<Last Match Review against Yokohama FC>
It was a big victory in the first battle. "Rikizo Tokyo" faced Yokohama FC away in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 1 and won 1-0, proving what they had built up since the camp. They grabbed a well-deserved 3 points in the opening game.
The first goal of the team led by new coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI was a beautiful shot born from a passing play that could be described as a "declaration of confidence".
16 minutes into the second half, Kosuke SHIRAI, on the right side, receives a strong vertical dribble breakthrough and earns a throw-in. The ball thrown by SHIRAI is passed to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who then returns it to SHIRAI. From there, Kei KOIZUMI and Takahiro KO execute a one-touch play towards the center of the penalty area with a clever angle. Then, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA in the center drops the ball forward with a direct pass, and SHIRAI, who had been running fiercely from the right side, takes a precise left-footed shot. The away goal section erupts in excitement as the goal is beautifully scored with the coordination of many players. The right wing back, who played a crucial role, immediately dashes towards the fans and supporters in the away section, sharing the joy with many of his teammates who had gathered there.
Tokyo, who adopted a new 3-back formation, struggled to break down their opponents who tightened the center from the first half, and also struggled to launch the desired attacks on the hard and dry pitch. The moment that was highly anticipated for how they would break through, they showcased a single shot that condensed the style of the coach aiming for a balance between ball possession and sharp attacks. It was a glimpse of the potential of "PITA Tokyo" and the bright future of the new blue and red.
<Match Preview>
It's time for the home opener.
Tokyo, who won 3 points from Yokohama FC in their first match, will face FC Machida Zelvia, who is also based in Tokyo, in their first match at Ajinomoto Stadium. The bitterness of the "season double" experienced in last season's match should be engraved in everyone involved with the blue and red. While accepting the current situation of both clubs, including Tokyo Verdy, who finished in 7th place without a win, we must aim for a victory in Machida with a one-game winning stance and definitely want to start with two consecutive wins.
The players also vividly remember the humiliation they experienced in last season's Machida match.
Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA said, "We cannot afford to lose to a club from the same Tokyo as our home town, and there is a reason why we must win this game. Last season, we were the lowest ranked team among the three Tokyo clubs, and we were humiliated by Machida. This game is important not only because it is our home opener, but also because we need to show our true feelings and win, regardless of the form or content." Masato MORISHIGE added, "We had a hard time winning at Ajinomoto Stadium last season. Moreover, our opponent for the home opener is Machida, who we lost to twice last season, so I think the players will naturally be motivated. We want to give our fans and supporters a victory on our home opener, and we know that we won't be satisfied unless we do so. We are determined to end with a win."
Machida, on the other hand, achieved a top finish in their first season in J1, thanks to their solid defense which had the least goals conceded in the league. They also secured a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite (2026-2027 season). In the opening match, they suffered a comeback defeat against Sanfrecce Hiroshima and were hit with the accident of multiple injuries to their newly acquired center-back during the game. For them, who aim to finish high with their big reinforcements, it is a crucial match where they must avoid consecutive losses. It seems that the battle for the ball will be the key.
On February 21st (Friday), the day before the Machida match, coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who always focuses on the upcoming game, promised a heartfelt game at the home opener while emphasizing the importance of remaining calm.
"Of course, it's not just the two teams from Tokyo that we will be facing, but I believe the fans and supporters will be very passionate. We need to feel that voltage and energy and as a team that values possession, we must surpass our opponents like Machida with our intensity and passion."
First, calmly assess your position and aim to dominate the pitch with superior predictions and energy. Keep your eyes and mind cool, but play with passion and intensity.
"Rikizo Tokyo" embodies the soccer that they aim for on the pitch, and the blue and red army will go to Ajinomoto Stadium to overcome last season's humiliation and grab their second consecutive victory in the opening game.
[Interview with Rikizo MATSUHASHI, Manager]
Q, By winning the first game of the league, we can welcome the home opener in a good flow. I think the expectations of the fans and supporters are also high.
