Match Review & Preview

Review of the previous match against JEF United Chiba

To connect the opening dash to the championship race, it is essential to firmly seek results in the second match of the three consecutive away games. As Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI mentioned the day before the match that it would be an all-out battle, Tokyo changed six starting players from the previous match to face this game.

Fresh players sent out in response to the congested schedule including midweek matches energized the pitch at Fukuda Denshi Arena. The entire team overwhelmed their opponents by showing fierce ball contests and quick transitions between offense and defense.

Among them, this season's first starting defensive midfielder Kei KOIZUMI functioned as a key pillar in both offense and defense in combination with Kouta TOKIWA. With outstanding stamina, he was involved in both attack and defense, creating a new build-up style where the two alternately dropped back to the last line, and also realized a flexible system close to 4-3-3 with timely forward runs. Similarly, this season's first starter Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who formed a two-top with Motoki NAGAKURA, received the ball at the right timing in midfield and acted as the lubricant of the attack, and the first half proceeded entirely at Tokyo's pace.

The game changed in the 26th minute of the first half. After Keita ENDO's dribble breakthrough, Tokiwa took a middle-range shot. The ball hit the opponent's hand, and after VAR support, a penalty kick was awarded. Alexander SCHOLZ calmly converted this chance, giving Tokyo the opening goal.

In the second half, Chiba tried to make a comeback and pressed hard, causing the momentum to shift slightly, and at the 34th minute, they equalized by pushing in a loose ball from a long ball play. However, the painful lessons learned from conceding goals immediately after scoring in the opening match and the previous game led to a lightning-fast go-ahead goal here.

On the right side, Leon NOZAWA received a strong pass from Keito SATO, smoothly controlled the ball forward with a flowing trap, and broke through vertically. Ryunosuke SATO, running in from behind, powerfully kicked the ball with his right foot on this return pass, successfully scoring the go-ahead goal. Tokyo took a step forward once again.

In his first appearance of the season, player Nozawa, who was told by Coach Matsuhashi, "Sorry to keep you waiting," reflected with a smile, "Last season, I was patient and got to play a lot, but I felt sorry for making him say that. When I stepped onto the pitch, I wanted to turn Riki-san's 'sorry' into 'thank you.' I wanted to play carrying the hopes of many people, so I'm glad I was able to achieve a result."

For Ryuu Sato, who scored the goal, it was a crucial final round goal driven by the determination to make up for the ball loss just before that led to conceding a goal. He said, "I ran toward the goal with more passion than usual. I felt I had to make up for it," and with that fighting spirit, he secured the victory for the team.

In the additional time of the second half, the opponent had a golden opportunity that hit the post, but Tokyo's players demonstrated their strengths in both offense and defense, securing a 2-1 victory. As a result, with 6 wins and 1 loss including 3 wins in penalty shootouts, they extended their points to 15 and rose to 2nd place in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League EAST Group.

This Week's Preview

Immediately after securing a victory against JEF United Chiba, passionate chants for the next match echoed from the blue and red family gathered behind the goal. Those feelings have firmly reached the players' hearts. They resonate with a fervor that surpasses even the lyrics they hear.

Kota Tokiwa, a player raised in the academy, says, "We cannot lose to Verdy. But that expression also includes a draw. So I absolutely want to win. We have to win this match."

In the Meiji Yasuda J1 100-Year Vision League EAST Group, FC Tokyo is in 2nd place, 4 points behind the leader after Sec. 7. The upcoming away match against Verdy, held at Ajinomoto Stadium, comes after a winning streak in a crucial three-game away stretch this season. This is a high-stakes match of pride and determination. To keep up with the leader Kashima Antlers, this is an important game that FC Tokyo must absolutely win.

In the previous match against Chiba, a new build-up was showcased where the defensive midfielder dropped back to the last line. Coach Matsuhashi, who has demanded changing tactics according to the opponent's approach, has added another new weapon to the team. The possession game now includes more patterns to avoid the opponent's press, combined with sharp counters exploiting the space behind, direct plays to break down blocks, and flexible soccer based on accurate situational judgment has evolved. This is not for tactics' sake but ultimately for goals, victories, and aiming for the championship. With clear objectives, both the coach and players are aligned in their focus. This is the greatest strength the current team possesses.

This match is absolutely a game we must win. Against Tokyo V, known for their hard work from the front line, the key to victory will be how we deflect the "arrows" they aim at us. Coach Matsuhashi commented on the opponent's style, saying, "We are fully aware of that. They are very aggressive, and I truly think this team reflects Coach Hiroshi JOFUKU's style. We want to firmly bring out what we have and what we have prepared." This is the third match of the three consecutive away games. Building on the momentum of fresh players performing well in the Chiba match, we are required to go all out again this time to seize victory.

