＜Last Match - Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo Review＞
The result was a very tough one. We were overwhelmed by Sapporo's momentum at the start and conceded the first goal, ending the first half with a score of 0-3. In front of the many fans and supporters who came all the way to the northern land, we cannot give up. We cannot lower our arms that are raised in a fighting pose.
"I will never give up, no matter what the situation is."
The man who was sent out onto the pitch from the beginning of the second half said so.
Chasing the ball with maximum effort from the start of the second half, even when the overall team output is not increasing, pressing back and chasing the opponent's ball holder from the front, and running towards the front when the ball becomes ours.
Even after conceding a goal immediately after the start of the second half and widening the gap to 4 points, the men's eyes remained fixed on the goal, unchanged like a hunter patiently waiting for their chance.
And that's how the goal was born in the 28th minute of the second half. Despite spending a lot of time on defense, Adailton made a quick attack, ran a long distance, appeared in front of the goal, and pushed the cross ball to break through Sapporo's goal.
From here, the team as a whole raised their gear and gave the Hunter numerous chances, but they were unable to capitalize on those opportunities. However, after scoring one point, the Hunter immediately returned the ball to the center circle and without showing any joy even when returning to their own territory, they were determined to score the next point. The Hunter is the one who will lead Tokyo's counterattack in the future.
<Preview>
After winning against Albirex Niigata at home in the 10th round, the team suffered consecutive losses against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo away. Masato MORISHIGE expressed the team's current situation as "being half-hearted in both offense and defense" after experiencing their first consecutive losses in the league this season. He emphasized the importance of improving their defense, stating that "if we want to achieve stable results as a team, we need to make adjustments in our defense," particularly in the Sapporo match where they conceded 5 goals.
In this round, Kawasaki Frontale will face off against each other at the Japan National Stadium in the 41st edition of the "Tama River Clasico". The rivals across the Tama River have been plagued with injuries in the early part of the season. Despite a tough start, they have now won three consecutive matches and have improved their passing game, with more smooth passes being made in the opponent's half. For Tokyo, it will be a match where they will be tested on how much they can improve their defensive game, which has been a challenge for them.
In direct confrontations in the league, Tokyo has lost 7 times in a row. However, the stage is the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo boasts a 100% winning percentage (after renovation). In order to change the current trend, Tokyo will aim for victory only and challenge the big match.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, Please give us a review of the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Kawasaki Frontale.
A, the Sapporo match was a painful defeat for us. We have been encouraging the team to play with confidence in this week's training. First, we need to focus on ourselves and give our all in the upcoming match as a team in the growth stage. In order to cover up the mistakes we made, it is important to have a fighting attitude and a strong desire to win. We have been communicating with the players and have made good preparations so far. We understand that Kawasaki is a difficult opponent and a mature team. We have also prepared for this match with confidence. I believe tomorrow will be a great game.
Q, Please tell us the role of Keigo HIGASHI.
A, I hope you focus on duels in each situation, both in attack and defense.
Q: Is there anything that the coach emphasized particularly this week?
A, I emphasized the importance of regaining confidence. Kawasaki has been playing with the same style for a long time and has a high level of maturity. We have also been preparing tactically to neutralize their weapons and have been working on expressing our style in the game during this week's training.
Q, I think there are many plays that I want to express in both offense and defense, but I also felt that there were moments where everything became half-hearted.
A, we emphasized the importance of always having the mindset to go towards the goal. It is important not only to possess the ball, but also to go towards the opponent's goal and create decisive chances. This season, there were games where we were able to create more than 10 decisive chances and games where we were not. It will not be tolerated in the future to have unstable games continue.
Q, please tell us the impression of the Tama River Clasico that the coach is feeling.
Last season, we played two good games against a highly mature Kawasaki team, but unfortunately lost in the end. We need to show even more determination and a strong mentality to overcome Kawasaki, who are confident due to their many titles. Our match against them will require even more focus and a strong desire for victory.
Q, please tell us about the positioning of this round, which comes from two consecutive defeats.
A, all matches are important and this league is highly competitive. Every match is a tough battle and it is necessary to accumulate as many points as possible from each match.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, After the match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, player Morishige commented, "Both our offense and defense are lacking." Is this more of a concern about the team's unity and organization rather than individual player performance?
A, it's hard to say one way or the other. If the team is in good condition, the individual performance will also improve, and if the individual is good, the team's condition will also improve. I think there are various factors, but I think we played in such a game because our actions were not clear and we were hesitant.
Q, What kind of encouragement or awareness did you give to your teammates to switch their mindset from losing streak?
A, Of course, there are times when we couldn't do what we wanted to do, but before that, we talked about wanting to win, wanting to fight, and the basic premise of fighting for the fans and supporters. We talked about trying to regain that together. That is the basis of our tactics and soccer style. First and foremost, we play with important feelings in playing soccer. That will be conveyed to the viewers and become a threat to the opponent. We reaffirmed that within the team.
Q, In the early part of the season, player Morishige had limited playing opportunities due to injuries. How is his current condition?
