Match Review
The matches continue with no room for defeat as they chase the top-ranked Kashima Antlers. This round features the 'Tamagawa Clasico' against Kawasaki Frontale. The match, played with only two days' rest, saw 3 changes in the starting lineup from the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol.3 players.
The last line is goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, and the back line from the right consists of Sei MUROYA, Rio OMORI, Hayato INAMURA, and Kento HASHIMOTO. The defensive midfielders are Kyota TOKIWA and Takahiro KO, who returned to the starting lineup for the first time since the 8th round match against Verdy. Keito SATO plays as the right side midfielder, and Leon NOZAWA, also starting for the first time since the match against Verdy, is on the left. Up front, Ryunosuke SATO and Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who started for the first time since the 11th round match against FC Machida Zelvia, form the two-top forward line.
Without losing the attitude of must-win in every match, the game where we want to extend our winning streak at home Ajinomoto Stadium kicked off at14:03in very high temperatures.
1st―Breaking the balancewithKane'sopening goal
At the start, Kawasaki, fueled by revenge from the previous match, continued to press forward, but the guardian of the goal kept preventing dangerous situations. Gradually, calm was restored, but on this day there was no clear target in the front line, and no breakthrough in the attack could be found. Despite boldly breaking behind the defense, they could not create a chance to finish, and only time passed by.
The first shot was in the 27th minute of the first half.After carefully connecting from the back line and breaking down the right side, finallyplayer Ryu Sato aimed for the goal, but it was saved by the opposing goalkeeper.
The player who dispelled this stagnation was Kei Sato. He took the ball in midfield, advanced with it, and made a through pass. When Ryu Sato aimed for the goal with his left foot, Kei Sato struck the rebound ball, which the opposing goalkeeper had deflected, with a left-footed volley. The ball bounced high, missed the timing of the opposing goalkeeper, and was absorbed into the goal.
The first half continued in a stalemate as neither side could find an opening in the attack, but Tokyo1point ahead as the match went into the second half.
2nd―Leon’sfirst goalof the season & clean sheetTamagawa Clasicoconsecutive wins
Kawasaki made the first move. From the start of the second half, they replaced Ito and Miyagi with Yasuto WAKIZAKA and MARCINHO on the pitch.
On the other hand, Tokyo, with players Taka and Tokiwa, as well as Ryu Sato contributing to the game's build-up, broke down Kawasaki's defense with a well-paced connection. From that flow, an additional goal was scored at 11 minutes into the second half. Ryu Sato played a vertical pass, and Kei Sato, facing forward, made a through pass. Nakagawa, who broke free, carried the ball into the area, and in the scramble, Nozawa finally pushed the ball with his right foot. This happy first goal of the season became a significant one-point lead that put Kawasaki further behind..
Immediately after conceding a goal, Kawasaki substituted Kanda with Romanic Lazar. Meanwhile, Tokyo, wanting to strengthen their offense, at 23 minutes into the second half, substituted Sato Kei, Tokiwa, and Nakagawa with Fuki YAMADA, Kento HASHIMOTO, and Marcelo RYAN from the bench.
Second HalfAt 34 minutes, player Hian broke through the left side and crossed the ballto the far side where player Ryu Sato jumped in, but the shot just missed the target.
Tokyo made a substitution in the second halfat the 38th minute, replacing Nozawa with Keita ENDO.Near the end of the match, Kaede SUZUKI was brought onto the pitch, replacing Muroya. Suzuki made his happy professional debut on the home ground at Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tokyo's defense remained focused until the very end,4 matches since their last clean sheet. During the consecutive games of Golden Week,33,991 spectators watched as the red and blue achieved a season double in the Tamagawa Clasico, and the "City That Never Sleeps"4 consecutive wins became a triumphant anthem.
MATCH DETAILS
Match detailed data is here
Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q, please summarize today's match.
