![](/en/upload/TokyoismImage/images/tokyoism_20240426181016662b6f78-4748-49fb-a4fe-132d0a000292.png)
<Last Match Review: FC Machida Zelvia>
A match that was crucial for a 3-game winning streak, with a draw in between. The game started with a goal from a set piece, but was equalized by a penalty kick from Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, his first goal in the league since transferring to Tokyo. However, they were unable to defend against a long ball attack and conceded a second goal. They were unable to break through the opponent's defense and unfortunately suffered a loss.
Although it was a frustrating game, number 33 showed great potential with his bold plays on the left side, which cannot be overlooked.
Not only cutting in from the left side and taking a shot, but also creating chances with a right foot cross or a horizontal pass by changing the ball. He relentlessly attacked and created a scent of scoring.
Machida has been dealing with multiple players by continuing to dominate from the start, but the number 33 in blue and red still doesn't stop. While lightly stepping and measuring the timing with the opponent, he boldly gets involved in the finish by opening up the small space that was born in the opponent's defense network.
The highlight was the 4-person dribble shown in the 17th minute of the second half. Holding the ball on the left side, he broke through the gap between two defenders and then cut through two more players who came to close him down, leaving them behind and providing a cross for a shot. Although Keita ENDO's shot from this was denied by the crossbar, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA was a dominant presence on the left side.
However, the fact that he was unable to produce direct results such as goals and assists, he expresses his frustration by saying, "I think I was able to create a lot of chances from the left side, but I am aware that they only ended up as chances."
Despite being only 19 years old in his second professional season, his plays have become a major weapon for the team. He is also able to provide support in a way that allows his teammates to shine. That's why he wants to deliver results.
"I haven't reached the level of satisfaction yet. I have to continue working hard to grow even further. I want to aim for both goals and assists, but my main goal is to contribute to the team's victory by scoring."
At the start of the second half of the Machida game, his personal chant echoed from the goal end. As an academy graduate, there are high expectations from those around him. The fact that he was unable to bring victory to the team while demonstrating his strengths only strengthens his desire for results. If this match can serve as a reminder of that feeling, then even a bitter loss can lead to a bright future for both the team and him.
<Match Preview>
Tokyo, who suffered a frustrating defeat to FC Machida Zelvia in the previous match, now has a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses in the league. Both goals scored and goals conceded are 14, resulting in a goal difference of 0.
Their total score of 14 is tied for the most in the league with Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Vissel Kobe, but their defense is also a concern as they have conceded 17 goals, ranking 17th in the league. While the team has been able to score goals, stabilizing their playing style will be crucial for their chances of moving up in the rankings and securing a victory against Albirex Niigata.
Niigata, who will face Tokyo, has the same record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses so far. Led by third-year coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, they have been playing possession football, pushing forward while maintaining control of the ball.
The most dangerous player to watch out for in Niigata right now is undoubtedly FW Kaito TANIGUCHI, who has scored in two consecutive official matches and was awarded the Meiji Yasuda J1 Monthly Best Goal for February and March. With his natural scoring sense and sharp, powerful movements, he is a striker who can attack the goal with force. He also possesses a strong punch that can aim for shots from a distance, so Tokyo must work together in the final line and midfield to firmly cut off his powerful finishing flow.
The key to the game will be how the blue and red players respond to Niigata's ball possession. Tokyo will come with speedy players up front and high ball-winning players in the midfield, drawing the opponent into their own half and launching long counters or short counters from high pressing, in order to be able to adapt to the situation and determine the outcome of the game. Offense and defense are two sides of the same coin. It will be interesting to see how they manage the risk of not conceding and how they will strategize to defeat their opponent.
Looking back, we have shown a passionate fight with consecutive wins at the Japan National Stadium since April, a draw against Tokyo Verdy, and 4 goals against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama in the 2nd round of the YBC Levain Cup. Although we missed out on 3 consecutive wins in the league after a draw, we were able to show aggressive soccer. We don't want to be discouraged by the loss against Machida and want to stand up firmly together as a team.
In addition, it will be a reunion for Takahiro KO, who was with Niigata until last season. It will be interesting to see if he can shine in his former home.
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
![](/en/upload/TokyoismImage/images/tokyoism_20240426180928662b6f48-0f74-4354-bbdf-5f2a0a000292.jpg)
Q: After the previous defeat, what are you looking for going forward?
It is important to firmly connect the pain and experience from the defeat to the next. In football, there are times when you have to endure tough lessons. Of course, you should not continue to do this. In the process of building something special, you must accept and learn from the defeat in the previous match. As long as you are in that process, you must grow from it and not repeat the same mistakes. In the previous match, we were unable to outperform or outplay our opponents.
Q, Based on the results of the previous match, I think we need to focus more on shots and goals than ever before.