Also, Ryunosuke SATO was selected as the only domestic field player in the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team) squad for the Europe expedition announced this Thursday. Being chosen for the national team at the final selection stage for the FIFA World Cup 26 is a great opportunity to keep a big dream alive. Ahead of the match against Tokyo V, he expressed his excitement about the good news, saying, "I believe showing my play in this match will lead to the national team. I am in good condition myself, and I think the attitude of boldly challenging without fear of mistakes leads to goals, so I want to demonstrate that in this match. We absolutely must win this match, and I would be happy if I could score a goal in that game." He was fired up with both his good form and his ambition as the 'Derby Man.'

To become a "team worthy of the championship," we are still halfway there. However, we absolutely cannot stop. We must steadily move forward toward the clearly stated big goal. In this matchweek, with four consecutive wins on the line, we want to give our all to defeat the rivals in front of us, prove with our ability that Tokyo is blue and red, and close out the three consecutive away games with a victory. Every match is a must-win. At our Ajinomoto Stadium, united as one in blue and red, we will seize joy. To bring the future that lies beyond closer with our own hands──.

Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI

Q. This match will be the team's third consecutive win. What kind of talk did you have with the players?
A, first, before winning that match, we talked about conquering these three days (the preparation period). Before stepping onto the field, we considered what we could do for ourselves, and although there isn't much we can accomplish in such a short time, including recovery, the players worked hard on it. Looking back, they have faithfully embodied what we discussed before entering the three consecutive matches. I believe in them for tomorrow's game as well.

Q. As a team, we believe we need to be able to do various things, and we feel that the new build-up method is also working well.
A, this is not something that started just now; this season, we have been trying various things. Of course, there are parts where we haven't fully succeeded in trying, but ultimately, it is the players' autonomy to make the final choices, and it is important to propose and present a structure for that. If we take it to the point where that autonomy is lacking, it becomes automatic and starts to become biased. I believe the judgment changes depending on even the direction of the opponent's press, and what I present becomes completely meaningless if the situation is different. We have to leave room for the players to make autonomous decisions in the final part—what they choose and how the coordination around that choice arises—and I think when that aspect grows larger, it becomes the "true strength."

Q. It seems that there are more scenes where players make decisions and play on the pitch.
A, I believe that as they play more matches, the situations that catch their eyes will teach them, and I think the opponents are also drawing that out, so we need to effectively utilize those aspects ourselves.

Q. The players have started to make many comments that seem to be calculated backward from the goal of being a "team worthy of winning the championship" and "to win the championship." How do you perceive the players' mindset?
A, we are still halfway there. I believe that every player is thinking at each moment about what it truly means to be appropriate. It is precisely because everyone is focusing on that and directing their minds there that a clear path forward emerges. Although we all share the same destination, the sense of appropriateness on the way there varies individually. It is because the destination is clear that everyone is working diligently toward it.

Q. What is your impression of Verdy?
A, I think they are a very aggressive team that reflects the coach's style. He is a wonderful coach, someone I deeply respect both for his experience and career, so rather than just learning from him, I want to demonstrate what I currently have and what we have prepared, and face them head-on.

Q. I think the atmosphere will be different from usual, including at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, of course, there are moments when emotions run high, but as I mentioned earlier, I believe that how you manage these three days before winning the match will be reflected in the results on the spot.

Player Interview

Motoki NAGAKURA

Q: You have played full-time in all matches so far and have recorded the highest distance covered and number of sprints in the J1 League.
AI feel that I have not been able to finish scoring goals and that I have been causing trouble for the team. I don't pay much attention to the distance run or the number of sprints. I always think about what I can do for the team's victory and play accordingly, so the most important thing is that the team wins. I will continue to think about what I can do for that and keep playing.

Q. We were able to secure a solid victory against JEF United Chiba. I believe we were able to dominate the opponent in terms of performance as well.
A, I believe the factor that made the match difficult against Mito Hollyhock was that we ended up playing along with their style of football. Against an opponent who applies pressure from the front, if we can simply attack by getting behind their defense or securely hold the ball up front, then since the opponent commits many players forward, it becomes easier for us to create a numerical advantage. Also, the opponent will find it harder to press from the front. For the match against Chiba, the preparation period was short, so there was no time to prepare anything new, but we reviewed what we have done so far and, not exactly returning to basics, but we talked about firmly expressing what we want to do. I believe the result of expressing that led to our victory. 

