<Last Match Review: Shonan Bellmare>
In the 35th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, Shonan Bellmare faced their first defeat, ending their unbeaten streak at 5 games. They were forced to chase 2 points after conceding goals just before the end of the first half and early in the second half. However, the 18-year-old Ryunosuke SATO, who had drawn great expectations and attention in the second half, was sent onto the pitch in the 37th minute. The young warrior, who grew up in blue and red, revitalized the attack.
Ajinomoto Stadium's loud cheers and big applause welcomed him. The fans and supporters were waiting for his turn. And no one was more hungry for playing time than himself.
League appearances have been scarce since the Albirex Niigata match on April 27, about half a season ago. There have been times when I felt like giving up due to the current situation where even if I perform well in practice matches, I don't get a chance to play. However, even during such difficult times, I continue to look forward and focus on improving my performance by directing my energy towards myself. I have also been working on physical strengthening, which has been a challenge for me, with the help of a personal coach.
He is a promising talent who serves as the 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. He was also referred to as "Japan's treasure" by coach Go OIWA. Even in difficult situations with the team, he always faced his own growth with great effort.
The pitch where they stood for the first time in half a season, continuing their unwavering efforts. The given time was only about 10 minutes, including additional time. Still, number 23, who was brought on as a midfielder to boost the team chasing two points, showed their presence in the short remaining time.
"I thought that I couldn't show my strengths without the ball, so today I gathered the ball with the determination to "give it to myself" and actively received and carried it, directing the team's vector towards the opponent's goal."
It is because of his excellent timing and positioning to show his face on the pass course that the ball naturally gathers. In the 42nd minute of the second half, he supplied a cross from the right side with quick and small ball touches. Although it didn't quite reach Keita YAMASHITA, who ran into the goal, he showed a glimpse of his exceptional soccer sense and technique, saying, "I thought he was in that position, so I caught the movement with my peripheral vision and imagined scoring."
The game ended with Tokyo showing a fierce attack towards the end, but no counterattack was born, resulting in a 0-2 defeat. However, it was also a game where an 18-year-old who will carry the future of the blue and red team showed great potential.
"I felt like I wanted to play more after playing in a game for the first time in a while. I was able to make plays that would lead to the next one, and I wanted to grab a starting position in the last three games for sure. I think I can do well from here on out, and if I can contribute to the victory while playing my own game, I think I will be even more highly regarded. Next time, I want to add an extra level of fear in front of the goal."
"Ryu", who had spoken about "turning expectations and responsibilities into confidence and turning them into his own strength" even during his troubled times. The loud cheers that greeted him as he stepped onto the pitch in this match must have reached his heart as well. As a professional soccer player, he aims to lead the team to victory and bring joy to those who support him, as a young talent raised in blue and red strives for even greater success.
<Match Preview>
Tokyo, which had its unbeaten record stopped at 5 with a loss to Shonan Bellmare in the previous match, has no time to feel down. This match, they will travel to the National Stadium and face FC Machida Zelvia, also based in Tokyo. It will be a crucial match that they absolutely cannot afford to lose.
The first meeting in April at Ajinomoto Stadium ended in a 1-2 defeat. In the first half, both teams fought hard and scored one goal each, but right after equalizing, we were caught off guard and conceded another goal. We couldn't break through the opponent's defense and suffered a frustrating defeat.
Machida, who has been in the championship race since their first year in J1 League. Although they have struggled a bit with 2 draws and 3 losses in their last 5 league matches, they are currently in 3rd place and still have a chance to win the AFC Champions League and secure a spot in the elite. In this round, while Paris Olympic representative attacker Fujio will be suspended, team captain Masuko will return from his suspension. It is expected that the atmosphere will improve with the return of the defensive commander who leads the team. It is without a doubt a crucial match where they must win in order to stay in the championship race and conquer the Asian stage.
However, as Tokyo, we cannot afford to suffer a "season double" from a team that shares the same capital as our home.
The upcoming match is expected to be a fierce battle on the pitch, but that is all within our expectations. We should be able to grasp the opponent's attacking patterns such as long balls, long throws, and counters. First and foremost, we need to return to the base of "good defense leads to good offense" that we had during our winning streak as a team, and show the Tokyo style of strong and aggressive defense, as well as the ability to mix fast and slow attacks, in order to secure a solid victory.
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, What modifications will you make from the previous match against Shonan Bellmare?
A, all we have to do is focus on the upcoming game. It's important to prepare for that. I hope we can prepare for the FC Machida Zelvia game while fixing the issues we had in the Shonan game. Every game is important for us. We will give our best performance and aim for a win.
Q, this week's match is against Machida.
A, all we have to do is follow the team's rules. We want to demand a strong intensity in our play at the ball's edge. We want to connect the ball compactly and make it a game where we take the lead. By repeatedly making runs behind the defense, we can create an attacking style that our opponents will dislike.
Q, this round will be a match at the Japan National Stadium, against a team from the same Tokyo home.
A, every game is important. Amidst various emotions, we will focus on maximizing our performance. Of course, we always respect our opponents, but we will continue to prepare to give 100% of ourselves.
[Player Interview]
＜Soma ANZAI＞
Q, this week's match is against FC Machida Zelvia.
It seems that we are thoroughly focused on winning and I think we will continue to play to exploit the weaknesses of the opposing team this round. I think there will be a lot of time for the game to stop or break due to the opponent's strengths such as set plays and long throws. In such times, we want to focus on not giving the opponent the momentum and playing at our own pace. We want to win with our own style of soccer without being overwhelmed by the opponent's pace.
Q, we conceded a goal from a set piece in the previous match. What kind of measures and preparations are particularly necessary?
A, each player is expected to play alertly. It is important to have predictions and preparations that can respond to anything that happens. By keeping in mind the opponent's habits and set play patterns, I think the response on the pitch will also change. First of all, I want to communicate with everyone and respond flexibly and flexibly.
Q: What kind of defense is required against the opponent's use of long balls in their attack?
A. First, it is important to not let them kick easily. As a forward player, I want to have a solid defensive approach and not give them freedom. When long balls increase, it is also important to recover second balls. I think these two things are necessary to take control.
Q, What are you conscious of when facing off against Go KURODA, the coach of Machida who coached you in high school?
A, the most important thing is to contribute to the team's victory. I will not waver in this. Rather than a personal match, I have a strong desire to win against Machida as a club from the same Tokyo. However, Coach Kuroda is someone who took care of me during my time at Aomori Yamada High School, and I want to show my growth on the pitch.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q, Please review the previous match against Shonan Bellmare.
A, Looking only at the results, the impression is that we were "defeated", but we had many chances as well, and there were many situations where we could have scored if we had made the right decision. I think the reason for our defeat was that we couldn't make the most of our chances. My own condition is also in good shape, and I want to show plays that are conscious of the cooperation with those around me.
Q, Please tell us about the image of FC Machida Zelvia and points to be cautious about.
A, it is a team that fights tough in both offense and defense, and it seems to be scoring from various patterns in set plays. The players in the front line also have height, and they use their heading and physical strength, so I think that is the point to be wary of. I definitely think it will be a tough battle. I want to win against the opponent in everything, not just in second ball recovery and one-on-one play.
Q, a match between clubs based in Tokyo.
A. In the previous match, I couldn't participate myself and the team ended up losing, leaving behind a feeling of regret. I definitely want to win.
Q, it will be a match at the Japan National Stadium, which has a good image.
A, We have certainly not experienced defeat at the Japan National Stadium, but our players are not relying on that data. We want to focus on striving for results.