A, I want to meet your expectations. In doing so, we need to grow as a team that can gradually gain trust. We had great support even away, so I think it will be even more exciting when we are at home. With your help, I hope we can aim for victory together.
Q, The maximum number of registered substitute members has also changed from this season.
A, there will be more options. I want to make good use of it because I can have plans for various situations. As a weakness of mine, the timing of substitutions is not good. My thoughts and feelings come out before tactical things. With the increase in the number of substitute members, I have been able to think about various scenarios within myself. By increasing the number of substitution cards on hand, I think it has become easier for me to make bold substitutions.
Q, there were no victories against teams based in Tokyo in last season's match results.
A, I often hear that story, but it's not just those two teams that are opponents. However, I understand that the battle is important. I want to firmly feel that heat and turn it into energy to fight. In order to win, we must surpass the opponent in various ways. I think we also need to surpass them in terms of energy and passion.
[Player Interview]
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA player＞
Q, please review the previous game.
A, Winning as a team is a positive thing and it was a game where we felt we could still grow. We want to continue to grow as a team while winning. Personally, I want to strive for quality in my plays on both offense and defense, and I also reaffirmed my desire to continue growing for the sake of the team.
Q, quick judgment of the game situation, and sometimes we could see decisive plays.
A, I was aware of playing simply using the width while managing the risk by judging the pitch condition and the situation at that time. It is not only about connecting the ball, and it is not only about using long balls. I think it is important to attack effectively and build up, so I want to continue to be aware of sending the ball to areas and spaces that the opponent dislikes.
Q, Did you feel any difficulty in controlling the defense while playing with the new system?
A, no matter what system or defensive formation, it is natural for the players on the pitch to take responsibility and play, and if each player has that base, the strength of the defense will naturally come out. However, since the number of players who can be placed in front of (our own) goal has increased, I also think that we have the strength to flexibly take care of the power and shaking that can be bounced back.
Q, the home opener is a match against FC Machida Zelvia. Please let us know if there are any points to be cautious of.
A, both in attack and defense, they give the impression of "thorough play". We need to be cautious of their hard work that is calculated from winning, such as winning the ball and recovering second balls. However, I don't think we have anything to fear. We want to express ourselves with "our own style" and play with all our might. I think the fans and supporters are also looking forward to this match and will support us with their passionate cheers. In order to live up to those expectations, not only tactically but also at times, we want to express bold plays. We will do our best to make sure everyone enjoys the match at Ajinomoto Stadium.
Kosuke SHIRAI
Q, Please review the Yokohama FC match.
In addition to playing the opening game away, the match was also difficult due to the condition of the ground. We were not able to play the football we wanted, but I think it is a positive thing that we were able to earn 3 points.
Q, it was your first time playing as a wing back. How was it for the full 90 minutes?
A, we still have a long way to go. As I mentioned earlier, there are also some conditional factors, but there are still many things that are lacking, so I think we will continue to improve from now on.
Q, The Yokohama FC match was also played with the same system as the opponent.
A, I was conscious of not conceding. When I looked back after the game, I realized that my positioning was too low, which led to us being pushed back. To be honest, it wasn't so much that I was consciously defending, but rather that I was forced to defend. When playing as a wing back, I should have been the one pushing forward. That is something I need to reflect on.
Q, we were able to turn a few chances into a victory. Please review the scoring scene.
A, that goal was not just a coincidence that I was the one who made the final finish, but it was a good goal that involved many players. I think it was a play that embodied the idea of poking around inside since Rikizo MATSUHASHI became the coach.
Q, Do you have any experience as a wing back before joining Tokyo? How do you plan to contribute that experience to the team?
A, I will try to give back what I can in terms of advice, but since it's been a while for me as well, I think it's important to first regain my sense. With my experience, I think I can fit in quickly. I hope I can show a different side of myself than as a side back.
Q, How was it this time when you scored a goal in last season's Albirex Niigata match and said you forgot how to perform because it was your first goal in a while, giving birth to "Choshirai"?
A, I think it was cool this time. I think I was able to perform properly. It was more like going to the goal behind with my emotions (laughs) rather than performing.
