<Last Match Review: FC Machida Zelvia>
Home opener held at Ajinomoto Stadium. Tokyo, who won against Yokohama FC in the first section, faced FC Machida Zelvia, also based in Tokyo.
Tokyo, who started with a win in the previous round, aimed for consecutive victories with the same starting eleven. They searched for scoring opportunities through Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's bold dribbling, set plays, and building up by incorporating goalkeeper Taishi Brandon NOZAWA into the final line. In attack, they were unable to move the ball forward as they were pressed aggressively by the opponent. However, in defense, they showed a concentrated play centered around the final line and ended the first half. Both teams adopted the same system, resulting in a complete mirror game, and the second half began with a stalemate.
In the second half, as the same development continued, Tawarazumi Tada's initiative and Teruhito NAKAGAWA's through pass gradually made it possible to feel the possibility of a goal. While aiming to turn the situation around, including player substitutions, they showed a soccer that did not allow the opponent to move freely, but in the 37th minute of the second half, they were broken on the right side, and in a moment of vulnerability, they were pushed in the center and allowed a regrettable opening goal.
Tokyo, who tried to change the flow by sending in Kento HASHIMOTO, who made his first appearance after returning to the J-League, immediately after conceding a goal. However, in the end, the counterattack was not successful as Ewerton GAUDINO, who came on as a substitute, had his left-footed shot caught. In the game that they approached to avenge the bitterness they experienced last season, they once again ended up with a tough result.
<Match Preview>
The opponent in the home series that will be played in 3 days following the previous match is Nagoya Grampus, which has many members with connections to blue and red. For Tokyo, who has 1 win and 1 loss since the opening, the first priority is to win at home and take the lead with a victory.
The system that we have implemented this season has shown glimpses of potential with coordinated attacks in the first two matches, but we are still in the process of increasing our maturity to improve the reproducibility of attacking while maintaining possession of the ball. In order to utilize the speed of our front line and alternate between quick attacks, we also want to push forward without becoming too heavy in possession. And we want to create attacks that are calculated from the finish.
Kento HASHIMOTO, who made his first appearance after returning in the previous match, is expected to perform well in that sense. Not only with his aggressive pressing from the front line, but also with his ability to drive up from the bottom of the midfield, he was able to lead the entire team forward. Regardless of how he is utilized, he is likely to make his presence felt on both offense and defense with intentional plays once he steps onto the pitch.
Nagoya, on the other hand, lost 0-4 to Kawasaki Frontale in the opening match. They showed good form during the pre-season camp, but after conceding the first goal, they became discouraged and ended up giving away more goals. In the previous match, they drew 2-2 against last year's champions Vissel Kobe. Tokyo's "old friends" players, Tokumoto on the left side and Uchida on the right side, added an attacking accent and showed a rebound mentality to bring the match to a draw after initially falling behind.
One player that Tokyo should be wary of is Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who has been exciting the stadium since his time with the team. In the match against Kobe, he scored the opening goal with a powerful direct free kick and created numerous chances with his daring overlaps and accurate crosses. He also has a long throw in his arsenal, making him a player that Tokyo must absolutely take care of. This match will also be a reunion with some familiar faces, including coach Masaru HASEGAWA, player Hayato HASEGAWA, and goalkeeper Ko HASEGAWA, who came out of retirement to return to the team this season. It will also be a match against coach Toru HASEGAWA, who was a senior to coach MATSUHASHI during their time with the Nissan Motor Soccer Club.
Since the 2016 season, we have had a good compatibility of being undefeated at home against Nagoya in official matches, but past results don't matter once the game starts. First of all, we want to dominate the game with sharp eyes and minds, and with a strong focus on accurate decision-making, the ball and the goal, we want to achieve our first victory of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium.
[Interview with Rikizo MATSUHASHI, Manager]
Q, Please tell us your impression of this week's opponent, Nagoya Grampus.
A, it seems that they have been continuously building on their team's approach since last season. Of course, there have been changes in players, and I think the quality of each player is also high.
Q, Is Nagai's speed also one of the points to pay attention to?
A, There may be few players who can win if they try to win with speed alone, but it is important to focus on timing, 1 meter, and 1 centimeter positioning. We want to be aware of not letting the ball into the front line, including player Nagai, and not letting the ball be entrusted in a good state even if it enters, and prevent it beforehand.
Q, In the previous match against FC Machida Zelvia, the build-up was organized, but there were few chances that led to goals.
A, in the final third (the area closest to the opponent's goal when the field is divided into three parts), there are many players in Tokyo who excel at making plays by jumping out in front and making aggressive moves. Looking at things from a different perspective, I want to convey this to the players. In soccer, it's important to not only focus on your own team, but also keep the opponent in mind. In the first two games, the number of shots has been low, and even if the number increases, the quality and potential to score will be what is required next. We want to secure the "creation" aspect of our attacks while also connecting to shots. The boldness in front of the goal will also become important. Shots are what increase the chances of scoring. I want to further increase this awareness from here on out.
[Player Interview]
<Teppei OKA>
Q, in the previous match, you made a significant contribution to the team with a strong defensive performance.
A, it was a game where we were able to play with a sense of accomplishment if we exclude the scene where we conceded. We were able to play without losing our concentration and were able to respond alertly to each situation. On the other hand, we were not able to play dynamically as we were involved in the play in the front line less frequently. It is meaningless if we don't win at our home stadium, Ajinomoto Stadium, and we want to express our determination to win on the pitch.
Q, compared to the opening game, the build-up was smoother.
A, I was conscious of my position. After the Yokohama FC match, there were challenges in terms of team building, and I think other players were also very aware of receiving passes. The number of passing routes naturally increased from 1 to 2, and I think this will lead to the next step.
Q, In the match against FC Machida Zelvia, we were able to firmly suppress the opponent's strong points, but at the same time, we faced challenges in our attacking strength.
A, I didn't feel like we were being attacked on the defensive side, but on the offensive side, I didn't have the impression that we were jumping into the opponent's goal area or pushing for a long time. I want to be more conscious of increasing our play time in the enemy's territory and creating more plays that lead to shots from the next match. Another thing is that we couldn't take advantage of Marcelo Ryan's strengths. There were many scenes where we had to play post-play, and the pressure from the opponent's defense was also focused on Ryan. I think our attack will improve even more if we have passes that utilize his speed or supply to another space created by his runs.
<Ewerton Gaudino>
Q, please review the previous match.
A, The FC Machida Zelvia match was a loss for the team, but I don't think it was a pessimistic performance. It was a close game with few chances for both teams, and I personally wanted to score, including my own mid-range shot.
Q, I could see the strengths in short play times such as the kicker of set plays and the accent of attacks.
A, we have been able to continue good training since the Okinawa camp and our condition is also good. Although I started on the bench in the Machida game, both myself and the other players were ready to enter the pitch at any time in a good state. I want to contribute to the team with plays involving assists and goals, including set pieces.
Q, I think the number of times I play in a more offensive position has increased compared to last season.
A, My current position is very easy to play, and I think the distance between the side players and the forwards is important. When attacking, I want to aim for goals in various ways by combining with the players in the front line. There is also Marcelo RYAN in the forward position, and as a fellow Brazilian player, I think our strength is being able to communicate at a close distance, which other players do not have. I also understand his playing style, and I want to score goals through good cooperation.
Q, Nagoya Grampus will play on Wednesday, and Kashima Antlers on Saturday.
A, we want to overcome the consecutive games as a team and firmly accumulate 3 points. Personally, I am good at playing in consecutive games and my motivation is always high because I am always preparing for the game. I want to seize the opportunity to play and contribute to the team.
