<Match Preview>
Finally, the long-awaited debut of "Rikizo Tokyo" has arrived. After the final adjustments at the Okinawa camp and the Kodaira ground, Tokyo will face Yokohama FC away in the opening match of the 2025 season. Led by new coach Rikizo Matsuhashi, the team has undergone rigorous training and is ready to face the first match of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League with confidence.
The new coach is particularly focused on valuing the ball while emphasizing technique, thinking backwards from the goal, and making quick and accurate decisions with flexibility. While cherishing the sharp attack that has been Tokyo's strength so far, they are aiming for goals and victories in a proactive style in the new season.
On the 14th, the day before the opening game, coach Matsubashi calmly expresses his satisfaction with the team's efforts so far.
"Nothing has changed in particular. Of course, I want to have a good start and I have been able to spend fulfilling days with the preparations so far. The only thing left is what kind of game it will be tomorrow. There will be tension for the players, so I want to send them out onto the pitch without any unnecessary weights. For that, I think it's important for me to be myself first. The players will also feel it if the coach is flustered. There are many players here who have built up enough experience, so I really want to fight with confidence tomorrow."
Yokohama FC, on the other hand, finished second in the Meiji Yasuda J2 League last season and was promoted to the J1 League. In addition to having the league's fewest goals conceded at 27 in 38 league matches, they also showed their strength in set pieces by scoring 30% of their total goals from them, successfully winning the competitive J2 League. This season, they are expected to continue their basic playing style, using a 3-4-3 system with a five-back defense, and relying on their strong defense and quick counterattacks, as well as their set piece abilities.
One player to particularly watch out for is Fukumori, who is expected to play a key role in the three-back formation. Not only does he provide accurate balls from corner kicks and free kicks, but he also plays a crucial role in delivering sharp long feeds from the back line to the front line. This means that even when he has the ball in a deep position, he cannot be underestimated for even a moment.
In the J-League, the number of players on the bench will increase to 20 from this season. This will not only widen the tactical range for player substitutions, but also be a positive aspect for Tokyo, which has players with various characteristics. Attention will also be focused on what kind of tactics the commander will use.
The long battle of 38 games will start from this game. The commander aiming for the club's first league victory emphasizes the importance of each and every game, as well as the importance of the opening game. He called for Tokyo to come together as one and steadily move forward.
"First of all, it's just about winning one game at a time. However, in order for the team to gain momentum, it's important to have a good start. I hope that we can turn the thoughts of our fans and supporters into strength and fight together with all our might for victory in the opening match against Yokohama FC."
[Interview with Rikizo MATSUHASHI, Manager]
Q, How do you feel about the upcoming start of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League?
A, I want to have a good start and I have been able to spend fulfilling days during the preparation period so far. It's about what will happen in the Yokohama FC match.
Q, Have you ever focused on something and conveyed it to the players?
A, there is nothing special. First of all, I think it is important for me to be myself, and if I get nervous or flustered, it will spread to the players. I want to stay grounded and fight with the team.
Q, please tell me your impression of the opponent.
A, it seems that the strength of Yokohama FC, such as strong defense and physical abilities, and their strengths in attacking and set plays have not changed significantly. I believe that set plays will be a key point for both offense and defense. It can break through a stalemate situation and I think the height of both teams will come into play.
[Player Interview]
Masato MORISHIGE
Q, How is your current condition and motivation as you approach the opening of the 2025 season?
A, The condition has been good since the Okinawa camp. I think the motivation will naturally increase with the start of the league, and I want to move both in a good direction.
Q, How is the completeness and sense of accomplishment as a team?
I believe that the completeness of the team is the starting point. I think there is still a lot of room for improvement and potential for the team. By playing games, making improvements, and growing, I believe the team will mature. Of course, there is still a sense of crisis at the starting point, but I also feel that we are able to turn it into a good sense of tension.
Q, what is the specific tension like?
A, I think that expressing my own strengths on the pitch can contribute to the team, and there are no specific details on what I should do. I think there is freedom within the things the team should do and the rules, and I am looking forward to being able to demonstrate my abilities within that.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the start of the new season.
When things are going well and when things are not going well, there are various situations, but it is important for everyone to fight with the same vector. I would be happy if the fans and supporters could fight with the club in the 2025 season. The match against Yokohama FC will be an away game, but thank you for your passionate support.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: Is there anything you are particularly conscious of in your third year as a professional this season?
A, I don't have anything in particular that I am conscious of, and I just think that I will continue to work on what I should do and express it on the pitch. Specifically, I want to increase my chances of making plays and scoring goals, and focus on numbers such as goals and assists.
Q, please tell us about your current feeling after the Okinawa camp and practice matches.
There were also camps and practice matches, but I think there are many things that you can't understand until you actually play in official matches. The team atmosphere is good and we all want to aim for the league championship, so I want to fight this season as well.
Q, How do you want to express the soccer that the team aims for?
First of all, I want to show our determination to win through our play. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI has been emphasizing the importance of results since training, and we want to be conscious of that as we move forward.
