Review>
A match where New Japan Pro Wrestling's Okada Kazuchika appeared as a guest. In a match titled "Ajinomoto will be showered with "goals"!!" inspired by Okada's catchphrase, it was "Tokyo's Rainmaker" who scored the goal.
When Teruhito NAKAGAWA dribbles and confuses the opponent to make a pass, Kuryu MATSUKI enters the penalty area at the perfect timing to receive the ball and bring it to the finish. Even if the first attempt doesn't shake the net, NAKAGAWA, who made the pass, is tightly packed until the goal and the player who should take it will take it.
Tokyo's opening goal was in an ideal form.
There were some difficult times during the build-up, but we were able to open up a gap in the closely contested match by fully utilizing individual skills. Although we were once behind in the second half, Matsuki's set piece chance led to Henrique Trevisan's equalizing goal.
Despite not being able to win, it was a big win for the team that had suffered two consecutive losses and no goals in official matches, as it changed the negative momentum with a big 1 point win and 2 goals. Whether or not this win can be utilized will depend on tomorrow's match against Cerezo Osaka.
"The Tokyo Rainmaker" will make it rain "goals" at Ajinomoto Stadium tomorrow.
<Match Preview>
Last week, Shonan Bellmare drew 2-2, but players Hotaka NAKAMURA, Shuto ABE, and Ryoma WATANABE, who were out due to injuries, have returned to the lineup one after another. Their ability to showcase their individual strengths is a positive sign for the team moving forward. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who scored the team's second goal of the season, also spoke positively about the team's current situation, saying, "In the past few games, there have been some slight differences in our play due to changes in the lineup. With the injured players returning, we now have a strong enough team to compete. Each player has a high quality, so we want to improve our combination play and pose a threat to our opponents."
This round, we will face Cerezo Osaka at home. The spotlight is on the "best friend showdown" between Shinji KAGAWA, who returned to his former team C Osaka after 12 and a half years this season, and Yuto NAGATOMO from Tokyo. As they face each other for the first time in J League since March 20, 2010, NAGATOMO says, "I have received a lot of inspiration from Shinji and have grown because of him. I want to show that growth in front of him. However, Tokyo will be the one to win," showing his fighting spirit.
Two of the long-standing pillars of the Japanese soccer world will face off on the J stage. It will be a fierce battle for both, but of course Tokyo will come out on top.
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Did the 4-2-3-1 formation work well in the previous match and do you plan to continue using it in future games?
The difference between A, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 is very small. There may be slight differences in defensive tactics, but we would like to continue using them according to the situation in the future.
Q, In the previous match against Shonan Bellmare, player Shuto ABE was functioning in the attacking midfield position.
A, I think his technical improvement is related. Until last season, Abe showed many scenes of stealing the ball, but there were also scenes where he lost it. However, now he is showing a calm play. If asked if he is a typical attacking midfielder, there are also parts that are not. In my opinion, a typical attacking midfielder is a player who touches the ball for a long time and plays for a long time between the lines. As for Abe, I think he is a type of attacking midfielder who actively jumps into space. The movement of jumping behind or into space of the opponent's players also functions as a weapon for the team. Considering the characteristics of the players, jumping behind is effective. Also, if the attacking midfielder focuses too much on attacking, there is a tendency for the positions of attack and defense to be divided into two groups. We are looking for cohesion on the pitch and we need a hard-working attacking midfielder like Abe to prevent division.
Q, With the addition of members who have returned from injury, I think our cooperation has also improved. Did you feel a sense of unity in this week's practice?
It will take a little more time for the players who have been absent from the front line to regain their game sense. In the previous match against Shonan, Ryoma WATANABE, Yasuhiro ABE, and Hotaka NAKAMURA returned, but they still need a little more time. There are also some other clubs with few injured players, but if we had been able to continue fighting with the same members as those clubs, our coordination would have improved even more. The players who have been absent from the front line have returned at this timing. We hope that they will regain their game sense in good shape. The young players are also playing actively. Of course, we also have high expectations for their growth.
Q, I think that playing between the lines will also be important in order to make use of excellent wing players.
There are two main types of wing players. One is a speed-based player who needs space. The other is a wing player who can break through situations even in tight spaces. The latter type of player is not something we have had in this club before. Players like Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Ryoma WATANABE fit into this type. In order to make the most of their strengths, we need to control the midfield well and keep the opponent on the back foot for a longer period of time. TAWARATSUMIDA is a wing player who can break through situations in tight areas with changes of pace, and we need to play in a way that utilizes players like him. The team is making progress step by step, but unfortunately, the midfield players have been out of action for a long time, which has slightly hindered our growth. In the world of soccer, memory is short. Many of you may only remember recent events, but we have been growing consistently since last season. I think there was a big difference between the opening game against Urawa Reds and last season's games. Injuries are inevitable. From here, we will regroup and continue to strive for further growth.
Q, please tell us what will be brought about by the return of players Watanabe and Abe.
A, of course, their return is great news, but they also need time to regain their game sense. This is not about physical condition, but about the ability to express ball touches and read the flow of the game on the official pitch. Right now, I think they are in that process.
Q, Have you ever had a game day and your birthday overlap in your past experiences?
It seems like it didn't happen, and it's probably the first time. I want to celebrate my daughter's birthday, which is the same day as mine. My daughter was born on the same day and at the same time as me.
Q, What kind of game do you expect tomorrow's Cerezo Osaka match to be?
A, Cerezo Osaka has skilled and attacking players. Especially when facing teams that defend deep, their abilities are prominently shown. We must use our weapons effectively against such opponents. We want to particularly emphasize intensity and speed from our midfield players. If we do not approach the opponent's goal with a strong mindset, Cerezo Osaka's weapons will shine and the game will become difficult. We want to utilize the strengths of Tokyo players and express the points we just talked about.
