Previous Match Review: Sagan Tosu
A month celebrating the 25th anniversary of the club was supposed to start off with a bang...
The opponent, Sagan Tosu, has lost 8 consecutive matches, so it was certainly not without a sense of foreboding. However, at such an important turning point for the club, the players on the pitch must have fully understood that it was not a situation where they could talk about jinxes or weaknesses.
Despite this, they lost two goals and went into halftime, pushed back by the momentum of Tosu from the start, even though they were not completely broken down.
The harsh voices directed at the team as they headed to the locker room were a reflection of the expectations of fans and supporters who wanted to celebrate the 25th anniversary with a victory. It was a cry of the blue and red spirit, urging them to recover, turn the game around, and show Tokyo's pride.
That shout ignited the blue and red players.
Kickoff for the second half. The blue and red of the 25th anniversary uniform, which looked uncertain in the first half, came to life.
Gathering the ball to the side and penetrating deep into the opponent's territory, the movements aimed at cross balls and pockets (areas near the left and right sides within the penalty area) disrupt the defense of Tosu. The two goals that brought the score back to square one both originated from crosses by left back Kashif BANGNAGANDE.
With this momentum, it belongs to Tokyo. Forgetting superstitions and feelings of inadequacy, they charge towards the Tosu goal in one swift attack.
The one who finally finished it off was a rookie who had grown up in the academy.
Despite being a rookie, he was included in the registered members for the opening match and made his professional debut in Sec. 2. He has since had the opportunity to play in 22 league matches, showing a rapid growth trajectory. The dribbling skills he displayed during the pre-season camp, his proactive approach to finishing, and his high performance in crucial moments were evident throughout the official matches on the pitch.
There were many close scenes that were just a step away, but it seems that those around him valued his dignified play more than the results. However, he felt differently. In the mixed zone after the match, even though the team won, he couldn't stop reflecting on the missed opportunities. He also experienced the frustration of not being able to step onto the pitch in the prime stage of the Levain Cup.
The final goal of the match commemorating the 25th anniversary created by such a greedy man. The joy brought by Kota TAWARATSUMIDA must not only celebrate the journey so far but also illuminate the future of Tokyo.
Match Preview
In the previous match against Sagan Tosu, we were trailing by two goals in the first half, but we scored three goals in the second half to achieve a comeback victory. The key factor was the bold strategy in the second half. Center-back Masato MORISHIGE moved his position forward and closely marked the opponent's attacking midfielder. This was a risky approach as it left the frontline of Tosu and Tokyo's backline equal in numbers, but each player fought diligently, leading to a dramatic turnaround.
Player Morishige expressed confidence about the tactical changes during the match, stating, "Once we were pushed back, each individual started to take risks in their play, which turned out positively. It was high risk, high reward, but I believe the gears fell into place."
This match is on the day we celebrate a quarter-century since the club's founding, and we will face Gamba Osaka at our home, Ajinomoto. Yuto NAGATOMO expressed his enthusiasm for this commemorative match, stating, "FC Tokyo has accumulated 25 years since its establishment. During that time, many seniors have woven our history, and we have been supported by numerous fans and supporters. I want to make this a passionate match that conveys that sentiment and pride." We will embody the unwavering tradition of blue and red until the very end in this battle.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: It seems that you have been training with the Gamba Osaka match in mind since the beginning of the week.
A, right now, we are thinking about how we should improve, how we should make things better, and how we should fight. This week, we were able to accumulate very good training at a high intensity. I feel that we are starting to see solid results, and I believe we are moving in a good direction.
Q: It was a training session filled with elements of football on both the offensive and defensive sides.
It is important to deepen our collaboration and play with a common understanding. In both offense and defense, we have been able to accumulate many patterns so far. In the last match against Sagan Tosu, we expressed what we have in a good way in the second half, and we need to grow further from here. Through this week's training, I felt the development of the team. I want to ensure that we can express ourselves well in the matches.
Q: Do you feel that what you have built up is being expressed in the matches?
I want to improve not only our attack but also our defense with precision. In Thursday's practice, we shared the defensive rules with everyone. We are focusing on delivering all performances at a high level.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka, the team we will be facing this match.
A, it is a very wonderful team, and they will provide us with various trials and moments of challenge. We just need to prepare ourselves to fight firmly against such a team. I want to actively engage Gamba Osaka so that the problems we throw at them will become their challenges to solve. A game flow like the second half of the match against Tosu is desirable, but there is no perfection in football. I want the entire team to overcome tough times to extend the duration of good performances as much as possible.
Q: October 1st marks the day the club was established 25 years ago. How do you feel about being able to play a match at home on this memorable day?
