Match Review & Preview

Review of the Previous Match Against Kashiwa Reysol

The away game kickoff was met with news that the top-ranked Kashima Antlers had been defeated. Although the team did not share this information, each player energized on the pitch, seizing the big opportunity to close the points gap with Kashima and firmly demonstrating their competitive strength.

From the start, a back-and-forth battle continued, with Tokyo showing attacks that combined possession and sharp offense. In the 43rd minute of the first half, they launched a long counterattack from their own half, with Marcelo RYAN sprinting down the center of the pitch and delivering a final pass to the left. Here, Keita ENDO skillfully adjusted and struck with his right foot, giving the Blue-Red the lead just before the end of the first half.

Kashiwa continued to connect passes and attack even in the second half, while Tokyo displayed a flexible approach and launched diverse attacks. As time passed, the rain intensified, and an additional goal was scored in a way that took advantage of the conditions. This happened at the 15th minute of the second half.

When RIAN received a long feed from the back and faced forward, he passed to Ryunosuke SATO running alongside on the left. From here, number 23 sharply shot with his left foot, making the ball bounce on the slippery grass and piercing the goal, extending the lead to two points.

In the 27th minute of the second half, they conceded a goal from a rebound off a set piece with a middle-range shot, but in the 42nd minute, just before the end, Leon NOZAWA was fouled and earned a penalty kick. Ryuu Sato calmly converted it with his right foot, pushing Kashiwa ahead once again, securing a splendid 3-1 victory.

This marks three consecutive wins. We have closed the gap to Kashima to just 3 points. The situation of needing to win every match to achieve a comeback championship remains unchanged, but including the direct confrontation in the final round, we have secured a significant victory that puts us firmly in the title race.

This Week's Preview

There are only 5 matches left in the group stage of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. And now, the 'Tamagawa Clasico' against Kawasaki Frontale, who are 3 points behind the top-ranked Kashima Antlers. If the team can achieve a season double over their rivals across the Tamagawa River here, it will surely boost the team's momentum even further.

As the matches and points have accumulated since the opening, the team has expanded its repertoire. Kawasaki, on the other hand, is ranked 5th in the EAST group. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said, "Although we lost the last match, we had been on a winning streak until then. It seems like we are starting to grasp something, and each player has the potential to be a decisive factor. We must not let them show that strength," expressing increased caution.

During the locker room exit after the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, captain Sei MUROYA said this in the team huddle.

"It's not about the opponent. Everything depends on us."

That mentality was evident throughout the team on the pitch at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium. We will continue that this week as well.

And Ryunosuke SATO continues his good form, having scored his first multi-goal in the previous match. With expectations rising for a third consecutive game scoring streak this round, he said the following.

"It's the Tamagawa Clasico, and our condition has improved, so we are confident. In that sense, I think we are in a good state. We want to turn this momentum into goals and victories."

The match, played with only two days' rest, will likely be an all-out battle. Heading into the last five games, the Blue-Red team will unite as one to seize victory.

Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI

Q. In the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, you showed the counterattack you talked about before the game, which allowed you to control the match, didn't it?
A, both in counterattack scenes and scenes leading to good attacks, the parts of offense and defense prepared in rehearsal were firmly kept in mind. As for the offensive part that I am personally in charge of, I think that awareness was very high. When committing players to the attack, the timing was very good, and even with few players in a short counterattack, we were able to express a simple attack without wasting many moves. If I were to be greedy, I think that if we had scored on the first chance, we could have created an even better flow.

 Regarding defense, since we have to play tough, each individual's task is very heavy and important. Of course, I think there are difficult parts, but there were no players who showed expressions of feeling it was tough. In modern football, there is physical data, and I think that element is often considered, but it is not necessarily a good factor. It is when to press, how to coordinate with that, and how to play with simultaneity that were properly expressed, which allowed such defense and led to scoring. I think the way that was expressed was truly excellent.

