<Last Match Review: Yokohama F.Marinos>
Conceded within the first minute of the match.
Ajinomoto Stadium was enveloped in a silence that seemed to carry over the atmosphere of the first half of the previous match against Vissel Kobe.
A three-game series against top teams Kashima Antlers, Kobe, and Yokohama F.Marinos. A difficult start in all three matches, conceding the first goal to the opponents. Moreover, in the Kobe match, we conceded three goals in the first half alone, so it wouldn't have been strange to have a bad feeling.
However, the Tokyo players stood up without bowing their heads and returned to the fight as if nothing had happened. In the battle for midfield dominance, they allowed Yokohama FM, who have matured their build-up play, to have the ball. However, once they regained possession, they quickly accelerated vertically, aiming for space, and if there was no space, they calmly held onto the ball and patiently attacked their opponents.
The equalizing goal was created by quickly moving the ball vertically, and the winning goal was achieved by pushing the opponent and pulling them out to the side, dispersing the marking in front of the goal and stealing it.
Despite being at a numerical disadvantage in the middle of the second half, Tokyo did not let up in their fighting spirit. They maintained their formation without dropping too deep, persistently sliding and applying pressure on the ball side, and also launching quick counterattacks. There was a determination to go for all three points without taking a step back.
Looking at the results alone, it was the same 2-3 as the previous Kobe match. However, the content was completely different. When Tokyo had the ball, something happened. They showed us a passionate play that made viewers excited throughout the 90 minutes.
<Match Preview>
The Yokohama F.Marinos match was a turnaround in the first half, despite conceding the first goal. However, in the late stages of the second half, they fell behind again and suffered a consecutive loss due to being outnumbered.
The score may be the same at 2-3, but the content is different. In the first half of the Vissel Kobe match, the intensity and performance did not improve and they conceded 3 goals, while in the Yokohama FM match, the team's condition remained consistent. As a result, they enter the halfway point of the season with a losing streak, but the feeling of being able to fight that remains is different from before the previous match.
Gamba Osaka, the opponent, has had a difficult period, including being in last place in the early stages of the season, but gradually improved and climbed up to 15th place. They are 6 points behind Tokyo. In this season, they faced each other in the group stage of the Levain Cup at Panasonic Stadium Suita, where Gamba Osaka lost 0-3. In the match at Ajinomoto Stadium, they won 1-0, resulting in an even record of 1 win and 1 loss for this season.
In the 2nd round of the Emperor's Cup held on the 7th, Gamba Osaka lost 1-2 to Kochi United SC, who belongs to the JFL. This game is a home game for Gamba Osaka, which is betting on a comeback. Furthermore, the point difference with the last place is only 1, and although the ranking has been recovered, the situation is still difficult. The desire to earn 3 points in front of the home fans and supporters in the last game of the first half of the league should be even higher.
For Tokyo, this season has been a season of ups and downs in each game, and intense waves within the 90 minutes. Can we express the feeling of being able to fight that we grabbed in the previous match against Yokohama FM on the pitch? The key is whether we can continue to perform at a high level.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, What do you want to focus on in this final match of the first half of the league?
A, Recently, Gamba Osaka has become a team that is more intense and actively goes after the opponent's ball. They are one of the larger clubs and a dangerous opponent with high-quality players. This is also a home game for them. I have memories of playing at Panasonic Stadium Suita in a great atmosphere. We are in a good state right now. I have told the players that we should continue to play with confidence. Of course, we will fight for all three points.
Q, we are currently on a losing streak in the league, but we shouldn't worry too much about it.
A, the league season is a long battle. The most important thing is where we finish in the rankings when all the games are over. In the first half of the season, we had a lot of injured players and went through a tough time. As a result, we couldn't continue playing with the same team. In the games against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo during the Golden Week holiday in May, we suffered consecutive losses and couldn't play well. In our most recent league game, we faced two teams competing for the top spot. In the game against Vissel Kobe, we had some inappropriate plays in the first half, but I think we played well in the second half. As for the game against Yokohama F.Marinos, we played well throughout the game. We even made a comeback, but having a player sent off had a big impact on the game. The first half of the season felt like we had a lot of away games. Either way, our team is in a good state. I have confidence in our team's situation.
Q, Please tell us the important things for the future comeback.
It is important to increase the pace of play, deepen the understanding between players, and raise the maturity level of the team.
