Review of the previous match against Kyoto SANGA F.C.
In the away game in Kyoto, aiming for our first goal and first victory after the break. However, from the start, we were pushed back by the opponent's intense press and lost control of the game, conceding the opening goal from a corner kick just 2 minutes in due to a mistake in our build-up. Although it seemed we were starting to find our pace, rotating the ball mainly through Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI, we conceded another goal from a corner kick in the 36th minute of the first half. In the 5th minute of the second half, we struggled with the opponent's press again, lost the ball, and conceded a third goal after being broken down on the side. We found ourselves in a difficult situation.
At such a moment, the one who took on the expectations and made his blue-red debut was the new foreign player Ewerton Gaudino. In the 24th minute of the second half, he stood on the J pitch for the first time, responding to the "Ewe!" calls from behind the goal. Wearing the number 98 jersey, he fought hard in the right wing position to utilize his strong left foot and become a force for the counterattack.
Successfully received the ball while being pressured from behind as he returned to his own half, lightly passing it forward with one touch to evade the press, and managed to move forward. His play, combining wide vision and skill, provided the team with options to advance.
In the 30th minute of the second half, he delivered a pinpoint sharp left cross that set up Takahashi's decisive header, and he also took on the role of set-piece kicker with his favored left foot. By deepening his collaboration with those around him, and if he sharpens his left-footed shot by cutting in from the right side, which he himself described as a "play he wants to show," he should become increasingly intimidating. This match showcased glimpses of such potential.
However, the team was unable to shake the goal net as Teruhito NAKAGAWA's bicycle kick was ruled offside, resulting in a 0-3 defeat. This led to a frustrating outcome of four consecutive matches without scoring.
Match Preview
In the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 29, Sanfrecce Hiroshima recorded their sixth consecutive league win for the first time in 30 years, closing the gap to just 2 points from the top. For Tokyo, who have gone four matches without a goal since the break, with two draws and two losses, this was a crucial match to break their losing streak. However, Typhoon No. 10 directly impacted the team's travel to the away match. They are currently attempting to make their way to Hiroshima through a challenging route. The team has been forced to battle against nature, but if the match is to be held, they have no choice but to give their best as professionals and aim for victory.
In the last match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., Soma ANZAI was substituted due to injury, and Ewerton made his debut, prompting the team to test a new formation in this week's training. They are attempting a challenge to revitalize the attack, which has been scoreless.
However, the move to Hiroshima has been moved up, and there are hurdles due to travel troubles that have prevented practice the day before. The final composition of the members will likely depend on assessing the players' conditions.
Hiroshima is in excellent form with six consecutive league victories. During this winning streak of six matches, they have scored 12 goals and conceded 2, showcasing their stability. The core of this success is player Shiotani, who supports the team while maintaining balance in the midfield. Additionally, player Kawabe, who had been playing in Europe, rejoined Hiroshima in August and has quickly become a key tactical player. He is significantly increasing his presence as a player who actively contributes to the attack with aggressive forward plays.
Hiroshima has a thick attack with players coming out one after another, so Tokyo wants to firmly stop them while scoring a goal and secure a victory for the first time since July 13. Overcoming all difficulties, the blue-red army aims to seize their first league victory in about a month and a half as they step onto the away pitch in Hiroshima.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: In the recent matches, there has been a trend of not being able to pick up the second balls, but in the practice match, the front and back worked well together to recover the second balls.
A, that part needs to be improved. It is important to continue focusing on that aspect during the match. It may seem simple, but I believe it is a very important element. I think that will be a crucial part in the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima this weekend.
Q、In the practice match, there were scenes where the full-backs were involved in the attack and contributed to scoring.
A, that's right. I want to be able to bring what we are practicing into the matches. The team hasn't been able to score, but there have been chances where we could have, and I want to be able to play calmly in those situations during actual games. In practice, besides those breakdown scenes, we were also able to effectively use space from the back and connect passes. I want to continue to be able to show that.
Q, Hiroshima is in very good form.
A, it's a really good team. They are currently in good form and have momentum, so I think it will be a tough match. However, we want to put everything we have into it and aim to win and take the 3 points from them. We have faced them several times this season, and there have been positive moments, such as successfully exploiting their weaknesses and breaking through their defense. This is another opportunity to do that well, so I want to challenge ourselves.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryotaro ARAKI＞
Q: How will you approach the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima?
A, I think Hiroshima is truly a good team both offensively and defensively. They have good players in every position, and as a team, their style of play is clear. I believe it will be a really tough match. In our previous encounter, we surprisingly had some time controlling the ball and were able to play our own style of football. We want to fight the same way as last time.
Q: What do you think is necessary to achieve victory in these difficult matches?
I think we just need to trust the style of soccer the coach wants to play. We are thoroughly attacking from the sides, so if we can better utilize the strengths of the wings and coordinate the timing to cut inside from there, I believe it will lead to goals. Right now, we haven't been able to score or secure victories, so first and foremost, as a team, we want to prioritize scoring and winning.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Hiroshima.
A, as for my own play, I think the best thing is to make the attack go smoothly and be able to connect plays that lead to goals. In the last few matches, the timing of conceding goals was just unfortunate, and there is no bad impression regarding ball circulation. Also, since the last match against Hiroshima, I don't have a bad impression, so while building the attack as usual, I want to increase the number of shots and score goals. Everyone wants to change this situation, and we want to get 3 points quickly. We want to win this match and gain momentum for the remaining league games.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: Please share your impression of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, I believe they have established their own style and are the most dynamic team in the J1 League. We have already faced them three times this season, and since we understand much of what Hiroshima has been building continuously through these matches, we want to organize ourselves well and enter the game prepared.
Q, In the home match against Hiroshima in Sec. 2, it ended in a 1-1 draw. What points should we be cautious about against the well-performing Hiroshima?
A, there were many regrettable scenes due to our own mistakes. In the Levain Cup match against Hiroshima, we conceded goals consecutively right after conceding the first one, and although the home opener ended in a draw, the performance was not very good and we only rallied in the second half. I don't think we lost because of a lack of strength, and I believe the key is how to evade the opponent's high pressing. By successfully confronting it, I think opportunities will come to us as well.
Q: It will be a series of away games. What is important for victory once again?
In the previous match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., it was the same, but in away games, we have been overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum. Therefore, we want to be careful at the start of the match, face the opponent with our own style and fearless play, and approach the game without forgetting that we are challengers.
Q: There have been consecutive matches without scoring. What are the issues in the attacking aspect?
A, there were times when we were overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum, and I feel there are still many areas that need improvement. The way we penetrate the opponent's box also requires organization by the entire team, and if we become passive and let the opponent take control, our forward momentum weakens. Regardless of the opponent, I believe that by raising our awareness to move forward, it will lead to scoring goals.
