Match Review & Preview
Review of the Previous Match Against Kashiwa Reysol
The Blue-Red Army secured a comfortable victory in the away match against Kawasaki Frontale, achieving a three-game winning streak, and returned to Ajinomoto Stadium to face Kashiwa Reysol. Riding the momentum from the previous match, they launched a fierce press and a solid attack from the start, aggressively pushing into the opponent's territory to extend their home winning streak.
A sudden big chance came at the 4th minute. From a powerful advance by Marcelo RYAN, Ryunosuke SATO, who made his first start since returning to the red and blue team, took a free shot. However, it went straight to the opposing goalkeeper, and they could not score the opening goal early on.
Tokyo continued to dominate both offense and defense with coordinated pressing from advanced positions leading to immediate recoveries, and skillful positioning to avoid pressure. In the 14th minute of the first half, Motoki NAGAKURA took a shot following a second attempt by Ryu Sato and a vertical breakthrough by Lucas RIAN. Then, in the 17th minute, multiple players rushed in after a sharp interception by Kento HASHIMOTO, with Ryu Sato finally taking a middle-range shot. However, all attempts narrowly missed to the left of the goal, and once again they were unable to shake the net.
While Tokyo created many scoring opportunities early on, Kashiwa gradually adapted and changed their positioning. A fierce battle for the ball unfolded, showcasing the strengths of both teams.
After a scoreless first half, in the 9th minute of the second half, the opposing team took the lead when player Kakita connected with a cross from player Omi on the right side near the goal. Then, in the 37th minute, player Segawa scored an additional goal from a loose ball after the left side was broken down.
In the second half, Tokyo had the momentum taken by Kashiwa, but launched a fierce attack in the final stages. Kento HASHIMOTO, Nagakura, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who came on as a substitute, each had consecutive scoring opportunities, but were denied by the opposing goalkeeper's excellent saves and could not score.
The match ended 0-2 as it was. While demonstrating Tokyo's characteristic style in both offense and defense, they were unable to score, resulting in their first scoreless game and first defeat in the special tournament, stopping their winning streak at three since the season opener.
This Week's Preview
This is a match where true value is tested.
The upcoming match against Yokohama F.Marinos at our “National” stadium is a game that Director Rikizo MATSUHASHI and the team absolutely must overcome in order to continue aiming to become a “team worthy of the championship” and to move forward toward winning the title.
In the previous match, which was our first defeat, we were able to take control of both offense and defense from the beginning. We pressed the opponent with high pressure, won the battles for the ball, and created many opportunities by linking aggressive defense to scoring chances. However, we failed to capitalize on those chances, lost the flow of the game, and ultimately had to accept a disappointing result.
There are things that the team has steadily built up. The number of shots in the first four matches of the season is the highest in the league. The expected goals value also ranks 4th. The image of creating many chances is clearly reflected in the data.
However, the commander sounds the alarm there.
"You shouldn't look at the expected goals and think, 'We can do it.' Most teams that finish at the top record a number of goals exceeding that. Of course, if you reverse-engineer the fact that they have the highest number of finishes, it means they are creating chances, and one factor is that their high pressing defense is effective. This is the result of careful planning and preparation on our part, and winning duels against tight opponents is something we can leverage. Not only the forwards but also the defensive line and goalkeepers play with the same perspective, intensity, and timing, so I believe the sum of these factors leads to such numbers. However, we must make attempts and challenges that exceed our expected goals in the final moments. We have to keep shooting until we score and keep challenging until we succeed."
The difference between expected goals and actual goals scored—that is what defines a team's clutch strength. If a team can score more goals than the increasing expected goals, it will truly grow into a team that can secure a "+1 GOAL." Without being satisfied with the content, it is precisely because they have a clear goal of winning the championship that they strengthen their commitment to it.
After the defeat to Kashiwa, during this week's training, Coach Matsuhashi spoke to the players saying, "Let's all win the championship together." They reaffirmed their goals once again and aligned their focus on where they are headed.
The team that wins the championship does not suffer consecutive losses. To reach the place they aim for, this match must be won at all costs. It is a game that tests whether they can become a "team worthy of the championship."
The advantage of playing four out of the first five matches at home is significant. Having achieved a record of 3 wins and 1 loss so far, we want to secure a solid victory here to make our strong start even clearer before heading into three consecutive away games.
The first league match of the season at our "National" stadium. The red and blue army unites to prove their evolution and true value.
Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q. After the first loss of the season in the previous match, what did you communicate to the players this week?
A,At the first meeting, we once again shared our goal. "Let's all win the championship." Starting from there, we reviewed together where we have been heading through the matches so far and reaffirmed it before moving forward.
Q. A team that keeps winning needs to avoid consecutive losses. How have you addressed and corrected the issues that arose in the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol?
A,In terms of feedback to the team, there are "parts that must be done," but those always arise within the relationship with the opponent. However, when we applied a high press man-to-man from the front, we had anticipated that the game would likely unfold in that way. Although we prepared to respond during the previous four days, we were unable to fully demonstrate it.
However, while one method is to work backward from the loss, when considering the first half or the entire match, I believe it was a game where we could have overturned that score, even if not perfectly. We have been discussing that we must always strive for that. Even though we struggled to mount good attacks, especially in the first half, our strong defense really stood out, so naturally, there were moments when chances could have fallen to us. But there’s no point in dwelling on "what ifs," so we must keep shooting until the ball goes in, and we must keep challenging ourselves until it happens.
