<Previous Match - Kawasaki Frontale Review>
A strike from the dutiful grandson.
41st Tamagawa Classico.
The Tamagawa Classico against Kawasaki Frontale took place at the National Stadium. Moreover, it was designated as a special match to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the J-League. Unlike regular matches, various elements heightened the stadium's voltage, and despite Tokyo being on a seven-match losing streak in the Classico, there was an atmosphere throughout the stadium that we could not lose at our National Stadium.
That atmosphere spread to the team.
The most recent matches have resulted in two consecutive losses. Moreover, in the last match, we conceded five goals to the momentum of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. The pre-match predictions are hardly positive. Nevertheless, to respond to the love of the fans and supporters who continue to cheer us on even from afar in away games, the team has been thoroughly preparing.
Even if it was somewhat forceful, we faced forward, confronted our challenges, and unified our intentions as a team. The solidarity strengthened by such preparations may have been further solidified by the atmosphere surrounding the Japan National Stadium.
It is no coincidence that Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who has always taken on challenges with a positive attitude, has achieved results. He faces forward in any situation. He gives his all. His positive qualities were brought out by the atmosphere filled with Tokyo at the Japan National Stadium, leading to that spectacular goal.
Tokumoto's joyful roar must have reached his grandfather in heaven and his grandmother in Okinawa, riding on the momentum of Tokyo.
Preview
Coincidentally, one week ago, both teams played the same J League 30th Anniversary Special Match at the same venue and won.
However, the situations are different. On one hand, Tokyo, which had been in a negative situation with two consecutive losses, achieved victory against Kawasaki Frontale and has finally begun to shift to a positive atmosphere. On the other hand, Kashima Antlers, who have won five consecutive matches with clean sheets, have updated the club's record for scoreless victories.
In terms of momentum and confidence, Kashima definitely has the advantage. If they have gone five matches without conceding a goal, there must be a good reason for that. Their defense is not something that can be easily broken down.
Dedicated defense from the front line, quick returns, and wings that do not shy away from repeated up-and-down movements, along with a final line that combines height and strength. The strong defensive awareness present throughout the team is interconnected, and the organized defense is becoming more solid with each match.
In terms of offense, the ability to seize set-piece opportunities and the sharpness of counterattacks have been honed. It can be said that the traditional winning mentality of Kashima, which was subdued at the beginning of the season, has been revived.
How will Tokyo confront such a formidable opponent? First, the shared understanding of "starting with defense," which was regained in the previous match against Kawasaki, will be crucial. After stabilizing the defense, they will gradually increase the time spent holding the ball, and when transitioning to attack, they will vary between quick and slow attacks depending on the opponent's situation.
Especially against an opponent with quick and precise defense, the decision-making after regaining possession in our own half is extremely important. When, where, and who to use for the attack. The choices made by the players on the pitch determine the outcome of the match. The strategy of attacking wide against Kawasaki is not to be taken lightly. As a clear proof of evolution, we want to exploit the gaps in Kashima's solid defense.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: You won the pressure-filled Tamagawa Classico, but do you feel that you shouldn't become too complacent with this victory?
The J1 League continues to have very competitive matches. The current situation is that rankings can dramatically change with just a small difference in points. From now on, the rankings will likely continue to fluctuate. Of course, there are no players who are relaxed just because of the recent victory. The league is a long-distance race, like a marathon. I believe that good times will come after overcoming difficult periods.
Q: What kind of match do you want to develop against the dynamic Kashima Antlers?
A, for Kashima, this is a home game, and I think it will be a difficult match with high intensity. The opponent's style is clear, and they will surely utilize their strengths effectively. They also seem to have a strong commitment to winning. However, if we can maintain our focus from the start of the match, I believe we can have a good game. Above all, I trust in the current situation of the team. I believe tomorrow will bring a good match and a good result.
Q: Kashima has a strong defense. Do you want to attack before the defense is set?
A, that part is also an important point. Another is that moving the ball quickly breaks down their defense. How we respond when they have possession of the ball is also important.
Q: It seems that the winning percentage is high in matches where the first goal is scored. What effect do you think the first goal has on the team?
