Review of the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
Tokyo conceded an unexpected goal early on. After that, there were periods where the opponent maintained possession of the ball.
It was the reliable number 9 who broke through such a difficult situation. Diego OLIVEIRA showed a game-changing play.
First, in the 27th minute of the first half. Involved in the build-up from the right side by dropping back to the midfield, a superb through pass was made with a one-touch to the right front. Anticipating Diego TABA's hold-up play, Takahiro KO made a run into space and broke free, and in the center, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA connected with a left-footed volley to equalize.
Tokyo, having brought the match back to square one, maintained compactness with two lines in the midfield and defense, restricting the opponent's freedom by tightening the center. They developed a focused game plan, not rushing, to ensure they did not miss any momentary gaps shown by the opponent.
The switch from stillness to motion was flipped just after the 15-minute mark of the second half. Launching an intense press that was unimaginable from the previous developments, it induced confusion in Sapporo.
Then, in the 20th minute of the second half, we raised the intensity another notch and launched an aggressive press with coordinated movements to attack the opponent's territory.
Diego TABA's pressure on the opposing goalkeeper's build-up caused Sapporo's passing play to break down, and Soma ANZAI intercepted the ball high up the pitch. The number 9 received the ball and passed it to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who then made a run into the space in front of the goal. Here, NAKAGAWA, surrounded by defenders, managed to keep the ball alive and ran in, extending his left foot just before the opposing defender could block it, scoring the turnaround goal.
From a focused stance, a sharp short counter like an iaijutsu draw. And his finish was also a strike that seized a momentary space and timing like an instant.
As an individual, I have scored in three consecutive matches, and the team has achieved three consecutive victories. The outstanding striker said with a smile, "I am happy that we have won every match in which I scored. If I score but the team doesn't win, it means nothing. I want to continue this."
A victory in Sapporo, where we have faced many hardships, marks our first win since the 2012 season. This raises our league ranking to 4th place.
Match Preview
In the previous match, we achieved a comeback victory against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo with a score of 2-1, marking our third consecutive win. This victory at Sapporo Dome is our first in 12 seasons. Diego OLIVEIRA, who scored in three consecutive matches, stated, "Even the players who weren't here are competing together at Kodaira Ground. That's why I believe this victory is something we all earned together. I'm really happy that my goal was the winning goal, but it was also a goal we all fought for together. I want to share this joy with all the fans and supporters."
In this match against Kashiwa Reysol at Ajinomoto Stadium, a player who will further accelerate the team, which has risen to 4th place, is returning. Kuryu MATSUKI, who participated as a member of the U-23 Japan national team in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 and secured a ticket to the Paris Olympics, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA are back. Reflecting on his experience, Matsuki said, "This tournament has become a memorable one in my soccer life," as he raises his spirits for the battle in Tokyo. "Next, I need to prepare well to perform in Tokyo and further enhance my value. I also want to leave visible results for myself."
The strong desire for victory is unchanged for every player. The team unites to seize the 3 points, and Tokyo enters the championship race.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, we achieved victory over Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, marking our third consecutive win.
A, what is important for us is to respond to alerts regarding what happens on the pitch. We respect the efforts of the players and staff regarding the results so far, but what we should do and what actions to take for the next match is crucial. Continuation leads to growth. We also want to fight tough in this round against Kashiwa Reysol.
Q: In the recent matches, we have developed the ability to come from behind without getting discouraged even after conceding goals.
While there may have been such matches in the past, the players are approaching the environment we are creating here with a hungry spirit. I believe that when patience, the individual character of each player, and their mentalities come together, we can overcome any barriers. It is important to continue the challenge to carve our own path and not to stop moving forward.
Q: I believe that the play, which was not confined to a specific position, led to the goal in the Sapporo match.
A, Takahiro KO did a wonderful job. I believe the equalizing goal in the Sapporo.D match contained many good elements as a team. The finish by Kota TAWARATSUMIDA was a goal that came from a good movement. Such individual good plays by the players can be seen a lot in practice. I am pleased that what has been built up through daily training at Kodaira Ground has been returned to the players. On the other hand, there were also points that need improvement. I believe that by continuing and addressing these issues, we can grow further.
Q: Looking back at the scoring scenes so far, how do you feel about the overall fluidity of the team?
A, I believe the most important aspect is the growth of the team and the use of space. The players are aware of how to effectively exploit areas and spaces that the opponent dislikes, creating connections and synergy in their play. Even if Diego OLIVEIRA does not play in the forward position in the match against Sapporo, the player who substitutes for him would likely choose to play in that position and pass to Takahashi, who has drifted to the side. I think the overall awareness and understanding of the team can still grow. It is precisely because we have a team structure that fluidity is created. We particularly have a strong focus on moving forward. Watching the matches, I feel that exciting scenes that send a current through the body lead to goals.
