NagoyaReview of the Match>
A match between Nagoya Grampus, led by Kenta HASEGAWA who brought the title to Tokyo, and the team that he coaches. Although the score did not change, it was a "tactical game" (Coach Albert) where both teams were cautious of each other's strengths. In this game, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who was just selected for the Japan national team, showed his skills.
Tokyo also adopted a 3-back formation in the mirror game (where both teams have the same player configuration, resembling a mirror image) in order to be cautious of the opponent's strong counter attacks. At first glance, it may have seemed like a stalemate with few scenes in front of the goal. However, in each situation, both teams were fiercely competing to take advantage of even the slightest gap in their opponent's positioning and use their own attacking strengths to the fullest.
Tokyo collects the ball to Kashif BANGNAGANDE on the left side and searches for a way to attack the goal from the side, while Nagoya quickly counterattacks with their strong front three, exploiting the space behind Tokyo's aggressive play.
Tokyo was able to reach the cross ball, but they couldn't break through Nagoya's defensive net in front of the goal. On the other hand, they showed a defensive strategy of slowing down the counterattack with Jakub SLOWIK's fine saves and quick press backs from the wing backs, lowering the accuracy of the counterattack opportunities.
This season, for Kashiho who has rapidly grown and reached the Japan national team, there were still challenges in terms of results, but it was a remarkable battle on the side where he showed exceptional talent and left an impression as a "new star on the blue and red left side".
<Preview>
Recent match records need not be mentioned here, as it is clear that Sagan Tosu, regardless of being home or away, is a formidable opponent for Tokyo.
As Kei KOIZUMI, who joined from Tosu this season, has repeatedly mentioned, the styles of Tokyo and Tosu are very similar. They both focus on keeping possession of the ball, making decisive passes in tight spaces, and scoring goals. Their style of play prioritizes attacking with the ball rather than defending.
This season, the current record is 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses, ranking 15th. Although they have struggled at the start, it seems that under the leadership of coach Kenta KAWAI in his second season, the tactics and organization have matured.
If it is a similar style match, the difference will be in the maturity of the organization and tactics, or the difference in individual tactics.
In the former, coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is working on deepening tactics in his second season, aiming for the maturity of the organization that can create various attacking patterns and organize games. The situation is similar for Sagan Tosu, where coach Kawai is also in his second season, and the key will be who will take control of the ball and the game. Depending on the situation, the game result may also be affected by the strategy of "letting the opponent have the ball".
In the latter, Tokyo should have an advantage in terms of talent. With a well-balanced team of veterans, mid-level players, and young players, as well as strong foreign players with unique personalities. However, considering the away game from last season where they were overwhelmed by the strength of the ball side and lost momentum, strength will also be a factor in addition to individual abilities and tactics in determining the outcome of the game.
The player who holds the key there is Koizumi, who has outstanding strength in the intensity of the ball. Koizumi, who believes in playing backwards from victory, considers winning in the intensity of the ball to be absolute. Can he surpass the opponent in the intensity of the midfield and tactically bring the advantage by using the fighting style of his former team that he knows well? We can expect a great performance from Koizumi.
[Interview with Coach Albert] 
Q, Kashif BANGNAGANDE made his first cap for the Japan national team, did you see it?
I think I played well. I was calm and I think I was able to play in a good position, especially in the attack. I think I played well enough for my first game with the Japan national team.
Q, after 5 league matches, we have 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss.
A, I think we were able to start this season by clearly taking a step forward. However, we did not expect multiple players to be out of action afterwards. Matsuki's call-up to the U-20 Japan national team, along with other injuries, caused difficulties for the entire team. As a result, we were not able to maintain consistency within the team. The season is long, so every team will face this kind of situation. Right now, we are in a difficult situation and we must overcome it. In this difficult team situation, we want to accumulate as many points as possible and maintain our position at the top. The season has just begun and I don't think our current ranking is bad at all. However, with players in the same position being absent at the same time, we must overcome this together as a team.
Q, Tosu never won last season and it was a tough game away.
A, Last season, we struggled against Tosu and Shonan. However, when the season ended, we finished with a higher ranking than them. We played against them when they were playing well, and they surpassed us with their good soccer. There were times last season when we were dominated by the midfield. We did not have a good game against Tosu. Tosu is a dangerous team that plays well when they give up the ball. In tomorrow's game, we want to fight for victory by concentrating and dominating the game.
