Review of the previous match against Albirex Niigata
The orange wave filling the stadium was swallowing the blue-red goal along with the orange-clad 11 players on the pitch.
In the early stages, Tokyo was also aggressive in their attacks, pressing towards the Albirex Niigata goal, but gradually lost control to Albirex Niigata, who pushed forward while maintaining possession of the ball.
Somehow enduring, the clock passed 90 minutes without conceding a goal, remaining at 0-0.
All that's left is the additional time. There was a moment when we were still fighting without giving up hope for victory, and there was an air pocket.
In the 45th minute of the second half plus one minute, while solidifying their own goal area, they were shaken by Niigata, who skillfully used both the sides and the center. A cross ball was sent in from the left side, and a player jumped in free right in front of the goal to head it in.
A header shot taken near the goal area. No matter how tall Taishi Brandon NOZAWA is, the shooting angle is vast. He strikes the ball down to the ground, making it difficult for the goalkeeper to handle, just like in the theory. The shot, riding the orange wave, approaches the goal line.
As if the entire sequence was visible in slow motion, player Nozawa remained calm. He positioned himself on the left side of the goal in preparation for the cross, and as the cross came in, he moved his position to the center of the goal without taking his eyes off the ball.
With a step, he matched his right foot to the ball that flew to his feet and kicked it back. The right foot that rebounded the orange wave. The clean sheet that the team, which had been on a losing streak, needed to regain confidence was achieved thanks to Nozawa's calm and composed response.
Match Preview
In the last match, we drew 0-0 away against Albirex Niigata, stopping our losing streak at two. Yuto NAGATOMO, who returned to play after three matches, said about this game, "We have been thoroughly focusing on defense." During the two-week preparation period, we returned to the basics of defense and confirmed the team's detailed agreements and individual tactics, which paid off.
This season, which has been marked by unstable battles, has seen us particularly struggle away with 2 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses. Player Nagatomo pointed out the reason: "Our defense has been too weak. First, we need to stabilize our defense. We need tenacity to prevent the opponent from playing comfortably and the precision in defense. (In the Niigata match) I was able to at least show the minimum as a defender."
The opponent for the final home match is Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. In the previous encounter, we conceded a season-high of 5 goals away, so stability in defense will likely be a key theme this match as well. Teruhito NAKAGAWA stated, "I want to play a match that gives viewers hope for next season," and he vows to turn this match into an opportunity to release the frustrations built up alongside the fans and supporters who have supported the team throughout this season. As a culmination of this season, we hope for a solid victory accompanied by good content.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: How did you improve the attacking issues seen in the match against Albirex Niigata this week?
A. After getting behind the opponent's last line, I think about how to become a threat towards their goal. It is important to know how to use space while maintaining possession of the ball. I want to further improve on applying pressure to the opponent while playing our football, putting pressure on their goalkeeper, and making runs into areas that the opponent dislikes, supplying the ball effectively.
Q, after the Niigata match, there were words saying "(we) rushed a bit too much (in our attack)."
A, it is very difficult to deliver a perfect performance, but there were several moments in the game where we could have moved the ball into space a bit more. If we can express that, I believe it will become a threat to the opponent. However, it is very important to have the awareness to move forward, and I think there were many instances in the match against Niigata where we lost the ball in situations we could have controlled.
Q: In the last match against Niigata, we were able to keep a clean sheet, so it seems that the results of our training focused on defense have paid off.
A, it was very important for us to strengthen our defense. At the same time, we need to accumulate goals. In the match against Niigata, we were unable to demonstrate the results of our offensive efforts. We want to express what we have built up in the match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. We expect the players to maintain a strong mentality to keep a clean sheet, generate many goals, and showcase what we have been building from training.
Q: How do you feel about the defense and practice focused on the Sapporo match?
A, Sapporo is a club that plays very wonderful football, and we respect coach Zoran PETROVIC. When Sapporo has possession of the ball, the key point will be how sharp our defense can be. We are currently preparing for that this week, and we want to connect the fundamentals and principles of team defense to good attacks. During our attacks, we want to move the ball well and effectively utilize space to break through their defensive block. We aim to create good situations and make it an exciting match for our fans and supporters.
