Review of the previous match against Nagoya Grampus
Tokyo struggled to attack against Nagoya Grampus, who maintained a compact formation and closed down the center from the first half, unable to find a breakthrough. After conceding a penalty kick in the first half, they added two more goals in the second half, leading to a difficult situation with a score of 0-3.
The players who were watching from the bench had been building up their energy in a match that wasn't going as they had hoped. Finally, a goal that changed the flow of the game was scored in the 33rd minute of the second half. Three men, filled with a strong desire to counterattack, shook the goal net with their all-out play.
Receiving a quick throw-in on the right side, Yuto NAGATOMO connected with a horizontal pass and dashed forward in an inner lap. Here, Takahiro KO supplied a sharp through pass from a one-touch, and NAGATOMO broke into the pocket on the right side, sliding the ball back to the center. This was finished off in the middle by Ryotaro ARAKI. The three players showcased their respective strengths and scored a counterattack goal with a quick offensive play.
The vertical pass from Takashi, who broke the deadlock with exquisite targeting and passing speed, the inner lap from Nagatomo as he reflected on the assist scene, and the decisive finishing from Araki, who skillfully guided the floating ball's sliding cross from Nagatomo into the goal with the inside of his right foot. It was a vivid attack where the trajectory of the ball and the movement of the players seemed to have arrows pointing the way.
"It may seem like an easy shot, but the ball was also floating, and it was definitely a situation where I had to score, so I focused and made it," reflected the player wearing number 71. For the point getter who returned from the U-23 Japan national team, it was a blue-red comeback goal that shouted, 'Taro, I am here.'
After that, Tokyo created several big chances and attacked the goal, but they were thwarted by the opponent's committed defense, good saves, and clearances just in front of the goal line, resulting in a scoreless game and their first loss in five league matches. Araki said, "To move up, we need to finish those chances. I'm happy to have scored in my comeback match, but I'm frustrated about the loss. It's not good to dwell on it, so we need to switch gears quickly and work together, helping each other out as we move forward."
Match Preview
In the previous match, we lost 1-3 against Nagoya Grampus, marking our fifth consecutive defeat. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI reflected on the match, stating, "We need to improve the areas where we easily concede goals. It was a harsh lesson, but I want to learn from it and prepare for the next match. If we can do that, we will become a team that is difficult for opponents to defeat."
Tokyo outshot Nagoya with 11 attempts, and a goal was scored by Ryotaro ARAKI, who returned from injury in this match, showing that the attacking line remains in good form. However, the issues in defense are clearly evident. After the match, ARAKI stated, "I'm happy about the goal, but I'm frustrated about the loss. However, there's no point in dwelling on it, so I want to switch gears quickly."
This match will face Yokohama F.Marinos at Ajinomoto Stadium. Although they have not won against this opponent since the 2020 season, if they can effectively contain an opponent confident in their attacking power, it should provide a significant boost for Tokyo. Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who started for the first time since the match against Kashima Antlers on April 7, stated, "We will definitely win and work hard to move the team forward." Whether the team can improve and take a step forward, as he said, is being tested.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Do you see reducing the number of goals conceded as the biggest challenge for the team right now?
A, it is important not to overthink things. By tackling problems sharply, I believe we can get one step closer to becoming the team we aspire to be. This is one of the key points that need improvement. I think there have been few scenes where we were significantly disrupted by the goals conceded so far, but I believe it is necessary to respond properly in the moments just before. Conceding goals naturally makes it difficult to bring the game into the flow we envision. During the 90 minutes, unexpected situations and developments may arise, but it is important to skillfully navigate and overcome such difficulties while moving forward.
There were many difficult moments during the match against Nagoya Grampus. I want to be more aware of the connection between offense and defense, drawing the flow towards us even in defensive situations. Matches where the connections are working well pose a threat to the opponent. The important thing is to understand together what we need to improve and how we can refine our skills.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Yokohama F.Marinos, who you will be facing this round.
In a few days, we will likely be crowned the champions of Asia. We are a strong team. We have respect for all our opponents. We are excited to face a club that will likely become the Asian champion. No matter who the opponent is, it is important for us to play our football first. Even if we get caught up in the opponent's flow, I believe that controlling the overall game, playing with intention, and not neglecting hard work will directly lead to victory.