A, October 1st is a special day for Tokyo. On this special day, I want to deliver a special performance. I want to provide an exciting match that will make everyone involved with the club, including fans and supporters, feel proud of the Tokyo club once again. And I want to gift a victory.
[Player Interview]
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: In the last match against Sagan Tosu, we secured victory thanks to the performance of Kashif BANGNAGANDE.
A, starting in the league match for the first time after returning from injury, I feel a great sense of achievement both as a team and as an individual for being able to deliver results.
Q, please review the assist scene.
It was a cross supplied after making eye contact with Adailton, and since I had been actively delivering such crosses in practice, the players in front of the goal anticipated that a ball like that would come in, and they jumped in. I have been able to establish good coordination with Adailton through trying and confirming with each other in practice. In the first half of the match against Tosu, I couldn't fully control Adailton defensively, so I want to apply that experience to the upcoming matches.
Q: Do you feel that there were many issues remaining in the first 30 minutes of the match against Tosu?
A, we are discussing why we couldn't play the same way in the second half as we did in the first half, and how to make adjustments during the times when our defense isn't working. It's a challenge for the team to ensure that everyone is on the same page; otherwise, individuals will become disconnected and we will fall behind. If we can effectively enter into defense, I believe we can express aggressive team play like we did in the second half against Sagan Tosu in the match against Gamba Osaka.
Q: What is your enthusiasm for the second match since your return?
In the last match, I was able to contribute to the team with an assist, but I thought that if we hadn't won that game, the assist would have meant nothing. I believe the next match, after a victory like that, is crucial. We lost to Gamba Osaka in our last encounter, and I absolutely want to win. It's not about individual performance; I want to focus on winning and being results-oriented.
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q: The match against Sagan Tosu in the last round had a completely different development in the first and second halves. Please reflect on the last match.
A, there are always times in any match when the flow is not good. It is important to see how we can progress the match while keeping the goals conceded to zero during those times. I don't think it's very realistic to express the kind of football we played in the second half against Tosu for 90 minutes in every match. If we can defend well when the team's flow is not good, our own flow will gradually start to emerge. I believe that by enduring in situations where we can be patient, our own flow will come to life.
Q, the word "patience" came up, but does that mean that patience was indeed necessary during the first 30 minutes of the match against Tosu in the previous round?
A, I understood from my past experience that Tosu is a team that starts very well in the first half. Soccer is a sport that involves the opponent, so it is important to accept the opponent's style of play while fighting patiently. In the match against Tosu, we were able to score 3 goals in the second half, and if we hadn't conceded a goal in the first half, it would have been a 3-0 victory. I want the whole team to play with the unified intention of extending the time without allowing the opponent to score.
Q: The team has been going through a tough period, but do you think the victory against Tosu will be a good turning point?
If we allow the opponent to score, it feels like the tension on the pitch drops a level, so I believe that a comeback victory like the one against Tosu will lead to a successful experience for the team and will be a significant turning point. It is important not to be influenced by the flow of the game, but to focus on ourselves.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka, the team we will be facing this match.
I have the impression that they are skilled at moving the ball around. I believe they are a team that controls the game by passing the ball while observing the opponent's movements. The key is to dominate the opponent's flow and momentum with high-intensity play, and even if there are times when things don't go well, I want to play without losing focus.
Q: Including this match, there are only six games left this season. Please share your enthusiasm for the final stretch of the season.
I believe that the way we end the season is important for what comes next. I want to focus on the results until the very end, and I will concentrate on both the team and myself to ensure we can play well in every match. Thank you for your support until the end.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, it felt like we were watching two completely different teams in the first and second halves of the Sagan Tosu match.
In the first half, we played very poorly. As we approached the second half, we discussed making tactical adjustments in the locker room and decided to approach the game with a strong mindset. I am pleased that we were able to score and turn the game around from a difficult first half where we conceded 2 goals to equalizing and then taking the lead in the second half. I believe the mental aspect changed the game for the better. The players on the pitch were certainly aware that the first half did not go well. In terms of mentality, we were better than our opponents in the second half, and I think scoring early gave the team momentum.
Q、With one more goal, you will tie the record for the most league goals in Tokyo with 14 goals. What factors have contributed to your good form this season so far?
A, last season, due to injuries, I couldn't play as I envisioned and was unable to accumulate goals. My record for the most goals is 14, but with six matches remaining this season, I want to score many goals and update my own record. The number of matches left this season is decreasing. I want to firmly demonstrate the energy we have until the league matches are over, leading to victories.
Q、On a special day, October 1, which marks the 25th anniversary of Tokyo's establishment, a match will be held against Gamba Osaka.
I believe this will be a special match as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the club. Not only the players, but also the staff, club officials, and fans and supporters will approach this match with special feelings. We will put our hearts into it and do our best to deliver a victory.
