This is where it all comes down to, where our daily actions are put to the test. It's a painful reminder for me, but for the players, their daily training is what leads up to the big game every time. And it's at Ajinomoto Stadium where these accumulated efforts will be put to the test.
Nagoya Grampus, led by new manager Kenta HASEGAWA this season, has been struggling to break free from its struggles. The team, previously managed by Massimo FICCADENTI, seemed to be struggling to adapt to the updates from the defensive counter-attacking style of play they were used to.
However, it seems that they have found a glimmer of hope here. In the J1 League Sec. 8 match on the 10th, they suffered a complete defeat of 0-2 against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. After that loss, the coach said, "I talked to the players about what kind of soccer I want to play." The style they showed against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the J League YBC Levain Cup three days later, where they changed their system to 3-5-2, was exactly the type of soccer that Coach Hasegawa aims for.
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The commander, who looks like he's wearing aggressive clothes, is trying to instill that consciousness in Nagoya. It was the same with FC Tokyo, which he led until last season. The phrases "intensity," "fight," and "hard work" that I heard many times are still ringing in my ears. In every team he has coached, he has desperately made skilled players run and fight. I thought it would be the same in Nagoya, but there may have been some hesitation. However, it seems that the limiter has been released here. In the last two games, Nagoya has been trying to transform into a Nagoya with full-blown Kenta-ism, which demands an annoying level of intensity.
There is a phrase that remains deeply impressed in the words spoken during the Tokyo era.
"When building a team, you know. There are times when you hear a clicking sound, like a puzzle fitting together."
The one who made that sound was surely Yuichi MARUYAMA's return. After the previous match against Kashima Antlers, it was said that "his return led to a change in position". When we look at the new Nagoya's design, it becomes clear. The position is 3-1-4-2, but the center is very solid. When the opponent has the ball, they close the center and push it out from there. Not only do they pull the two inside halves to target the anchor, but the three backs also actively jump out and fill the gap. From this, it can be seen that the entire team has a strong awareness of moving forward.
And during the ball's movement, the familiar Kenta-style "fast break" is still alive, sprinting and hunting the ball from the front line. Yoichiro KAKITANI and Mu KANAZAKI, who are known for their technique, will chase the ball two or three times to seal off its source. The aim is also to place Mateus CASTRO at the forefront. In the Kashima game, that short counterattack became the biggest scoring opportunity. In the 28th minute of the first half, Inagaki stole the opposing goalkeeper's pass in enemy territory, and from there, Senpou and Mateus connected for the finish.
Anyway, move forward, move forward, and come out with momentum even with the opponent's ball. It's really a forward-leaning, well-known soccer.
How will this reborn Nagoya and Tokyo fight? -
The answer is obvious. There is no need to change the way we fight.
We will continue to do what we have been doing since before the start of the season, fairly and squarely. In order to prevent our own goal from becoming a hunting ground, we need to have the speed to create space. This is also what Coach Albert has consistently demanded.
Run the ball and wear out the opponent, and the third movement is effective against the tight defense. For example, the inside half or side back jumps out into the space created by the wing coming down. The fluid triangle that changes positions and moves the opponent is the essence of positional play. In order to dominate the game, immediate recovery of the lost ball is essential. In the theme of front and back, if you lose in the ball, it is exactly what Nagoya wants.
Both teams, who are working on a new game model, have been implementing it for several months. Their distinct styles are starting to clash. This is where their daily actions are reflected.
And, because it's important, I want to talk about the column I wrote before again. This is not a story about coming home, it's something else.
"Complicated?"
No, we have to challenge Nagoya's coach Kenta HASEGAWA head on. That's because it's the football etiquette we learned from a passionate and fiery coach. Let's do this, Kenta-san.
Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)