[Player Interview]
＜Diego OLIVEIRA＞
Q: Scoring in three consecutive matches has brought the team three straight victories.
A: Right after the league started, the team struggled to secure wins, and we didn't achieve the results we desired. There were times when my individual condition wasn't improving, and overall, we couldn't get off to a good start. Since late April, both the team and I have felt an upward trend in our performance, and I want to play with the intention of maintaining this good situation. Scoring in three consecutive matches is not something I've experienced often in my career. However, the most gratifying thing is that we have won all three matches in which I scored. I believe that the team's victories and my ability to score are well linked.
Q, I believe that the good collaboration among players, starting with Teruhito NAKAGAWA, is a factor that leads to scoring.
As you all know, Nakagawa is a player with very high abilities. No matter what position he plays, he supports the attack with high-quality play. This can also be said for me, and if the team requires it, I think I may need to play in a different position than I do now. It is important for everyone to work together for the team's victory.
Q: Diego OLIVEIRA is always involved in the team's recent goals.
A, the goals in the match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo are a testament to how the team is fighting together and working in sync. Regarding the first goal in the Sapporo match, it was Takahiro KO, who usually plays in a central position, taking advantage of the opportunity and drifting to the side that led to the goal. Additionally, I believe our forwards are not only improving in attack but also in their awareness and intensity in supporting defense. The fact that everyone is fighting with the same mindset, regardless of their positions, is the biggest factor leading to good results.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: How do you reflect on the U-23 Japan national team's activities ending with a championship?
I believe we were able to win because we had a tough schedule with consecutive matches and the entire team fought hard. My honest impression is that we fought well. We lost to Korea, but I think what we built up as a team led to the result of winning. There were many experiences in this tournament that I had never encountered before, and it was a memorable tournament in my soccer life, allowing me to spend a rich time. We returned to Tokyo in good shape, and the team is in a position to aim for first place, so I want to focus on switching gears and contributing effectively.
Q: I heard that you were paying attention to Tokyo's matches and results even during the national team activities.
It feels like we have been fighting tough despite injuries and other challenges. With the solid three consecutive wins during the Golden Week matches, the entire team is more united and moving in the same direction. This match is a home game, and I want to win decisively to enhance the team's value. Personally, I have rejoined the team after a while, and there is a lot of energy; we are able to play in a good atmosphere from practice. Since I just joined after national team activities, I want to get accustomed to the feel of the grass and the weather, and properly adjust my condition.
Q: Please tell us if there are any important points regarding the match against Kashiwa Reysol.
First of all, I want to merge my strengths with what the team has built during the time we were apart for national team activities, and create something even better. Since it's a match at Ajinomoto Stadium, winning is an absolute requirement. I want to focus on playing for a "victory" in our home game above all else.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: After defeating Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, the team is currently on a three-game winning streak. What kind of feeling do you have?
In terms of the fact that key players were absent from the team due to the activities of the U-23 Japan national team, I believe the entire team feels a sense of achievement with the result of three consecutive wins. However, there are many challenges and points for improvement that we feel during the matches, and we have not been able to finish a game without conceding a goal. There are many areas we need to refine in order to aim for even higher goals. While we have achieved three consecutive wins, I believe this is just the start of the competition for the top spots. We cannot afford to lose any matches. Including the match against Kashiwa Reysol, I want to focus solely on winning the upcoming matches.
Q: The team is currently in 4th place, with the highest number of goals in the league at 21 goals. Please tell us the reasons.
I believe that the various scoring patterns, especially the many goals from open play, are working positively. The increase in scoring variations is evidence that all 11 players on the field, the bench members, and those who could not participate in the match understand what they want to do and the tactical points with the same awareness. Recently, there have been many goals from crosses, and the understanding of the points for entering the goal area and the points for flowing the ball in has deepened throughout the team. Moreover, the players in Tokyo are of very high quality. I think the high level of common understanding in attack is reflected in the league's top scoring numbers.
Q: Please tell us what you are conscious of when playing as a right winger.
A, I have a strong desire to fight for the team. I always strive to run for someone else and cover for my teammates with my fighting spirit during tough times. In the match against Verdy, I was sent off in the first half and caused trouble, but my teammates saved me. Including those feelings, I believe it's now my turn to help the team, and I play with that in mind.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Kashiwa.
In May, we have a tough schedule with consecutive matches, but I believe it is important for everyone involved in Tokyo, including the members who will play, those who won't, and our fans and supporters, to come together and fight. We will turn your support into strength and show it on the pitch through our play. During the last home match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., your cheers undoubtedly supported us during the difficult times when we were under pressure in the second half. When it came down to just one more step, just a few more centimeters, it made a difference. Please fight with us again this match.
Soma ANZAI ORIGINAL COLUMN "365 - Growth Turning Point -" is here
