Previous Match: Kawasaki FrontaleReview of the Match
A Grandson's Act of Filial Piety.
41st Tama River Classico.
The Tama River Clasico with Kawasaki Frontale was held at the National Stadium as the stage for the decisive battle. Moreover, it was positioned as a J-League 30th anniversary special match. With various tricks to raise the voltage of the stadium, despite the fact that Tokyo had a bad record of 7 consecutive losses in the Clasico, there was an atmosphere throughout the stadium that there was no way we would lose at our National Stadium.
The atmosphere spread to the team.
The last two games were consecutive losses. Moreover, in the previous match, they were overwhelmed by the momentum of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and conceded 5 points. The reviews are far from positive. However, in order to respond to the love of the fans and supporters who continue to support them even in a distant away game, the team has been thoroughly preparing.
Even if it's a bit forceful, we have faced our challenges and worked together as a team. The unity that has been strengthened through such preparations may have become even stronger due to the atmosphere surrounding the National Stadium.
Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who has always challenged positively, must not have achieved results by chance. He always looks forward in any situation. He gives his maximum effort. His positive attitude, brought out by the atmosphere of Tokyo filled with the Japan National Stadium, led to that spectacular goal.
The triumphant roar of Tokumoto player must have reached his grandparents in heaven and Okinawa, riding on the momentum of Tokyo.
<Preview>
Exactly one week ago, both teams fought and won the same J-League 30th anniversary special match at the same venue.
However, the situation is different. On one hand, Tokyo, who had suffered two consecutive losses, managed to defeat Kawasaki Frontale in a negative situation and finally changed to a positive atmosphere. On the other hand, Kashima Antlers, who have kept a clean sheet for 5 consecutive wins, have updated the club's record for most wins without conceding a goal.
Kashima has an advantage in terms of momentum and confidence. If they can keep a clean sheet for 5 consecutive games, there must be a reason for it. Their defense is not easily broken down.
Dedicated defense from the front line, quick returns, wings that do not shy away from repeated up and down movements, and a final line that combines height and strength. The strong defensive awareness possessed by the entire team works together, and the organized defense becomes stronger with each game.
In addition, their attacking strength has been sharpened with their ability to not miss a single chance from set plays and their sharpness in counterattacks. It can be said that Kashima's traditional winning strength, which was quiet at the beginning of the season, has been revived.
How will Tokyo face such a powerful opponent? First of all, the common understanding of "starting with defense" that was regained in the previous match against Kawasaki will be important. After stabilizing the defense, gradually increasing the time of ball possession, and using both quick and slow attacks depending on the opponent's situation when transitioning to offense.
Especially when facing a well-organized and accurate defense, it is crucial to make the right decisions after gaining possession in our own half. When, where, and who to attack with. The choices made by the players on the pitch can determine the outcome of the match. The attacking setup that shook Kawasaki wide is no fluke. As a solid proof of evolution, we want to break through Kashima's strong defense.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, we won the high-pressure Tama River Clasico, but should we not be too relieved with this victory?
The J1 League has been very competitive with close matches. The current situation is that the rankings can dramatically change with just a few points difference. The rankings will continue to fluctuate from now on. Of course, no player is relaxing just because of a recent victory. The league is like a marathon, a long-distance race. I believe that after overcoming difficult times, good times will come.
Q, What kind of game do you want to play against the powerful Kashima Antlers?
For Kashima, it 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 use their weapons effectively. They also seem to have a strong determination to win. However, if we can concentrate from the start of the game, I believe we can have a good match. Above all, I believe in the current state of the team. I think tomorrow will bring a good match and a good result.
Q, Kashima has a strong defensive impression. Do you want to attack before their defense is set?
A, that part is also an important point. Another point is to quickly move the ball to break down their defense. It is also important how we respond when they have possession of the ball.
Q, It gives a strong impression that the winning percentage is high in games where the first goal is taken. What effect do you think the first goal has on the team?
