<Review of the previous match against Shonan Bellmare>
The unbeaten streak was stopped at 5 in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 35 match against Shonan Bellmare. We were forced to chase two goals after conceding just before the end of the first half and early in the second half, but the player who drew great expectations and attention in the second half was 18-year-old Ryunosuke SATO. The young warrior, raised in the blue and red, was sent onto the pitch in the 37th minute of the second half and revitalized the attack.
The cheers and loud applause of Ajinomoto Stadium welcome him. Fans and supporters were waiting for their turn. And more than anyone else, it was he himself who was hungry for the opportunity to play.
It has been about half a season since the league match against Albirex Niigata on April 27. Even though I have been producing results in practice matches, there were times when I felt like my chance to play was not coming. However, during such difficult times, I kept looking forward, thinking, "There’s no point in thinking negatively. I will focus on improving my performance and direct my energy towards myself," and I have also been working on physical strengthening, which has been identified as a challenge, with the help of a personal coach.
He is a talented player who serves as a playmaker for the U-19 Japan national team. In July, he was selected as a training partner for the U-23 Japan national team participating in the Paris Olympics, and just before the tournament, he played in an international friendly match against the U-23 France national team. Coach Go OIWA referred to him as "Japan's treasure." Even in difficult situations within the team, he has always faced his own growth with determination.
After a half-season of relentless effort, the team stood on the league pitch again. The time given was just over 10 minutes, including additional time. Still, the player wearing number 23, who was brought in to boost the team chasing a two-goal deficit, made his presence felt in the short time remaining.
"I thought that I wouldn't be able to show my strengths without the ball, so today I actively received and carried the ball with the mindset of 'give it to me.' This directed the entire team's vector towards the opponent's goal."
The reason the ball naturally came to me was because of my timing and positioning in showing myself for passing lanes. In the 42nd minute of the second half, I provided a cross after quick, precise touches on the ball from the right side. Although it barely missed Keita YAMASHITA, who made a run into the goal area, I had the image of him being in position, so I captured the movement in my peripheral vision and aimed to connect at a point, showcasing a glimpse of my rare football sense and skills.
The match ended with Tokyo showing a fierce attack in the latter stages, but no counterattack goals were scored, resulting in a 0-2 defeat. However, it was also a match where the 18-year-old, who is expected to carry the future of the blue and red, showed great potential.
"Having played in a match after a long time, I felt a stronger desire to play more. I was able to make plays that connect to the next step, and I definitely want to secure a starting position in the last three matches. From here, I should be able to perform with a good mindset, and if I can contribute to victory while showcasing my play, I believe I will be more appreciated. Next, I want to add an extra element of fear in front of the goal."
During the troubled times, “Ryu” expressed his desire to turn expectations and responsibilities into confidence and transform them into his own strength. The moment he stepped onto the pitch in this match, the thunderous cheers must have reached his heart. As a professional football player, he aims to lead the team to victory and bring joy to those who support him, as the young talent raised in blue and red looks forward to further leaps forward.
Match Preview
Tokyo's unbeaten streak was halted at 5 with the loss against Shonan Bellmare in the last match. However, there is no time to be discouraged. This week, they will head to the away Japan National Stadium to face FC Machida Zelvia, which is also based in Tokyo. It will be a match that absolutely cannot be lost.
The first meeting in April's home game ended in a 1-2 defeat at Ajinomoto Stadium. In the first half, both teams exchanged goals in a high-intensity match, but just after equalizing, we were caught off guard and allowed the opponent to take the lead again, resulting in a frustrating defeat as we couldn't break through their defense.
Machida, which has been competing for the championship since its first year in the J1 League, has struggled a bit with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 league matches, but is currently in 3rd place, still with a chance to turn the tables for the championship while being in the qualifying zone for the AFC Champions League elite. In this match, forward Fujio, who is representing Japan at the Paris Olympics, will be suspended, while team captain Masaki will return from suspension. It is expected that the atmosphere will improve with the return of the defensive commander who leads the team. There is no doubt that this match is crucial for them to remain in the championship race and to secure a victory on the Asian stage.
