Previous Match Review: Sagan Tosu
"Come rolling in front of me!"
A great opportunity comes before the number 8, which I had hoped for.
While running, what he focused on was to firmly control and kick the ball towards the goal. The shot unleashed from his compactly swung right foot slipped through the legs of the opposing player who came to block and pierced the goal net with a rising trajectory.
The goal scored in the 37th minute of the second half while chasing a one-point deficit was a low, sharp, and powerful equalizer. For Takahiro KO, this was his first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium.
However, there is no smile on his face. In order to achieve a comeback and secure a fourth consecutive victory, he returns to his position with a small jumping fist pump. Then, kneeling on the pitch, he clenches his fists and lets out a roar, instilling a strong awareness of the comeback victory in himself and spreading it to all the blue and red supporters.
Whether it was due to that feeling or not, Tokyo launched an all-out offensive. The atmosphere in the stadium was rising with a sense of a comeback. The defense showed impressive blocks and fine saves, and the players who were brought in during the match also made their presence felt in the attack.
However, despite their best efforts, Sagan Tosu could not be broken down until the end, and the match ended with a time-up. Although they demonstrated a rebound mentality, they could not turn the game around, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
"I think everyone felt the chance and atmosphere to turn things around in the last 10 minutes, and we were able to feel that as well. That's why we have to make it count. Not being able to win at Ajinomoto is our weakness. It's very frustrating."
An interview without smiles after the match. His expression, filled with frustration for not winning despite scoring the equalizing goal, reflected the regret of missing out on four consecutive victories.
Match Preview
The first match after the international match week will be an away game against Vissel Kobe, held on 'Gold J'. Following Kobe's participation in the AFC Champions League Elite, the schedule has been changed to a night game on Friday.
The match against Sagan Tosu in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 33, held on October 5, saw a first half where we struggled against the opponent's high press and five-back defense, but gradually took control in the second half. However, after falling behind and equalizing, it ended in a draw. We were unable to secure a win at Ajinomoto Stadium, resulting in a frustrating draw in a match aimed at achieving our first four consecutive league wins of the season.
However, there is no need to view the content negatively. In the second half, each player showcased their strengths in both offense and defense at their respective positions. There were scenes that demonstrated the transition from good defense to good offense, which had been displayed during the winning streak. While we were unable to secure victory, I would like to think positively about the fact that we were able to express the essence of Tokyo.
Kobe is on a six-match winning streak in the league. They are just one point behind the leaders, Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Their style remains unchanged, applying pressure with an aggressive high press from the front and striking quickly with sharp counters to score. Led by experienced players, the defending champions are making a final push towards consecutive titles.
Tokyo, heading into the away match this round, will need to reorganize the back line as center-back Yasuki KIMOTO will be suspended due to accumulated warnings. The key point of the match will be how to deal with the opponent's aggressive pressing. Not only should they connect the ball firmly from the back, but they also need to avoid risks while using long kicks to neutralize Kobe's press, and they should consider utilizing post-play and attacking sharply into the spaces behind. This match is likely to test the adaptability they have shown during their winning streak.
The winning streak in the league has been stopped at 3, but the team is in good shape with 4 games unbeaten. This game will be an opportunity to firmly demonstrate the blue-red strength against Kobe, who is in the championship race, and to connect to the final stages and the future.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: The match against Sagan Tosu ended in a draw due to the opponent's solid defense.
A, there are challenges in each match. The Tosu match was a very difficult game in the first 20 minutes. There were many times we had to endure, but we fought well and were able to play positively toward the end of the first half. In the second half, I think we were able to grasp the flow and rhythm of the game and fight effectively. However, we gave the opponent an opening and conceded the first goal. Even so, the players showed their individual strengths, never gave up, and gave their all. I believe that led to the equalizing goal.
Q: This match is against Vissel Kobe.
A, Kobe is the J1 League champion club from last season and has accumulated many victories in recent matches. It is precisely because they are riding such a good momentum that Kobe is positioned at the top. This round will be an away match. While we need to be cautious of their momentum, we also have the good flow we have gained from recent matches. We want to show that we can fight firmly. I believe it is just about expressing a strong mentality, the power to fight through strongly, and our own rules.
Q: What measures do you take against opponents with high attacking power?
A, Kobe has a very talented roster, but the most important thing is how we exploit their weaknesses and control the game. Defending champions deserve respect, and it is expected that Kobe will fight fiercely for consecutive titles, but first, we need to focus on our own style of play. We will give everything for the 3 points.
[Player Interview]
＜Diego OLIVEIRA＞
Q: In the recent matches, the team has been able to score many points. What kind of progress have you made during this break?
A, Ryotaro ARAKI, who is currently in a vertical relationship with me, is a high-quality player, so it is very easy to play with him. Not only in the past few matches, but I believe he has been having a positive impact on the team this season. I think we have built a very good relationship so far, but since there are still 5 matches left, I want to build an even better relationship.
Q: This will be a match against Vissel Kobe, who are currently in 2nd place with no losses in the last 8 league matches. How will you approach this?
Team A won the championship last season and is currently in 2nd place, competing strongly for the title. Of course, since it is an away game, it will be a very difficult match, but we have also been on a very good run recently with 3 wins and 1 draw in the last 4 games. As the defending champions, we will approach the match with respect, but we are the ones who will win the game.
Q: As the league matches approach the final stages, the remaining games become crucial for breaking into the top ranks.
A, the remaining matches are decreasing and the intensity of the games has increased. Fatigue is accumulating, but we have been able to prepare in a good atmosphere through training and practice matches. We are preparing for the Kobe match in the best possible condition, and we will do our utmost to deliver victory to all our fans and supporters.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: In the recent matches, stable defense led to consecutive victories.
In recent matches, including a streak of three consecutive wins, not a single player is satisfied with the current situation. However, we do feel that the moments where we control the game are increasing, and even during times when we can't score or smoothly advance the match, everyone is aligned in their defensive awareness. I believe we were able to play clearly in the aspects of building and shaping the game.
Q: In the last match against Sagan Tosu, there was a big save that helped turn around a difficult game situation.
A, our ideal is to dominate the match both offensively and defensively and secure a win, and that is what we are aiming for. In the match against Tosu, the score remained 0-0 for a long time, but we conceded the first goal and ended with a draw. To aim for the top positions from here on, we want to focus on playing soccer where we take the initiative and connect it to results.
Q: How do you feel about your performance as an individual player, Taishi Nozawa?
A, I believe I can do much more. This includes analyzing the opponent's shots and ball handling, as well as improving how we engage with the ball in both offense and defense during build-up and preparation. I want to raise this level further by communicating with my teammates. To help the team win, I aim to enhance my individual quality.
Q: Please tell us the points to be cautious about when facing Vissel Kobe, which has a talented attacking lineup and many scoring patterns.
A, they are a very tough opponent, and there will inevitably be times when we have to endure pressure. It is important not to give them any openings, to demonstrate good form and good choices, and to express the team's agreed-upon principles. Against such a challenging opponent, faithfully following defensive rules and how flexibly we can respond to irregular situations will be tested. It will be a very intense match, but I want to enjoy that tension.