A, Playing the second game in two days, the players were prepared for a very tough match, and overall there was a somewhat heavy feeling, or I think both sides felt that way. However, scoring a goal in the first half under such difficult circumstances was very important. In the second half, we made sure to share and adjust our attacking strategy, and the players understood this well, expressing the byproducts that came from it, allowing us to attack with a good rhythm. Although there were some risky moments in terms of risk management in the second half, we did not allow any goals in the end, and keeping a clean sheet is something we can highly evaluate about this game.
Q, this makes it four consecutive wins for the team. What areas do you want to further build on moving forward?
A, at this moment right after the match, nothing comes to mind immediately. Truly, we put a lot into this one game first and foremost, and it is also my job to analyze the next opponent in order to win the next match. In doing so, I believe it is important to convey new energy and ideas to the players. How they utilize that will be one of the keys.
Q,The first goal came from Tokyo's strength, the counterattack, and in the second half, you showed a variety of attacks. I think you have become capable of various types of attacks, so please tell us how you feel about it.
ARegarding the first half, I don't think what we rehearsed was fully reflected. The fullbacks participated less in the attack than usual, and there was some sluggishness. However, in a positive sense, the back four and the defensive midfielders played solidly in deep positions, so even if we lost the ball, we did not face dangerous attacks and did not concede a goal. That was not intentional, but watching from the bench, I thought, "So this is how the game unfolds." In the second half, I explained again the intention behind what we had rehearsed, where the passing outlets would open, and how entering from there would lead to good attacks. The players used those outlets well and brought out new ideas and new relationships from there, sharing them effectively among themselves. Because of that, I think we were able to execute good attacks in the second half.
Q, since deploying Ryunosuke SATO as part of the two-forward system, the team seems to have gained momentum. What kind of role have you assigned to him?
A, first of all, he is tasked with directing the attack. From the center,he carefully observes a 360-degree view,and depending on the situation, he decides how to engage with the defensive midfielders, his partner in the two-forward setup, and the wingers. When we first started using the two-forward system, he was often moving inside from the sides, so he was just beginning to grasp the timing and relationship with the defensive midfielders in the center, but the flow wasn’t quite smooth yet. Through that experience, he has now been creating increasingly better opportunities, and seeing how well he maintains relationships with those around him, I believe his high ability, abundant ideas, and accurate adaptability to situations are clearly evident. Not only relying on his skills, but also leveraging his relationships with teammates, he is leading the team effectively.
Player Interview
Leon NOZAWA
Q, please review the goal scene.
A, from Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, I was constantly told to move inside, so when I moved inside, the chance came. I think Teruhito NAKAGAWA was also about to strike the ball, but this goal was because I was in that position, and it was a goal thanks to everyone connecting the play, so it is by no means just my goal. I am happy to have left a mark and contributed to the team's victory.
Q. It was my first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium in the league match.
A. The feeling is completely different. I felt surrounded by everyone from Tokyo, which made me happy and gave me a sense of security.
Q. It was my first start since the match against Verdy.
A.I wasn’t as nervous as I was then. I believed that if I could play my usual game, the results would surely follow. Since we had built good momentum from the previous match, I just thought I needed to express my feelings on the pitch, and that led to the numbers.
Q. I think it was important to sort out your feelings and mindset after the Tokyo V match,how were you feeling?
A. Of course, I was down and reflected on the match afterward. However, I also thought that if any player dwells on it, it could become a burden for the team. Since we have come this far with good momentum, I felt I needed to firmly reset my mindset and help raise the team's level. Being human, mistakes happen, and not everything will go perfectly; there are good times and bad times. I believe it is important to minimize those fluctuations, and I was able to switch my mindset positively. I want to keep working to improve my performance today even more.
Q, todaywas filled with loud cheers.
A, it feltgreat. There are people who keep supporting us, so I needed to deliver results myself. I'm glad I was able to respond with at least one result. I want to keep producing numbers and results for the team and definitely aim for the championship.
