<Last Match Review: Albirex Niigata>
The first game of the "restart" was greeted with a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses, and a goal difference of 0. The blue and red army displayed a fantastic game and won 3-1. They showed what they have built up this season on the away field, proving that their record so far is not just a tie.
Albirex Niigata, who holds the ball and attacks. Tokyo shows a compact formation, controlling the ball from the beginning and preventing the opponent from creating scoring opportunities by closing the center and limiting passing options. The team's focus, quick anticipation, and good start are highlighted in both offense and defense.
The hero of this match was Kosuke SHIRAI, who was involved in all three goals for Tokyo. He started as a right-back fighter.
First, in the 39th minute of the first half, Henrique TREVISAN made a sharp cut from his own half and ran up the right side with full speed, anticipating the pass. He received the ball from Diego OLIVEIRA, who was in the post, and continued to sprint vertically at top speed, supplying a perfect ground cross between the opponent's goalkeeper and defender. From this brilliant play, Teruhito NAKAGAWA scored the opening goal with an assist.
In the 4th minute of the second half, he smoothly entered the penalty area and demanded a final pass from the ball he connected from the left side. Then, he swung the ball directly from Nakagawa's gentle side pass and sank a well-controlled shot into the right corner of the goal.
In addition, in the 17th minute of the second half, he tenaciously regained possession of the ball that was almost lost in a high position on the right side, and became the starting point for the third goal by cooperating with the surrounding players. After that, even after changing positions to left wing and left fullback through player substitutions, he maintained an aggressive attitude.
He appeared out of nowhere. With a sharp interception, he saved the team and while the stadium was focused on the ball, he ran up the right side and created the opening goal. Without being marked by anyone, he showed his face in front of the goal with ninja-like movements and also marked his first goal since the 2019 season.
Here, Shirai is also here, and there, Shirai is also there. There was a presence as if there were 99 clones on the pitch. Among many players who showed their strengths, it was number 99 who stood out with a particularly brilliant performance, moving as if using the "clone technique".
<Match Preview>
After a disappointing defeat to FC Machida Zelvia at Ajinomoto, the reliable ace Albirex Niigata made a comeback in the away game. Teruhito NAKAGAWA scored the opening goal, followed by Kosuke SHIRAI's additional point, and the team's third goal to put Niigata behind was scored by Diego OLIVEIRA. The number 9, who scored his first goal of the season, said, "I want to thank the supporters and my teammates for helping and supporting me. It's great to be on the pitch and score a goal, but I want to continue this. I want to do my best for everyone."
This round, it's a match where Shiraishi will face his former team, Kyoto Sanga F.C. In the Niigata match, he showed his good form by scoring a goal for the first time in 5 seasons. Shiraishi, who just turned 30 on May 1st, said, "They were a team that took care of me, so I want to show them how much I've grown and win. I think it would be amazing if I could score in two consecutive matches, so I'll aim for a goal just in case. I want to score a goal as a way of repaying my debt to Mr. Cao."
For the team, a win would mean the first victory at home at Ajinomoto Stadium this season. We will go all out to claim the long-awaited win for our fans and supporters.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, May is a tight schedule with 8 official matches. How will you approach it?
A, I think it is very exciting to have many football games. It is also an opportunity for many people to see the process of our growth and what kind of team we want to become. We have many games ahead of us, but it is important to first focus on the game in front of us.
Q, I can see the growth of the attacking side as I become able to take multiple points in one game.
A, I think we can grow more, but it is a positive aspect for us. We feel the momentum of being able to express good things on the pitch. We want to continue to demand a club and fighting style that fans and supporters can be proud of in this match. Every game, the players are also approaching with a strong mindset, so it is important to focus on our fighting style. The mental aspect leads to a high performance.
Q, At the moment, the number of goals is 17, which is the top of the J1 league, but the number of goals conceded is 15, which is the worst 4th place.
A, I am satisfied with the number of goals. These are the numbers that reflect our football. We want to continue to improve. One of the things we need to improve is the number of goals conceded. We want to improve by tightening up our defense and focusing on the basics. It is important for us to focus on ourselves, our progress, and our performance so far. Continuation leads to growth. By building up our football, we can prove our position at the end of the 38th round. The physical numbers, such as distance covered and number of sprints, are also improving. We are among the top in the league in terms of overall numbers, and this is one of the changes that has not been seen in Tokyo before. We will continue to demand persistence and toughness in the future.
[Player Interview]
＜Kosuke SHIRAI＞
Q, please look back on the great performance in the Albirex Niigata match.
