When this season ends, it may be a nine-day period that we can say, 'This was the turning point.'
A three-match series against the three clubs participating in the AFC Champions League, Yokohama F.Marinos, Vissel Kobe, and Urawa Reds, with a three-day interval between matches. The schedule is tough, but it is also challenging in that it continues with matches against last season's top league teams and cup title holders.
First, we will face Yokohama FM away tomorrow. No one involved with this club will forget the memories from last season's away match. However, Tokyo has welcomed Albert PUIG ORTONEDA as the new coach this season and is working on a new style under a new concept. It would be inappropriate to bring up the idea of revenge from last season. How far can the new Tokyo compete against the team that finished second in last season's league? Rather than having a backward-looking mindset, I want to imagine the outcome of this match with anticipation for the transformative steps towards the future.
For detailed tactical highlights, please refer to soccer writer Satoshi Hojo's preview article 'ACL Participating Teams Three Consecutive Matches: A Clash of Similarities'. What both teams share as a principle is intense pressing from the front and ball possession.
As Tokyo creates chances from intense pressing and quick counters, Yokohama FM also has fast players lined up in the front, aiming to take down their opponents with swift counterattacks. The performance of the players in the wing positions is likely to be key in the battle for dominance. For Yokohama FM, how much Elber and Teruhito NAKAGAWA can get involved with the ball, and for Tokyo, how much Adailton and Kazuya KONNO can work close to the opponent's goal will be crucial.
In addition, regarding the efficient use of forwards, the ability to win the ball in any midfield position will also influence the flow of the match for Tokyo. By utilizing the strength and speed of Shuto ABE and Kuryu MATSUKI in duels, we want to win the ball as close to the opponent's goal as possible and fully leverage the breakthrough ability of Adailton and Konno.
Currently, Tokyo has moments where they can hold the ball well for 90 minutes, but also times when they cannot connect as they wish, resulting in fluctuations in their expression of the new style. In terms of team completeness, it seems that Yokohama FM, entering its second season under the command of the coach, has an advantage. On the other hand, if they can achieve victory against an opponent with one of the league's top attacking strengths, after rapidly improving their quality in about two and a half months since Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA took over, they will gain a significant boost in confidence.
To accelerate our growth, we want to bring back as many points as possible from Yokohama.
