Due to production scheduling, the MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo match on May 6 (Monday holiday) will be on break.
The next Mecha Koma will be the MATCH PREVIEW & INTERVIEW for the Kashiwa Reysol match on May 11 (Sat).
Review of the previous match against Kyoto SANGA F.C.
The long-awaited first victory of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium. For the two players who scored the heroic goals, it was also a celebratory cannon dedicated to their family members' birthdays.
Just four minutes into the first half, from the right side, Soma ANZAI sent a ball back that flowed to the far side, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE struck with his left foot, saying, "We practiced for the team to enter from the opposite side. I really wanted to score today." The shot hit its target, marking his first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium. He gifted a spectacular birthday goal to his brother, whose birthday was on the day of the match.
Next to deliver a smile was the returning starter Diego OLIVEIRA. He scored an additional goal by powerfully heading in a cross from Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, marking his second consecutive goal in league matches. Despite having a shoulder injury that kept him out of the match roster for a while, this moment hinted at his true potential. This goal became a celebration for his mother's birthday, who lives in Brazil.
After dominating both offense and defense in the first half, the second half saw scenes where Kyoto SANGA F.C. pushed back, resulting in them scoring one goal. Additionally, just before the end of the second half, there was a scene where a penalty kick was declared, but this was overturned with the support of VAR, avoiding a crisis.
Surviving about 9 and a half minutes of additional time, this marks the second consecutive win of the season. After the match, the sounds of 'The City That Never Sleeps' and the victory song 'You'll Never Walk Alone' echoed for the first time this season at Ajinomoto Stadium.
Match Preview
Exactly one year ago. There are likely many who remember the frustration of that day. And the numerous disappointments experienced in Sapporo away. The time has come to rewrite all of that.
Since the 2017 season, the official match record against Sapporo is 3 draws and 5 losses. In addition to four comeback losses, last season on May 6, we suffered a heavy defeat with 5 goals conceded, just like this time. The fact that our compatibility is so poor that it is considered a "difficult venue" can be seen from the results.
However, everything is in the past. There is no need to worry at all. The team is currently on a winning streak after defeating Albirex Niigata and SANGA S. They have risen to 6th place. Although this is a place where they have tasted bitter defeats many times, the players stepping onto the pitch this time are focused solely on the game in front of them and aiming for victory. Because they can see the shadows of the top teams, they want to fight for every match with determination.
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo has struggled with no wins in six matches, including five consecutive losses since the opening, but marked their first victory against Gamba Osaka in Sec. 7. After that, they continued with four consecutive draws, but they will face Tokyo with an unbeaten record of five matches.
In the previous match, we drew 1-1 away against Cerezo Osaka, who are competing for the top spots. Currently, we have scored the first goal in six consecutive league matches, showing that our scoring ability is certainly not low. Although we are ranked 17th, we cannot underestimate our opponent. However, we have lost all matches in which we conceded the first goal. There is also a tendency to concede many goals in the final stages of the matches.
As Tokyo recorded the league's highest 19 goals at the end of the last match, they want to use their proud attacking power to score the opening goal at all costs. Since they have also been noticeable for conceding goals in the second half, in addition to capturing the opening goal, solving issues such as game management and time usage at the right moments will likely be key to victory.
Being able to score goals from anywhere has been a significant achievement for the team. It's been two days since the last match against Kyoto. We want to get through this series of matches together and aim for our third consecutive league victory since March 2022 to build momentum for the future.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: The next match seems to be a tough one, coming just two days later.
A, we will prepare thoroughly. We always adapt to the situations we face, and no matter the circumstances, we will move forward and overcome tough conditions in Monday's match. Regardless of who participates, we will simply choose the 11 players to start on the pitch and go into battle.
Q: What is your impression of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo this season?
A very good team, a dangerous team. I always prepare with respect for my opponents, and I approach Sapporo with the same mindset. They seem to be gaining momentum in their last few matches. In the previous match, they drew against Cerezo Osaka in an away game. (YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM) is a tough place to compete, so even a draw would be a good result for them. Furthermore, in the match before that, they played a 3-3 game against Shonan Bellmare. This is evidence that they are improving, and we will make the best preparations to give our maximum effort.
Q: We have not won against Sapporo in away matches since the 12th season.
A, it's beautiful, isn't it? I love that kind of situation. I think it's one of the records we can change. However, the media didn't tell us that we hadn't won against Avispa Fukuoka in 24 years before the match (laughs). I heard about the jinx after the game. This time it's half of Fukuoka, so I want to break the record again.
Q: In terms of using players with a two-day interval, are there any numbers that can be judged from a medical perspective?