[Player Interview]
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q, this weekend we also have a match against Shinji KAGAWA, who belongs to Cerezo Osaka. It will be the first time in 13 years to face each other in the J-League. Can you tell us how you feel about it?
One of the most memorable matches against Kagawa was a friendly match held in America, when he was playing for Manchester United and Inter. It was a new feeling for me to play against him on the J-League pitch. We were both selected for the Japan national team at the same time and have become good friends. I have received a lot of inspiration from Kagawa and have grown as a player. I want to show him my growth and win against him.
Q, What kind of presence is Kagawa for Nagatomo?
A, we are not only best friends but also comrades who have shared both joys and sorrows together.
Q, How many years has it been since we last met?
After the Qatar World Cup, I went to meet Kagawa.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, In the 7th round, the Shonan Bellmare match ended in a 2-2 draw, but it seemed like a difficult game with many tough moments. Looking back, how was it?
A, Throughout the first and second half, there were parts where Shonan was outperformed as a team and not allowed to do what they wanted to do. In that sense, it felt like we were able to catch up and earn one point, but since it was a home game and we were aiming for three points, it's a frustrating feeling.
Q, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned after the game that there were challenges in the build-up.
A, Not just against Shonan, but this year we have struggled with our build-up from the back. I feel responsible for that. It's not just about individual skills, but we also need to make adjustments in terms of team chemistry, support, and positioning. Build-up play is more about the team's positioning than individual skills, so I think we have been able to make those adjustments in training this week. We have also been able to have discussions, so I hope we can gradually improve.
Q, certainly, build-up is more important than individual skills, it is important to have a unified team consciousness.
In the A Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka, I don't think our quality is low, and when considering that Gamba Osaka and Shonan are able to do good build-up, I think it's important for us to do well as a team, not just as individuals.
Q, In that sense, there may have been an impact from having many injured players and not being able to fix the members in the early stages of the season.
A, I think there are at least some, but I can't use that as an excuse, and I think there are enough players to make up for it. The injured players have returned and it's been a plus, but I don't want to use that as an excuse.
Q, However, isn't it also a positive aspect that young players are getting a chance as substitutes for injured players?
A, Young players' performance not only improves the team, but also serves as a motivation for veteran players to lead Tokyo in the future. It is also our role to create an environment where young players can play freely and comfortably, so we must do that at the same time.
Q, As an individual player, Kimoto has started in every league game so far. As he enters his second season in Tokyo, has there been any change in his mindset?
A, I have the consciousness of pulling the team more than last season. I think I can express the part of pulling the team by firmly voicing it, but I feel that I haven't been able to show my strengths in terms of performance, and I feel like I'm struggling a little in this season.
Q, what part do you want to further appeal?
In the role of creating a more solid rhythm even in the build-up, we have been struggling to create a rhythm from behind, which has resulted in giving the opponent momentum. We also feel that we are giving the opponent a sense of "we can do this", so we need to play and build-up in a way that makes it even more difficult for the opponent, otherwise it will become more difficult for us in the future.
Q, Is there a special feeling when playing against Cerezo Osaka, the opponent for this round, who you spent 5 seasons with at your former club?
Yes, that's right. It's been 3 years since I left Cerezo Osaka, but there's a special feeling when playing against them. I'm looking forward to it.
Q, We have not lost at home yet this season, but please give us your enthusiasm for our fans and supporters.
At home, the fans and supporters' cheers and atmosphere are definitely a big help for us. I think we were able to catch up in the previous match because of the home atmosphere, even in a tough situation. So, for the Cerezo match, we hope to create a good atmosphere and deliver a victory. Thank you for your support.
Ryoma WATANABE
Q, please review the game against Shonan Bellmare from last round after returning from injury.
A, I was able to play honestly and enjoyably. It has been a long time since I experienced a period of not being able to do anything for about a month. I was able to feel the gratitude and joy of being able to play soccer and play for 45 minutes. As for the second goal, the loss of the ball when I made a small mistake was bad. I think we need to push forward from now on.
Q, In the previous match against Shonan, you played for 45 minutes shortly after returning.
A, it was a longer playing time than originally planned. However, once I stepped onto the pitch, there was no choice but to do my best. If someone were to ask me, "Can you do it?" my answer would be yes. I stepped onto the pitch with determination.
Q, How did the team look from the outside?
When the team is doing well, the ball will move around and we can score and win without thinking too deeply. However, when even one problem arises, I feel that our ability to fix it is still lacking. After returning, I realized that I need to think more and play soccer differently.
Q, What aspects will you focus on in the next match against Cerezo Osaka?
A, I was aiming for a goal even as a player in the Shonan game. There were scenes where I thought if that shot went in. Even as a substitute, if I can push myself firmly, I think it will lead to a goal. This season, I have set a goal to improve my scoring ability, so I will continue to do my best.
Q, What kind of play do you want to show as a team?
A, With the return of players who were absent, I think we have more options now. Of course, we have to win. If we focus on the details such as communication during practice without compromising, I believe the results will follow.
Q, Do you have any specific approaches to turn things around from here?
A, I think the first thing I can do for myself is to express a sense of distance and not lose the ball. If I don't lose the ball easily, I can create smooth plays and I think chances will increase. Coach Albert also demands that we play without losing the ball easily, so I want to play consciously.
Q, I don't think we were able to start off as we had imagined, but what will be important from here on?
A, I think it will be important to show through goals and assists.
Q, How do you want to help the team in a situation where the number of goals and shots is also struggling?
A, I think it's important to end with a shot. Before tactics, there are more things we can do, and I want to focus on the fundamental aspects of soccer.
