<Last Match Review: Kashiwa Reysol>
Started in 4 consecutive league matches. The young center back, who has been gaining stability with each game, pulled off a big job by scoring his first professional goal in the late stages of the game while chasing one point.
Tokyo took the lead in the 22nd round of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Kashiwa Reysol in an away game. Early on, Diego OLIVEIRA scored a powerful header from Soma ANZAI's right cross, giving Tokyo the first goal. Despite Tokyo's continued aggressive attacks, mistakes led to a turnaround in the first half.
Tokyo continues to show a bold attack, chasing one point in the second half, but time passes without being able to score a goal. And in the 41st minute of the second half, the long-awaited equalizer is finally born.
A chance for a free kick on the left side. Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who came on as a substitute, sent a sharp ball with his favorite left foot, and Teppei OKA, who said "Toku-kun gave me a good ball. It was just like in practice," smashed it with a powerful header, finally succeeding in shaking the goal net.
"There were various tactics in front of the goal, but in the end, I realized that practice is the key. I always practiced heading with the coaching staff the day before the game, so I think that accumulation paid off."
Finally, my first professional goal. After scoring, I quickly returned to my position to try and secure the lead, and with the desire to win for the team, I raised my hands and performed to energize the fans and supporters in the stands behind the goal.
However, the team that went for the 3 points at risk ended up conceding the winning goal in the chaotic situation in front of the goal in the additional time of the second half. They missed the expected 1 point and suffered their first consecutive defeat of the season.
"Honestly, it didn't mean anything if we couldn't win, so the feeling of frustration is bigger. We were caught off guard because we were too aggressive. I had an image of being able to turn the game around, but it didn't go as smoothly as I hoped. We just have to raise our own quality. I also think that our team's weakness showed in the end, so we all need to have a strict attitude towards practice and raise our standards together."
I feel the growth and satisfaction as a player. Personally, getting used to the J1 league is a big achievement. The number 30, who is in the midst of rapid growth, said, "There are times when we win and reflect, and times when we lose and reflect. I want to organize the points for improvement firmly. The next game will definitely be a must-win game," looking ahead and vowing to win against Albirex Niigata at the Japan National Stadium this weekend.
<Match Preview>
After suffering their first consecutive losses of the season in the league, they were also defeated 1-2 by JEF United Chiba in the 3rd round of the 104th Emperor's Cup JFA All Japan Soccer Championship. In the past two official matches, they have been unable to maintain their lead after taking the lead, and have continued to allow comebacks. As they enter the summer season and face the grueling conditions that deplete their stamina, a more delicate approach to the game is required.
In this difficult situation, Kuryu MATSUKI said, "I think it's necessary for everyone, not just the players, but also the coach and coaching staff, to have a discussion. I hope the whole team can tighten up and move in the same direction again," expressing his sense of responsibility as captain and strong desire for victory.
Tokyo will face Albirex Niigata at the Japan National Stadium this round, aiming to end their losing streak. Takahiro KO, who joined from Niigata this season, said ahead of the match against his former team, "It doesn't matter that the opponent is my old team Niigata, or that we are playing at the National Stadium, or whether it's an away or home game. We have a mission to take all three points no matter what." In the previous match against Niigata in April, Tokyo dominated the away game and won 3-1, so they will be looking to regain that momentum. As Matsuki emphasized, it will take the effort of "the entire team" for Tokyo to once again become the main player at the "National Theater".
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, What modifications are needed for the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round match against JEF United Chiba?
Before facing Chiba, I expected it to be a tough match. I always respect our opponents, but at the same time, I am extremely disappointed that we couldn't get the result we wanted. We had a chance to extend our lead at 1-0, but we couldn't score another goal. It was a game where we learned that in such situations, we need to quickly score more goals and finish the game. I am happy to take on all the pressure. Our players gave everything they had and I am proud of their performance.
Q, Albirex Niigata, who will be facing off this round, won 3-1 in the previous match. Do you have a good impression?
I always have the mindset of moving towards a new game. Instead of focusing on the previous results, I am preparing for the next one and aiming for a performance that will lead to a good outcome. In a match, there will be various situations and challenges that we must face. I want us to be able to overcome those situations and come out victorious.
Q, Is there any mental impact from the defeat in the Emperor's Cup?
A, of course it was a disappointing defeat, but we cannot run away from it. Defeat is unpleasant for everyone. I think everyone is hoping to overcome this situation. The most important thing is how we react from here. We have experienced even more difficult situations than this. By overcoming this period firmly, I believe that important growth will occur for us. We will overcome this together.
[Player Interview]
Takahiro KO
Q, the Emperor's Cup was a disappointing defeat for our team.
A, while watching the game, I want to see more connection between players in both offense and defense, and in addition, each individual must run. I felt once again that each individual should take responsibility and firmly establish the base, such as aggressively winning in ball battles and duels.
Q, it is a frustrating situation with three consecutive losses in official matches. What are the key points for a comeback?
A, personally, I want to show more presence in both offense and defense. As a team, we have a good sense of movement and energy in both offense and defense. Aggressiveness is a strong point of Tokyo, so we want to make adjustments while everyone is looking at it. In attack, we need to be more involved with the ball and show a presence that makes people think, "We can win because of him (Takasen player), he's stable." By increasing our ability to win the ball and recover second balls on defense, we can show a play and overwhelming presence that represents not only the team but the entire league. I believe that if we can do that, we can naturally achieve a higher position in the team.
Q, This week's Albirex Niigata match will be held at the "Japan National Stadium" against their "former team".
A, because the opponent is Niigata, it doesn't matter if the venue is the Japan National Stadium or not, we have to win first. With the background of the national event and the homecoming game, we are motivated. The previous match at Big Swan was approached with a special feeling, so now as a team we have to break through and move up. I definitely want to win here as a team and as individuals.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, In the 3rd round of the Emperor's Cup, JEF United Chiba faced a tough defeat despite a goal from player Kuryu Matsuki. What do you think was the reason for not being able to secure a win?
It was good to score as an individual, but there were also many chances for me and others. As an attacking player, not being able to convert those chances into additional points made the game difficult. If we were able to score during the good flow and time when our attack was strong, I think we could have ended the game in a good way. So, I want to use this experience and reflection to connect to the Albirex Niigata game.
Although our team has been facing a difficult situation with consecutive losses in official matches, I believe that this is when the unity of the team is most needed. It is important to use our challenges and reflections to move forward and to fight with great ambition for victory.
Q, We have lost 3 consecutive official games, what do we need to do to change the momentum?
A, this season, there was a period where we were far from victory in several matches after the league started. I think we need to use the lessons learned and what each player felt at that time. Now, the team understands the situation we are in, and everyone is heading towards the Niigata match with a sense of crisis. As the captain, I want to communicate with many players and move in a positive direction.
Q, This week's match against Niigata will be held at the Japan National Stadium. We have had good victories against Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers in April at the National Stadium.
There have been no losses for the team at the Japan National Stadium, and in order to express good soccer as a team, we would like to rebuild firmly and approach the game. Once again, we would like to share and communicate as a whole in order to demonstrate the soccer that the team is aiming for on the pitch.
We have heard that many people, including our fans and supporters who always support us, will come to the game. Personally, I hope to achieve visible results that will lead to the team's victory. I want to deliver exciting plays and results that will make everyone who gathers at the Japan National Stadium feel glad they came. I want to approach the game with the sole focus of winning.
