<Last Match Review: Nagoya Grampus>
Tokyo secured their first home victory of the season with three brilliant goals scored from a fast counterattack.
Tokyo, which replaced five starters including three players from the front line since the last match, saw solid results from the players who were selected.
First, in the 31st minute of the first half, Kei KOIZUMI made a sharp start in the midfield and took the ball, then Kosuke SHIRAI dribbled through the center. From there, he passed to the left side, where first-time starter Kei KOIZUMI crossed it back and finally, Keita YAMASHITA, also starting for the first time this season, finished it off. In his fourth season since transferring, YAMASHITA scored his first goal in blue and red, giving Tokyo the lead.
In the 14th minute of the second half, Ewerton Gaudino made a powerful breakthrough on the right side and supplied a cross ball. Although it was initially repelled, Sato skillfully used his heel to touch the ball and add another point as it bounced off an opponent player in front of the goal.
Afterwards, although one point was returned, in the closing moments of the game, Teruhito NAKAGAWA took a shot from Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's dribble breakthrough. Soma ANZAI pushed in the rebounded ball that was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper, sealing the game with a third goal.
Nagoya Grampus, who had been trying to shut down Tokyo's possession with a man-marking approach, was able to secure a victory by unleashing sharp attacks while denying them the ball.
<Match Preview>
Tokyo, who successfully secured two wins and one loss from the opening, will face Kashima Antlers in an away game this round.
Tokyo has been aiming to take control of the game while increasing their ball possession rate. Although there is still room for improvement, they have shown their ability to launch sharp attacks according to the flow of the game, as seen in their previous match against Nagoya Grampus. They have also been able to demonstrate their attacking "fear" by pulling off victories. In order to further develop their new style of possession football, they want to continue challenging themselves and achieving results one by one.
Kawasaki Frontale, who has won the league title four times, has a new coach this season, Toru ONIKI, who is aiming for the league title with the strong duo of new signings Leo CEARA and Matsuki. On the other hand, Kashima has also won two out of three games since the start of the season. Another highlight is the reunion with former teammate Araki for Tokyo. His fantastic plays that can change the game in an instant are well known by Tokyo players, so containing his strengths will be key to winning.
The three teams that Tokyo has faced since the opening have all adopted a 3-back formation, often resembling a mirror game. In this round, facing a team with a 4-back formation for the first time, we are also interested in seeing what kind of soccer "Rikizo Tokyo" will show.
As for Tokyo, we want to start with a victory at the away game against Kashima, which we are not good at, and join the fight for the top. Our determination to win every game remains the same, but this will be a game where we want to firmly grasp the victory on enemy territory.
[Interview with Rikizo MATSUHASHI, Manager]
Q, Are there any points you want to improve on from the previous match as you prepare for the Kashima Antlers game?
A, I want to be able to control the ball a little more in the attacking area. Of course, there are times when we strategically let the opponent have the ball. However, we have been gradually able to take the initiative and progress the game on our own, so I believe that by improving the accuracy there, we can create even more chances. The goal against Nagoya Grampus was fantastic. I want to use the courage and confidence gained from that goal in the Kashima Antlers match.
Q, in the past few games, the opponent's defense line has been three people, but tomorrow it is expected to be four people.
A, we will respond according to the situation. Even if we think it's good, we have to adapt and respond if it's being handled differently. We always have to think about being able to do both. We don't know when we will try, but we will do it while considering the situation. The 4-4-2 position is a system that Kashima has traditionally adopted even before I came to Tokyo, so I'm not too worried. However, I think we need to carefully observe whether everyone can react in a different moment.
Q, Although we have conceded some goals in the past few games, we have managed to keep them to a minimum. Can you tell us about the confidence in our defense?
A, I think there is a sense of stability in defense. In addition, there are many players who do not create gaps even when looking at individual talents, and have a strictness towards defense. There are some errors in that, but by firmly crushing them and clarifying roles, we will improve. When we can connect that to sharp counters or move the ball forward without putting in a lot of effort by taking advantage of the opponent's gaps, I think the strength of our defense will shine even more.
After 3 games, you mentioned that there are still challenges in the attack, but you have obtained 2 wins, 1 loss, and 6 points.
A, of course I want to say it's great and I want to think that way, but I don't think anyone on this team has that feeling. We really needed to win three in a row. There were enough points to win against FC Machida Zelvia. We can't look back, so it's important to focus on the remaining games and accumulate points. It's important to carry the victory from the previous match into the next match against Kashima.
[Player Interview]
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q, who do you think is the most hungry for goals? How is your current condition and motivation?
A, first and foremost, the team's victory is the greatest happiness. Of course, I have the desire to score my first goal after joining Tokyo, but I believe that if we can improve our teamwork through daily training, the goals will naturally come. The top priority is the team's victory. If I can contribute to the team's victory by scoring, I will be even happier.
Q, Do you have a sense that the team's cooperation and the strengths of your teammates have become clearer through the game?
A, We value our daily training. We are able to confirm our coordination and play with players who play close to the front line. We want to communicate more to improve what we are not able to do, so that we can naturally express ourselves in official matches.
Q, as the league becomes a series of consecutive games, it will require the full effort of the team. How do you want to contribute to the team and help them achieve consecutive victories?
As a forward, it is important to contribute with goals, but I also want to help the team by filling in the spaces left by my teammates when defending and taking care of the opponent's attacks from the front line.
Q, On a side note, there were also voices saying that the way Soma ANZAI celebrated after scoring a goal in the Nagoya Grampus match was cute.
A, there was such a reaction, right? I have seen a video summarizing the joy after scoring even when I was with Sagan Tosu and Yokohama FC. It makes me extremely happy when my teammate scores a goal that leads to victory, and it is a natural reaction to express that joy by raising both hands high. For example, even if I didn't score any goals myself when the team won by a large margin, I think I would still express my emotions by showing the same joy as I did at that time.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q, started the season on the left side and also scored a goal.
It was a game on the left side while there were many plays on the right side, but it is one of the positions that I have been working on since last season, and I think I was able to play while communicating well with players such as Teppei OKA and Taira SHIGE who have been playing in nearby positions. I think being able to play in either position is my strength, and I had a good feeling of being able to play smoothly from the start of the game.
Q, I think it was a game where the opponent's wing back participated in the attack frequently and defensive strength was also required.
It was a game where we were helped by Taishi Brandon NOZAWA's saves many times, but I think we were able to defend solidly without losing concentration until the end. On the other hand, we were not able to defend in a way that would push back from ourselves. Throughout the 90 minutes, we want to improve by raising the defensive position a little higher.
Q, What kind of game do you want to have against Kashima Antlers, who will be playing in consecutive games?
A, it is the opponent's home, so I think it will be a difficult match. If we lose in the basics of ball control and fighting against the opponent, I think we will easily be swallowed up by their atmosphere. We want to show that we can surpass the opponent from the basics and end the consecutive matches in a good way.
