<Review of the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol>
Gathering strength, with all his weight behind it, he unleashed a powerful strike. The captain, who has just returned to the team, pierced the goal with his signature left foot, reminiscent of a familiar 'finish hold'.
The U-23 Japan national team, which returned triumphant with the qualification for the Paris Olympics and the championship trophy at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, is back from this match. Among them, Kuryu MATSUKI will show an overwhelming presence against Kashiwa Reysol. With low-centered dribbling, he shakes off the opponent's pressure and runs around the pitch from box to box. Additionally, with quick predictions, sharp starts, and ambitious long-range shots, he got involved in creating chances.
Tokyo allowed the opening goal due to a ball loss in their own territory at the start, but from there, they overwhelmed Kashiwa with outstanding distance control and a versatile passing game with multiple players moving in various directions. Teruhito NAKAGAWA equalized immediately with a header, and then Diego OLIVEIRA scored a penalty kick, marking his fourth consecutive goal in league matches, successfully turning the game around. Then, in the 37th minute of the first half, Matsuki delivered a beautiful volley that will be remembered in the club's history.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE took a left corner kick, and as the ball floated down in the center near the penalty arc, number 7, who had run in from behind, struck with his left foot. He scored an additional goal with a controlled direct jumping volley.
The roaring Ajinomoto Stadium. Amidst the thunderous cheers rising like an earthquake, the player wearing number 7, back in blue and red, showcased his signature "Rainmaker" pose while being drenched in the "rain of joy" pouring down from the entire stadium.
In an overwhelming development, as the match progressed favorably, just before the end of the first half, goalkeeper Go HATANO was sent off. This changed the flow of the game, and in the second half, we conceded two goals, resulting in a 3-3 draw. Despite being pushed back by Kashiwa in a numerically disadvantaged situation, we launched several effective counterattacks but could not settle the match. We endured the opponent's fierce attacks in the final stages and managed to secure one point.
Match Preview
On May 15, on "J League Day," Tokyo will face Nagoya Grampus away. The team, led by coach Kenta HASEGAWA, includes players Kensuke NAGAI, Takuji YONEMOTO, and Takuya MAEDA, making it a match against members with deep ties to both blue and red.
In the previous match, Tokyo's winning streak was stopped at 3 with a draw against Kashiwa Reysol. They remain in 4th place, 4 points behind the leaders, and will aim for a 4-match winning streak with a draw in between this round. With 24 goals so far, they have the most in the league. Their attacking line boasts a destructive power of 1.85 goals per match, and they were also in good form last match, scoring 3 goals.
This season, 12 players have already marked goals, showcasing the strength to score from anywhere. Diego OLIVEIRA has scored in four consecutive matches so far. If he scores against Nagoya, he will tie his personal record set in April 2019 for the longest consecutive scoring streak. It will be interesting to see how he performs in this milestone game, marking his 200th league match with the team. Additionally, there is high expectation for the dynamic performance of Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who celebrated his 20th birthday on the 14th. We should also keep an eye on whether the number 33, showcasing exceptional breakthrough ability on the left side, can score a birthday goal himself.
Nagoya, after starting the season with three consecutive losses and sinking to the bottom, has rapidly risen with five wins and one draw since then. In Sec. 12, they handed Sanfrecce Hiroshima their first defeat. Although they have struggled recently with one win and three losses in the last four matches, there is no doubt that each player possesses the ability to compete at the top level of the league. In particular, the scoring power of the two forwards, PATRIC and Kasper JUNKER, is a threat. Additionally, the intense pressing from Nagai from the front line is something we are well aware of.
In the previous match against Gamba Osaka, we were unable to implement our strong aggressive pressing and ended up being heavy at the back, resulting in a loss. Although we have a tight schedule with only three days in between, there is a good chance we will refocus our mindset for the Tokyo match and boldly challenge by reassessing our style of play.
Tokyo must utilize the lessons learned from the previous match and organize the disarray in build-up play. Since they have been able to avoid pressure with angled passes, they should be able to respond with minor adjustments. Additionally, it is a concern who will stand in goal with goalkeeper Go HATANO suspended, and whether Ryotaro ARAKI, who has returned from the U-23 Japan national team, will be included in the squad.