Q, Tosu is currently on a 7-game losing streak in the league.
A, I think that is an interesting number. However, that number also shows that despite not having a large management scale, Tosu continues to demonstrate a great performance. Therefore, I believe it is a club worthy of respect. However, in the world of football, what is important is the final ranking at the end of a long league season.
Q, I think Matsuki's presence was huge when watching the Levain Cup.
A, I don't think I need to comment on my evaluation of him at this point. At the same time, I think everyone knows that he is a great player.
Q, There is a possibility that Matsuki will be absent in May due to the activities of the Japan national team.
A, Kumada will probably be called up as well. It can be seen as a success for our players to be called up to the Japan national team.
Q, won't the absence of Matsuki affect the support movement in the attacking third?
A, Matsuki and Abe are both players with high levels of physical activity and are able to make multiple sprints while pressing. At the same time, their play with the ball has also improved since last season. When these two are absent, we must approach the game by utilizing the strengths of other players. Of course, each player has their own distinct style. However, in each game, we must consider their strengths and approach accordingly. With Matsuki and Abe, we can press with a high level of physical activity and also make attacking runs. If these two are not available, it becomes my job as the coach to find alternative solutions and strategies.
[Player Interview]
＜KeiKOIZUMIPlayer＞ 
Q, how do you feel about the match against your former team, Sagan Tosu?
A, I'm really looking forward to it. I was with Tosu for a season and a half, and I have nothing but gratitude. I hope to play with a strong sense of gratitude. No matter who the opponent is, I am now a member of Tokyo, so I want to do what I can for Tokyo.
Q, Do you have any emotional attachment to facing Tosu as an opponent?
A, I am looking forward to playing the game because all the players I played with are together. I can imagine what kind of soccer they will play. I know the strengths and weaknesses of each player. I am excited, but I definitely don't want to lose and I am only thinking about winning in Tokyo right now.
Q, What is the most important thing you want to do to get to the top?
During the season, there are injuries and various things that happen. Whether it's best to connect all the balls or play simply also depends on the opponent, and there are definitely good and bad times. However, as long as we don't lose in terms of intensity of play as the base of Tokyo, I don't think we will fall apart. First of all, I hope we can fight firmly in the base, and if we can make the most of what we are doing in training, I think we will definitely improve. If we can have confidence like in the Levain Cup Kyoto match and continue to challenge in terms of ball possession, I am sure we will get better.
Q, How was your time at Tosu for one and a half seasons?
It may have been a short time of one and a half seasons, but I think it was a club where I could grow a lot as a soccer player. As a soccer player, I was able to learn new ways of thinking through practice and games. It was a team that was very focused on build-up, so there were many challenges for me, and when I first joined, I was confused about whether I could connect to this level. I transferred from Kashima to Tosu, to a team with a different style, so at first I was confused and couldn't really show my strength. From the camp, I worked with Tosu's coach Kenta KAWAI for a year, and I learned a lot about build-up, positioning, and attacking rather than defense. I was able to rediscover the joy of soccer and was treated very well by both younger and older players in Tosu. I am grateful for that, so even though it was a short period of one and a half seasons, I have nothing but gratitude, and I hope I can express that through my play.
Q: How do you want to show what you learned in Tosu during the game?
A, now that I am a member of Tokyo, I don't think it matters when I step onto the pitch. The Tosu Stadium is a place with a lot of memories for me, and I hope to express my hard work here by playing with all my heart in such a place. It's difficult to express my gratitude through playing, but I hope to fight with respect. Of course, since I have transferred, I don't know what people think. From the perspective of Tosu fans and supporters, some may think that I only stayed for a season and a half before transferring, and some may not think highly of me. Including all of that, I have nothing but respect for Tosu, so I hope to have that mindset and do my best.
Q: How was it when Shuhei TOKUMOTO, Junya SUZUKI, and Taira SHIGE, all of the same age, played together in the Levain Cup?
A, We talked about how we might be able to play together someday during camp and before the Levain Cup match. I was really happy to be able to stand on the pitch with the three of us in the end. The two of them are definitely a big presence and I am very grateful to them both on and off the pitch. They seem to be very mature for the same age as me. Tokyo has a lot of young players, and I think the three of us are considered to be in the middle. When we went out to eat, we talked about how the middle players need to speak up more. I hope we can be conscious of that and speak up more.