Q, it seems like we are struggling against the opponent who is defending by pulling back.
The team that is aiming to build a compact block in the middle area is trying to take away our vertical passes and quickly turn them into attacks. Against such a block, it is important to move the ball well and lower the opponent's defensive line with runs behind. The Emperor's Cup match against Fukushima United FC on Wednesday left room for improvement as we were only able to score three goals despite creating many chances. In addition, we were unable to play well in the last 15 minutes of the game.
Q, we have been struggling in away games.
A, Last season, we fought with the speed of switching between offense and defense as our weapon. From that perspective, I think there was a tendency for us to have better results in away games. This season, the team is continuously growing. We are also able to play more comfortably at home games. Of course, we must express the same play no matter what the environment is, and I think there are areas that need improvement.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Takuya Aoki＞
Q, Please give us your enthusiasm for the Gamba Osaka match.
When looking back at the games against Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos, it seems that we were able to maintain a good attacking rhythm when we had a strong defense. While offense is important, I believe it is crucial to start the game with a solid defense.
Q, please tell me the important things to avoid conceding early goals.
A, I don't think there is anything we are not paying attention to, but I think it is important to continue to remind ourselves not to lose focus. It is important for the whole team to be aware of this and to win the game in 90 minutes. I think game planning and control are important.
Q: What kind of communication will you make to your teammates in the midfield position?
A, there are both good and bad times during a match. Especially when entering a bad time, it is important for players to have the ability to quickly correct each other on the pitch. If the players cannot correct themselves, they cannot reach the top ranking. We want to create a situation and atmosphere where we can quickly make corrections.
Q: How does Matsuki feel about himself?
In mid-May, there was a practice match with Kawasaki Frontale and since then, the condition has improved significantly. I really want to win this match and provide an enjoyable game for the viewers. The Yokohama FM and Kobe matches had the same score, but the content was completely different. We want to entertain the viewers and win the game. We want the fans and supporters to leave the stadium with a smile on their faces.
Q, How do you focus on the coordination of defense?
A, It is important to have coordinated plays as there are many strong players in Tokyo who are good at one-on-one. Personally, I think we were able to create scenes where we could fight for the ball in the Yokohama FM match. If our defense doesn't work well, I think it's important to regroup and reorganize.
Q, Please tell us the image and key points that separate Gamba Osaka's wins and losses.
A, From watching the footage, I have the impression that they will come with a standard defense, so I think it will be a difficult game. The key is whether we can do what we want to do. Even in times when we can't do it or in bad timing, I hope we can still defend well and score points in our own way.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, 4 goals in the last 3 league matches. It seems like you are getting in good shape.
A, the condition is getting better. I have overcome the injury I suffered last season and I am able to play without any pain. Of course, there are still areas where I need to improve in order to score goals, so I want to further improve my condition.
Q, It's a match against Gamba Osaka, who has been on a winning streak in the league. What kind of game do you want to have?
A, they are expected to be a tough opponent, but we also have good players. It's an away game and the last game of the first half of the league, so we want to approach the game with a strong start and focus.
Q, This season, we have already played against Gamba Osaka twice in the Levain Cup. How do you perceive Gamba Osaka's style and way of playing?
Both games this season were very difficult as I mentioned earlier. As I said, tomorrow's game will be an away game and I think it will be a tough match. We want to show a winning attitude and grab a victory against Gamba Osaka, who have tough defensive players.
Q, The first half of the league will end this week. How do you feel about the league matches so far?
A, of course, is not the result we had imagined and we are not satisfied. As you know, the J1 League is highly competitive and it is not easy to win. Looking back on the first half of the season, there were games where we played well but couldn't get the win, and there were also games where we managed to win despite playing poorly. In the second half of the league, we want to continue playing well and aim for victory.
Q, Are there any matches that Diego OLIVEIRA himself is particularly impressed with in the first half of this season?
It's the Kawasaki Frontale match in Section 13. About 57,000 people filled the stands at the Tama River Clasico held at the Japan National Stadium. As you all know, Kawasaki is an incredibly strong team. The most memorable thing for me is being able to win against such a tough opponent in a difficult match.
Q, Finally, please give us your enthusiasm for the Gamba Osaka match.
A, In the first half of the league, there were many games where we couldn't get good results in away games. Although there were many away games, I think all clubs had the same conditions. In order to take a new step from tomorrow's game, I want to win firmly and bring a good flow to the team.
