Review of the previous match against Yokohama FC
After the match, the players all agreed that, "The passes were mostly connected at our feet, making it easy for the opponents to defend. We needed to change things up, such as simply aiming for the space behind."
Yokohama FC solidified their defensive block with a formation that can be described as a 3-back, or rather a 5-back, inviting Tokyo into their defense. On the other hand, Tokyo struggled to advance the ball deep into the opponent's territory after being drawn into their half. While trying to find an attacking option by moving the ball, their coordination broke down, forcing them to retreat to their own half after being countered.
Especially after allowing the opponent to take the lead, we struggled to break down the opponent's defense, resorting to safe passing throughout.
Throughout the 90 minutes, we struggled to show an aggressive attitude, but there was one play that embodied the reflection expressed at the beginning.
In the 12th minute of the second half, after defending against the opponent's attack in their own territory, Kosuke SHIRAI carried the ball up to just before the halfway line and supplied a pass towards the space behind the opponent. Adailton, who left the opponent's defender behind with a moment of speed, picked up the ball and carried it towards the penalty area without losing speed.
In the one-on-one situation with the opposing goalkeeper, the shot was blocked, but the fact that Tokyo, which had many passes at their feet, simply utilized the space to create chances may have suggested the 'change' necessary for Tokyo's growth.
Match Preview
In the last match, we suffered a frustrating defeat against Yokohama FC away, losing 0-1, and missed our first three consecutive wins of the season. We were unable to fully execute the attacking patterns we had prepared during the league break, such as breaking down from the sides and making runs into the space behind, leaving us with many issues to address.
Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI reflected on the match, saying, "We strayed a bit from our way of playing. We made the game difficult for ourselves." Regarding areas for improvement, he stated, "It would have been better if we had moved the ball more quickly and utilized the space. We want to learn to become a smarter and better team, and prepare for the next match." The players also expressed their thoughts, saying, "Next time, for sure."
This match will welcome Sanfrecce Hiroshima at home. It is the final game of the three matches designated by the club as part of the 25th anniversary celebration. Of course, a victory is essential, but it is also a match where we must show the unwavering spirit that the blue and red have cherished for 25 years, never giving up until the end.
Furthermore, it is also a day to look towards the club's "future" and indicate the path we should take. It is important to express what Tokyo represents to fans and supporters -- I hope for such battles.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Sanfrecce Hiroshima is a team that employs a three-back system, similar to Yokohama FC in the previous match.
I believe we can fight with a connection from the last match. There were many lessons learned in the match against Yokohama FC. Hiroshima is a very good team, but we will fight to express the lessons from the last match in our game. We want to deliver good football to our fans and supporters.
Q: After the match against Yokohama FC, each player expressed their reflections. Is a common understanding and awareness of tactics a key point?
A, both connections are important. We need to express the rules we value as a team in our battles. The match against Yokohama FC was not a good game. There were several opportunities during the match to exploit the opponent's weak points, but we couldn't follow through. For example, there were chances for forward runs and vertical passes. We lacked the movement to play facing forward and to advance. By creating such scenes, I believe the flow of the game would have changed, and we would have become a greater threat to the opponent. I want to utilize the lessons learned from that match to move forward.
Q: It seemed that you were particularly focused on how to move the ball to avoid the opponent's press during this week's training.
This is the necessary work to progress as a team. I hope the players will grow through their daily training. The match against Hiroshima is expected to be a tough game. I want to deliver excitement and enthusiasm to our fans and supporters through an aggressive battle. In the previous match against Yokohama FC, we were unable to express the style of play we aim for. Since I took office, I believe we have been improving in terms of press avoidance and ball movement. Growth does not happen smoothly or steadily. Our play still needs improvement, and I believe we will continue to grow from here.
[Player Interview]
＜Diego OLIVEIRA＞
Q: You lost 0-1 to Yokohama FC in the last match. How do you feel about this result?
A, after conceding the opening goal, the match became difficult as the opponent strengthened their defense. It is true that Yokohama FC, who are fighting to stay in J1 League, had high motivation, but we must reflect on the fact that we could not show a strength that surpassed that. I feel sorry for the fans and supporters who came all the way to the away game.
Q, I remembered the scene from three years ago at NHK Spring MitsuzawaFootballStadium where Diego OLIVEIRA was in the locker room with tears in his eyes.
A, the match turned out to be similar to that time, including the content and development of the game. I have a strong reflection on repeating the same things again, but I am only thinking about correcting the issues that arose in the Yokohama FC match and achieving victory against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the next game.
Q, I remember you saying that you have to fight for your family. Does that motivation become especially important in the last four matches?
My feelings of fighting for my family, for the team, and for the fans and supporters have not changed at all. This will remain the same going forward. Of course, each player has their own way of maintaining motivation, but for me, fighting for everyone who supports and cheers for us is what motivates me.
Q, You have recorded 14 goals in the league, matching your career high from the 2019 season. Do you feel confident about your performance this season?
A, soccer is a team sport, and each player hopes to win the match in front of them and to become champions. Of course, I feel the same way.Last season, I couldn't play as I wanted due to injuries, but I believe that this season, being injury-free and maintaining my condition is significant. However, what is important to me is the team's victory rather than my own records. Until the end of the season, I want to contribute to the team's victory by scoring as many goals as possible.
Q: Despite being an away game against Yokohama FC, the fans and supporters created a wonderful atmosphere.
I would like to express my gratitude once again to all the fans and supporters who have been delivering their passionate support to us since the beginning of this season, both at home and away. Many fans and supporters dyed the stands blue and red during the Yokohama FC match. Of course, we feel your cheers while playing on the pitch. I sincerely apologize for ending up with a disappointing result of 0-1. We are aware of the passion, feelings, and various emotions of our fans and supporters. I believe the match against Hiroshima will also be a tough one, but we want to deliver good plays and good results for our fans and supporters.
Q: The home games have come down to the last two matches. What will you use as motivation to approach these games?
A difficult match will continue until the end, but I believe in the strength of the Tokyo team. I want to fight with all my might for the fans and supporters, and show our style of football. I hope to win the match and celebrate together with everyone.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: Please reflect on the match against Yokohama FC.
A, it feels like we lost in a different way than before. The match against Yokohama FC made us realize the areas where we still need to improve, and rather than losing because we couldn't showcase what we have, it strongly feels like we lost because we still need to enhance our skills. Even if we lose to a rival in the relegation battle, I believe we shouldn't become pessimistic. There were various factors during the match, but if we could express bolder plays without being overly meticulous, I think it could have been a match we could have won. It felt like our play choices turned into "plays that avoid mistakes." It was a match where we could see various aspects throughout the game, and there were new combinations as well. This season, there haven't been many matches where we dominated for long periods, so I think we need to learn more about how to fight in such situations.
Q: It felt like you had fewer touches on the ball in the attacking midfielder position during the match against Yokohama FC.
I believe there are times when I play lower down the pitch, which allows for greater freedom in my play. I want to show more of my ability to send the ball forward, and when the ball comes to each position, I want to play with options that match my teammates, including movements to receive the ball and awareness to support. Since we were up against a team that defended in a block, I reflect on the fact that I could have made more runs behind the defense.
Q, Sanfrecce Hiroshima is also a team that operates under a similar system.
A, I think it will be a match where both sides attack each other, a battle where we score against each other head-on. It is important to figure out how to counter the opponent's tactics. As the probability of scoring increases, I believe the probability of conceding goals also increases, so if we can win that psychological battle without losing, I think goals will be scored. I believe we can express that as a team, so I am not worried. I think we need to manage the match well.
