Review of the previous match against Kashima Antlers
The match against Kashima Antlers in Sec. 24 before the break. With both Ryotaro ARAKI and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA joining the U-23 Japan national team, captain Kuryu MATSUKI left the team to prepare for a potential transfer. The match kicked off under the remaining sunshine and heat.
In the early stages, Tokyo attacked into the opponent's territory from the right side, trying to create chances. However, in the 30th minute of the first half, after Diego OLIVEIRA's chance was blocked, they suffered a sharp counterattack from Kashima and conceded a goal. They found themselves trailing by one goal.
Tokyo aims to counterattack. Here, the incredible trap by number 22 brought the team an equalizer.
In the 41st minute of the first half, while making short passes on the left side to look for an attacking opportunity, Keita ENDO made a sharp dash behind the final line. Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who did not miss this, sent a pinpoint feed forward with his favored left foot.
Endo timed his movement perfectly to the softly coming ball from behind. He showcased an exquisite trap, bringing the ball forward with the inside of his left foot while curling it, and skillfully approached the goal with a flowing play. With a sharp cut, he evaded the opponent's sliding tackle and struck the ball with his right foot, shaking the goal net.
Indeed, it was a perfect "stop". Player Endo showcased a remarkable trap that absorbed the ball's momentum, scoring in consecutive matches following the game against Albirex Niigata at Japan National Stadium, bringing the match back to square one as they headed into halftime.
Tokyo aimed to turn the game around with this momentum, but they allowed a go-ahead goal early in the second half. After that, they focused on trying to equalize with efforts from Endo and substitute Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, but they fell short. They suffered a frustrating defeat and entered the break period.
Match Preview
After a break, the Meiji Yasuda J1 League will resume in away Osaka.
In the midweek J1 Sec. 24 match, Tokyo will visit Gamba Osaka's home ground, Panasonic Stadium Suita. With 10 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses, and 36 points, this is a crucial match for Tokyo, currently in 7th place, to gain momentum for a comeback in the second half of the season.
During the more than two-week break in the league, there were various developments within the team.
First, captain Kuryu MATSUKI has completed a permanent transfer to Southampton FC in England (this season he is on loan playing for Göztepe SK in Turkey). The loan transfer of Jája Silva to Sagan Tosu has also been announced.
And the captain who had been in charge of the three-man system is now Takahiro KO. For Takahiro, his first match as the new captain will be against his former club where he made his professional debut. Being a responsible playmaker, he is likely to show a passionate performance at his former home ground.
There are positive signs as injured players are gradually returning to action. Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA and Kanta DOI, both of whom were expected to be key players in defense and offense during the first half of the season but suffered injuries, participated in the recent practice match, and Tsubasa TERAYAMA and Renta HIGASHI have also joined the training. With the depth of the squad increasing, we hope to enhance the team's strength as competition for positions intensifies once again.
Additionally, both players Ryotaro ARAKI and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who experienced the world as part of the U-23 Japan national team, returned to Japan on the evening of August 4. We hope that the frustrations and valuable experiences they gained in France will benefit their future and the team.
During training on the pitch, head coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI primarily focused on ball possession. With the league resuming and an immediate congested schedule ahead, it is essential to extend the time spent controlling the game in the extreme heat to avoid team fatigue. The team has aimed for a balance between quick attacks and ball possession soccer, but while maintaining the usual high intensity, they have instilled a renewed awareness to become more adept in matches.
The last match against Gamba Osaka was held on May 26 in Sec. 16. Tokyo entered the game with the most goals in the league, while Gamba Osaka had the fewest goals conceded. However, Tokyo failed to capitalize on big chances and allowed the opening goal in the 40th minute of the second half. It seemed that Henrique TREVISAN had scored the equalizer just before the end, but the play was ruled offside, and the goal was disallowed. They suffered a 0-1 defeat against a team known for its solid defense.
Gamba Osaka is riding the momentum from this victory, advancing on a winning streak and rising to second place, five points behind the leader at the time of the break. Takashi USAMI, who has been selected as the Meiji Yasuda J.League KONAMI Monthly MVP for June, will be suspended due to accumulated warnings, but there are many players that Tokyo must absolutely contain, including Ewerton, who possesses strong breakthroughs and speed, and Tokuma SUZUKI, known for his precise passes according to the situation.
