<Last Match Review: Tokyo Verdy>
Trailing by two points at the end of the first half. In addition, they were put in a difficult situation by losing a player just before the end of the first half, resulting in a numerical disadvantage.
However, the blue and red warriors fighting on the pitch and the fans and supporters who filled the "away" goal end of Ajinomoto never gave up. Despite being at a disadvantage, the voltage in the stands continued to rise even at halftime and as they welcomed the start of the second half.
There was another man sitting on the Tokyo bench, burning with fighting spirit. It was Keita ENDO, who had just announced his full transfer to the blue and red team two days before this big match.
"I could feel the passion of the support from the bench, and I couldn't just let the fans and supporters go home like that. (When the opponent scored their second goal) I was fired up by the performance of the Tokyo supporters behind the goal. When I came on, I wanted to show it on the field."
In the 16th minute of the second half, number 22 was substituted in at the left wing position. He strongly links his own situation of wanting to produce a difficult game and result. For him, it was a pitch-in of determination, burning with fighting spirit.
"Although we haven't had any results so far, I believed that if we could leave one behind in this important match, we would be recognized. The timing of the announcement of the full transfer was a chance."
Those feelings will soon come to fruition.
23 minutes into the second half, Kosuke SHIRAI, who showed a sharp interception in his own half, continued to run down the right side. He ran up to a high position and crossed the ball on the ground, and number 22 ran in from the center and finally Tokyo raised the signal for a comeback.
A battle that doesn't make you feel outnumbered. As the players said after the game, "The support of the fans and supporters gave us a boost," the "12th player" truly lifted the team and changed the atmosphere of the stadium.
And a dramatic development was waiting in the second half additional time.
Go HATANO competed for a long feed near the opponent's penalty area with Henrique TREVISAN. Teruhito NAKAGAWA collected the loose ball. Endo received a gentle lateral pass and said, "I had decided to take the shot as soon as I received the pass. The ball flew to a good spot and I scored with a well-aimed left foot shot."
In the green uniform that collapsed on the pitch, the blue and red goal end erupted in joy as they bounced back from a disadvantage. In the center of it all was the figure of number 22, who had just completed a full transfer.
On the way back to the pitch, he looks back at the stands and grabs the emblem on his left chest with his right hand. There is a strong determination towards the result and his own sense of courtesy.
"I was really frustrated. I couldn't go back home with a 0-2 loss, and I wanted to show that I made the right decision by fully transferring to Tokyo and that I could deliver results in important matches. I also wanted to convey my gratitude once again. It was all thanks to the team's hard work that we were able to catch up. Personally, I think I fulfilled my duty and responsibility as a player who played in the Tokyo Verdy match."
Finally officially became a member of "Seiaka", but of course, it is not possible to peak here. It is from here that we will demonstrate our true value, such as championship experience and competitiveness.
"I want to work hard to truly be recognized. Top players can continue to perform well. I want to continue this by training every day."
Two goals shown from an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation. Unfortunately, we were not able to win, but the one point earned by the "team" including the fans and supporters should definitely be a memorable one. The determination and feelings held by the leading actors may also become an episode that will be passed down and talked about.
<Match Preview>
At the Japan National Stadium, Tokyo Verdy, who faced Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers in succession, managed to overcome a numerical disadvantage and equalized a 2-point deficit. In addition, in the 2nd round of the YBC Levain Cup, they defeated Y.S.C.C. Yokohama 4-0, and have now gone undefeated in 4 official matches, riding on their momentum.
Despite the absence of Kuryu MATSUKI, Ryotaro ARAKI, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who are participating in the U-23 Japan national team, Riki HARAKAWA and Keita ENDO have stepped up and shown a strength that does not make us feel the absence of key players. Under the ideal vision of coach Peter Cklamovski, they are getting closer to the ideal of "being able to play our own soccer no matter who is on the field."
One player to watch out for is Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who was not called up to the U-23 Japan national team. With a humble attitude of "giving my all in the position I am in," he has shown his presence on both offense and defense with 1 goal and 2 assists in the league so far. This season, he has expressed his desire to become a key player and "be the center of the team."
This round, we welcome FC Machida Zelvia to Ajinomoto Stadium. Facing a strong opponent in 3rd place in their first J1 League challenge, how much of our accumulated results can Tokyo show? This match should be a litmus test for advancing to the top.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, I think that the goal set by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, which is to have a team that can perform well no matter who is on the field, is gradually being realized.
A, in Wednesday's Y.S.C.C. Yokohama match, the players showed a good performance on the pitch and we could see positive signs as we continue to build. The important thing is for whoever plays to show a strong performance and give their all in the game. We want to continue to encourage the growth of our players' mentality from here on. It is important to find our own value and move forward. As a club, we want to take one step at a time and move on to the next page.
Q, FC Machida Zelvia may come to confront the opponent team with plays that eliminate their strengths.
A, this weekend is also an important match. We are able to train well every day. I always respect the club we are playing against. The important thing is to prepare for the game against any opponent. We need to control the game and be aggressive, which will lead to a strong team performance. It is expected to be a tough match. We will focus on our own way of playing and give it our all.
Is it not important to defeat tough opponents like Machida in order to move on to the next page?
It is important to firmly engrave the process in order for the team to grow. No matter who the opponent is or what style they have, we will not change anything drastically. The challenges and expectations will naturally differ from game to game, but I believe that by focusing on the team's rules and way of fighting, we can defeat any opponent.