Q. The start of the first half was a difficult period for the team.
A. It was a challenging time both offensively and defensively. The heat was a factor, but the opponent was dealing with the same conditions. In that situation, when we thought about how to win, we chose to play forward, and I believe the opening goal came because everyone was aligned with the same direction. From there, we were able to seize the momentum. Regarding adjustments during the match, of course, we listen to the coach and manager at halftime and make corrections, but since halftime is only 15 minutes, the players communicated well about how to proactively regain momentum during the flow of the game itself. That’s why we were able to capture a good rhythm.
Q, it's the first clean sheet in 4 matchesand the 4th consecutive win.
A,I don't know how everyone else feels, but personally, it still feels surprising that we've won 4 in a row. It went by in a flash, and I believe we can go even higher. Before I knew it, I was riding a good wave. I think more players like me need to step up. With consecutive matches, the team's overall strength is tested, so players like me need to add that extra value and help raise the team's level. Of course, we aim to win the championship, but first, we want to prepare with everyone aligned and focused for the next match against JEF United Chiba.
Q. You have taken the provisional top spot, but does winning today while rotating players give momentum to the team?
A. I personally felt a difference between the starting players and the substitutes, but to overturn that, numbers were necessary. I don't think we have completely overturned it yet, but I am happy to have contributed to the team's victory. I play with that goal in mind, so I am relieved to have achieved one positive result. Rather than focusing on being at the top, I want to concentrate fully on the upcoming matches.
Player Kei Sato
Q,The first half started off tough, but what were you thinking while playing?
A,We endured for a long time, but I was thinking of turning the tide with a single counterattack. That led to the first goal.
Q,please review the scene of the opening goal.
A,During a somewhat difficult period, the team was aiming for a counterattack, and we were targeting that pass as well. We managed to steal the ball successfully and made the final pass to Ryunosuke SATO. I wanted him to finish it there, but I want to praise myself for positioning well where the rebound came and reacting skillfully to the ball.
Q,It was a difficult posture, but was it as you intended?
A,I wasn't aiming for it (laughs). Given the posture, just making contact was the best I could do. I think I was lucky. The fact that I was properly running to that spot and managed to hit the ball well was good.
Q,The momentum doesn't stop, does it?
A,I couldn't score in the last match, but I believe I am the one who can score at important moments.
Q. In the scene of the second goal,you received a vertical pass from Ryu Sato, turned skillfully, and connected to a through pass.
A.I was on the opposite side in that scene, but when I came inside at that timing, I made eye contact with Ryu Sato. When I thought "he's coming," as expected, a good ball came, so I was able to turn skillfully. At that moment, Teruhito NAKAGAWA made a good run, so I was able to use him properly.With just twopasses, we were able to break through, so I think we executed the fast vertical attack we aimed for. The fewer passes there are, the faster you can reach the goal, and we were able to embody that well.
Q,It seems that the combination with player Ryu Sato has matured.</span>
A,I think you can understand especially by looking at the second goal scene, if our eyes meet, the pass comes, and he doesn't lose the ball, so he manages somehow. He knows that if he keeps the ball and tries to break behind, he himself will come alive, and he is a superb player. There's nothing to complain about.
Q,I want to increase my own goal count as well.
A,Scoring is necessary to win, so I will score.
Q,The top-ranked Kashima Antlers have a match tomorrow, and as of now, they have become the provisional leaders.
A,I think we are putting quite a bit of pressure on them, and if we win all our remaining matches from here, we can secure the championship on our own. Rather than focusing on the opponents, we want to aim solely at winning all our games to claim the title.
Player Hayato Inamura
Q. How do you feel about being able to secure a solid win during consecutive matches?
A. I think it shows Tokyo's progress; the players' mindset and what the staff are saying are in sync, which is proof that we are fighting with a sense of unity.
