Review of the previous match against Verdy
In a match that absolutely cannot be lost, the blue and red guardian showed an overwhelming presence.
In the home match against Verdy, the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 27. The game, which attracted 39,921 spectators to Ajinomoto Stadium, saw Tokyo launch an offensive from the early stages.
Connecting the ball while observing the situation and spreading it to the sides, increasing possession without forcing the play. Takahiro KO and Ryotaro ARAKI created the rhythm in the center, taking control while utilizing Diego OLIVEIRA's hold-up play.
However, as they struggled to shake the goal net, the match gradually shifted to the opponent's pace. After the 20-minute mark of the second half, they faced several crises, but standing in their way was Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. He locked down the Tokyo goal, preventing several decisive chances.
With a sideways leap, he deflected the opponent's header shot, and with a stretch of his right hand, he made a big save on the ball that was sent to the center from a corner kick. He showcased an amazing reaction to a difficult shot that bounced once. Furthermore, just before the end, he faced a critical counterattack, but Nozawa slightly changed the course of the ball, sending it out of bounds.
That figure is truly a "guardian deity." The presence in front of the goal and the sense of security that he is there as the last line of defense is growing with each match. Once he gets going, he won't stop. He is expected to make the next save as well──. He is becoming a player who instills that feeling in the hearts of those watching. However,
"Even if the attack doesn't go well, everyone has the determination today not to let it happen, and we were able to defend with our bodies. (In response to the shots) I feel like I can play confidently with the mindset of 'It's coming' and 'I'll stop it.' I always have a desire to improve, and I can still do much more. While I feel a sense of progress, we haven't been able to win matches, and I want to become a player who has a better impact on the team. As a team, there are times when we need to be patient, so for now, I will focus on what I can do as a goalkeeper."
This year, the young guardian, who grew up in the academy and experienced the AFC Asian Cup as a member of the Japan national team and the Paris Olympics as part of the U-23 Japan national team, continues to fight ambitiously aiming for even greater heights.
The match ended in a scoreless draw. In a game where victory was absolutely desired, despite being helped by Nozawa's fine saves, we couldn't secure the win and ended with a frustrating result of a draw.
Match Preview
This game will test the team's pride in blue and red, as well as their determination and rebound mentality.
The three matches since the resumption have resulted in 1 draw and 2 losses. We have yet to shake the goal net. In the previous match, we lost 0-3 to Kawasaki Frontale, and in the last match, we ended in a scoreless draw against Verdy. This is a difficult situation at a time when we wanted to gain momentum after the league resumed. To close the gap with the top teams and for the team to come together again and move forward, this match must be a game where we absolutely need to secure a victory.
First, we expect the attacking players, who have been scoreless, to rise to the occasion. It is unclear what the lineup will be for a match where adjustments are needed, but there is no doubt that each player possesses high abilities. The key is how to combine those abilities on the pitch. In that combination, how can we multiply the players' characteristics? We hope to see them fight cleverly while reading the flow of the match and to witness the players in action.
Kyoto SANGA F.C. currently has 8 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses, placing them 16th. At first glance, they may seem like a team struggling at the bottom of the standings, but since the match against Kashiwa Reysol in Sec. 20 on June 26, they have rapidly improved with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. It is clear that the main factor for this turnaround lies in their attacking lineup, which includes new foreign players.
Rafael Elias, who joined the team before the break, has scored 5 goals in 5 matches since his arrival. In the last match against Cerezo Osaka, he achieved a hat-trick. Since his joining, the team has scored 10 goals in 4 matches, increasing their scoring ability. Additionally, Marco Tulio and Taichi HARA, who grew up in the Aoyaka Academy, continue to be involved in goals with their aggressive play. They truly form a formidable front three in the league. Currently, Kyoto should be seen as a very dangerous opponent that does not reflect their ranking.