[Player Interview]
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q, including National's two consecutive wins, we have not lost in four official matches.
A, I think the key to our good form is that we have been stronger and faster than our opponents in terms of physicality and running, including in the Y.S.C.C. Yokohama match on Wednesday. It may seem simple, but because the quality of each player has improved at the base level, we are able to express our own style of football. The Tokyo Verdy match was a tough one for the team, as we had to play with 10 players from the middle of the first half, but the players on the pitch were able to return to the basics of football. I believe we were also able to outperform our opponents in terms of physicality and sprinting, and the players who came on as substitutes were able to contribute to the team's good performance.
Q, Three players have left the club during the activities of the U-23 Japan national team. Please tell us the reason why the team has been able to maintain an undefeated record.
I think it's the atmosphere and intensity of the practice. Each player is able to express a good sense of tension and a level of intensity close to a real game, which naturally raises the quality of the practice. No player is guaranteed a starting position, so the quality of the practice is reflected in the game. In the match against Urawa Reds on April 3rd, many young players were used in the starting lineup, but we were able to secure a solid victory. One of the reasons for this is that veteran players like Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE are creating an atmosphere where young players can play fiercely in practice.
Q, it seems that as if Kazufumi Koseki is being pushed by that atmosphere, his involvement in scoring plays is increasing.
A, I have a strong desire to contribute to the team with visible numbers such as goals and assists. It was difficult to connect results in the first few games of the season, but I believed in what I have been building and made an effort to play with consistency from practice. Compared to last season, I have a feeling that I am involved in the ball more often in higher positions, and I am reflecting on each game with the coaching staff. Especially this season, my goal is to increase the plays that lead to goals.
Q, compared to previous seasons, the number of offensive participations and offensive positioning are shining.
A, Endo Keita and Tawaratsumida Kota often form a partnership in a vertical relationship, but both are high-quality players. Their playing styles are completely different, but I am conscious of attacking and positioning while understanding their movements. On the pitch, Takahiro Ko in particular supports my movements in various ways. He gives me detailed advice on where to receive the ball, where to move, and when to stop and receive the ball. I am able to absorb and organize the opinions of players, coaches, and staff, and I feel that I am becoming more confident in my own play without any hesitation.
Q, this round is a match against FC Machida Zelvia. A matchup with Junya SUZUKI is also expected.
A, Machida is a team that comes out with their strong points while erasing the opponent's strengths. I feel their strength and quality in their hard work and foundation. First and foremost, it is absolutely necessary to surpass the opponent in that aspect, and if we are losing there, no play or tactics will work. I think it is important to not lose in the intensity of the ball and hard work. I am also looking forward to the match-up with Suzuki. His kicking accuracy is high, and when I was with Tokyo, he taught me points and tips. Even among domestic fullbacks, his kicking accuracy is top class in the J-League. Suzuki's kicking and long throws are definitely Machida's weapons, and he is an opponent we absolutely do not want to lose to. I want to attack the sides successfully with combinations with my teammates.
<Keita ENDO player>
Q: How do you feel about scoring two consecutive goals in official matches?
A, no matter what form it takes, it is a good thing to score points. I want to create a strong team that can produce results on the pitch no matter who is playing. When the team is struggling, we need players who can score goals. I believe that nothing is better than a goal, no matter how good the play is.
Q: Previously, I talked about the importance of swinging your legs. How do you feel about that point?
A, I am now able to touch the ball with a good feeling and can play calmly in front of the goal. I hope to continue to express myself on the pitch in the upcoming FC Machida Zelvia match.
Q, this week's match is against 3rd place Machida. Considering Machida's strengths, what kind of game do you think it will be?
If you aim to win the league, Pim is the opponent you absolutely have to beat. It's not a 6-point game, but it's a match that holds that much value. The players who step onto the pitch must approach this game with determination, as it is a crucial match. Currently, the fact that Machida has accumulated points means that they are a team that is committed to winning. Winning is everything. I think Machida is a really strong team, and they will choose plays that Tokyo doesn't like. Duels and ball control will be important, and we want to avoid losing in those situations and exploit plays and weak points that both us and the opponent don't like.
＜Kei KOIZUMI player＞
I think the team has been able to embody the tenacity of not losing in the recent official matches.
A, Last season, there were many situations where we gave the opponent the lead and lost control of the game. This season, we have been able to turn things around like in the 6th round against Urawa Reds, and catch up like in the game against Verdy. We have developed a strong perseverance. Although we have only played 8 league games so far, we are tied for first place in total team points, and we want to continue to gain confidence in our attacking game. On the other hand, we need to work on improving our defense as we have been conceding a lot of goals.
Q, Please tell us the factor that has contributed to the growth of the mental strength that allows us to catch up and turn the tables, despite significant changes in the team members since last season.
A, There hasn't been any major changes between teams or players, but compared to last season, we are more conscious of securing possession time as a team. I think one of the reasons for this is that we have a common understanding as a team and as players.
Q, It seems that Kei KOIZUMI himself has increased his participation in attacks and the number of times he builds up compared to last season.
In addition to defensive movements and build-up, I have become more conscious of visible goals and assists this season. If the midfielder can contribute to the attack and score or assist, the team's ranking will improve and the attack will become stronger. Personal growth is necessary for the team to become stronger, and I always want to play with a challenging attitude.