A, not only for us but also for the entire J1 League, it seems that the winning percentage is higher for teams that score the first goal. Since the matches are between closely matched teams, the first goal has a significant impact on the subsequent flow of the game. For example, if we score first, the opposing team will naturally aim for a draw or a comeback, becoming more aggressive and trying to dominate the ball. This will lead to a situation where we can utilize the space behind the advancing opponent. However, as a team, we have not yet reached the level of dominating the match for 90 minutes.
Q: It seems that scoring the first goal will be even more important when facing Kashima, who continues to achieve victories without conceding any goals.
The number of five consecutive matches without conceding a goal is a testament to the strength and solidity of Kashima's defense. I believe we are riding a good wave with our attacking play that utilizes our strengths, including the strength of our defense, and scoring goals. We have been preparing to take goals from Kashima's solid defense. And I wholeheartedly trust the players from Tokyo. Achieving victory against Kawasaki Frontale, who have a high level of completeness and maturity, is indeed a good reflection of the current state of our team.
[Player Interview]
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: You will be facing your former club. Please share your thoughts and enthusiasm, including memories from your time with Kashima Antlers.
A, they are currently the most powerful team, and looking back at my time there, I only have good memories. I realized the reason why "Kashima is so strong" shortly after joining, and there were also things I understood and noticed after leaving the team. There is a strong feeling of respect.
Q: Please tell us what you learned the most during your time at Kashima.
A, this is a story from the time I was with the team, but Atsuto UCHIDA and Yasushi ENDO were leading the team, and more than anything, they brought a sense of unity. To win, they prioritized the team even at the expense of themselves in various ways. You can see a play that is decisive for victory, and I believe that the current way of fighting is the closest to the right answer for Kashima. The idea that results are everything is also something I learned during my time at Kashima. I want to enjoy facing the most dynamic opponent right now.
Q: It seems that Tokyo is also in a cycle like the one you just mentioned.
A, in the last match against Kawasaki Frontale, the team was determined to achieve a victory. In this match, we expect situations involving ball contests and second ball recoveries, so we want to ensure we collect the ball properly and not lose in battles. If we lose in ball contests, we will lose all momentum. The atmosphere at Kashima Soccer Stadium is unique, and once goals start coming in, the entire venue gives momentum to Kashima, so I think we need to be cautious.
Q: In order for Tokyo to become stronger in the future, it is necessary to overcome many adversities repeatedly, just like Kashima.
In the match against Kawasaki, we can be confident that we were able to win against a highly skilled opponent, and I believe we need to build on this momentum from this game. If we can achieve consecutive victories here, I feel that we can create a good flow. I think that not losing in the fundamental aspects of soccer will naturally bring us chances and victories.
Q: Is there anything that player Koizumi was particularly careful about in the last match against Kawasaki?
We had the awareness to aggressively win the ball from the front in terms of defense, and I think the opponent was uncomfortable with that. Without being overly concerned about what was behind us, we were able to focus on winning the ball in duels and second balls, which allowed us to play with a sense of returning to our roots. I believe that playing without hesitation on the pitch contributed to our scoring. I also think it was good that we were able to win the ball in high positions.
Q, does this mean that we were able to play compactly overall?
A, that's right. Keigo HIGASHI was solidly positioned at the back, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right was actively moving to win the ball from the front. Each player was able to play in a way that was easy for teammates to understand, which I think was good. In the second half, with the opponent down to 10 men and being pushed back, I wanted to hold the ball a bit more and send passes that would lead to attacks, which is something I reflect on. If we easily lose the ball after winning it against an opponent that is aggressively attacking with numbers, it inevitably leads to longer defensive periods. I think we could have played a bit smarter.
Q: Is there anything that player Koizumi is thinking about in order for Tokyo to continue winning from here?
I believe that good defense leads to good offense. If the players on the pitch can play without hesitation, we have players with high individual abilities in Tokyo, so if they can play in a relaxed manner in a good way, I definitely think we will become a strong team. If we overthink how to defend and how to attack, it creates hesitation and gives the opponent openings. It is important for both the team and individuals to play without hesitation on the pitch. If we continue to play with the intensity we showed in the match against Kawasaki, I believe the flow will naturally tilt towards Tokyo. I think it is essential to express high-intensity play in every match that makes the opponent think, 'This is troublesome.'
Q: It is also expected that there will be more scenes where Kashima allows Tokyo to have the ball.