In late June, Takuji YONEMOTO transferred on loan from Nagoya Grampus and has been strengthening his presence as a defensive midfielder. Additionally, Kiyoshi OKUMA, who once managed the team, has taken on the role of GM midway through this season. He is acquiring new talent to help revive Kyoto. While this is also a nostalgic reunion, we must push forward towards victory, overcoming them.
As Tokyo, we want to take care of the opponent's attacking line while aiming to score first. The match will kick off at 19:00 on August 24 (Saturday) at SANGA S Stadium by KYOCERA. Facing the frustrations up to this point, the blue-red army will head to Kyoto to release the feelings they've been holding back.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: What did you emphasize this week while being away from victory?
A, of course there is frustration in not being able to seize victory, and that is something all players and staff feel. We cannot escape from those emotions and results. We must overcome this situation. We just need to improve our way of fighting and grow. For now, we are focusing on expressing a good performance as a team in the match against Kyoto SANGA S. Even if we were on a winning streak, I would probably be saying something similar.
Q: What is the most important point that needs improvement?
A, that is a very difficult question. During a match, there are various situations and points, and I feel that many of them are equally important. I believe it is essential for the team to achieve overall improvement and performance.
Q: This match is against Kyoto. It will be a match against a team that has shown good form in their recent games.
I think we are a team that is on a good flow. For us, this is an away match, and it will be a very tough game. Kyoto tends to launch direct attacks. Winning the ball and transitioning quickly will be the most important aspects of this match. I believe that fighting sharply and not losing in key situations will give us an advantage. We will attack the opponent's space without fear.
Q: The three forwards from Kyoto give the impression of having high individual abilities. Please tell us what is required in terms of defense.
A, it is important not to allow them to hold the ball in dangerous areas and to prevent them from getting the ball. Football requires various challenges in both offense and defense. In that context, we want to fully express our own rules, respond to alerts, and finish the match without conceding any goals.
[Player Interview]
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA＞
Q: It will be a tough away match. What mindset will you have going into the game?
A, this week's training saw each player working in a good atmosphere towards the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., and this applies to any match, as they are strongly focused on the mindset of 'winning'. I believe the awareness of wanting to improve will connect positively to the matches.
Q: What kind of play is required from the team against Kyoto?
A compact formation that aggressively approaches the opponent, and they have strength in one-on-one situations. I believe that first and foremost, we need to surpass the opponent in such battles. As a team, we want to actively target the space behind the opponent, and during opportunities, we aim to have more players in front of the goal to score. Although I play the position of goalkeeper, I want to be conscious of contributing positively from the back to embody the team's objectives.
Q: You had two clean sheets in the last three matches. Please tell us what is expected of you in terms of defense.
A, first of all, it is important not to allow the opponent to easily penetrate in front of the goal. Even if the opponent takes a deep position, I want the entire team, centered around the defensive players, to express calm responses and the patience to push back. Personally, I want to continue encouraging positive play, including through coaching and communication.
<Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA>
Q: I believe that "scoring ability" is the key to the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C.
There were matches without conceding goals, like the ones against Gamba Osaka and Verdy, but we couldn't score, and in football, you can't win without scoring. As a forward, I reflect on the fact that I have not scored, and to change the current unfavorable trend, I want to prioritize the mindset and attitude of fighting to score at all costs. I want to use the time until the match against Kyoto to confirm our attacking shape while playing with grit.
Q: In the recent match, the defense has been fighting hard centered around Taishi Brandon NOZAWA.
I feel the efforts of the defense, and I think it's not a good situation for the team (as attacking players) that the hero interviews after the matches against Gamba Osaka and Tokyo Verdy were both for player Nozawa. In defense, we need to block before player Nozawa stops the shots, and the attacking players need to score. The entire team needs to play with a sense of urgency. I want to ensure we score properly so that the attackers can receive hero interviews and contribute to a winning match.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match where victory is desired.
A, they are a formidable opponent, but I believe that attacking with courage will lead to goals and victories. Although we have been experiencing matches without scoring, I want to focus on playing with the courage to aim for the goal.