However, as Tokyo, we cannot allow ourselves to be 'season doubled' by a rival that shares the same capital as our home.
In this match, intense battles are expected to unfold across the pitch, but that is all within expectations. The team should have a solid grasp of the opponent's attacking patterns, such as long balls, long throws, and counterattacks. First, we want to return to the foundation of "good defense leads to good offense" from the time when the team was accumulating victories, showcasing Tokyo's characteristic blend of high-intensity proactive defense and skillful management of both fast and slow attacks, and we aim to secure a solid victory.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: What kind of adjustments will you make in preparation for the match against Shonan Bellmare since the last game?
A, we just focus on the upcoming match. Preparation for that is important. While addressing the issues that came up in the Shonan match, we aim to prepare for the FC Machida Zelvia match. Every match is important for us. We will fully demonstrate our performance and go for the win.
Q: This match is against Machida.
A, we will simply follow through with the team's rules. And we want to demand playing with high intensity especially in one-on-one situations. We aim to connect the ball compactly after winning it and make the match where we hold the initiative. By repeatedly making runs behind the defense from there, I believe we can launch attacks that the opponent dislikes.
Q: This match is at the Japan National Stadium and will be against a team that also calls Tokyo home.
A, every match is important. Amid various emotions, we focus on bringing out our best performance. Of course, we always respect our opponents, but we are preparing to give 100 percent of ourselves.
[Player Interview]
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: This match is against FC Machida Zelvia.
A, it gives the impression that they are thorough in their pursuit of victory, and I think they will again play to exploit the opposing team's weak points this matchweek. I expect there will be many moments this matchweek when play stops or is interrupted, such as with the opponent's strengths in set pieces and long throws. During such times, I especially want to focus on management that does not give the momentum to the opponent and on maintaining awareness to play at our own pace. Without being swallowed by the opponent's tempo, we want to secure victory with our own style of football.
Q: In the last match, we conceded a goal from a set piece. What measures or preparations are particularly necessary?
Each player is required to play alertly. It is important to anticipate and prepare so that you can respond to whatever happens. By keeping in mind the opponent's habits and set play patterns, the way we respond on the pitch will also change. First, we want everyone to communicate with each other and respond flexibly and adaptively.
Q: What kind of defense is required against attacks that utilize the opponent's long balls?
A, first of all, it is important to prevent them from easily kicking the ball. As a forward player, you want to apply solid defensive pressure and not give them any freedom. When long balls increase, recovering the second ball also becomes crucial. I believe these two are necessary to gain control of the game.
Q: What are you aware of as you prepare to face Go KURODA, the coach from Machida who guided you during your high school days?
A, the most important thing is to contribute to the team's victory. This will never change. Rather than a personal rivalry, I have a strong desire to win against Machida as a fellow Tokyo club. However, Coach Kuroda was someone who took care of me during my time at Aomori Yamada High School, and I want to show him how much I have grown on the pitch.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q: Please reflect on the match against Shonan Bellmare in the last round.
Looking only at the result, the impression is strong that we were 'defeated,' but we also had many chances, and there were many moments where we thought, 'If only we had scored in that scene.' I believe the reason for the loss was that we couldn't capitalize on those chances. My own condition is good, and I want to show play that is conscious of coordination with those around me.
Q: Please tell us about the image of FC Machida Zelvia and the points to be cautious about.
Team A fights tough both offensively and defensively, and they seem to score from various set-piece patterns. The forward players are also tall and use their heading ability and physical strength, so I think that is a point to be cautious about. It will definitely be a tough battle. We want to win in every aspect, including recovering second balls and one-on-one plays, without losing to the opponent.
Q, this is a match between clubs that have Tokyo as their home town.
A. I couldn't play in the previous match, and the team ended up losing, which left me feeling frustrated. I absolutely want to win this time.
Q, it will be a match at the Japan National Stadium, which has a good image.
A, we certainly have not experienced a loss at Japan National Stadium, but the players do not rely on that data. We want to focus on being committed to the results.