Q: This week's match against Sapporo will be the final home game.
This is a special and important match. Everyone understands how crucial it is to seize victory. We are focused on bringing joy to our fans and supporters. For that reason, the players and staff are fighting desperately and have prepared thoroughly. I believe the players will give their all to win.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q: The season is approaching its final stages. Compared to last season, hasn't it been a difficult season?
A, as you can see from the standings, I feel that this season has been disappointing, and it is reflected in the results. We were unable to fight as we had envisioned at the beginning of the season, even changing coaches midway through the season. I think it has become a very difficult season.
Q: During difficult times for the team, you must have often played the role of captain, right?
I believe that we should not leave everything to the coach, Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who took over midway through the season, regarding what kind of football we will play and what style we will develop. Of course, each coach has their own characteristics, but the most important thing is for the players to take action themselves and to challenge various things. I feel that we need to create an environment that encourages challenges, gather the opinions of each player, and increase the discussions about what everyone is thinking and what kind of play they want to execute in each position.
Q: Looking back at Morishige's comments this season, it seems to focus on "what the players will do."
A, it is the players, not the coach, who play on the pitch. The coach takes overall control, but we, the players on the pitch, must grow and express what we feel in each moment through our play. Each of the 11 players standing on the pitch needs to think about what they want to do, how their chosen play will impact the team, and what their unique strengths are. I hope each individual will consider and express these aspects more. We need to express not only what is expected of us but also something beyond that. I believe each player should communicate what they want to do.
Q: How will you approach the last two matches?
In a way, I think these are two matches where we can try various things. There is little time left until the final match on December 3rd, but I believe there are plenty of challenges we can take on during this remaining period. Of course, the league standings have narrowed down to some extent, but primarily for the fans and supporters, and to connect to our next season, I want to take various actions. Even if it's just one thing, I want to seize an opportunity. If we start looking for that opportunity for next season, it inevitably takes time to move forward. In that sense, I believe the battle for next season has already begun.
Q: This season, you achieved a total of 450 appearances in the J1 League. Furthermore, as a defensive player, you are expected to tie for the all-time record with 12 consecutive seasons of scoring in the J1 League.
A. This season, I have been working on strengthening my physical condition to improve my performance, and I believe I can evaluate myself to a certain extent. I still feel that I can compete, and being able to fight throughout the entire season has contributed to my confidence moving forward. Regarding consecutive goals, I often hear comments from those around me, and I can't help but be aware of it, but I won't change anything just to aim for that. Of course, I am happy to achieve records, but I believe there are still other aspects I can show, so ultimately, I hope to be able to break records.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: The away game in the last round against Albirex Niigata ended in a draw, how will you carry that momentum into the next match?
We were able to finish the away match with a clean sheet, but since we did not score, I believe improvement is necessary for this upcoming match. While getting a result of no goals conceded away is good, the quality of the match was not satisfactory. I want to improve our performance on both offense and defense.
Q: What kind of role do you want to take on in both offense and defense, Nakagawa?
A, I believe that the important things are the intensity at the ball and the mentality and attitude towards the match. I want to increase the time we hold the ball in the opponent's half and raise our possession rate. I think what I just mentioned is everything needed to win, but first and foremost, I am focused on fighting to achieve the result of victory.
Q, as Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo applies high pressure, it is expected that many options will arise in the attacking phase.
If we can effectively break through the opponent's defense and exploit the spaces, I believe the number of scoring opportunities will naturally increase. On the other hand, if we lose the ball in our own half, it will directly lead to a crisis. I think that if we don't challenge ourselves to skillfully evade our matched opponents during the match, there will be no growth for the team or individuals, and that will be a key point that determines the outcome of the game.
Q: This match will be the final home game of the season.
A, I have the strongest desire to end with everyone smiling in the end. I want to show a match that gives fans and supporters expectations that will lead to next season.
