Review of the previous match against Albirex Niigata
With a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses, and a goal difference of 0, the "restart" match saw the blue-red team deliver a fantastic game, winning 3-1. They showcased what they have built up this season on away soil, firmly proving that their current record is not just a mere draw.
Albirex Niigata is maintaining possession and attacking. Tokyo showed a pattern of exchanging possession from the beginning, while keeping a compact formation to restrict passing options and tightening the center to prevent the opponent from creating scoring opportunities. The concentration, quick anticipation, and good starts of all players stood out in both offense and defense.
The hero of this match was the fighter who was involved in all three goals for Tokyo. It was Kosuke SHIRAI, who started as a right back.
First, in the 39th minute of the first half, Henrique TREVISAN cut the ball with a sharp start and connected it vertically from his own half, then sprinted up the right side as if anticipating the next play. He received the ball from Diego OLIVEIRA, who was positioned at the post, and charged forward at top speed, delivering a precise ground cross between the opposing goalkeeper and defender. This brilliant play assisted Teruhito NAKAGAWA's opening goal.
In the 4th minute of the second half, he smoothly entered the area near the penalty arc, requesting a last pass for the ball connected from the left side. He then struck a direct shot from Nakagawa's gentle sideways pass, sinking it into the bottom right corner of the goal.
Furthermore, in the 17th minute of the second half, he persistently regained a ball that was almost lost in a high position on the right side, collaborating with those around him to become the starting point for the third goal. After that, even after changing positions to left wing and left back due to player substitutions, he maintained an aggressive attitude.
Truly elusive. With sharp interceptions that save the team, he takes advantage of the stadium's focus on the ball to sprint up the right side and create the opening goal. Without being marked by anyone, he appears in front of the goal with ninja-like movements, scoring for the first time since the 2019 season.
Here is Shirai, and there is Shirai. It was as if the number 99 had a presence like a doppelgänger on the pitch. Among many players showcasing their strengths, it was number 99 who shone particularly brightly, displaying movements as if using a "doppelgänger technique."
Match Preview
After suffering a frustrating defeat to FC Machida Zelvia at Ajinomoto, our reliable ace made a comeback in the away match against Albirex Niigata. The opening goal was scored by Teruhito NAKAGAWA, followed by an additional goal from Kosuke SHIRAI, and the third goal that pulled the team ahead was scored by Diego OLIVEIRA. The number 9, who scored his first goal of the season, expressed his gratitude, saying, "I want to thank all the supporters and teammates who have helped and supported me. It’s amazing to be on the pitch and to score a goal, but I want to keep this going. I want to do my best for everyone."
This match is a showdown where player Shirai faces his former team, Kyoto SANGA F.C. He demonstrated his good form by scoring a goal in the match against Niigata, marking his first goal in five seasons. Having just turned 30 on May 1, Shirai expressed his strong determination, saying, "It's a team that has taken care of me, so I want to show my growth and win. I think it would be amazing to score in consecutive matches, so I will aim for a goal. I want to score a return favor goal in front of Coach Cho."
For the team, a win would mean their first victory at home at Ajinomoto this season. They will go all out to achieve the long-awaited first win for the fans and supporters.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: May has a packed schedule with 8 official matches. How will you approach it?
I think it's very exciting that there are many football games. It is also an opportunity for many people to see the process of how we want to grow as a team. We have many matches ahead, but it is important to focus on the match in front of us first.
Q: It seems that you have been able to score multiple goals in a single match, indicating growth in your attacking play.
I believe we can grow even more, and this is a positive aspect for us. I feel that we are starting to express good things on the pitch. I want to ensure that we can showcase a club and a fighting style that our fans and supporters can be proud of in this week's match as well. Every match, the players approach it with a strong mindset, and it is important to focus on our way of fighting. The mental aspect directly connects to high performance.
Q: Currently, you have the highest number of goals in the J1 League with 17 goals, but you are ranked 4th worst in terms of goals conceded with 15 goals conceded.
A, I am satisfied with the number of goals scored. The numbers reflect the football we have expressed. I want to continue to improve. The number of goals conceded is one area that needs improvement. I would like to tighten the basic aspects of our defense to facilitate this improvement, and it is important for us to focus on both goal difference and what we have been working on so far. Continuity leads to growth. I believe that by building our football, we can prove what position we can finish in when Sec. 38 is over. Physical metrics such as distance run and number of sprints are also improving. Looking at the overall league metrics, we are ranked high, and it can be said that this is one of the changes that Tokyo has not seen before. We will continue to seek consistency and toughness.
[Player Interview]
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q, please reflect on the great performance against Albirex Niigata.