As Tokyo aims to rejoin the battle for the top positions, they want to secure a victory in the opening match after the restart and gain momentum for the crucial "mid-summer consecutive matches" that follow. This match is scheduled for August 7 (Wednesday) at 19:00 kickoff. The second half of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League will see the blue-red army's fierce counterattack starting from away in Osaka.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: The J1 League will resume. Please tell us what you have been focusing on during the break.
We have improved our physical aspects. Given the very high temperatures, it has been a challenging situation, but this period has allowed us to build a solid foundation to fight strongly in the resumed season. It is important to always take the initiative and continue to grow, starting with the elements of game management. High pressing and intensity in defense. Quickly transitioning to attack by winning the ball in targeted positions. We have been able to enhance our defensive awareness in the middle third, the tempo needed to control the game, and the precision required to compete. We are continuously asking our players to focus on what is necessary for attacking play, to exploit dangerous spaces that the opponent dislikes, and to shake the opponent's net as much as possible this season. During the approximately two-week break, we focused on the points discussed. We want to fight stronger than any opponent and finish the season successfully.
Q: Communication among players was actively conducted to build an organized defense.
A, it is very good and important. Within our game model, there are various rules. Communication is essential to express that on the pitch. I believe that by further enhancing the cooperation among players, a good defense will be built.
Q: I believe that this match against Gamba Osaka will be a very important game in aiming for the top.
Every match is important, and there are many crucial matches remaining. We are focused solely on taking 3 points in every match, and we will fight through this season with that goal in mind. Gamba Osaka is a very good team, and I think it will be a tough away game. They are a formidable opponent, but expressing our own style of football is the most important thing. We will hold strong to our beliefs and strive to see it through. Winning in various situations that may arise on the pitch, even against a strong opponent, I believe that fighting without fear will lead us to 3 points.
[Player Interview]
＜Keita ENDO＞
Q: The league matches that were suspended will resume.
I scored goals in two consecutive matches, and I was in good form, so I want to continue this good momentum instead of letting it break during this interruption. I was able to achieve results with the chances I received, and I want to keep producing results and continue playing in matches. I want to score as many goals as I can, but I want to aim for them humbly without being greedy.
Q: Have there been any instances of scoring in three consecutive matches in the past?
A, I don't think so. In the first half of the league, I couldn't contribute much to the team and caused trouble for the team, including injuries, so I want to score as many goals as possible. However, the team's victory is the most important, and I want to strike a balance between scoring goals and the team's victory. I believe that goals are the best way to help the team.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka, the team we will be facing this match.
A, goalkeeper Jun ICHIMORI gives the impression of being very skilled in build-up play. I believe he is a player who can change the flow of the game with big saves, and as a forward, I truly see him as a significant and troublesome presence. The match against Kashima Antlers before the break was also a very important game, but we were unable to secure any points. The rankings are tightly contested, and I believe there is still a chance to aim for the top, but I want to pursue games with substance and victories.
<Takahiro KO>
Q: What did the team work on during the J1 League break?
A, there were good scenes during the match where we continued to work as a team, and we were able to communicate with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and the players about reinforcing what we have built up until now. I believe this period allowed us to organize how to use the attacking third, how to penetrate, and how to add depth to our play.
Q: You were appointed as captain during the break. How do you feel about it?
A, since Masato MORISHIGE and Kei KOIZUMI are also here, I am not sure if I will actually wear the captain's armband as the game captain, but personally, it won't change much for me. I want to value my daily efforts to break through as an individual and help the team win. I want to continue to communicate from the center of the pitch for the three points, and since I have been given a responsible role, I want to enhance my performance while paying attention to the details and collaborating with other players.
Q: In the first half of the league, we suffered a 0-1 defeat against Gamba Osaka after a tightly contested match.
A. As for the background of the game, I believe that if we had been able to secure points in that match, we could have closed the gap in points with the teams above us. Losing points at such a critical moment was painful, and the match progressed with a score of 0-0 until we allowed a goal at the end. We cannot afford to lose any points starting from this match after the break. It will be a difficult away game, but we want to take the lead and bring home 3 points.