Q, I think it's a good balance to have three different characters, what do you think?
A, I think both of them are very reliable. I don't know about Tokumoto, but I think his mental age is very high, he doesn't look like the same age.
Q, there is also an image of young players emerging, and the veterans are also energetic, so I think it will be even more exciting if the middle layer is also energetic. How about it?
A, as well as the three of us, Ryoma WATANABE, Shuto ABE, and Hotaka NAKAMURA, I think that by leaving results in both practice and games, it will motivate both the upper and lower players to work harder. I feel that the middle generation like us must do our best.
Q, How do you feel about the presence and attitude towards training of Matsuki?
In a world where only 18 players can be on the team, there is a complex aspect where no matter how hard you work, not everyone is given a chance. But that is also the reality. Even if Suzuki is not able to participate in the game, by seeing him shouting during practice or giving his all in one play, it makes the players who are not playing think that they need to work even harder. When I am able to play in the game, I feel like I need to carry the thoughts of the players who are not able to play. Of course, I have also been unable to make it to the bench before, but regardless of whether I play or not, I have learned the importance of not getting too excited or down and just working hard. The players who are able to play in the game must definitely carry the thoughts of those players, so I hope to do my best.
Q, is it your mission to show your culmination in Tokyo?
A, I have been given a lot of different experiences. This is my 10th year, so being able to play for various teams has been a big experience. I have always thought that if I want to win a title, I have to be in Tokyo. I hope to use my past experiences to contribute to the team and I feel like I have to perform well. In the end, no matter how good of a soccer player I am, I believe that I have to win, so I will do my best to focus on winning.
Q, I think Tokyo is also going through a process of change. Please tell us your enthusiasm for this season.
A, I think it's a challenging time for Tokyo to join this season. I want to work hard together and I think everyone's goal is to win the title. This season, I want to challenge together towards that goal. If I keep playing in the games, I have to keep producing results, and in that sense, I think it's important to not only focus on winning, but also on visible numbers. The most important thing is to play for Tokyo to win.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA> 
Q, What kind of play do you want to focus on in this tough situation where the number of injured players is increasing?
A, I have always said that I will contribute to the team's victory by making plays that lead to points.
Q: What preparations did you make for the Tosu match?
A, As the coach also says, I think it's important to play to our strengths. Last season ended in a disappointing result, so we have prepared to overcome that and want to express ourselves through our play. I think it's also one of Tosu's strengths, but first and foremost, we want to focus on not losing in the duels. Also, it will be important to figure out how we can turn our attacks into goals in front of the goal. After winning the ball, I think it's important for the team to decide whether to hold onto the ball or launch a quick attack.
Q, Do you want to show your strengths in the attacking third?
A, as you said, I think it is important to know what you can do once you enter the attacking third. I hope to be able to show more of my final ideas and the ability to change my judgment based on the opponent during the game. I want to make sure we can connect the results in the Tosu match.
Q, I think it's important to hold on here, even though there are injured players coming out.
A, I think it's a strong team that can fill the gaps even with injured or absent players. I want to show it through results. There are players who are absent, but I think everyone sees it as an opportunity and if we can produce good results and create a positive cycle for the team.
Q, Do you need to leave an impact?
A, it is important to consistently show your strengths. The Tosu match will also be very important. I want to aim for results in each and every game.
Q, I think there were also appearances in positions that are not your main position. How do you feel about the impression that you still haven't fully shown your potential compared to last season?
A, there are also parts that make me think. In those cases, I think it's because of my lack of skill. In order for me to grow on a larger scale, I need to work on my practice and challenges more. Even within myself, if I am asked if I was in good condition during the Kyoto game, I would say no. I believe that the only way to solve this is to continue to achieve results in games.
Q, are you struggling with your physicality and fitting into the team?
A, I wouldn't say I'm struggling, but I am challenging myself with new things within the team. Last season, we focused on connecting passes together, but this season, we have more options such as being able to connect passes and also play quickly. It's important for the whole team to come together and make decisions for each situation. I want to play while considering my position and connecting everything together. However, I also have to be careful not to overthink and lose my focus, as there are times when I am not able to show my strengths. If I can find a good balance and play well, I believe I can continue to grow and the team will also improve.
Q, Tokyo has been unable to beat Tosu.
A, I want to win here to change the flow, and I want to play to get rid of my weakness.
