<Review of the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
The blue-red warriors have returned to Ajinomoto Stadium. A crowd of 32,274 gathered for the home opener against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The pitch and stands united as they set out to achieve their first victory in the league.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, where the team was pushed back from the beginning, a direct volley was taken from a left cross by the opponent in the center, but Go HATANO made a fantastic save with a great reaction. The follow-up shot was blocked by Kashif BANGNAGANDE, escaping the danger.
Go HATANO made a difficult mid-range shot save with a diving save in the 19th minute of the second half. "The returning HATANO" from his loan to V-Varen Nagasaki continues to make fine plays that save the team.
After allowing an opening goal from a penalty kick, Ryotaro ARAKI, who scored two goals in the opening match, made a stunning debut in Tokyo by delivering a shocking strike as a greeting to the home crowd.
In the 26th minute of the second half, right after conceding a goal, Yuto NAGATOMO sprinted up the right side and received a pass near the goal. He thought, "I wanted to take a shot after slightly moving the ball without getting past my marker," and created a shooting opportunity with a feint by pulling the ball back with the sole of his foot to confuse the marker and the opposing goalkeeper. He then lightly brought the ball forward and struck it sharply with his right foot, powerfully shooting into the near side.
Just a little over 1 second. "Aka-Aoi no Tarou" showcased a magical foot technique that stopped time in the stadium, bringing the match back to square one. After scoring, he performed an elegant bow with a smile towards the goal area, conveying his feelings of "Thank you for your support" to the home fans and supporters with the equalizing goal.
After falling behind in two consecutive matches, we managed to catch up, but the game ended in a 1-1 draw as the team launched a fierce attack together. Following the opening match, we drew again and earned 1 point.
Match Preview
In the previous match, we drew 1-1 with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, marking the start of the season with two consecutive draws. We conceded a penalty in the 24th minute of the second half, but just two minutes later, the newly joined Ryotaro ARAKI scored the equalizing goal, making it two goals in two matches. In response to the roaring cheers, ARAKI elegantly bowed his head in celebration, conveying his gratitude. However, he is not satisfied with just the result of the goal. After the match, he expressed his desire, saying, "I wanted to score the winning goal. I want to win quickly and share the joy with the fans and supporters."
This match will face last season's J1 League champions, Vissel Kobe, at Ajinomoto. Particularly to be wary of are the powerful attacking lineup featuring Yuya OSAKO, who was the top scorer and MVP of last season's J1 League, and Yoshinori MUTO, a former Tokyo player. Masato MORISHIGE stated, "Since the camp, we have been discussing our challenges while playing matches. If we can play while moving the ball more, we can reach a higher level. I believe that is the potential for this team," emphasizing a direct confrontation. The goal is to achieve the first victory of the season. Even against last season's champions, we will not be passive and will challenge with the football we have built up to this point.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: This match will be against the reigning champions, Vissel Kobe.
A, we just need to further improve our way of fighting from here. It is important to think about what is essential to deliver a high-intensity performance and to work on it with consistency. Of course, we want to respect our opponents and understand what we need to do to achieve victory as we approach the match. In the recent match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we were just one step away from victory. We will fight desperately so that our fans and supporters can return home with smiles from the stadium. We ask for your passionate support this match as well.
Q: During practice, Coach Klamovski himself gave detailed instructions. What aspects of Kobe are you wary of?
Rather than just being careful, I want you to be aware. There are many highly skilled players in Kobe, and they are a wonderful team. I communicated how to respond to their strong playing style, how to recover second balls, and how to deal with crosses. It is important to execute the established rules that we consider crucial while developing our approach to both offense and defense, to take the initiative and exploit the opponent's weak points. It seems like it will be a tough and exciting battle, but I want to score more goals than the opponent.
Q: How do you perceive the two matches so far, as the coach?
A, the team is focusing on the performance of each player. The mentality and awareness going into the matches need to continue from here, and we are seeking improvement to move in a positive direction. Both matches ended in a draw, but there were good plays and moments as a team.We will not neglect improvement, learn many things from the matches, and want to get closer to the team we dream of. To achieve that by the end of the 38th round of the league, growth in every match is necessary.
