<Review of the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka>
The match against Avispa Fukuoka in Sec. 21 of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, aiming for a third consecutive league victory this season. The game, targeting consecutive wins at home at Ajinomoto Stadium, started with a probing exchange against an opponent that employed an unconventional system.
Fukuoka adopted a 4-4-2 formation during defense, instead of the conventional 3-back, to neutralize Tokyo's strengths. The side backs closely marked the wings of Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Soma ANZAI, while the two center backs took care of the lone striker, Diego OLIVEIRA. For Tokyo, the key point will be how to break through Fukuoka's strong defensive network, which is one of their characteristics.
The first big chance came in the 18th minute of the first half. While connecting short passes on the left side and probing for an opportunity, Riki HARAKAWA's short pass was received by Kei KOIZUMI, who sharply turned while watching the approaching opponent, leaving the defender behind and making a vertical pass. With a technical change of direction, he instantly moved the team forward, and Kuryu MATSUKI received the ball and made a through pass ahead. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who broke free near the penalty area, was involved with the ball as players joined in one after another, and when Diego TABA dropped it, Matsuki took a left-footed shot from distance. It was a powerful attack that could truly be called a wave-like assault on the Fukuoka goal.
After the start of the second half, Tokyo wants to secure a victory at Ajinomoto Stadium and completely takes control of the pace. However, unable to break through Fukuoka's solid defense, they concede the opening goal in the 17th minute of the second half when a cross leads to a chance at the near post.
After that, Ryotaro ARAKI took a sharp direct free kick, and player Tawaramizuki created a chance by aiming with his right foot from a cut-in, but the counterattack did not bear fruit. They suffered a frustrating defeat, stopping both their clean sheet and consecutive wins at 2.
Match Preview
An away match against Kashiwa. In the previous match, we couldn't break down Avispa Fukuoka and lost 0-1 after conceding a single chance. It was a frustrating defeat in a game where we aimed for consecutive wins at home at Ajinomoto Stadium and a third straight win without conceding. We failed to adapt flexibly against an opponent that came to neutralize Tokyo's strengths, falling into a pattern that has troubled the team this season.
This Wednesday, the U-23 Japan national team for the Paris Olympics will be announced, and both Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Ryotaro ARAKI have been selected. Unfortunately, Matsuki did not make the roster, but the reliable captain stated, "First, in Tokyo, I am switching my mindset to ensure we can win the game in front of us," maintaining the usual stance of aiming for victory in every match.
In the last match against Kashiwa Reysol held in May, it ended in a fierce shootout with a 3-3 draw. Despite conceding a goal early on, the team showcased brilliant soccer with great pace and distance control, successfully turning the game around to 3-1 with Matsuki's beautiful jumping volley. However, the flow changed dramatically when Tokyo had a player sent off. Shortly after the start of the second half, they conceded a super goal from Inukai, and unable to withstand the numerical disadvantage, they allowed the equalizer, ending the match in a draw.
Tokyo wants to learn from the previous match and use the challenges from the Fukuoka game as motivation to fight. This match is crucial for aiming for the top once again, and a victory is absolutely necessary. This week, both Takefusa KUBO and Kento HASHIMOTO, who grew up in the blue and red, participated in practice. They conveyed the "world standard" to the team and provided inspiration. The strength of the Tokyo family also supports the players heading into the match against Kashiwa.
What I hope for on top of that is Matsuki's performance. He has a mentality that allows him to perceive everything as a plus and move forward. While we can only speculate about his inner thoughts, it is at times like these that Kuryu MATSUKI leaves his mark. I want to pay close attention to what kind of plays the blue-red captain will show us.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: In the last match, there were moments when it was difficult to build our attack due to the opponent's strategies. What improvements have you made this week?
In each match, there are always situations where we must challenge ourselves. While Avispa Fukuoka had good defense, I believe what we need to improve on is our approach in the attacking third, our choices in play, and the finishing touches. We are able to move the ball to the targeted area, but we have issues with how to conclude our attacks. It is important to convert chances into goals in a tightly contested match. We faced similar situations at the beginning of the season, but as a team, we have grown and improved to get to this point. This has led to many goals and results. I want to take the lessons learned from the match against Fukuoka and connect them to our next growth.
Q: Please tell us the key points for breaking through the attacking third.
A, the balance between each player's judgment on the pitch and our staff's instructions is important. I believe our strength lies in the fact that no matter who plays, we understand the team's goals and tactics well and can express each player's strengths on the pitch.
Q: In the first half against Fukuoka, there were strengths in defense, but there were still issues in the attack.
It was a match where there were few phenomena that significantly influenced the game in a close contest. We needed to play a bit sharper in terms of our attack. During the periods when we became stretched, the opponent's direct play fit well, leading to an increase in the number of second balls picked up, which ultimately resulted in conceding a goal. There is frustration in losing 0-1, and I want to improve our attacking issues and finish in a good way. I want to create threats towards the goal and refine our style of play.
[Player Interview]
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: You started as a left winger in the match against Avispa Fukuoka. What was your mindset while playing?
I entered the match with various images in my mind about playing on the left side, but there were many times when I had to choose plays based on the situation and developments during the match. There was a significant difference between moving to the left side midway through and starting on the left. I believe that to showcase my strengths as a left winger, I need to quickly adapt, and I want to challenge myself to maintain and develop the rhythm I found in the second half of the match.
Q: It seems that the change in the play area from right to left has also changed the choices and movements in the play.
A, the view is completely different, and the way to carry and receive the ball also changes. However, regardless of which side I play on, the required plays and the repeated movements to break through behind remain the same. I want to maintain my awareness of moving forward and improve the accuracy of my play.
Q: In the match against Fukuoka, there was a noticeable stagnation in our attacking play. Please tell us what is necessary to break through such a game situation.
I believe that patience as a team is particularly required. Throughout the season, there will be times when things go well and times when they do not, and in the recent matches, there were games that felt that way. However, I think it is important to accumulate points in such matches. What is most required now is to fight with perseverance, and we are in a position where we can turn around the point difference with the top teams in just two or three matches. We lost to Fukuoka, but that defeat does not mean everything is over. I believe it is important to avoid consecutive losses and to be able to fight with patience and consistency.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for this match.
A, it is important to not concede goals easily, and although it is not multiple, we are in a situation where we can continue to score. I believe it is crucial to take the lead and create a flow to score additional goals. I want the entire team to fight patiently during difficult times.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: This match is against Kashiwa Reysol. We scored a goal in the first half of the league match.
I personally have a good feeling about the match against Kashiwa. In the first half of the previous match, we had a player sent off, but it was a good game where we scored 3 goals in the first half, and I believe the other players also have a good impression from that. In our last encounter, it was a 3-3 shootout, and since we are approaching this match having scouted each other's tactics and plays, I think we can show a great match where both sides have powered up.
In the last match against Avispa Fukuoka, we lost, so first of all, we need to avoid consecutive losses. Although it's an away game, we will do our best to bring back points.
Q: Please tell us the key points to gain an advantage in the away game against Kashiwa.
Although it's an away game, this season Tokyo has been able to accumulate points in away matches. We want to approach the game with confidence, with everyone aiming for the goal and developing a soccer style with strong attacking play. Kashiwa has many wonderful players, but of course, we also have a high-quality attacking lineup. We want to overwhelm the opponent's defense and exploit their weaknesses.
Q: There have been no consecutive losses in the league this season. Please share your enthusiasm.
After the match against Fukuoka, we have been able to align on our challenges, and I believe the team's situation is good. It is fundamentally important not to have consecutive losses, and I think we just need to win against Kashiwa. I want to continue playing an attacking style of football.