The period of four unbeaten matches shows that the team has developed the ability to adapt its style of play according to the opponent's approach. In this match as well, we want to continue competing aggressively in the Tokyo style without ever being passive, steadily scoring and achieving victory to remain in the race for the top positions.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: I think that increasing the time we hold the ball raises the possibility of making mistakes that could lead to conceding goals, like in the match against Kashiwa Reysol. Is it important to continue to challenge ourselves?
We must learn from the mistakes that occurred during the match while taking on challenges. In the match against Kashiwa, there were mistakes as mentioned, but we were able to develop our football while moving the ball well and including defensive aspects. In terms of the first half, Kashiwa had zero shots after entering our box. Although we conceded a goal from a ball loss, it was a first half where we limited the number of times the opponent could play in our box. In other words, developing our football also leads to good defense. Negative situations arose, but the players organized how to respond in such situations and expressed good performance on the pitch.
Unfortunately, we had a player sent off, but the players continued to play without giving up on a victory at home until the end. We respect the mentality they showed throughout the match. We are a team in the process of growth. I believe that continuing, learning from matches, and improving to apply it next time are essential elements to bring the team closer to the place we dream of.
Q: This match is against Nagoya Grampus.
I want to review the footage with the team staff and provide the players with good information. In order to advance our way of fighting, I want to prepare well and face the match against Nagoya. Nagoya is a team that has been improving, and I believe it will be a tough 90 minutes. They lost to Gamba Osaka in the last match, so they will likely implement improvements and strategies for victory in this match. However, we will focus on our way of fighting. Today's practice was also sharp. We are concentrating on achieving victory.
Q: Nagoya is a team characterized by its strong defense.
A, Nagoya is a good team. Every team has its own characteristics and strengths, and should not be underestimated. Whether we are facing the best teams in the world or teams in the J1 League, we focus on expressing our football and continuously growing through daily practice and matches, regardless of the opponent. Every match has significance. First, we want to concentrate on winning against the opponent in front of us, focusing on winning against Nagoya.
[Player Interview]
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA＞
Q: With a high possibility of playing in this match, what is your mindset?
In the match against Kashiwa Reysol, I think the goals conceded at the start of each half made the game difficult. I want to approach the start of the match carefully. As a team, we need to organize how we start the game, and personally, as a goalkeeper, I want to be conscious of not conceding easily.
Q: What kind of play do you want to demand from yourself?
I think it's just about aligning what we need to do as a team and what I personally need to do for that. Since it's soccer, mistakes can happen within the 90 minutes, but if we can cover for each other as a team, I don't think it will be a problem at all. The goalkeeper position is the last line of defense that can cover up mistakes that have occurred. To put it extremely, if we can prevent mistakes from leading to goals, I believe it's the only position that can at least connect to the next play. First and foremost, I want to prioritize playing what we need to do as a team.
Q: What are the important points to prevent conceding goals?
A, first of all, it is important for the team to score the opening goal to improve the flow of the game. I believe that the style of scoring a second and third goal is also very important. At the same time, during the moments when we push forward, it is necessary for the goalkeeper or the defense to exert their strength with more than one player. It is crucial how much the players in the back can respond to the efforts of the forwards. I hope we can play positively as a team, covering each other's spaces and having players support one another in case of mistakes.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, Happy Birthday. How do you want to spend your 20s?
A, thank you. I feel like I've reached a milestone age of 20, but I still don't really feel it (laughs). I want to take on more responsibility than ever, not just in soccer but also in my personal life.
Q: In the match against Kashiwa Reysol, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's cross led to a goal.
I think it was good that we were able to create a cross after shaking off an opponent with a short corner. The quality of the cross was such that it went over the first and second players in front of the opponent's goal, making it easier for the player in front of the goal to compete for the ball, so I believe this was a scene that reflected the results of our practice.
Q: This season, I have been able to assist from my strong dribbling, but I have not scored from dribbling yet.
A, I feel that I am being more guarded compared to last season, and the pressure has become stricter, so my shots from dribbling and cutting in often hit the opponent's block. I believe that controlling my shots well to avoid hitting the block will lead to scoring, so I want to improve the quality.
Q: How will you approach the match against Nagoya Grampus?
A, I want to approach the match as we always have, without changing what we do. It's important to express our own style of football first, rather than focusing on the opponent.