Q. Tactically, a new formation has emerged where the two defensive midfielders do not drop back to the defensive line together but instead line up side by side, and it seems that the team's options are increasing with each match.
A, well. If possible, it is better not todrop downto the last line so that more players can be positioned forward. When looking at the opponent's formation, we had prepared for who would be able to move forward positively. When thinking about who can create a surprise during the match, there are only 11 players on the pitch. If you are a center back, you have to consider the risks. However, if the timing is right, there may be situations where the center back has to step forward. Even if not in front of the opponent's goal, there have been many instances in previous matches where the center back entered the opponent's attacking third. Also, if the accuracy of the final finish and risk management become even stronger, I think it will improve further.

Q. In terms of creating a surprise, Rio OMORI played for the first time in a while in the previous match and showed good performance. Although he has played well so far, only two center backs can participate in the match, and Rio OMORI has continued to make great efforts. Could it be said that his efforts have been rewarded?
A, well. Players who continue to participate may find it easier to develop a good sense of the game rhythm and how to play while reading the flow of the match, but for those playing after a long time, there are unknown aspects such as rhythm and reading the flow of the game, so it can be difficult. The ability to grasp that rhythm and flow when participating in a match is also an important skill. Not limited to that ability alone, being able to properly adapt to the match and play well is the result of daily effort. Of course, I believe they have also made good preparations mentally.

Q. What is your impression of Kawasaki Frontale?
A, although we lost the previous match, we had been on a winning streak until then and feel like we are starting to find our rhythm. Each player has high potential, and there are players who have the ability to decide the outcome if given even a slight opportunity, so we must continue to focus on not allowing that to happen this match as well.

Player Interview

Kota Tokiwa

Q, This will be the Tamagawa Clasico coming off three consecutive wins.
A, the point difference with Kashima Antlers has been reduced to 3, but losing here would make it meaningless. I think this will be the most important match in this series of five consecutive games. Although it is a tight schedule with only two days between matches, the opponent is in the same situation, so fatigue is not an excuse. We will approach tomorrow's match with the mindset that whether we win or lose will determine if we become the champions or not. We will definitely win within 90 minutes.

Q. In the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale, it was a game where we steadily connected the ball from the very back.
A, in tomorrow's match, we want to keep possession and pass the ball if possible. However, right now, we are also able to execute simple counterattacks targeting the opponent's back effectively. Just because we were able to do what we wanted in the previous match doesn't mean we can do the same this time, and since it's a sport involving an opponent, we can't be sure. Regardless of the opponent's ranking, we want to focus solely on winning each match against the opponent in front of us. We are always the ones who fight, and I believe how we overcome ourselves determines the outcome. We want to always keep that in mind while playing.

Q. I think the way of building up play has also been changed since the opening. I believe we have been able to increase our options, but how do you feel about the response?
A, we felt a considerable sense of confidence in the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol. In the first half of the season, we couldn’t do anything against this opponent, but this time we managed the game well by switching between connecting plays skillfully and quickly launching counters. We were able to progress the match with quite good content, and our attacking options have definitely increased. We won’t know which is the most effective until the match starts, but this team is not one that loses everything just because one option is taken away, so we want to attack using various methods. However, in the end, nothing remains if we don’t score, so we want to focus on playing with a commitment to scoring goals. Also, since we have conceded goals in three consecutive matches, if we can keep a clean sheet, we won’t lose, so we want to focus on that as well.

Q. I think there are quite a few situations where Tokiwai himself advances to the front of the goal on the counterattack. Expectations for goals are also rising.
AI have always been aiming for goals, and if asked what this well-performing team still lacks, I believe it is two things: defensive midfielders contributing to goals and scoring from set pieces. Scoring as a defensive midfielder is a personal challenge for me, so by overcoming this challenge, I think the team can aim even higher. Therefore, I want to firmly target that.

Q. Tokiwa, you have been involved in many championship battles during your time at Meiji University. Although the category is different, what do you think is necessary from here on to win the championship?
<div>A. The most unpleasant situation when you are the one being chased is when the second-place team steadily accumulates points and backs it up with solid performance. The leading team feels the pressure of possibly not losing. Tokyo currently shows both aspects, so even the top-ranked Kashima is conscious of it, but the most important thing is to focus on ourselves first. When the gap is just 3 points or when winning the next match might mean catching up, it's common to become hesitant and lose the ability to challenge. Having the mental strength to keep challenging even in such situations and playing with confidence is a crucial factor that determines victory or defeat. From here on, it's more about mindset than technique. If even one player mentally gives up first, that team will be the loser. When the championship is decided by who wins the final match, we want to thoroughly pursue whether everyone can play without fear and maintain their current level, building on that daily. If you aim to win the championship, you need to adopt this mindset starting now.

