Review of the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos
It was a vivid strike that reminded us of "that day" 14 years ago.
In the 10th minute of the second half of Sec. 15 against Yokohama F.Marinos, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA sent a left cross that was picked up by Kuryu MATSUKI, who gently provided a sideways pass. Yuto NAGATOMO then ran in and powerfully struck it in with his right foot.
"I struck it directly, with a good impact. I felt like I was almost in a state of no thought. When I think about strange things, I tend to tense up. So, I think it was good that I could hit it with a clear mind."
This is the second goal of the season. In Sec. 14 against Nagoya Grampus, he also came on as a substitute and assisted a counterattack goal with a strong right-footed cross from an underlap, continuing to deliver results not only with his tenacious defense but also in the attacking aspect.
And this equalizer is the first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium in 5,118 days for the player wearing number 5. "It's embarrassing," he said with a wry smile, as he spoke about his feelings.
"Since 2010, when I scored a super volley in the match before I left for Italy, I think the fans and supporters might have forgotten that I can score goals. I've been able to assist and contribute to the attack. I feel like I'm growing, and I believe I can show a new level of growth in myself."
In the week leading up to the match against Yokohama FM, there were events that renewed Longo's thoughts. Following his fellow Japan national team player Makoto OKAZAKI, Masato MORISHIGE also announced his retirement from active play. In this match against Yokohama FM, his peer Masato MORISHIGE was not on the bench. Furthermore, the competition for positions within the team has intensified. In light of such circumstances, a fire burned in his heart more than ever.
"(The retirement news of the two players) is indeed sad. I also feel a sense of crisis that if I don't continue to show results, the time will come when I have to hang up my boots, and today I was more motivated than usual. There is such competition in the current team that if I can't show results, I might really end up on the bench. If the performance is the same, the team would likely use younger players, and I always fight with the mindset that this could be my last match. Even while thinking that if I don't do well in this match, I might be left out, it was good that I was able to score with a strong mindset. I have the determination to continue to thrive and live on this pitch."
A soul-stirring equalizer scored at Ajinomoto Stadium after a long time. Wearing sunglasses, I greeted with a "Bonjourno" and received a heartfelt booing, about 14 years ago. Although the distance was different, I struck a super goal with a similar trajectory. After scoring, I rallied the stadium with my whole body to create an atmosphere of a comeback, letting out roars multiple times. It was truly a scene reminiscent of 14 years ago unfolding at Ajinomoto Stadium.
"But in the end, the team didn't win, so that's really frustrating. I did roar, but in the end, we didn't win."
Although I scored a goal, the match ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw. Of course, I am not satisfied with the result. I shine to contribute to victory. What I gained from this determined game is a sense of being able to do much more and the frustration of not winning the match. With that feeling in my heart, the 37-year-old fullback vowed to further grow and fully commit to victory.
Match Preview
The Levain Cup 3rd Round match against Sagan Tosu held on Wednesday ended without a resolution even after extra time, and we advanced to the playoff round by winning the penalty shootout.
In the 11th minute of the second half, Riki HARAKAWA's corner kick was met by Masato MORISHIGE, giving the lead. However, in the additional time of the second half, they allowed an equalizing goal, leading to extra time. After that, neither side gave in, and it went to a penalty shootout. Tokyo successfully converted all five penalties, while Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, the goalkeeper, stopped the fifth penalty from Tosu, bringing the fierce battle to an end.
The heroic guardian proudly stated about the final penalty kick stop, "I was able to bring it into my range while reading the opponent's movements. We all fought for this victory; I believe everyone is a hero." The victory achieved as a united team should give momentum to the league matches, where they had been winless for three games.
This match will welcome Gamba Osaka at home. Gamba Osaka, having been eliminated in the 2nd Round of the Levain Cup, will come to Ajinomoto Stadium in a more advantageous schedule compared to Tokyo, who played a match on Wednesday. For Tokyo, it will be a crucial battle to see if they can endure this tough series of matches, testing the true strength of the team. With fresh players like Diego Oliveira, who missed the match against Tosu, and Yuto NAGATOMO, who was selected for the Japan national team, Tokyo aims for victory with a united effort.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q、Sagan Tosu match was a tough game that went to a penalty shootout.
It was a very tough match, but I am proud of the players who gave their all for 120 minutes and fought through. However, I think it would have been best if we could have finished the match in 90 minutes. We had the chance to score an additional goal and pull away from the opponent in a 1-0 situation. Since it was a cup match, I expected the game to require hard work until the end, and the players demonstrated a mentality worthy of winners.