Q. Do you feel that the team is currently on a good streak?
A. Rather than a streak, I believe it is the result of the players being conscious of the daily things that Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI communicates well. That shows in each game. While I do think there is some momentum, the passion we put into every single match right now is very strong.
Q. In the second half, there were many situations dealing with crosses, but you managed to keep a clean sheet.
A. This is also a personal challenge for me and a common pattern in Tokyo's conceded goals, so I work on it daily. I think the defenders were able to communicate well and defend together. There was a match where I once lost an aerial duel and it led to a goal, so I’m glad I was able to learn from that reflection and play solidly this time.
Q. In the first half, it seemed like Rio OMORI was targeted with long balls. Did the two center backs discuss this?
A. Rio OMORI himself is a strong player in that area, so it was not a problem at all, and I wasn’t worried. We were focused on not losing in those situations and making sure to properly challenge and cover.
Q. What do you think is the factor that has brought the team together?
A. As I mentioned earlier, I believe it is that everyone shares the same passion and focus for each match. Both the players and staff work hard for Tokyo in various ways with the mindset of "for the team," and there is a sense that we are doing this for everyone involved with Tokyo.
Q. How do you feel about winning the first game of the three consecutive home matches?
A. Not only the players but the entire team doesn't really focus on the fact that it's a series of three matches. We approach each game individually, concentrating on the match in front of us. I believe the strong determination to win each game compared to the opponent is reflected in the results. I think momentum plays a part as well, but the atmosphere created by the fans and supporters from the warm-up is the most important. We are truly grateful.
Q. Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming home game against Chiba.
A. It is called an all-out battle, but I believe it includes the fans and supporters as well. Regardless of the opponent, we want to fight together as a team for the match ahead.
Kaede SUZUKI
Q. Congratulations on your professional debut. How do you honestly feel?
A. I am very happy to have been able to stand on the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, which I have watched since I was little. However, I have only just reached the starting line, so from here I want to increase my playing time and work hard to contribute to Tokyo's victory.
Q. Since you were brought on during additional time, I assume your role was to help close out the game. What instructions were you given when you were sent on?
A. There were no specificinstructions. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI told me, 'Enjoy it as usual,' so I was able to relax and enter the pitch without much nervousness.
Q. How did it feel to be on the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time as a professional, and what kind of atmosphere did you sense?
A. The support was simply amazing, and since I was alwayson the side cheering behind the goal, standing on the pitch made me realize once again, "So this is the kind of atmosphere the players have been experiencing." I want to repay the fans who support us through my play.
Q. At the moment the time was up, I believe you shared the joy of victory with your teammates. What kind of emotions did you feel?
A. The feeling of victory experienced in the stands and the feeling of victory experienced on the pitch are completely different emotions. We want our fans and supporters to continue feeling this emotion, so we will keep fighting on the pitch ourselves.
Q: You were on the bench in the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, and I think you were nervous at first. After some time passed, were you able to organize your feelings for today's game?
A: As a defender, I understood that substitutions are difficult, but during this series of matches, Coach Matsuhashi also told me that you never know when a chance will come, so I was always prepared to perform at my highest level.
Q: Given the team's situation, the depth at the full-back position is thin at the moment. Were there expectations placed on you because of this?
A: Since I can play anywhere in the defensive positions, even as a defensive midfielder, I see this as a strength. I view it positively that if I am on the bench alone, I can cover any position. I want to show more in practice and increase my playing time.
Q. Regarding your play so far, not just in today's match, what areas have Coach Matsuhashi and the coaching staff told you to improve?
A. Tokyo currently focuses on build-up play, so we are always told to organize from the back and to look further ahead. I believe that having confidence in your kicks means always looking far ahead while also distributing the ball nearby, which is very important.
Q. Is there anything you want to learn from your teammates in that regard?
A. I greatly refer to Hayato Inamura's ability to intercept vertical passes and long balls. I want to become a player who can skillfully use both long and short kicks like Inamura.
