<Review of the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
The game was played three days after the 2025 J.League YBC Levain Cup elimination. The match held at Japan National Stadium was branded as 'New Balance Day,' and the players took to the pitch wearing a surprise gray Special kit.
From a cautious start, it seemed they conceded the opening goal in the 8th minute of the first half, but VAR support ruled it offside, allowing them to escape danger. In the 25th minute of the first half, player Megumi Sato broke away on a counterattack, and as he entered the penalty area, he struck with his right foot, but the perfectly timed shot just missed outside the post.
The first half showed high concentration from both sides but the match remained scoreless. However, just 4 minutes into the second half, a set-piece led to the opening goal, and at the 14th minute, a defensive line error resulted in an additional goal conceded.
Chasing a 2-goal deficit, the team attempted to turn the situation around with aggressive player substitutions, but an accident occurred when Marcelo RYAN, who had just come on as a substitute, got injured. The game plan was disrupted, and the team had to scramble to mount a counterattack.
In the 41st minute of the second half, we were saved by the opponent missing a penalty kick, but immediately after, in the 43rd minute, they penetrated deep into our half and scored from a cross, resulting in a painful third goal conceded. We couldn't shake the net even during the 6 minutes of added time in the second half, suffering a complete 0-3 defeat. The unbeaten home record at the renovated Japan National Stadium came to an end at 10 games, and we faced the frustrating result of three consecutive official match losses.
<This Week's Preview>
The 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League will complete Sec. 19 this weekend, marking the halfway point of the first half of the season. Due to the AFC Champions League Elite schedule, Tokyo's Sec. 15 match against Yokohama F. Marinos has been rescheduled, but since the team will enter the international match week after this weekend's game against Kyoto Sanga F.C., this match can be considered a significant milestone.
In the previous match at Japan National Stadium, the Blue Reds suffered a frustrating defeat. With three consecutive official match losses and a tough performance against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the players expressed harsh reflections after the game. Following this match, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI stated, "While analyzing the opponent, we have shifted our focus to playing our own style of football rather than adapting to theirs. Despite having creativity in front of goal and several scoring opportunities, we have continued to fail to score. We want to return to basics by focusing on player relationships and attacking variations, not only targeting the opponent's weak points but also ensuring we do not miss any momentary lapses."
How much intensity and fear towards the goal can be regained? That will be the key point in the match against Kyoto. Coach Matsuhashi emphasized to the players once again the importance of being proactive in scoring, saying, "We just have to keep taking shots. If we don’t miss the moment when we can swing our feet, the chances of scoring will increase." He also focused on combining the players' strengths and allowing them to play freely.
In terms of threat, how to add depth to the attack is also important. After the last match, the coach hinted at a formation change, so attention is focused on what members and lineup they will field. It is about how to showcase the core style that "Rikizo Tokyo" has upheld—targeting open spaces while maintaining ball possession, which can be said to be the foundation to return to.
Kyoto, the opponent, currently ranks 4th with 9 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses. Under the management of CHO Kwi Jae, they have built a strong team based on hard work, with a powerful attacking lineup performing well in the upper ranks. However, this match will see the suspension of players Marco Tulio and Hirato. Additionally, their ace Rafael Elias was forced to leave the previous game due to injury after coming on as a substitute, and player Hara is also sidelined with injury, creating a challenging situation. Nevertheless, there are many players to watch, including Okugawa, who has returned from overseas, and Kawasaki, a member of the Paris Olympics squad. This is a team that must not be underestimated, boasting one of the strongest presences in duels throughout the league.
For Tokyo, showing harder work and fierce battles for the ball than the opponent is an absolute condition for victory. Captain Kei KOIZUMI also commented on the turning point of the match, saying, "The opponent fights hard within a solid tactical framework. First and foremost, it is most important not to lose in those battles. How much we can put everything into the match in front of us is key." Building on that, we want to combine each player's strengths, align our focus, and firmly demonstrate a well-rounded attack calculated from the goal backwards.
The last match of the first half of the league. To enter the break period on a positive note, it is essential to demonstrate a strong determination for victory and goals on the pitch, and to firmly convert what has been built up so far into results.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: In the post-match press conference after the previous game against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, you mentioned that your mind was focused on "what to do next." Could you please tell us again what points you have focused on this week?
