<Last Match Review: Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
The blue and red warriors have returned to Ajinomoto Stadium. 32,274 spectators gathered for the home opener against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The pitch and stands became one, and they began to run for their first victory in the league.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, Go HATANO made a big save with a fantastic reaction after a direct volley from the opponent's left cross, which had been pushing us back since the beginning. Kashif BANGNAGANDE also blocked the rebound shot, avoiding danger.
Player Go HATANO also made a difficult save with a sideways dive on a tricky bouncing mid-range shot in the 19th minute of the second half. On loan from V-Varen Nagasaki, "returning HATANO" continues to make fine plays to save the team.
After that, they conceded the first goal from a penalty kick, but Ryotaro ARAKI, who scored 2 goals in the opening game and made a brilliant Tokyo debut, smashed a shocking goal as a greeting to the home crowd.
In the 26th minute of the second half, just after conceding a goal, Yuto NAGATOMO, who had been sprinting up the right side at full speed, received a pass near the goal. He thought, "I'll try to fake out the defender and goalkeeper by slightly moving the ball to the outside before shooting." He then lightly pulled the ball forward, swung his right foot sharply, and blasted it into the near side of the goal.
In just over one second, "Akaaka no Tarou" showed off a magical footwork that stopped time at the stadium, bringing the game back to the beginning. After scoring, he elegantly bowed and performed towards the goal end with a smile. He added the feeling of "please take care of me" to the equalizing goal for the home fans and supporters.
The team managed to catch up after being behind in two consecutive games, but despite launching a fierce attack together, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Following the opening game, they earned 1 point with another draw.
<Match Preview>
In the previous match, we drew 1-1 with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, making it two consecutive draws since the start of the season. We conceded the first goal from a penalty kick in the 24th minute, but just two minutes later, new signing Ryotaro ARAKI scored the equalizing goal, making it two goals in two games. Araki responded to the cheers from the crowd by elegantly bowing his head and saying "thank you for your support." However, he is not satisfied with just scoring a goal. After the match, he said, "I wanted to score the winning goal. I want to win as soon as possible and share the joy with the fans and supporters."
This round, we will face last season's J1 League champions, Vissel Kobe, at Ajinomoto Stadium. We must be particularly wary of their strong attacking lineup, which includes last season's J1 League top scorer and MVP, Yuya Osako, and former Tokyo player Yoshinori Muto. Masato Morishige said, "We have been discussing our challenges while playing in camp. If we can move the ball more, we can reach an even higher level. I believe that is the potential of this team." He emphasized the importance of a head-to-head battle. Our goal is to achieve our first victory of the season. We will face the previous season's champions head on, playing our Tokyo-style football that we have been building up until now.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, this round we will be facing last season's champions, Vissel Kobe.
A, our goal is to continue improving our fighting style from here. It is important to think about what is necessary to demonstrate a high level of performance and to continue working on it consistently. Of course, we respect our opponents and want to understand what we need to do to win before going into the game. In the recent match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we were just one step away from victory. We will fight desperately to make sure that our fans and supporters leave the stadium with a smile. We ask for your passionate support in this match as well.
Q, There were also scenes where coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI gave detailed instructions during practice. What points of Kobe are you wary of?
A, rather than being careful, I want you to be aware. Kobe has many talented players and is a wonderful team. I told them how to respond to their strong playing style, how to recover second balls, and how to respond to cross balls. It is important to follow the rules that we consider important in our battle plan, take the lead, and attack the opponent's weak points. It's going to be a tough and exciting game, but I want to score more points than the opponent.
Q, How do you, as the coach, view the first two games?
We are focusing on the performance of each team and player. We are asking for a mentality and awareness that will continue in the game and improve in a positive direction. We drew both games, but there were also good plays and good moments as a team.We will continue to improve, learn from each game, and get closer to the team we dream of. In order to be like that when the 38th round of the league ends, we need to grow in every game.