[Player Interview]
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q: Considering the team's situation, I believe it is necessary to reduce the number of goals conceded in order to compete for the top positions.
As a center-back, my role is to prevent the opponent's attacks, so I feel a great sense of responsibility. Both offense and defense should be tackled as a team, and everyone needs to adjust together, but it is essential for us defenders to take the lead in reducing goals conceded. I want to achieve a victory without conceding any goals in the next match.
Q: What is the main point of correction to reduce goals conceded?
A. Communication according to the situation is the most important. There were various cases, such as goals conceded from mistakes and goals scored by the opponent when they committed more players to the attack, but in any case, I believe it is necessary for the defensive players to take the lead in communication and control from the back line.
Q: This match is against Yokohama F.Marinos.
A, we lost to Nagoya Grampus in the last match, but before that, we maintained a good form with 3 wins and 1 draw. I believe that by winning the next match against Yokohama FM, we can regain our rhythm and confidence.
Q: Yokohama FM has a lineup of forwards with high individual abilities.
They are a strong presence and a wonderful team with a high level of completeness as a team. By taking 3 points from a high-quality team like Yokohama FM, our motivation will undoubtedly increase. I believe that overcoming difficult matches as a united team and achieving victory will lead to our confidence as a team.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q, please review the scoring scene of the Nagoya Grampus match.
First of all, I am able to play with a good feeling, and although I have been away from the team's activities for a few weeks due to the U-23 Japan national team activities, I feel a sense of ease and comfort in my play. There were moments where I was able to express the plays I need to make and what is expected of me, but above all, I wanted to win. The goals from crosses are something we are working on as a team, and it is one of the breakdowns I have been conscious of since coming to Tokyo. I believe that as a team, we are seeing an increase in those types of scoring scenes this season. It is important to have a scoring pattern as a team, and I feel the results we have built up.
Q: Do you feel a great sense of achievement after scoring immediately upon joining the team?
I was worried that things were going too well for me since the league started, and I am relieved to have scored so quickly after joining the team. I want to continue to play well.
Q: After a series of matches with multiple goals conceded, we suffered a defeat for the first time since Sec. 9 in the last match. What points should we clarify here and now?
First of all, we want to reduce the number of goals conceded. It is significant that we are still in a position where we can aim for the top despite conceding so many goals, and the competition for the top spots is quite intense. I believe that as we move forward, we will see more matches decided by a single goal and closely contested games. Addressing our defensive issues will be key to establishing ourselves in the upper ranks.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Yokohama F.Marinos.
If we can win against Yokohama FM, I believe it will give us momentum as a team, and a match after a loss is particularly important regardless of the opponent. We will play aggressively and aim for victory by showcasing our style.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: The match against Nagoya Grampus on Wednesday ended in a disappointing defeat. How do you reflect on it?
A, I don't think there was as much of a difference in skill as the score of 1-3 suggests, even though we didn't play very well. Tokyo had many chances as well, and I am not feeling pessimistic. I want to correct our issues and prepare for the next match.
Q: Since the match against Albirex Niigata, you have scored 4 goals in 5 matches. What changes do you feel in yourself, Diego OLIVEIRA?
A, I haven't really changed anything in particular. I believe the main factor is that the injury I sustained at the beginning of the league has healed and my condition has improved. Since returning to official matches after a long time in the game against Albirex Niigata, I have been able to play my natural style without any restrictions, which is why I have been able to accumulate goals.
Q: What do you think is necessary for Tokyo to compete for the top positions from here?
A, this season the competition for the top positions is fierce, and of course we have a chance to aim higher as well. However, during the season, it is important to focus on the upcoming matches rather than thinking about titles. If we can keep up and not fall behind the top teams, I believe we will see results in the end.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for this match with the fans and supporters.
A, Yokohama F.Marinos is a very good team, so I think it will be a difficult match. However, we must win at home no matter what. The support from our fans and supporters always gives us strength. I have heard that the Brazil Festa will be held this round, and I want to deliver the joy of victory at the end of such a day.