Q: It seemed that the defense line was set higher than usual.
This is one way to grow our style of play and was a choice to fight aggressively. Rather than adapting to the opponent, we want to continue to encourage our growth. After winning the ball with aggressive defense, we quickly sense where the space is and aim to score. Attack and defense are always connected. Growth in this area is important.
Q: Gamba Osaka, our opponent this round, is a team with a very high awareness of connecting play from the back.
A, it will be a tough match against a good team, and I believe this round will also be challenging. There may be unexpected phenomena occurring on the pitch. We just need to fully express our way of fighting and our performance against the opponent. That is the football we desire. Of course, there will be times during the match when we cannot express our style of play, but it is important to adapt on the pitch.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: After winning against Sagan Tosu in the Levain Cup, you have advanced to the next stage. How do you want to build on this victory?
A, it was a situation where the team had not been able to win away games against Tosu, so I think it was good that we were able to win in any form. Of course, we need to address the areas that need improvement as a team, but I want to use this victory as a starting point to develop a habit of winning.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka.
First of all, I think we just need to express our own style of football. We want to maintain possession of the ball and create many opportunities that lead to scoring. Instead of prioritizing defense to reduce goals conceded, we want to establish a solid rhythm in our attack and take control of the entire match. I would like to organize what kind of plays are required in both offense and defense as we approach the game.
Q: It seems that the team is aiming to score additional points, rather than just focusing on defense, looking for 2 or 3 more goals.
I believe that our characteristic is aggressive play, and we also set our defensive line high. By being aggressive, the risk of conceding goals increases, but we prioritize scoring first. If we can correct the issues in our defense, I think we can improve further in both attack and defense. In the Levain Cup match against Tosu, we set the line high and defended with a high press. Although we did concede a goal, I felt once again that our awareness of winning the ball back in high positions is one of our characteristics. The players in the final line have high individual abilities, and I want us forwards to strongly focus on pressing from the front, trusting the players behind us.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q, thanks to the performance of Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, we won the penalty shootout against Sagan Tosu.
Although I stood out by stopping the fifth kick, it was thanks to everyone successfully scoring their five kicks and the hard work of my teammates over 120 minutes. I believe each player showed their ability to bring victory on the pitch. During the penalty shootout, I focused on not getting drawn into the opponent's rhythm while keeping an eye on them. By bringing it into my own rhythm, it led to the save in the final moment. As a team, I think we can fight fiercely regardless of who is on the field. I believe that winning together in the tournament-style Levain Cup amidst consecutive matches will lead to future success.
Q: It seems that as your playing time has increased, your condition has also improved.
There are many aspects, such as timing and coordination, that can only be felt during a match as you accumulate time on the field. By participating, I create my own rhythm and establish a cycle, and I am grateful to have played in three consecutive official matches recently. From here, I need to demonstrate higher quality play and contribute to the team's victory with a sense of tension.
Q, please tell us the key points of victory in the match against Gamba Osaka.
A, Gamba Osaka has attacking power and gives the impression of being an "unpleasant team" to face, but I believe the important thing is to play with our own rhythm and sense of speed. I think the opponent will connect the ball carefully, but maintaining high intensity in both offense and defense, and having a proactive attitude will be crucial.
<Keita ENDO>
Q, it was a long-awaited official match appearance in the Levain Cup against Sagan Tosu.
A, since it was my first official match in a while, I was scheduled to play for about 20 minutes, but since it went into extra time, I ended up playing for a total of about 60 minutes. After being away since mid-April, I feel it is very significant to have returned to the match. There have been no rebounds from injuries or conditioning issues at all, and I am grateful for the support from the rehabilitation team. Personally, I want to get as close to 100 percent as possible in terms of match sense and running ability.
Q: What aspects did you feel after being away from the game for a while and returning to the pitch?
I don't have a strong feeling about it, but the most important thing is that I've returned to the pitch for official matches.Since the recent match was a cup game, the priority was on the result of victory rather than the content. My own performance is still to come, and if I reflect on the match against Tosu, I believe that winning and moving on is everything.
Q: The league matches, Levain Cup, and Emperor's Cup are coming up. How do you want to contribute to the team?
A, the period away from the team coincided with a series of consecutive matches, causing inconvenience. Therefore, I will make up for the time lost and aim to bring positive elements to the team. Gamba Osaka has a strong attacking lineup, including newly joined foreign players. With the performances of Usami and other players in good form, I believe it is a high-level team both offensively and defensively, but first and foremost, we will play our own style of football and strive for victory.
