Review of the previous match against Kashima Antlers
The challenges faced during the long holiday. Overcoming that was the Tamagawa Classico. Following that, we welcomed the match against Kashima Antlers, who were on a five-game winning streak with five consecutive clean sheets.
5 consecutive matches without conceding a goal.
Kashima's defensive intimidation was as recorded. The pressure at the ball, the speed of retreat after losing the ball, and the strength and height in front of the goal. From the moment of kickoff, their strong points were pushed to the forefront, building an impregnable wall.
Impenetrable fortress that suggests no gaps.
By allowing Kashima to take the lead, their rigidity only intensified. In a situation where precise passes and coordination akin to threading a needle were required, there was a man who did not miss a moment of opportunity.
From the beginning, Diego OLIVEIRA was engaging with the opposing center-back. In the 25th minute of the first half, he positioned himself to switch with the opposing center-back, turned towards the goal, and was fouled from behind, earning a penalty kick.
Shuto ABE's loop pass, which did not miss the movement, was impressive, but it was Diego TABA's brilliant positioning, slipping his body between the opposing defender and the goal, that pried open the fortress door.
After equalizing, both teams maintained their intensity until the final whistle, engaging in fierce battles for the ball and rapid exchanges of offense and defense. If they had entered the second half while defending a one-goal lead, there was a possibility that Kashima's strong winning mentality would have allowed them to escape with a victory. The ace's brilliant turn that drew the opponent out became the key point of this match.
Match Preview
The three-match series against the top teams has reached its second game. In the previous match, Tokyo faced the Kashima Antlers, who were on a five-match winning streak away from home, and Diego OLIVEIRA converted a penalty kick he earned himself, breaking the opponent's clean sheet record. Furthermore, throughout the match, the intensity did not drop, and they showed a push against the opponent.
This match will be against Vissel Kobe, who are currently at the top of the league. They have the second highest number of goals scored and the fewest goals conceded, making them a well-rounded team in both offense and defense.
This match comes right after Andres INIESTA announced his departure, and being a home game, the stadium will likely be filled with a warm atmosphere of farewell for INIESTA. The team will surely step up their game more than ever, determined not to waste the little time left to play with a global legend.
As Tokyo, we want to stick to the style we are building without being overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the stadium or pressured by Kobe's momentum. In particular, we need to be on high alert for our powerful attacking lineup, centered around player Osako, who is currently at the top of the league scoring rankings, and former blue-red warrior player Muto, who has marked 4 goals this season, more than in previous matches.
After a losing streak during the long holiday, the team has created a flow where, based on the common understanding of "first, we need to solidify our defense," they have increased the intensity at the ball contests through organized defense, creating more opportunities to regain possession, and gradually taking control through subsequent short counters and ball retention.
At the top, Iniesta, Osako, Muto... there are countless factors to consider. Of course, it's important to know the opponent and prepare countermeasures, but we want to surpass the opponent with our own style, focus our direction on ourselves, and return to Tokyo with points.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: We will be facing Vissel Kobe, which has a lineup of highly skilled attackers.
A, compared to last season, it seems that Kobe has transformed into a team with very high intensity. They have a strong awareness of attacking towards the goal and have changed from last season into a team that skillfully incorporates direct play into their attacks. They put in hard work for 90 minutes, and there are many dangerous players in the front line, making it a team composition that allows the individuality of the front line players to shine.
Q: What kind of approach is important when facing Kobe, who plays with high intensity?
A, first of all, it is important that we express at least an equal intensity and win duels in all situations, starting with one-on-one situations. It is also essential to maximize the quality that our players possess. Kobe will likely apply intense pressure from the front. It is important for us to respond with equal or better play. As I always say, the J1 League is very competitive. In closely contested matches, the first goal has a significant impact on the flow of the game. That is why we need to approach the start of the match with focus.
Q: How do you see the players' condition from the coach's perspective during the consecutive matches?
A, in this match, we will face Kobe after two days, but I remember that the league matches held during the previous COVID-19 pandemic had an even more congested schedule. In tomorrow's match against Kobe, which is a three-game series with only two days in between, it is quite possible that some players will clearly show signs of fatigue after the 20-minute mark in the second half. However, there are several players who did not participate in this Wednesday's Levain Cup and those who were able to control their playing time, so I believe we can manage this through player substitutions and other strategies.
Q: In Kobe, there is Andres INIESTA, who was announced to leave the team yesterday. Please tell us the coach's impression of INIESTA.
A, throughout the history of football, he is undoubtedly one of the top 20 great players in the world. His arrival in Japan has significantly increased the global recognition of the J League. Everyone knows how wonderful a player Iniesta is.
Q: I think there is a possibility that Iniesta will participate in tomorrow's match. What kind of match development do you expect?
Everyone knows the high quality of Andres INIESTA. If he steps onto the pitch, it is possible that he could dramatically change the game with just one play. After all, he is a world-class player.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q: If you play in tomorrow's match against Vissel Kobe, you will achieve a total of 450 appearances in the J1 League.
It was over in a flash, and it feels like just recently I achieved my 400th match appearance. With each passing year, it seems to be going by even faster.
Q: How do you feel when you look back on your career so far?
I have never experienced an easy and smooth season; there have been tough times as well. I feel the difficulties of living a professional life and play every season.
Q: What has been your motivation for playing for such a long time?
A, the desire to win and the sense of responsibility from playing in Tokyo for a long time are my driving forces.
Q: I got the impression that the defense has been organized since the recent match against Kawasaki Frontale.
A, we still lack the ability to correct things and solve problems among the players. I believe we can discuss and make adjustments during halftime or after the match. I think the players who come on during the match need to think carefully and play accordingly.
Q: There are scenes where the sense of security when Masato MORISHIGE and Shuhei TOKUMOTO are in possession of the ball can be seen in their play.
There are moments in the match when it feels difficult to maintain balance in the final line. In the last few matches, we have been playing in a way that quickly sends the ball to the front line, accumulating points. The ability to quickly send the ball forward, the judgment to connect well from our own half, and the sense of balance in how to utilize the strengths of each member currently in the team are crucial.
Q: Please tell us your feelings as you prepare to face Mutou again.
As a team and for Mutou himself, we feel that he is in good form. Looking at the last few matches, he has good physical sharpness and is accumulating goals. I believe I understand his strengths, and of course, I think Mutou knows a lot about myself as well. Within that, I want to have a good battle.
Q: The player partnering with Muto is Osako. How will you contain the highly offensive attackers?
I have confirmed through the video that they use tactics and slight movements to get behind the defense in front of the goal. I can feel their skill, and I want to play especially carefully in front of the goal.
Q: Do you think that winning against the top team, Kobe, will bring a good momentum?
If we can achieve victory against the top team in a series of matches, including the Levain Cup, I believe it will create a good momentum for the team. We will continue to face strong opponents, including next week's match against Yokohama F.Marinos, so I want to approach it with focus.