A, even during the preparation stages, we tried various things and made adjustments, and there were parts where it felt like we were placing too much emphasis on the opponent. That was true in my own mind as well. Once again, by directing our focus inward and expressing what we want to do, we want to create a situation where the opponent has to adapt to us. I conveyed this intention clearly to the players again, and we focused on what we want to achieve.
Q. Please tell us the part you especially wanted to focus on during this week's practice.
A. On the offensive side, it is about creativity and awareness in front of the goal. Despite having clear chances, we continued to fail to score. I believe this is an area where we must keep trying. Instead of focusing solely on exploiting the opponent's weak points, it is important to maintain awareness of the relationships and variations with teammates, not missing any momentary openings, and making the best play choices to create goals. I also believe we must keep taking shots. To achieve this, quickly perceiving the situation in both offense and defense—"cognition"—is a key point, and that was the focus of this week's training.
Q, the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C. in this round will generally be the mid-season game.
A, the early matches were almost equivalent to wins in terms of content, but there were many games where the results did not follow. However, there is no doubt that there are reasons why victories did not come in such matches, and I also believe there are no mysterious losses. Through those matches, we have been addressing each cause one by one, but from here on, we want to focus more on "ourselves." We sincerely accept that our current position reflects our present situation, and by aligning everyone’s understanding, we believe we just need to aim higher from where we are now. We will fight with a strong sense of urgency.
Q. Please tell us your impression of Kyoto.
Team A is on a good run, and I am the same age as Coach Cho; we have been rivals pushing each other to improve. As a team, they are solid and possess the determination to see things through. Especially this season, I get the impression that their defensive strength has been enhanced. I believe that the teams capable of steadily accumulating 3 points against such opponents are the ones that can advance to the top ranks. We want to firmly seize the victory.
[Player Interview]
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, the league matches are now at the halfway point.
A. Always focus on winning the match in front of us. That is what we are committed to. We can't be worrying about future matches; what's important is how much we can put everything on the line for the match at hand. There is a phrase, "desperate struggle," and we really have to approach it with that level of determination. Both as individuals and as a team, we have the feeling that we cannot end like this, so we want to give it our all. In tomorrow's match, we want to focus on winning above all else.
Q: After the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the coach said, "We will focus on ourselves and move forward."
A, as an individual, there were times when I couldn't lead the team to victory, and I have to accept that reality. I believe winning is the most important thing for both Tokyo and myself. As long as I am on the pitch, I must express what I can do within it, and when it comes to showing results, there is nothing but "victory," so I want to play with winning as the ultimate goal.
Q. What is your impression of Kyoto SANGA F.C.?
A, I have the impression that everyone plays hard and with determination. Within a solid tactical framework, each individual fights earnestly, so the most important thing is not to lose in those battles first and foremost.
Q. To win against that opponent, I think we have to win the match right in front of us.
A, I believe that how well and how much we can win battles against the opponent determines the outcome, so I want to do it properly.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q. From Shirai's perspective, what was the main reason the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima did not go well?
A, I feel it is the quality of connection. Of course, there was an awareness to express what we have worked on, and there were good scenes, but there were also mistakes. Naturally, there were plays that led to good challenges and successes, but we need to improve the success rate and quality there. Also, the way we conceded goals was broken down in a similar manner. These two points were especially discussed in the locker room after the match.
Q. Regarding the match against Hiroshima, you used the same system as the opponent. Was it challenging because it was a mirror game?
A, if the system is the same as the opponent's, one-on-one situations will increase. In such cases, you obviously have to win in those situations. By skillfully breaking free, since it becomes a mirror game, the patterns for chances and breaking down the defense also expand. I think the reason was that, despite often facing opponents on the pitch, we were unable to create any gaps.
Q, the mid-season match will be against the former team Kyoto SANGA F.C.
A, since transferring to Tokyo, I had never played a match in Kyoto, so personally, I have a strong desire to step onto the pitch. This club holds a special place in my heart as it gave me the opportunity to challenge myself in the full-back position, and I want to perform well and show how much I have grown.
Q. Please tell us the key points to watch out for Kyoto as they enter their 5th season under Coach Cho's management.
A, I think the team’s strengths are quick attacks, swift transitions, and strong ball challenges. Not only their speed going forward but also their build-up play from the back is strong, so we want to be fully alert in both offense and defense as we approach the match.