Q, The last match of the consecutive games played over one week will be against Verdy.
A, they are an opponent that we absolutely must not lose to, not just for ourselves but as a club. I think Tokyo V is an aggressive team, so we want to play our own game without being overwhelmed by their momentum. In previous matches, we have created many chances from the first half, so if we can finish those chances properly, I believe we can win. From the kickoff right at the start of the first half, we want to establish our own pace firmly, score where we should, and aim to take not just one goal but two or three goals from the first half. Personally, I have a good impression since I was able to score in the last match against them, so I hope to score again, but for this match, the team's victory is more important than individual results, so I want to play for that. 

Q, This time it will be treated as an away game, but the venue is Ajinomoto Stadium. I think many fans and supporters will come, so please give a message.
AWe will play with all our might for the team to win, no matter who participates. This time, we will face the match as the away team, but Ajinomoto Stadium is our home stadium. We would be happy if you create an atmosphere that makes us feel like it’s our home as usual. We will fight with even greater passion than that energy and deliver victory to everyone, so please support us.

Player Hayato Inamura

Q, please review the previous match against JEF United Chiba. Wasn't the first half almost perfect?
A, the opponent's pressure was not that strong, so with that level of pressure, both myself, Alexander SCHOLZ, and Kento HASHIMOTO were able to avoid the press. However, from the perspective of playing on the pitch, there is still the issue that in every match, we want to score more goals in the first half. Despite taking so many shots and having chances, I believe the opponent only had one shot, so finishing the game in the first half is very important. Even though the content of the match against Chiba was good, this is an area where we want to demand more.

Q. From the perspective of avoiding pressure, I felt that it was especially significant that you were able to carry the ball forward firmly, rather than sideways or backward, in your own area.
ARight now, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI is encouraging the team to keep pushing forward, and that is also my strength. I believe I had a good relationship with Kento HASHIMOTO and Keita ENDO, and we were able to break down the opponent together. Also, it was truly thanks to the positioning of the two defensive midfielders. They always positioned themselves to receive the ball and manage risks, taking care to be in the right spots. It made it easier for me to move freely, and I think the two defensive midfielders led the game both offensively and defensively.

Q, to go back to the topic, the aspects of controlling the game both offensively and defensively have been coming together, so the impression is that the challenge lies in finishing ability.
A, it was the same in the match against Urawa Reds, as well as in the matches against Kashiwa Reysol and Mito Hollyhock. The Mito match was a bit difficult, but the games against Urawa and Kashiwa could easily have been 3-0 by halftime. The players in the back, including Motoki NAGAKURA, believe that the forwards should have finished those chances. However, on the other hand, I think it’s positive that we were able to create so many opportunities. From watching Tokyo last season and actually playing myself, I truly believe the team has changed in that regard.

Q. As a team, the compact formation remains unchanged, but it seems that the team has unified its approach on whether to press from the front or to draw the opponent in depending on the situation, resulting in smoother coordination between offense and defense.
A, Kouta Tokiwa's presence is quite significant there. He is always in a position to win the ball, maintains balance, and both side midfielders can run endlessly and come back. I truly believe this is one of Tokyo's current strengths. Ideally, regarding the goal conceded in the Chiba match, I want us to stand firm between me and Scholz, and if the ball passes beyond the defensive midfielders, we want to be strong enough to win it all back.

Q. The final match of a series of three games in one week, played away, is against Verdy. Isn't this also a team that player Inamura, who belonged to FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa, is conscious of?
A, Even when I was not with Tokyo, I really looked forward to this game and wanted to watch it live. So, the fact that I actually have the possibility to play in that match is truly exciting. When I was attending school and during my time with U-15 Fukagawa, I was conscious not to wear anything green, and I think the traditions and history of this match are very important. I am really looking forward to it.

Q. What is your impression of the opponent?
A, I hear that under the guidance of coach Hiroshi JOFUKU, they run a lot in practice, so I think they will probably try to surpass us there. On the other hand, I also think Tokyo has a high level of aggressiveness, so we really want to dominate and win.

Q. The match will be held at Ajinomoto Stadium, but this time it is an away game. Please tell us what you expect from the fans and supporters, and conversely, what you want them to expect from you.
AI want the fans and supporters to fight together with us from the warm-up. Even at home games, we often hear the opposing team's cheers, so I want our fans to really energize the atmosphere. We also want to raise our intensity from the warm-up, so I hope we can fight together from that point. Regarding the match itself, even at the night game last Wednesday, so many of you came to the away stadium and right after the game, you sent the message that "we cannot lose," and the players have definitely felt your feelings and passion. In the match against Tokyo V, we will fight with full intensity, and we want you to fight alongside us with even greater passion.