Leon NOZAWA

Q. The team has won three consecutive games and seems to be on a good streak. How does Leon NOZAWA feel about the team's condition during daily practice and matches?
A, the atmosphere is good, and I believe the result comes from the team truly coming together and facing the same direction right now. Of course, there is a place we all aim for—the championship—but first, everyone is focused on winning the upcoming matches decisively. Because of this shared mindset, we have been able to achieve three consecutive wins. Personally, I have recently been able to be part of the match squad, sometimes playing and sometimes not, but I focus on what I can do during the matches and minutes I get. I am always committed to numbers and results, working hard in daily practice, so I want to continue delivering performances that translate into measurable outcomes.

Q. As a whole team, it feels like no matter who plays, everyone shares the same perspective, and the basic aspects such as fighting spirit and play intensity have a very high foundation.
A, this applies to players not included in the match squad, those starting on the bench and playing, and even those on the bench who do not get to play—there are various positions, but all of them must show a strong fighting spirit at the fundamental level. Unless we build a team where anyone who plays can perform without inferiority, I believe winning the championship will be impossible. Raising the overall level of the team is a very important role for us, and we must also foster a competitive atmosphere where players challenge those starting in the lineup. This is something I always think about and try to communicate to those around me. I want to create more of that atmosphere starting from practice.

Q. While you have been coming on as a substitute repeatedly, including the preparation, I think there are some difficult aspects, but how do you approach your daily practice?
A, precisely because the team is in a good flow, I constantly think about what I can do to add more momentum and be an extra asset. Of course, I understand what is expected of me, but I also have a role within the team, so on top of that, how much I can express my own style is very important. I believe other players have different strengths as well, and when and how to use those strengths effectively is crucial for the team. I want to continue refining these aspects so that I can firmly become an additional asset to the team.

Q. I believe Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI refers to the players brought on as substitutes as game changers. In the match against Kashiwa Reysol, it was exactly at the timing when the team wanted to break the unpleasant momentum after conceding a goal that there was a breakthrough leading to the third goal.
A, when entering the match, I was told to fulfill my role as part of the team, including defense, and to score goals. As always, I wanted to get on the scoresheet myself, and with the team in a tough situation after conceding a goal, I wanted to be the catalyst to raise my level one more gear. At that moment, I had the ball and thought I would keep pushing forward. I intended to play in a way that would benefit the team by connecting and communicating with those around me. Of course, there were still areas where I fell short, such as needing to be stronger defensively and delivering higher quality in attack. But first, I think being able to make a play that led to a goal was a positive. After all, results are expected of me, and I want results for myself, so I want to be even more hungry for that.

Q. When watching player Nozawa's play, I think there is a clear vector directed towards the goal.
A, well. If I play facing backward, I would really become a player with nothing to offer, but on the contrary, if I keep pointing forward and move toward the goal, my strengths naturally come out. The players around me also follow that. In the past, I used to think about matching other players or riding their momentum, but now, even though I come on fresh midway through the game, I want to be a player who can create momentum from the center and lead everyone forward, even if it’s from the middle of the match.

Q. We are in the middle of consecutive matches. I believe the team's full strength is being tested.
A, we truly need the strength of the entire team, and with consecutive matches, this is a crucial moment to hold on tight. I believe if we win here, the championship will come into view. However, first and foremost, we must focus firmly on the match in front of us, and winning that match is essential. I understand this personally, and the team does too, so it's important to show the significance of each game through our spirit, as well as through our play and results. I will give my all, run for the team, deliver results, and first and foremost, aim to secure the win.

Q. In the previous match, playing in a stadium with stands close to the field, where there was a play leading to a penalty kick, did receiving the cheers from fans and supporters right in front of you serve as motivation?
A, I was really happy to be able to play in a way that contributed to the victory, and it gave me a lot of confidence. I want to keep making plays that lead to wins, and of course, I want to win the championship with this team. I want to reach higher with this club, so I will stay focused and keep working hard for the team.