victory, overcoming them.
As Tokyo, we want to take care of the opponent's attacking line while aiming to score first. The match will kick off at 19:00 on August 24 (Saturday) at SANGA S Stadium by KYOCERA. Facing the frustrations up to this point, the blue-red army will head to Kyoto to release the feelings they've been holding back.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: What did you emphasize this week while being away from victory?
A, of course, there is the frustration of not being able to secure a victory, and that is something all players and staff feel. We cannot escape from those emotions and results. We must overcome this situation. We will simply improve and develop our way of playing. First, we are focusing on expressing a good performance as a team in the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C. Even when we are on a winning streak, I would probably say something similar.
Q: What is the most important point that needs improvement?
A, this is a very difficult question. During a match, there are various situations and points, and I feel that many cases are equally important. I believe it is important for the team to achieve overall improvement and deliver their best performance.
Q: This match is against Kyoto. It will be a match against a team that has shown good form in their recent games.
A, I think they are a team riding a good momentum. For us, it is an away match, so it will be a very tough game. Kyoto tends to launch direct attacks. Winning the ball and quick transitions will be the most demanded aspects in this match. Fighting sharply and not losing in key moments will be our advantage. We will attack the opponent's space without fear.
Q: The three forwards from Kyoto give the impression of having high individual abilities. Please tell us what is required in terms of defense.
A, it is important not to allow them to hold the ball in dangerous areas and to prevent the ball from reaching them. Football requires various challenges in both offense and defense. Among them, we want to fully implement our own rules, respond alertly, and finish the match without conceding any goals.
[Player Interview]
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA＞
Q: It will be a tough away match. What mindset will you have going into the game?
A, this week's training saw each player working with a good atmosphere in preparation for the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., and as with every game, they are strongly focused on the mindset of "winning." I believe that the awareness to improve further will positively connect to the matches.
Q: What kind of play is required from the team against Kyoto?
Team A is compact and aggressive, with strength in close ball contests. First, we need to surpass the opponent in such battles. As a team, we want to actively target the space behind the opponent, and in scoring opportunities, we aim to commit more players in front of the goal to secure goals. Although I play as a goalkeeper, I want to consciously contribute from the back in a positive way to embody the team's strategy.
Q: You had two clean sheets in the last three matches. Please tell us what is expected of you in terms of defense.
A, first of all, it is important to prevent easy penetration in front of the goal. Even if the opponent takes a deep position, the whole team, especially the defenders, will calmly respond and show patience in pushing them back. As for myself, including coaching, I want to keep encouraging with my voice and promote positive play.
<Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA>
Q: I believe that "scoring ability" is the key to the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C.
There were matches with no goals conceded, such as against Gamba Osaka and Verdy, but we couldn't score, and in football, you can't win without scoring. As a forward, I reflect on the continued lack of goals, and to change this current negative trend, I want to cherish the determination and attitude to score no matter what. During the period until the Kyoto match, we will use the time to confirm our attacking style and play with grit.
Q: In the recent match, the defense has been fighting hard centered around Taishi Brandon NOZAWA.
A, I feel the defense line is working hard, but I also think it is not a good situation for the team (as attacking players) that Nozawa was the hero interviewee after both the Gamba Osaka match and the Tokyo V match. Defensively, before Nozawa stops a shot, we need to block it, and offensively, the attackers need to score goals. The whole team must play with a sense of urgency. We want to score properly and make it so that the attackers can receive the hero interview and contribute to the victory.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match where victory is desired.
A, they are a strong and energetic opponent, but I believe that attacking with courage will lead to goals and victory. We have had a series of scoreless matches, but I want to focus on playing with the courage to aim for the goal.