A, there are no problems. I think I can fight with good motivation and tension. I have the desire to reflect not only on myself, but also on the team's results, so in times like this, I want to make use of my experience and do what I need to do for the team.
Q, I would like to ask about the Tama River Clasico. Kawasaki Frontale has currently lost 7 consecutive matches (league games) against them and has not been able to win. Do you pay attention to the bad compatibility?
A, I guess you could say it's a bad match, or rather, Kawasaki's condition was just good. We respect our opponents and they are a team that has been running as champions for a long time. However, what we need to do now is not to focus on Kawasaki, but to show our own feelings. If we can express that, I think it will be good.
Q, The Japan National Stadium is the home for Tokyo and attracts a lot of supporters. How do you feel about holding events at the National Stadium?
A, I think many fans and supporters will come to see us at the National Stadium, and it's a chance for us, and playing at the National Stadium is also a good match, so I want to approach it with confidence. Also, the parts that will liven up the pre-game production will naturally raise our motivation. It's reassuring to have a lot of our supporters on our side.
Q, Finally, please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
A, In the past few games, we have had disappointing performances, so we will continue to prioritize results. However, we also want to show our fans and supporters plays that they can understand and feel, and that they will want to cheer for. We will do our best to achieve this. Thank you for your support.
Yuto NAGATOMO player
Q, this week's match will be a special match for the 30th anniversary of the J-League.
We are always more focused and motivated when we can play against the high-level Kawasaki Frontale in the form of the Tama River Clasico at the Japan National Stadium.
Q, Are there any matches or moments that have left a lasting impression on Yuto NAGATOMO in the Tama River Clasico, where numerous scenes have been created so far?
A, it's not about focusing on one game, but being able to vividly remember every game. It's difficult to pick out "this game", but each game has become an unforgettable battle throughout.
Q: What kind of stage is the Japan National Stadium for player Nagatomo?
As someone who came from a high school soccer background, this has been a sacred place and a dream stage since my high school days. It's a stage that I've always admired since my student days, and playing (at the Japan National Stadium) doesn't change that feeling no matter how many games I play.
Q, How do you want to contribute to the team with your play on that dream stage, Nagatomo?
I want to enter the game with a focus on winning and an aggressive defense that is also a characteristic of myself. I want to show my strong points and not lose in one-on-one situations.
Q, This round we will face two consecutive losses as a team. Please tell us what we need to do to break this bad streak.
A, of course, everyone is feeling frustrated. Not just the players and staff, but also the fans and supporters. Especially the players are feeling frustrated and I think they can express their feelings on the pitch. In tomorrow's Tama River Clasico, we want to show our determination on the pitch.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, What preparations have you made for the Kawasaki Frontale match?
In the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, we suffered a big defeat and held a meeting among the players. There were some difficult aspects such as the schedule, but the players must express themselves on the pitch without making excuses. We have reviewed what we need to do and have been working hard in practice this week.
Q, This is an anticipated match with many fans and supporters expected to attend. What kind of game do you want to have?
A, it is a pleasure to be able to play in such a wonderful environment as a player, as the motivation naturally increases when many people come to the stadium. Kawasaki Frontale is also improving their condition, and we definitely want to win against such opponents. We want to win on this great stage and ride the momentum.
Q, What parts have you particularly emphasized in your play?
A, I think the important parts are the mental aspect, switching between offense and defense, and strength in the ball. We are talking among players to raise our awareness and approaching practice with determination. We have been on a losing streak and the atmosphere has not been good, so I think we are going through a very tough time. That's why we want to fight fiercely against strong opponents like Kawasaki and win to shake off the nervous atmosphere.
Q, I think the Japan National Stadium is a good stadium for compatibility.
A, I also want to use such jinxes to create opportunities for the team to rise.
Q: What kind of play will player East be focusing on this round?
A, As an individual, I want to show a good performance in front of about 50,000 spectators, which is not often experienced in my football career.
Q, Do you also have the consciousness of wanting to encourage the team by showing a fighting attitude?
A, I believe that such feelings will be conveyed within the team, and I myself feel that the most important thing is the base of strength in the ball and the transition between offense and defense by watching the figure of Yuto NAGATOMO. Yuto's passionate feelings naturally spread to me and I am inspired by them. In practice and in games, I now want to be the one to convey them.
Q, Is it a feeling that the atmosphere of "not being able to draw the same picture" on the pitch led to two consecutive losses?
A, I think there are at least some. I believe that you, the media who are here today, are also watching soccer on a regular basis, so you must be feeling it. It is one of the challenges we are facing, and we need to share it as a team from a tactical standpoint, but each player has their own thoughts and ideas when playing. We need to have thorough discussions among the players, make necessary decisions, and always play accordingly.
Q, There is a possibility that Kawasaki will have more control over the game. Will it be a game where the first goal is key?
A, I think the first goal is very important. We want to focus on how to prevent the opponent's chances and how to score ourselves. Even if we give the first goal, it's not over. Even when we look at the goal scene of the Sapporo game, we had enough people in the defensive area. I think it's also important how we defend during difficult times, including the goalkeeper.