A, this is also a part where the physical team makes judgments while looking at the numbers. The GPS data is one example, and we are measuring data even during the match. We are trying to gather as much information as possible, including the intensity and fatigue levels, to make wise decisions. Today is the day after the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., so it is important to focus on recovery. Additionally, there is preparation for the day before the match tomorrow, so it is crucial to complete the training there as well. I believe that the players selected for the match will play with pride in being on the pitch.
Q: Given the variations in age and playing time among players, isn't the successful integration of data like a puzzle a key factor in achieving high performance?
A, that is one of the things we work on every day. I always say that the mentality in daily training is important. With that as a premise, we clarify how we need to play. There are various puzzles, but it is important for the players to understand what they need to do while working on it. As we fight through the season, I believe we need everyone. Right now, as we face consecutive matches, I think you can understand that we are in a situation where we need everyone's strength. However, we can advance our football even further. I believe that through our daily efforts, we can help the players grow even more. With that, we should be able to solve the puzzles.
[Player Interview]
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: You will have your next match in two days. How is your condition?
I think it's important to take care not to carry over fatigue from the previous match against SANGA S. When I was a specially designated player last season, I played 90 minutes in a university official match and then participated in the Levain Cup two days later. This season, I've experienced matches against Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers with just three days in between, so I want to focus on recovery first in order to push through consecutive matches. I believe we need to aim for three consecutive wins, which we couldn't achieve last season, and a toughness that is focused on results.
Q: Exactly one season ago, on May 6th, Soma ANZAI made his J1 League debut in an away match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.
It was a very disappointing match. I think it was a perfect opponent to make people feel that this season's Tokyo is different. I want to show our growth as a team and as individuals through results. My J1 league debut was a crushing defeat of 1-5, and I experienced rock bottom on the pitch. I still feel that experience is alive even after one season has passed.
Q: How do you plan to tackle the distinctive system and tactics of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo?
I think it will be a match where aggressive defense and the intensity of the ball contests, like in the previous match against Kyoto, will emerge. Speaking of the starting players from the last match, I believe the players positioned wide, including myself and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, will need to break free from the opponent in one-on-one situations during attacks, and whether we can connect with the wing-backs and make runs behind the defense will be key. I think it will also be crucial to quickly bring in more players when switching to attack.
Q: The activities of the U-23 Japan national team have concluded, and Kuryu MATSUKI and Ryotaro ARAKI will soon return to the team. It seems that the competition for positions in the attacking line is reigniting, but please tell us what is necessary for establishing a starting position.
I want to raise the base and standard values of the play intensity and dedication to defense that I have been continuously working on. If I can show it in numbers, like the assist I made in the Kyoto match, I believe I can establish myself on the right side as a player who contributes highly to defense and also leaves numbers in attack. I want to build step by step from the current base and grow into a player who brings change and becomes an accent in the attack.
<Takahiro KO>
Q: How is your condition for the back-to-back matches with two days in between?
I feel that I have been able to play here without feeling an unexpectedly high level of fatigue. Even though it's an away game, I want the whole team to work hard to bring back 3 points to Tokyo without making excuses about the consecutive matches.
Q, what is your impression of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo?
A, in terms of defense, they come aggressively with a man-to-man approach, and I have the impression that they focus on building attacks with an emphasis on combinations. We want to achieve a clean sheet with high-intensity defense that does not give the opposing players any freedom. Regarding the attack, I believe that if we can advance while shaking off the players who come at us and play in coordination with the second and third players, chances will naturally arise. I want to approach the match with a shared awareness of both offense and defense among all players.
Q: I think closing in the final stages of the match is an issue. Please tell me what is necessary to reduce goals conceded.
In the previous match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., we gave the opponent one goal, which allowed them to gain momentum. Although the time spent defending became longer, I believe that being able to secure the win contributes to the team's growth. However, the longer we have to endure defensively, the more challenging it becomes both mentally and physically. To control the game according to the match situation and to take the initiative, everyone on the pitch needs to play with the same perspective in both offense and defense.
Q: About a quarter of the league schedule has been completed this season.
Since the start of the league, I have spent frustrating times not being able to even sit on the bench for several matches. However, I have been given the opportunity to start in the match against Avispa Fukuoka, and I am always thinking about what I can do for the team while playing. I want to express myself further on the pitch from here, and most importantly, I want to increase the time we hold the ball even more than now. By quickly sensing the opponent's movements and formations and moving the ball, I believe it will lead to pushing the opponent back. I feel that I am growing defensively with each match, and I have the impression that the number of times I get broken down from the central position has significantly decreased. However, it is also true that the number of goals conceded has not decreased. Goals continue to be conceded in situations where defensive responses are not difficult, such as set plays and simple plays, so I want to be more conscious of winning the ball in the central position while communicating with the whole team from the defensive midfield position.