A, not only us, but also in the entire J1 league, it is the impression that the team that scored the first goal has a high winning percentage. In a match between evenly matched teams, the first goal has a significant impact on the subsequent game development. For example, if we score the first goal, the opposing team will naturally aim for a draw or a comeback, become more aggressive, and try to dominate the ball. In such a situation, it will be a game where we can utilize the space behind the opponent's defense. However, as a team, we have not yet reached the level of dominating the game for 90 minutes.
Q, it will be even more important to score the first goal when facing Kashima, who continues to win without conceding.
A, the number of 5 consecutive games without conceding a goal is the strength and solidity of Kashima's defense. We believe that we are riding a good momentum with our strengths such as strong defense and effective attacks leading to goals. As a team, we have been preparing to score against Kashima's solid defense. And we have full trust in our Tokyo players. It is a good sign for our team's current situation that we were able to achieve victory against the highly skilled and mature Kawasaki Frontale.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, it will be a match against my former team. Please tell us your thoughts and enthusiasm, including memories from your time at Kashima Antlers.
A, now, it is the most energetic team and there are only good memories when I look back on the time I was enrolled. There are reasons why Kashima is so strong, and I understood them immediately after joining, and I also realized and noticed things after leaving the team. The feeling of respect is strong.
Q, Please tell me the most important thing you learned during your time at Kashima.
A, this is a story from when I was on the team, but Atsuto Uchida and Yasushi ENDO were leading the team and bringing a sense of unity. In order for Kashima to win, we prioritized the team even if it meant sacrificing ourselves in various ways. We also saw plays where we were willing to sacrifice for the sake of victory, and I believe that our current style of play is the closest to the correct answer for Kashima. "Results are everything" is also one of the things I learned during my time at Kashima. I am looking forward to facing the most powerful opponent right now.
Q, Tokyo also seems to be in a cycle similar to what you just mentioned.
We really wanted to win as a team in the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale. In this match as well, we expect there to be battles for the ball and second balls, so we want to firmly recover the ball and not lose in those battles. If we lose in those battles, we will lose the momentum. The atmosphere at Kashima Soccer Stadium is unique, and when they score, the whole venue gives momentum to Kashima, so we need to be careful.
Q, In order for Tokyo to become stronger in the future, it is necessary to overcome many adversities like Kashima multiple times.
Speaking of the Kawasaki match, it's good to have confidence in being able to beat a highly accomplished opponent, and I think we need to ride this momentum and keep going. If we can win here, we can feel the atmosphere of being able to ride a good flow. I think that naturally pulling chances and victories by not losing in the fundamental part of soccer.
Q: Are there any specific areas that player Koizumi was careful about in the previous match against Kawasaki?
A, I had the consciousness to aggressively take away from the front in terms of defense, and I think the opponent was also reluctant. I was able to play with a sense of returning to the basics, such as having strength in taking the ball and second ball without worrying too much about the back. I think being able to play without hesitation on the pitch also led to goals. I also think it was good to be able to take the ball in a high position.
Q, Was it possible to play compactly overall?
A, yes. Higashi Keigo was solidly positioned behind, and Nakagawa Teruhito on the right was actively trying to steal the ball from the front. I think it was good that each player was able to make plays that were easy to understand as teammates. In the second half, the opponent was reduced to 10 players and we were pushed back, so I wanted to hold onto the ball a little more and send passes that would lead to attacks. I regret that we lost the ball too easily after taking it from the opponent who was attacking with more players. If we could have played a little smarter, it would have been better.
Q, Do you have any thoughts on what player Koizumi is thinking about in order for Tokyo to continue winning from here?
I think good attacks come from good defense. If the players on the pitch can play without hesitation, and since Tokyo has a team of players with high individual abilities, if they can play in a relaxed manner, they will definitely become a strong team. If you think too much about how to defend or how to attack, you will hesitate and give the opponent an opening. It is important for both the team and the individual to play without hesitation on the pitch. If we continue to play with the same intensity as in the Kawasaki game, I think the momentum will shift towards Tokyo naturally. I think the key is to express a high level of intensity in every game against our opponents, making them think "this is going to be tough".
Q, Kashima is expected to have more scenes where they let Tokyo have the ball.