A, throughout the match, we were able to thoroughly execute what we needed to do as a team. Considering that there would be times when we would have to defend against the ball, we scored from a counterattack, and I believe that scoring the second goal early in the second half and then the third goal allowed us to maintain an advantage in the match. The last goal conceded was unfortunate, but aside from that, it was truly a match with a good flow.
Q: With 1 goal and 1 assist, your good form is evident.
A, my condition is very good. It was my first goal in five seasons, so I was very happy. I marked two assists in the Verdy match and the Niigata match, but there was a different kind of joy in this. I felt a bit relieved. I wasn't aiming for a nutmeg at all, but the ball flew exactly where I aimed.
Q: In the matches against Verdy and Niigata, there were assist scenes that highlighted the characteristics of Kosuke SHIRAI.
As a team, of course, we have aims for the attacking participation of the full-backs and positioning, but I think a big part is that my teammates understand my characteristics. Regarding the assist scene, I was able to express my preferred style. In both scenes, there was space in front of me, and I was able to play with speed after sprinting. By utilizing my characteristics and achieving results accordingly, I feel that the combinations with my teammates are increasing, and the breadth of my play is expanding.
Q: Please tell us the important points to aim for the top from here.
I think it is important to eliminate late goals like the one in the Niigata match and the second goal conceded in the match against FC Machida Zelvia. We are able to score, so to move up further, the key is to first eliminate easy goals conceded.
Q: This match is against Kyoto SANGA F.C.
A, I am truly grateful to Kyoto, and it is the team that helped me grow. I want to show my growth on the pitch through my play. I want to repay them by winning.
Kosuke SHIRAI ORIGINAL COLUMN is here
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: Please reflect on the previous match.
In the first half, there was an incident where Tsubasa TERAYAMA got injured, and he entered the pitch earlier than scheduled. Soccer is a sport where various incidents and unexpected events can occur, and although he came on as a substitute without panicking, he was able to enter the match calmly. He felt he was able to play well and was glad to score a goal. While he doesn't know what opportunities will come next, he wants to continue to prepare well.
Q: After the league opening, there have been some changes in the members and positions.
A. I believe the team has been moving in a positive direction since the season started. In that context, I think each player is required to adapt to various changes and grow. It can also be considered that these changes are leading to good results.
Q: Currently, Tokyo is at the top for both total goals and shooting accuracy in the J1 League. You can truly feel the "change" in their scoring ability improvement.
A, I am most pleased that it is reflected in the numbers. Last season, we had issues with our scoring ability as a team. If we have cleared that issue to some extent this season, I want to take one step at a time in a positive direction from here. We have good players in the front line this season, but it is not just the forwards' achievements; I believe it is a sign that the defenders are increasing their build-up and initiating attacks with passes. As a team, we have organized our approach to finishing, and the players in the front line are consistently converting chances. I think the overall cohesion and the good things we have built up from practice are leading to results.
Q: The opponent this match, Kyoto SANGA F.C., has a strong defense and aggressive play on both offense and defense as their strength.
A, I think Kyoto is a very momentum-driven team after their victory against Vissel Kobe in the last match. Their quality in attack is high, and above all, they seem to have strengths in physical aspects. I believe the next match will also be a tough contest, but to secure our first win of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium, we want to stay focused and fight tough.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q: Please tell us about your sense of progress and challenges as you gradually gain playing opportunities in recent official matches.
I feel that I am able to get involved in chances and shooting scenes despite limited playing time, and I am able to utilize my speed, which is my characteristic, to advance into the box. However, the challenge is that I have not been able to finish and show results in terms of numbers. A striker is someone who leaves results in any form, and I want to focus on achieving results.
Q: In the matches against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama and Albirex Niigata, there were plays that created significant opportunities.
I believe that communication during practice and training matches translates to the games. The other players understand what kind of player I am and help bring out my strengths. This season, I am particularly focused on connected plays with those around me, and because I am being utilized by my teammates, I have a strong desire to meet expectations with goals. I want to respond with numbers.
Q: Players like Takahiro KO, Kosuke SHIRAI, and Soma ANZAI, who felt regret at the beginning of the league, have seized their opportunities and are now part of the starting lineup. Does their success serve as motivation for you?
I am inspired by the performances of players in similar positions to mine. First, I need to think about what I can do when I am given time or when I come on as a substitute, and I must demonstrate the required plays as results. I want to learn from them, who are seizing their chances and growing into indispensable players for the team, and I want to surpass them. This is not a sport where chances come frequently within a single match, so it is important to seize the opportunities that arise and to maintain a mindset of being prepared for them. I want to delve deeper and face the areas where I am lacking.
