The 5th game of a tight schedule with 7 matches in just 2-3 days. After playing in the Levain Cup on the 13th, Tokyo will now face an away game against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in the J1 League's 9th round.
Despite only having two days since the previous match, Tokyo will face Shonan Bellmare on the 13th with a lineup mainly composed of young players. For the upcoming Sapporo match, many of the members from the league match against Urawa Reds on the 10th will have a one-week interval. Although it is a match in a tight schedule, we should be able to approach it in a relatively fresh physical condition.
Sapporo, the opponent, has a record of 1 win, 6 draws, and 1 loss in the league this season. Although the results may give the impression that they have not been able to win, they achieved that one win in the recent away game against Nagoya Grampus. They will continue this momentum and have high motivation towards their first home victory of the season. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is also wary, saying, "It will be a very intense and tactical match."
In terms of team completion, under the guidance of coach PETROVIC, this is the 5th season and Sapporo's tactical maturity is one of the best in the league. Although key player Chanathip has transferred to Kawasaki Frontale, they have steadily reinforced the team in the off-season, including acquiring Gabriel Xavier, who played well in Nagoya. The majority of the main players from last season are still on the team, and it is expected that Sapporo's soccer, which emphasizes teamwork and ball possession, will be fully demonstrated.
On the other hand, Tokyo, which has only been under the guidance of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA for three months, is still in the early stages of its growth phase, as emphasized by the commander himself. In the 90 minutes, there are times when we can express our style, hold the ball, and control the game, and there are times when we are pushed back and have to endure without the press from the front line functioning.
However, as the matches progress, the level of growth is accelerating, and the coach is emphasizing the team's hunger for victory before every match. As a result, they have achieved 4 wins so far while growing. Even in this match against Sapporo, they will aim for 3 points by flexibly making adjustments during the match while keeping their own style in mind.
Both styles have been confirmed during the training match at the Okinawa camp. However, Tokyo has been growing rapidly. We want to express our growth over the past three months on the pitch and bring back a victory that exceeds Sapporo's expectations.