A, throughout the game, we were able to thoroughly execute what we needed to do as a team. We assumed that there would be times when we would be under pressure, but we were able to score from counter attacks and secure a second goal early in the second half, followed by a third goal. I believe this was a key factor in being able to control the game. The last goal we conceded was a shame, but other than that, it was a really good flow of the game.
Q, with 1 goal and 1 assist, shows signs of being in good form.
A, the condition was very good. It was also the first goal in 5 seasons, so I was very happy. I marked two assists in the Tokyo Verdy and Niigata matches, but there was a different joy and I was a little relieved. I didn't aim for a nutmeg at all, but the ball flew to the course I aimed for.
Q, there was an assist scene where Kosuke SHIRAI's strengths were highlighted in the Verdy and Niigata matches.
A, As a team, of course there is a strategy for the fullback to join the attack and position themselves, but I think it's also important that my teammates understand my strengths. In the scenes where I assisted, I was able to showcase my strengths. In both scenes, there was space in front of me, allowing me to sprint and play with speed. By utilizing my strengths and getting results, my combination with my teammates has increased and I feel like my range of play has expanded.
Q, Please tell us the important points to aim for the top from here.
I think it's important to eliminate late goals like in the A, Niigata match and the second goal in the FC Machida Zelvia match. We are able to score, so in order to go higher, the key is to first eliminate easy goals.
Q, this week's match is against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
A, I am truly grateful to Kyoto and the team that helped me grow. I want to show my growth on the pitch through my play. I want to win and repay them.
Kosuke SHIRAI PLAYER ORIGINAL COLUMN is here
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, please review the previous match.
A, Tsubasa TERAYAMA entered the pitch earlier than planned due to an accident where he got injured in the first half. Football is a sport where various accidents and unexpected things can happen, so I was able to calmly enter the game as a substitute. I also had a good feeling about my performance and was able to score a goal, which I think was great. I don't know what opportunities will come next, but I want to continue preparing well.
Q: After the start of the league, there were some changes in members and positions.
A, I think the team has been moving in a positive direction since the opening. In that process, each player is expected to adapt to various changes and grow. It can also be considered that the changes are leading to good results.
Q, Currently, both the total number of goals and the shooting accuracy in the J1 league are topped by Tokyo. You can feel the "change" in the improvement of scoring ability.
A, it is most pleasing to see it represented by numbers. Last season, there were still challenges in terms of the team's scoring ability. If those challenges have been cleared to some extent this season, I would like to continue moving in a good direction step by step from here. This season, we have good players in the front line, but it is not just the forwards who are contributing, it is also a sign that the defense players are increasing their build-up and starting passes for attacks. The team has been able to organize itself until the finish line, and the front line players are able to make solid finishes. I believe that the team is coming together as a whole, and the results are a result of the good practices we have been building up.
Q, Kyoto Sanga F.C., the opponent for this round, has a strong defense and is known for their aggressive play on both offense and defense.
A, Kyoto won against Vissel Kobe in the previous match and I think they are a very strong team. Their attacking quality is high and they also seem to have a strong physical aspect. I believe the next match will also be a difficult one, but we want to fight tough and stay focused in order to grab our first victory of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium.
＜Leon NOZAWA player＞
Q, please tell us about the progress and challenges you have been facing in recent official matches as you gradually gain more playing time.
A, I feel that I am able to participate in chances and shooting scenes within a small amount of playing time, and I am able to use my speed, which is my own strength, to enter the box. However, the challenge is that I am not able to finish and show results in terms of numbers. As a striker, it is important to produce results in any form, and I want to focus on achieving results.
There were big opportunities in both the Q and Y.S.C.C. Yokohama matches for Albirex Niigata.
A, I think communication during practice and practice matches shows in the game. The players around me understand what kind of player I am and bring out the best in me. This season, I am particularly conscious of playing in sync with my teammates and I have a strong desire to contribute to the team by scoring goals. I want to repay their support with numbers.
Q, Takahiro KO and Kosuke SHIRAI, who were feeling frustrated at the start of the league, as well as Soma ANZAI, have seized their chances and are now starting in the lineup. Is their performance a source of motivation for you?
A, I am inspired by the performance of players in the same position as me. First, I need to think about "what can I do" when given time or when I come on as a substitute, and show the required play as a result. I want to learn from and surpass these players who have become indispensable to the team by seizing their chances. In a sport where chances do not come often in one game, it is important to be conscious of not neglecting preparation to seize the opportunities that come. I want to delve deeper and face the areas where I am lacking.