In terms of the number of shots, this team is currently the one taking the most shots in the league, and if those chances convert, the potential increases. We must pay close attention to the fact that they are creating scoring opportunities. Also, regarding opponents who press tightly, I believe that by discussing with the players and winning duels, we can make good use of this in the upcoming match.
Q. I think Yokohama F.Marinos was one of the teams that struggled a bit since the opening, but they won the last match and seem to be turning things around now. What is your view on this?
A, I believe it was truly a game that clearly showed our identity. The choice of the previous option was very quick, and there was absolutely no hesitation in the final player coming in for the cross, so we need to be very cautious about that.
Q. Including the previous match, regarding taking advantage of the space behind opponents who applied high press, I think there were parts, especially in the first half, where it went well. How do you feel about the balance in that area?
A, we are not failing to perform properly on the pitch; we are also able to build up well by effectively using the goalkeeper from the back. We do have strategies for when the opponent responds to that, so the fact that we couldn't quickly coordinate there is, of course, an issue.
It's not about having the courage to kick only when things are really hopeless, but I feel it might be better to have more of that spirit. However, it’s no good if those attempts have no chance at all. We want to kick balls that have even a slight chance or a high probability of becoming our possession, not 'far and fast' but 'close and high.' By using that time effectively, there might be more opportunities for the opponent to mishandle a high bouncing ball and for us to intercept it. On the other hand, a ball kicked far and fast immediately puts us on the defensive. Simply put, we need balls that can increase the likelihood of securing possession, even if just a little. Conversely, this also relates to the quality of our play after winning the ball from the opponent, so we must firmly demand that as well.
Player Interview
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q, This match will be against Yokohama F.Marinos at MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium).
A, Japan National Stadium is a stage of dreams and admiration. Standing on that pitch naturally raises my motivation and ignites my passion. Because of that, I am able to perform at a high level. I believe I have a good compatibility with it personally, and as a team, we also have good chemistry, so I think we can show a wonderful match. We won three consecutive games from the opening but lost to Kashiwa Reysol. There aren't many teams that keep winning continuously, so I want to firmly apply the lessons learned to the next match. I am also very fired up mentally, so I want to show my best performance properly.
Q. As it becomes important not to have consecutive losses, what kind of preparations have you made this week?
A, you were able to have a very focused and good practice. I think everyone feels the frustration of losing, but I believe that feeling brought the team closer together. Seeing that attitude, I feel we had an excellent training session this week.
Q, There have been many talks from the coach and players about not dwelling on losses and moving forward towards the championship.
AI truly believe that. I also think that even championship-winning teams rarely manage to win every single match, so how we connect this loss to the next game is crucial. The club has clearly communicated the goal of "winning the championship" to the coach and players. That is why, without dwelling on the loss, the drive to "face forward and fight again" and "move forward once more" is even stronger.
Q. What are the key factors that determine the outcome of the match?
A, I believe the battle on the flanks will be the key. Yokohama FM also has strong side attackers who launch their attacks from there. We want to firmly stop players like Crooks, whom the opponent wants to use as a starting point, and on the contrary, push forward to get involved in the attack. We aim to overwhelmingly dominate the flanks, moving so much that it makes you think Nagatomo is everywhere, and contribute to the team's victory.
Ryunosuke SATO
Q. The match against Kashiwa Reysol was our first defeat of the season, but I heard the coach also mentioned that the team aims to win the championship.
A, it was the first time I saw the coach say something like that out loud. I also think it's good that the entire team shares the same understanding. I don't think there's any need to lower or change that goal just because of one loss. Since everyone's perspective is aligned, I feel the team's morale is also rising.
Q: I think the result changed in the final quality of finishing in the match against Kashiwa.
A, I also had chances, and as a team, there were several close opportunities in the first half. Because we couldn't finish those chances, the momentum shifted, and in the second half, the match was dominated like that, leading to a tiring situation for Tokyo. Looking back over the entire match, there are many issues to address, but overall, I don't think it was something to be pessimistic about. So, for the next game, I want the whole team to align our focus and approach the match together.
Q. I think matches against teams with momentum will become difficult.
A, I definitely think it will be a tough match, but we have been playing well since the opening, and just because we lost one game doesn't mean our form has declined. We want to approach the match with confidence.
Q. What do you think is necessary for you to break through the opponent's defense?
A, I believe it is most important for me to be involved with the ball up front. It is necessary to move more to receive the ball, and I want to increase the number of situations where I can connect with the forwards. Tokyo has many players with speed, and there are also many players who can be the focal point up front, so I want to surpass the opponents by making the most of these individual players.
Q. MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium) is also the stage where Ryunosuke SATO held the press conference for signing his professional contract.
A, I was on the bench for SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team), and I have never stood on the pitch of Japan National Stadium, so the possibility of playing there excites me. When I get on the pitch, I want to enjoy it first and foremost. As an FC Tokyo player, standing on the pitch of Japan National Stadium is a dream, and I believe it is not an easy thing to achieve. If I get to play, I want to fully savor the moment and enjoy it.