While it is important to easily spread the ball to the sides, I believe it is also crucial to actively send challenging passes to the forwards and deliver the ball into tight areas. There seemed to be a lot of movement behind the defense in the last match against Kawasaki. I think it will be necessary for the midfield players to make runs beyond Diego OLIVEIRA at certain moments. If there are too few plays behind the defense, the team will not function effectively, so I want to keep that in mind.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: What kind of battle do you want to have against the Kashima Antlers, who are on a winning streak?
A, they are a strong opponent on a five-game winning streak, but we have confidence as a team to stop their winning streak. I believe this match will be important for our strength in ball contests, so I want to control the game without losing to the opponent in front of us.
Q: Is it important to be aggressive in challenging for the ball from the start, like in the match against Kawasaki Frontale in the previous round?
Considering the opponent's soccer, it may be simple to send long balls to the front line, so I believe recovering second balls will be important.
Q: Last season, we faced Kashima twice and won both matches. Do you have a good impression yourself, Abe?
A, I have no complex about it. I scored a goal at Kashima Soccer Stadium last season, and I have a good image of it. I want to aim for a goal again tomorrow.
Q: How do you want to tackle the solid defense of Kashima?
If we fall back and defend, it becomes very difficult to break through, so we were told by the coach to actively target the opponent's back line. While aiming to disrupt the opponent's formation, I believe we need to focus on mid-range shots and being aware of the goal.
Q: Balancing awareness of advancing forward and managing risks in the back is also important.
A, regarding that point, Masato MORISHIGE and Keigo HIGASHI are taking care of the balance on the pitch. Keigo has also said, "You can play as you like," so while partially entrusting them, I think it's important to focus on completing plays like shooting. I want to avoid losing the ball in dangerous areas and being countered, as well as being exploited in the midfield space.
Q: Which team will pick up the second ball is likely a key point.
A, the importance of picking up the second ball and controlling it has been emphasized by the coach throughout this week's training. The awareness regarding this is very high. I want to make good decisions to create flow, such as initiating attacks by controlling the ball and making plays to calm the situation as needed.
Q: There was an impression that the ball was connecting well, including the match against Kawasaki in the previous round.
A. Until now, it seemed that we lost the ball very often after winning it, but in the match against Kawasaki, the distance between teammates was good, and the play itself was smooth. Right after winning the ball, it is both an opportunity and a crisis. I think it is important how we carefully pass the first ball to our teammates.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q: What was the reaction after the match against Kawasaki Frontale?
I received an overwhelming number of messages that I couldn't possibly respond to all in one or two days. I received many messages on LINE and Instagram. It really made me feel that I was able to make an impact.
Q: How do you feel about the match against Kawasaki when you reflect on it again?
A, last season I was on the sidelines watching this match. Since joining this season, as the Tamagawa Classico approaches, my desire to participate and stand on the National pitch has grown stronger. I realized that I can't just play quietly; I was able to enter the match determined to showcase my strengths and play. I want to deliver a performance even better than in the match against Kawasaki in the upcoming games.
Q: You seem to be gaining confidence with each match.
In the matches against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, I was unable to play in a way that satisfied me and helped the team. It's not a given that I can participate in matches, and because the presence of Kashif BANGNAGANDE is significant, I feel that I must express myself properly, which is why I believe I am growing every day.
Q: Is the presence of player Yoshifumi Takemoto very significant for player Tokumoto?
A, he is a left back player representing Japan. Since I get to play with such a player in daily practice, I think I should learn as much as I can from him. I want to take the good aspects I learn from him and continue to express them in my play.
Q: In the match against Kawasaki, Tokumoto's aggressive positioning led to a goal.
A, the strengths of Hotaka NAKAMURA and Yoshifumi are their proactive presence in high positions, which is something I have been lacking in my own play. Although NAKAMURA has unfortunately been sidelined due to injury, I didn't want it to seem like the attacking participation of Tokyo's full-backs had lost momentum. Yoshifumi was also on the bench during the Kawasaki match, so I had the mindset to push forward aggressively, and I believe that allowed us to take up high positions that led to shots and crosses. I think I was able to play by recalling what I have built up until now, and I believe my positioning was a demonstration of being a forward-thinking full-back myself.
Q: This match is against Kashima Antlers, who can be said to be in excellent form. Please share your enthusiasm.
Thanks to your performance, we were able to win against Kashima. I want to forget about the match against Kawasaki for now and focus on the upcoming game.
