It may be a 9-day period where we can say, "This was the turning point," when this season ends.
Three consecutive matches against the three clubs participating in the AFC Champions League, Yokohama F.Marinos, Vissel Kobe, and Urawa Reds. The schedule is tough, but it is also tough to face last season's top league teams and cup title holders in succession.
First of all, tomorrow we will face Yokohama FM on their home turf. The memories of when we faced them on their home turf last season are unforgettable for anyone involved with this club. However, Tokyo has welcomed Albert Puig Ortoneda as the new coach this season and is working towards a new style under a new concept. It would be uncouth to bring up the idea of revenge from last season. Instead, let's imagine how the new Tokyo team, facing the 2nd place team from last season, will fight. Rather than having a negative mindset, let's look forward to the potential for change and enjoy imagining the outcome of this match for the future.
For a detailed tactical analysis, please read soccer writer Satoshi Hojo's preview article "ACL participating team's three consecutive battles "Similar Struggle". Both teams share the belief in intense pressing and ball possession from the front line.
As Tokyo creates chances with intense pressing and short counters, Yokohama FM also has fast players up front and can quickly finish off opponents on the counter. The performance of players in the wing position will be key in the battle for dominance. For Yokohama FM, players like Elber and Teruhito NAKAGAWA, and for Tokyo, Adailton and Kazuya KONNO, will be crucial in how much they can get involved with the ball and how well they can work in positions close to the opponent's goal.
In addition, in terms of efficiently using the players on the front line, it will also be important for Tokyo to determine at which position in the midfield they can win the ball in order to influence the flow of the game. Utilizing the strength and speed of players Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI in the physical battles, they will aim to win the ball as close to the opponent's goal as possible and fully utilize the attacking abilities of Adailton and Konno.
In Tokyo, there is a time when we cannot connect the ball well within 90 minutes and there are waves in expressing the new style. In terms of team completion, it seems that Yokohama FM, which is entering its second season under the command, has an advantage. On the other hand, if we can win against one of the league's top attacking teams while rapidly improving the quality in just over two and a half months since Albert's appointment as coach, we can gain a great deal of confidence.
I want to bring back as many points as possible from Yokohama to accelerate growth.