It is important to not only easily expand to the side, but also to actively send challenging passes to the front line players and send the ball to narrow areas. The movement behind the scenes was also impressive in the previous match against Kawasaki. I think it will be necessary for midfield players to overtake Diego OLIVEIRA. If there are few plays behind the scenes, the team will not function, so I would like to be aware of that point.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, What kind of battle do you want to have with Kashima Antlers, who are on a winning streak?
They are a strong opponent with 5 consecutive wins, but we have confidence in stopping their winning streak as a team. We believe that the game will be decided by our strength in the ball contest, so we want to win the game against our opponent in front of us.
Q, Is it important to be aggressive in the ball contest from the start like in the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale?
A, when considering the opponent's football, it is also possible to simply send long balls to the front line, so I think it is important to recover second balls.
Q, Last season's match against Kashima was 2 wins in 2 games. Does player Abe have a good impression of it?
I don't have any negative feelings. I myself scored a goal at Kashima Soccer Stadium last season, so I have a good image. I want to aim for a goal tomorrow as well.
Q, How do you plan to break through Kashima's solid defense?
A, it was conveyed from the coach that it is very difficult to break through when being defended, so we should actively aim for the opponent's back. While aiming to break the opponent's formation, it is necessary to have awareness for middle shots and goals.
Q, it is also important to balance awareness of the front and risk management of the rear.
A, in that regard, Masato MORISHIGE and Keigo HIGASHI are taking care of the balance on the pitch. From Higashi, I am told "you can play as you like", so I think it is important to play aggressively, such as taking shots, while leaving some parts to him. I want to avoid situations where we lose the ball in dangerous areas and get countered or exploited in the midfield.
Q, which team picks up the second ball will be a big point.
A, regarding picking up and controlling second balls, the coach has been emphasizing it in training this week. The awareness towards it is very high. I want to make good decisions to create momentum, such as making attacking moves after controlling the ball or calming down the play depending on the situation.
Q, There was also an impression that the ball was well connected, including the Kawasaki game in the previous round.
A, Until now, it has been the impression that there were a lot of times when the ball was lost after being taken away, but in the Kawasaki game, the distance between teammates was good and the play itself was smooth. Immediately after taking the ball, it is both a chance and a pinch. I think it is important to pass the first pass to your teammate carefully.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, How was the reaction after the Kawasaki Frontale match?
We received so many messages on LINE and Instagram that we couldn't respond to them all on the first and second day. It made us realize, "Wow, we were able to perform well."
Q, How do you look back on the Kawasaki game?
A, Last season I was on the side watching this match. Since joining this season, as the Tama River Clasico approaches, I have become more conscious of wanting to play and stand on the National pitch. I realized that I couldn't just play quietly, so I was able to enter the game with the intention of showing my own strengths. I hope to demonstrate a performance even better than the Kawasaki match in future games.
Q, I have the impression that I am gaining more and more confidence with each game.
In the games against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, I was not able to make plays that satisfied the team. It is not a given that I will be able to play in the games, and because of the significant presence of Kashif BANGNAGANDE, I feel the need to express myself properly and that is the basis for my daily growth.
Q: Is the presence of player Yoshifumi Kashiwagi very important for player Tokumoto?
A, he is a left back player who represents Japan. As I play with such a player in daily practice, I want to steal whatever I can. I want to firmly make his good parts my own and continue to express them in my play.
Q, In the Kawasaki match, Tokumoto's aggressive positioning led to a goal.
A, The strengths of players Hotaka NAKAMURA and Yoshifumi KASHIWA are actively showing their faces in high positions, and it is a play that I have been lacking so far. Although NAKAMURA was injured and had to leave, I didn't want it to be thought that the momentum of Tokyo's side backs' attacking participation had disappeared. KASHIWA was also on the bench in the Kawasaki game, so I had the feeling that I could be substituted in the middle and fly aggressively, so I think I was able to take a high position and connect to shots and crosses. I think I was able to play by remembering what I have been building up so far, and I think it was a high position taking to show that I am a type of side back who goes forward.
Q, we will be facing Kashima Antlers, who are in excellent form this season. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, I want to forget about the Kawasaki game and focus on the match, so that I can be told that we won thanks to your performance.
