<Review of the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale>
The early stages were fantastic. Multiple passing lanes were created both near and far to the ball, pushing the opponent back with rhythmic one-touch passes and precise movement adjustments. Centered around Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who played as the left inside half, several scoring opportunities were created, increasing the time spent in the opponent's half.
However, as time passed without converting the scoring opportunities, the attack gradually lost its momentum. The match developed into a possession battle between Kawasaki Frontale, who originally aimed for possession football, and Tokyo, who connected the ball from the back line, using the sides to take control and cross the halfway line, but they reached halftime without being able to create variations or consistency in entering the attacking third.
At the start of the second half, Soma ANZAI from the left and Kosuke SHIRAI from the right created chances with crosses from both wings, but they couldn't score. In the 10th minute of the second half, they were caught off guard in front of the goal and conceded a goal. Then, in the 28th minute of the second half, they were broken down on the left side and allowed an additional goal. As the match approached its final stages, in the 38th minute of the second half, a misalignment in the high line build-up led to a counterattack, resulting in a decisive third goal being conceded.
In the end, we were unable to shake the goal net until the last moment, suffering a 0-3 defeat at home. This resulted in a frustrating third consecutive loss to Kawasaki with the same score.
Match Preview
This is a match that we absolutely cannot lose, no, we must absolutely win.
Last season, in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, which was a matchup after 16 seasons, there were two draws. In the away match, Soma ANZAI received a red card in the first half, putting the team at a numerical disadvantage, but they managed to come back from a two-goal deficit to secure a draw. The return match at home ended in a scoreless draw after enduring a tough situation. Currently, there is also the humiliation of not having won against a club based in Tokyo since last season.
The team is currently on a streak of four consecutive matches without scoring in the league, remaining winless in four games. With two wins, one draw, and four losses, they have dropped to 15th place. Although the performance has been unstable with fluctuations, they are undoubtedly able to create chances. Takahiro KO stated after the match against Kawasaki, "The start of the game was good, but what I felt after 90 minutes was a lack of strength. That's what it comes down to. However, we cannot falter here. Everyone must continue with a strong will to break through and score goals. We need to further enhance our reproducibility, accuracy, and quality."
If we were to point out something on the pitch, it would be whether we can play by calculating backwards from the goal rather than just breaking down the opponent. Strong actions create the next options and possibilities. Since we are capable of organized build-up, we want to show a strong desire for victory and scoring while incorporating a sense of 'fear' with assertiveness, aligning our focus to initiate aggressive football.
Win every match. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who continues to value the upcoming match in front of him, understands the importance of this round while maintaining his composure.
"I believe that by winning, we can involve many people and it can be a significant game that leads to the next step. While we have built a solid organization, in the end, it comes down to one-on-one situations and duels. I think it's important to truly fight with determination and come out on top. It's not a priority to break down the opponent, but we must ensure we take our chances and get to shooting. After the last match, when we were sent off from the stadium, we received such loud cheers from the fans and supporters that their feelings were conveyed to us. It really gave us strength, and I am filled with the desire to deliver a win quickly and share the joy together."
The players have a strong desire for the match against Verdy. In the last match, seven players from the academy started, and four more were on the bench. Given the intense awareness of this opponent since their developmental years, there is no way they wouldn't be fired up in this situation.
In the last few matches, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA has been involved in many scoring opportunities and said, "We can only keep going. The next match will be a battle we absolutely cannot lose, so I want to focus on the results and prepare thoroughly. I have been competing since my academy days, and I have heard the cheers from the fans and supporters, so my determination not to lose is very strong."
We have no choice but to overcome this difficult situation ourselves. One goal, one victory should change the momentum. To turn what we have built up into confidence, this match against Tokyo V will be the perfect stage.
Unleash your passion. Seize it.
If you believe in yourself, victory will follow.
Let's show our strength.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: Regarding defense in front of the goal, what kind of preparations have you made in this short period of time?
Regarding organized play, the players feel diligent and capable. Although we allowed the opponent to score while having numbers in front of the goal, we want to continue striving for improvement. In today's practice, I encouraged them to organize their thoughts rather than just focusing on movement. While we are building systematically, I strongly emphasized the importance of one-on-one situations and the final duels. I conveyed the message to maintain high awareness and to fight in the next match as well.
Q: Please let us know if you have communicated anything about breaking down the opponent's defense in front of the goal.
A, I narrowed down the points and conveyed the focus of the attack. I established a single standard and organized it so that secondary and tertiary actions could be initiated against it. The players' reactions to that focus were very good, and I believe it is about how the players can make judgments when their shapes, patterns, and perspectives align. To get to the shot, I want to emphasize 'striking in the chance scene' rather than 'breaking down.'
Q, a match against Verdy is approaching.
I want to be mindful not to get too caught up in the surrounding circumstances and atmosphere, but I believe that by winning this match, we can move on to the next step, involving not just ourselves but many others as well. This is a very significant match. While how we fight is important, I think it is crucial to first surpass in terms of our mindset.
[Player Interview]
<Kento HASHIMOTO>
Q, we are preparing for the match against Verdy.
A, I'm excited. This is my first time, but looking back on my academy days, the most passionate moment was the match against Tokyo V. I still remember that feeling. It's an exciting match. (Tokyo V's coach Jofuku) is a very passionate person and a coach I have a strong connection with. He was the coach who nurtured me when I was young, so I want to show my growth on the pitch.
Q: In the last match against Kawasaki Frontale, it felt like we dominated the game, but there were few plays that led to shots.
The coach mentioned that our play and decision-making in the attacking third are areas for improvement, and we focused on this as a team after the match against Kawasaki. There was an emphasis on this in our meetings, and I want to express it clearly. However, it also depends on the opponent, and I think the content will change accordingly. Building up from the back requires creativity based on the opponent and the situation. The choices and options in our play have been increasing with each match, so I want to connect this to good attacks.
Q: As a team, how much do you feel you have grown in playing according to the situation and the opponent?
A lot of challenges arise as we play more matches. Conversations and communication among players, such as "It was like this at that time" and "We want to do this," are coming up. I believe we are gradually improving. To add depth to our attack, participation from the second and third lines is essential. If we can push into the opponent's territory and play soccer within their area, I think I will have more opportunities to get in front of the goal.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: In the recent matches, we have been able to bring the ball to the front of the goal, but we continue to be in a situation where we cannot take a shot.
In the match against Kawasaki Frontale, we were able to attack in the early stages of the game. This season, even when we had time to push forward, we had few shots, so I thought I would try to give the team some momentum in the match against Kawasaki by taking a shot after a dribble. As a team, it's not good to be too fixated on breaking through, and I believe that if various players head towards the goal and we can continue to take many shots, it will be easier to seize the flow of the game. Personally, I have been able to take shots, but finishing them is the current challenge, and I am working on it in practice. I want to steadily improve my finishing ability.
Q: Player Tawaramizuki has been going through a tough time without being able to score.
I believe that scoring goals is the best way to contribute to the team, so I want to aim for goals. However, just like in defense, I think it's important to first do the basics well and play in a way that can influence the team's flow. I want to communicate well with the forwards, choose the best plays, and contribute to the team's victory.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for tomorrow's match.
A, since it is a match against Verdy, we absolutely cannot lose. I feel the same way, but the players from the academy have that feeling particularly strongly. We cannot lose any match, but for this match, I want to play with everything on the line just to win, regardless of the content.