A, football is a sport where it is important to create scoring opportunities. I think we were able to create chances to reach important elements. We were able to play in areas that the opponent didn't like and create good situations for us. In the match against FC Machida Zelvia, there may have been more goals scored. However, Machida was able to convert their few chances into goals. In other situations, we were able to respond well. The opponent took advantage of their chances, while we were unable to convert our chances into goals. We want to use this frustration to drive us in our future matches.
Q, Albirex Niigata, who we will be facing this round, is a club known for their possession play.
A, We are preparing firmly for the Niigata match. Of course, there will be times when we have to hold the flow and ball of the opponent. It is important to prepare for how to respond to that. If the opponent has the ball, we need to counter with a strong defense, and when it is our turn to take control of the game, we need to surpass the opponent with our own play. There are various situations in football. The plays and fighting style that we have built up are meant to create scenes that lead to goals. It will be a tough away game, but we will go for many goals with high concentration and intensity.
[Player Interview]
Takahiro KO
![](/en/upload/TokyoismImage/images/tokyoism_20240426180706662b6eba-e03c-47bd-aba1-4ce40a000292.jpg)
Q, this round is a match against Albirex Niigata, who was on the team until last season.
I have been aware of this match as one of my targets since joining Tokyo and the annual schedule was announced this season. I am looking forward to playing against them. I have been with Niigata for three seasons. I want to express my gratitude on the pitch, but first and foremost, I am focused on bringing back 3 points as a Tokyo player and winning against Niigata.
Q, What are the important points to consider for the Niigata match?
A, Niigata is a team that values the time of possession and is expected to have a slightly longer defensive time compared to other games. It is especially important to communicate well on the pitch and play together to determine when to take the ball. On the attacking side, we want to continue to challenge while valuing possession and not abandoning what we have built up as a team.
Q, What is the key to attacking when transitioning from defense?
A, I think it is important to be able to control at the timing of switching to attack. Soccer is a sport that scores points, so I think that plays that are calculated from the goal are required. I want to read the atmosphere during the game and look for opportunities, whether to put numbers on a short counter or to slowly connect the ball and invade the enemy's territory.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
![](/en/upload/TokyoismImage/images/tokyoism_20240426180618662b6e8a-0794-4ddf-87fb-4ce30a000292.jpg)
Q, Please review the previous match against FC Machida Zelvia.
A, I think we were able to create a lot of chances from the left side. However, within those chances, I am aware that we were unable to score or assist, and it ended up just being chances. There is also frustration from not being able to finish. As a team, our goal difference and the process leading up to it were not good. It was a game where we had a lot to reflect on.
Q, it seemed that Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's dribbling was leading Tokyo's overall attack from the beginning of the game.
My teammates understand my playing style and encourage me to make the most of my strengths. Players like Takahiro KO, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who play in similar positions, create an environment and situation that allows me to make plays. I believe we have good communication and coordination.
Q, It can be seen that there has been an improvement in contribution to defense and physical strength compared to last season.
A, I think we are gradually moving in a good direction, but I have not yet reached a level that satisfies me. I think I have to continue working to further grow from here.
Q, this round is a match against Albirex Niigata.
A, I believe it is important to focus on myself in order to play well and contribute to victory. I think the strength of Tokyo is that all 11 starters can demonstrate their strength, so we will all go to win the away game.
Q, are you focusing on scoring or assisting from your strong dribbling skills?
I believe that aiming for a goal and scoring is the best, but I also feel that I have been able to assist my teammates in scoring more recently. I want to be greedy and aim for both, but my top priority is to contribute to the victory by scoring.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
![](/en/upload/TokyoismImage/images/tokyoism_20240426180631662b6e97-ee64-4830-961b-533b0a000292.jpg)
Q, Please review the FC Machida Zelvia match.
A, although we lost in the previous round, I don't think we should be pessimistic about the entire game. There were scenes where we were winning, but as you know, in soccer, the team that scores more goals than the opponent wins. The opponent scored two goals and that was all it took for us to not be able to surpass them. We were well aware of Machida's playing style and players like Se Hun OH, who possess height and strength, as well as the strengths of our forwards. There were several points that we needed to be cautious of as defensive players. Of course, we prepared to contain the opponent's strengths, but I am extremely disappointed that we ended up conceding a goal.
Q, What kind of measures will be necessary against Albirex Niigata this round?
A, I think it will be a different battle from the previous match. We have been training while understanding Niigata's playing style and tactics this week as well. In every match, we study the opponent and come up with countermeasures to face them. In the midst of that, it is most important for me, as well as for the team, to express on the pitch what we have been building and growing through practice.
Q, the May series will start with the Niigata match.
A, there are also midweek matches in May, and the number of matches is very high. In order to fight through these consecutive games, the entire team's strength will be necessary. It is necessary to create a situation where anyone can play and to accumulate training to demonstrate a good performance in the match. We want to challenge with all our might.
![](/en/upload/TokyoismImage/images/tokyoism_20240426181435662b707b-db64-49d1-b686-4ce20a000292.jpg)
![](/en/upload/TokyoismImage/images/tokyoism_2024022311170765d80023-33ec-4fef-82dc-4e260a000292.png)