4/2 (Sat) vs Yokohama F.Marinos (Away)
High Press vs Build Up
If you're looking for a Yokohama F.Marinos perspective on the match against FC Tokyo, you can't ignore "that game".
8-0――.
On November 6, 2021, Yokohama FM and FC Tokyo faced each other in the J1 League Sec. 35, which was held at the same Nissan Stadium as this round. Yokohama FM displayed their attacking football and easily defeated FC Tokyo in a record-breaking victory. Shortly after, then-manager Kenta HASEGAWA (current Nagoya Grampus manager) resigned, leaving a bitter memory in FC Tokyo's history.
On the other hand, Yokohama FM's record of tying the club record for most points in a single game was a memorable best bout. Looking back at the situation at the time, it was a match that was lost to Gamba Osaka without any strength, and in the midst of disappointment that the league championship had been crushed for the first time in two years, it was a match that was played in just two days. Moreover, it was a "overwhelming second place" with a large gap in points from third place. The great victory in the adversity where it was difficult to raise motivation due to the combination of elements is surely engraved in the hearts of supporters who witnessed the players' strong rebellious spirit.
Of course, it is not possible to discuss the current situation of both parties in that context alone.
As you know, FC Tokyo invited coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, who aims for positional play, and made a big change to a style that values the ball. Even for Yokohama FM, while their ultra-attacking mindset remains the same, key players such as Thiago MARTINS (now with New York City FC) and Takahiro OHGIHARA (now with Vissel Kobe) sought new opportunities after supporting the team's league victory in the 2019 season. And with the addition of many young players, the average age has dropped by about 2 years compared to last season, resulting in a "new Marinos" lineup.
Looking ahead to this round, which is greeted with such a background, it is expected that the styles of both teams will fit together and resonate. In other words, regardless of the outcome, it could be said that this is a great match that maximizes the entertainment value of football.
One of the key points is the high press of Yokohama FM vs. the build-up of FC Tokyo. FC Tokyo has been on a steady improvement since their tough opening match against Kawasaki Frontale, but they are still in the early stages of development.
If we focus on narrowing down the key points, Yokohama FM will put intense pressure on GK Jakub SLOWIK, who serves as the starting point for the attackers, during defense, and how they will reverse the coordination of the press. With no option to "set up", how much they can be caught will be the barometer for measuring the success or failure of attacking football. Paradoxically, it could also be said that FC Tokyo's refinement in build-up play will be tested against Yokohama FM, who boasts the highest tempo in the league.
In addition, Yokohama FM's theme is "immediate recovery" after losing the ball during an attack. If they can regain possession during the transition from attack to defense, it will be Yokohama FM's pace. If they can't stop their strong counter-press, it will be FC Tokyo's momentum. This will be one of the criteria for determining who has control in the battle for dominance.
In the past, Yokohama FM has won 3 consecutive games against both teams. In those 3 games, they scored 15 goals and conceded 0. Even though FC Tokyo's system has changed, there are still many players who remember that time and there is no bad image. In addition, this round is a memorial game commemorating the 30th anniversary, and there is a reason why the club must win.
Against the serious Yokohama FM, it will be a great match to see how much the current strong Albert Tokyo, who is on a 3-game winning streak, can compete against last season's 2nd place team. In any case, the interest is endless and there is a feeling that a new exciting match will be born.
Text by Yohei Oobayashi (Ergorasso Yokohama F.Marinos)
