<Last Match Review: Kashima Antlers>
Challenges faced during the long Golden Week holiday. Overcoming them, the Tama River Clasico. Following that, the match against Kashima Antlers, who have won 5 consecutive games without conceding a single goal.
5 consecutive games without conceding a goal.
Kashima's defensive intimidation was as expected from their record. Their ability to close in on the ball, retreat quickly after losing possession, and their strength and height in front of the goal. From the kick-off, they were able to showcase their strong points and build an impenetrable wall.
Impenetrable fortress with no gaps.
Allowing Kashima to take the lead, their defense only grew stronger. In the midst of requiring precise passes and coordination like threading a needle, there was a man who didn't miss a single moment of opportunity.
Diego OLIVEIRA, who had been playing mind games with the opponent's center back from the beginning of the game. In the 25th minute of the first half, he positioned his body to switch with the opponent's center back and was fouled from behind, earning a penalty kick.
Shuto ABE's loop pass was also impressive, but Diego TABA's positioning was the key to opening the fortress door as he slid his body between the opposing defender and the goal, not missing a beat.
After catching up to a tie, both teams continued to fiercely battle for the ball and quickly switch between attacking and defending until the end of the game. If they had entered the second half with a one-point lead, there was a possibility that Kashima's strength would have been displayed and they could have escaped with a win. The ace's brilliant turn that pulled the opponent into a 50-50 match became the key point of this game.
<Match Preview>
Tokyo, who faced Kashima Antlers, who had won 5 consecutive away games in the previous round, in the second game of a 3-game series against top teams. Diego OLIVEIRA, who was acquired by Tokyo, stopped the opponent's clean sheet record by scoring a penalty kick. Furthermore, throughout the game, they maintained their intensity and showed a strong performance, pushing the opponent back.
This round will be a match against Vissel Kobe, who is currently in first place. They have the second highest number of goals in the league and also have the best goal difference, making them a well-rounded team in both offense and defense.
In addition, this is the first game after the announcement of the departure of Andres INIESTA, who joined the team in the 2018 season. As it is a home game, the stadium will be filled with a farewell atmosphere for INIESTA. As a team, we will surely gear up more than usual and approach this match with the determination not to waste the remaining time playing with a world-renowned legend.
As Tokyo, we want to stick to our own style without being overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the stadium or the momentum of Kobe. In particular, we need to be extra cautious of the powerful attacking lineup led by top scorer Osako and former blue and red warrior Muto, who has scored 4 goals this season.
After a series of losses during the long holiday, the team has been working on increasing their defensive strength and opportunities to regain possession through organized defense and winning balls, under the common understanding of "first and foremost, we must focus on defense". This has allowed them to gradually take control of the game through short counter attacks and ball possession.
First place, Iniesta, Osako, Muto... there are countless factors to consider. Of course, it is important to know the opponent and prepare for their tactics, but we also want to surpass them with our own style, direct our focus towards victory, and return to Tokyo with the points.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, it will be a match against Vissel Kobe, which has a strong attacking lineup.
A, Compared to last season, Kobe seems to have transformed into a very intense team. They have a high awareness of attacking and seem to have changed drastically from last season by skillfully incorporating direct plays into their attacks. They work hard for 90 minutes and have many dangerous players in the front line. I think their team composition allows for the individuality of their front line players to shine.
Q, What kind of strategy is important when facing Kobe, who plays with high intensity?
A, first of all, it is important for us to express at least the same intensity and win duels in all situations, starting with one-on-one situations. And it is important to maximize the quality of our players. Kobe will likely put pressure on us from the front line. It is important for us to compete with equal or greater play. As I always say, the J1 league is very competitive. In a close game, the first goal has a big impact on the flow of the game. That's why it is necessary to approach the game with concentration from the beginning.
Q, How is the condition of the players from the coach's perspective during consecutive games?
A, this week we will face Kobe with only 2 days of rest, but I remember that the league matches that were held during the previous corona crisis had an even more congested schedule. In tomorrow's Kobe match, which is a 3-game series with only 2 days of rest, there is a high possibility that players will show clear signs of fatigue after the 20-minute mark in the second half. However, there are also multiple players who did not participate in the Levain Cup on Wednesday and players who were able to control their playing time, so I believe that we can manage the situation through player substitutions and other management decisions.
Q, In Kobe, Andres INIESTA, who announced his departure yesterday, is a member. Please tell us your impression of INIESTA as seen from the coach.
A, He is undoubtedly one of the top 20 greatest players in the history of the football world. And, his arrival in Japan has greatly increased the global recognition of the J-League. Everyone knows how amazing of a player Iniesta is.
Q, Will Iniesta play in tomorrow's match? What kind of game do you expect?
Everyone knows the high quality of player Andres INIESTA. If he were to step onto the pitch, it is possible that he could dramatically change the game with just one play. He is a world-class player after all.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, If I play in tomorrow's Vissel Kobe match, it will be my 450th appearance in the J1 League.
A, it was a blink of an eye and it feels like I just recently achieved 400 games played. As I get older, it feels like time is passing by even faster.
Q, how do you look back on your career so far?
I have never had an easy and smooth season, and there have been difficult times as well. Every season, I play while feeling the difficulties of living as a professional.
Q, What has been your driving force for playing for such a long time?
The desire to win and the sense of responsibility that comes from playing in Tokyo for a long time are the driving forces.
Q, I received the impression that the defense has been getting organized since the Kawasaki Frontale game the other day.
A. We still lack the ability to fix problems with our players. We can discuss and make corrections during halftime and after the game. During the game, I think it is necessary for each player who enters the game to think carefully and play.
There are also scenes where you can see the sense of security in their play when players like Masato MORISHIGE and Shuhei TOKUMOTO are in possession of the ball.
A, There are also moments in the game where it is difficult to balance at the final line. In the past few games, we have been playing by quickly sending the ball to the front line and accumulating points. It is important to have a sense of balance in terms of quickly sending the ball to the front line, making solid connections from our own territory, and utilizing the strengths of each member.
Q, Please tell us about your current feelings as you prepare to face Mutoh again.
Both as a team and as a player, we feel that Muto is in good shape. Even in the past few games, his physicality and goal-scoring have been impressive. We understand his strengths and I believe that Muto himself also knows a lot about me. In that regard, we want to have a good fight.
Q, The player who will be partnering with Muto is Osako. How will you contain the high-powered attacking lineup?
A, I also confirmed it in the video, but I will come behind the defense with a little movement and tactics in front of the goal. I feel his skill and I want to play with special attention in front of the goal.
By defeating Kobe, who is currently in first place, I believe we can bring about a good flow.
If we can win against the top team in a series of games including the Levain Cup, I think it will create a good momentum for the team. We will also face top teams next week, including Yokohama F.Marinos, so we want to approach the games with focus.