Q, Both games ended in a draw after coming from behind. Do you feel that the team has grown in terms of their ability to catch up?
A, our ideal game scenario is to take the lead and extend it to 2 or 3 points. However, it is also important to have the ability to turn a losing situation into a draw. We will give our all to win against Kobe. The amazing atmosphere created by our fans and supporters, which we felt in the previous game against Hiroshima, is definitely reaching us. We truly feel that it is giving our players something wonderful. Your support makes us stronger.
[Player Interview]
Ryotaro ARAKI
Q, Please review the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match.
Throughout the 90 minutes, there were many chances for both teams to score, but it ended up being a one-point game. As Tokyo, we had chances to finish it off, but unfortunately we couldn't convert and ended up losing 3 points.
Q, how do you feel after scoring 3 goals in 2 games?
A, as an individual, I have had a good start. I hope to continue building goals for the team to win from here.
Q, What do you think will be brought to the team by winning against last season's J1 league champions?
Both teams have changes in their members, and I think there are differences between them. This season, we want to express the soccer that Tokyo is aiming for on the pitch and defeat Vissel Kobe at home. I think winning this match will further boost the team's morale, and like the fans and supporters who are eagerly waiting for the first victory of the season, we players are also hungry for a win. We want to deliver a victorious battle to all of you. We want to express our soccer until the end.
<Keita ENDO player>
Q, Please look back on the debut match in Tokyo against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
My Tokyo debut was in the recent Hiroshima game, as I avoided playing in the Cerezo Osaka match due to conditioning. It was our home opener, so I wanted to show visible results such as goals and assists with a strong mindset. While having fans and supporters watch my own play, I was conscious of leaving a first impression and giving my all with momentum from the start.
Q, What challenges did you feel on the pitch during the 1-1 draw?
A, it would have been good if we could find space while moving the ball well, but there were scenes where we got stuck or had nowhere to go and ended up easily kicking long balls to the players on the front line. Of course, it's not just the players who kick the ball that have a problem, but if we are aiming to build up as a team by connecting finely, the players who receive the ball also need to think about when to start moving and when to show their face. We want to avoid the first choice being a long ball.
Q, what are the key points for the game from here, playing in the J-League for the first time in a while?
A, I have been able to play without fixed concepts or preconceptions because I have been away from the J-League for a while, and I think I can express a play that confronts the opponent. I honestly don't know what kind of game it will be against Vissel Kobe, but we have been drawing without being able to win so far, so I think this game is an important point that will lead to the future, and it will make a big difference whether we win or lose. I also think there will be a match-up with Gotoku SAKAI on the same side. SAKAI is a player who has also been on the Japan national team, but I want to play without falling behind in both offense and defense.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q, we have had two consecutive draws since the opening. How do you interpret this result?
A, Both games were difficult, but as we continue to play, I feel that we are improving and of course there are areas that need to be fixed. I want to grab our first victory of the season in the upcoming match against Vissel Kobe on the 9th.
Q, No club has won consecutive games at the end of Sec. 2, and this season's league competition is expected to be closely contested.
A, I see it as a very close match. Looking at the entire J1 league, there are many clubs with strong abilities. In other countries' leagues, it is common to see 2 or 3 teams constantly competing for the top spot as potential champions, but in the J1 league, it would not be surprising for any club to enter the title race. I have a strong sense of playing in a highly competitive league.
Q, How do you evaluate Henrique Trevisan's performance and current condition?
A, I don't think it's in perfect condition, but I think it's getting better as we play more games. I want to understand my role and contribute to victory with my play.
Q, Vissel Kobe, who we will be facing this round, is a team with a high-level attacking lineup. Can you tell us the key to victory?
A, This is a team that won the J1 League last season, so it gives the impression that they have excellent players on both offense and defense. They have players with scoring ability in the forward position, but as defenders, they will need to hold their ground and not give the opponent any freedom. With strong defense and physical blocks, we hope to lead Tokyo to their first victory of the season. We definitely want to earn all 3 points.