Q: Both matches ended in draws after coming from behind. Do you feel that there has been growth in your ability to catch up?
A, the ideal scenario is to take the lead with the first goal and extend it to two or three goals. However, it is a good thing that we have developed the ability to draw even when we are behind. In the match against Kobe, I want to give everything for victory. The amazing atmosphere created by our fans and supporters was certainly felt in the last match against Hiroshima. I truly feel that you are providing something wonderful to the players. Your support makes us stronger.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryotaro ARAKI＞
Q: Please reflect on the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, throughout the 90 minutes, there were many chances for both teams to score, but it felt like both teams remained at just one goal. For Tokyo, there were opportunities to finish, but it turned into a match where they missed out on securing 3 points.
Q: You have scored 3 goals in 2 matches, how do you feel about that?
As an individual, I have made a good start. I want to build on this and score goals for the team to win.
Q: What do you think winning against the J1 League champion team from last season will bring to the team?
A, both teams will have changes in their members, and I think there will be variations and differences between us. This season, I want to firmly express the soccer that Tokyo is aiming for on the pitch and defeat Vissel Kobe at home. I believe that winning this match will further boost the team's morale, and just like the fans and supporters who are eagerly awaiting our first victory of the season, we players are also hungry for a win. I want to deliver a fight that secures the victory to everyone. I want to express our soccer until the very end.
<Keita ENDO>
Q: Please reflect on your debut match in Tokyo against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Due to conditioning adjustments, I avoided participating in the match against Cerezo Osaka, and my Tokyo debut was the recent match against Hiroshima. It was the home opener, and I entered the match with strong determination, wanting to show visible results like goals and assists. While having the fans and supporters watch my play, I focused on leaving a strong initial impact and giving my all from the very beginning.
Q: The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but what challenges did you feel on the pitch?
It would have been good to find space while moving the ball well, but there were noticeable scenes where the forwards ended up easily kicking long balls due to congestion or lack of options. Of course, the problem is not only with the players kicking the ball; if the team aims to build up play by connecting passes closely, the receiving players also need to consider their movement and timing to show themselves. We want to avoid making long balls the first choice.
Q: After a long time playing in the J-League, what points do you think will be important in the upcoming matches?
A, having been away from the J-League for a while, I can play without fixed concepts or preconceived notions, and I believe I can express a style of play that confronts the opponent. Honestly, I don't know how the match against Vissel Kobe will unfold, but since we have been unable to secure a win and have continued to draw, I think this match will be an important point that could lead to our future, significantly changing whether we win or lose. I believe there will also be a matchup with Gotoku SAKAI on the same side. He is a player who has been part of the Japan national team, and I want to play in a way that does not fall behind in both offense and defense.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q: You have had two consecutive draws since the opening match. How do you perceive this result?
A, looking back, both matches were difficult, but I feel that we are improving with each game, and of course, there are points that need to be corrected. I want to seize our first victory of the season in the match against Vissel Kobe on the 9th.
Q, at the end of Sec. 2, there are no clubs that have consecutive wins, and it seems this season will also be a competitive league.
I perceive it as a very competitive situation. Looking at the entire J1 League, there are many clubs with strong abilities. In leagues from other countries, it is often the case that two or three teams consistently compete for the championship, but in the J1 League, it wouldn't be surprising for any club to be in the title race. I feel that I am playing in a league of very high level.
Q: How do you evaluate your own play, Henrique TREVISAN, and what is your current condition?
A, I don't think I'm in perfect condition, but I believe I'm gradually improving as I play more matches. I want to understand the role expected of me and contribute with plays that lead to victory.
Q: This week's opponent, Vissel Kobe, is a team with a high-level attacking lineup. Please tell us the key points for victory.
A, as the team that won last season's J1 League, they have impressive players on both offense and defense. They have goal-scoring forwards, but I want to ensure a solid defense, not giving the opponent any freedom, and making physical blocks to lead to Tokyo's first victory of the season. We desperately want those 3 points.
