Review of the previous match against Verdy
In the first half, Tokyo built up play steadily from the final line while being cautious of the opponent's counterattacks. Right after the kickoff, Takahiro KO immediately regained possession of the ball lost at a high position. In this crucial match that cannot be lost, they displayed high concentration and a strong awareness of victory.
However, despite overwhelming possession, they were solidly defended with a five-back formation. In the 20th minute of the first half, while searching for a breakthrough, they conceded the opening goal from a corner kick after a single chance.
Although they were forced into an unexpected situation, Tokyo maintained a high line and began to vary their attacks with passes aimed behind the opponent from a compact formation. In the 23rd minute of the first half, they broke through the green defense with fluid passing from the right side. In the end, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's shot was slightly deflected by a fine save from the opposing goalkeeper, hitting the left post and not resulting in a goal, but it created a big chance with an attack typical of 'Chikara-zou Tokyo'.
In a fierce battle, Tokyo delivered a superb floating pass behind the final line in the 43rd minute of the first half by player Ko. Here, player Sato Keiun sharply broke through and scored to equalize. They successfully brought the match back to square one with a combination that could be described as 'aun no kokyuu'.
In the second half, the opponent suddenly applied high pressure, significantly changing the dynamics of the game. In the 7th minute of the second half, Henrique TREVISAN made a skillful tackle to win the ball from an opponent trying to break through behind him, and the loose ball went to Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. Taishi Brandon attempted to evade the approaching opponent with a cutback, but he was poked at the ball and lost the chance for a go-ahead goal.
Having saved the team from danger multiple times and showcasing a big save in this match, the guardian fought hard to support the team. In the 44th minute of the second half, Soma ANZAI's right cross was headed in by Henrique to equalize. The number 7, who was fired up to repay the debt after receiving a red card in the same match last season, recorded an assist that erased Taishi NOZAWA's mistake, bringing Tokyo back into the game at the last moment.
After that, they left the tall player Henrique up front to aim for a comeback, but they couldn't shake the goal net. Although they stopped the streak of four consecutive scoreless matches, they couldn't secure a victory against an opponent they desperately wanted to win against. The same matchup ended in a draw for the third consecutive time since last season, resulting in a frustrating outcome of five league matches without a win.
Match Preview
Five consecutive winless matches in the league. However, the team's diligent training is beginning to bear fruit, and the performance is definitely improving. The players' eye contact has improved, and the timing of their movements for passes and support has become more coordinated. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also stated, "Various elements are gradually starting to come together, and we are beginning to see good results from our continued efforts."
That is why we desperately want results. The team has broken through a tough situation of four consecutive matches without scoring, and although the last match ended in a draw, they marked two goals. In addition to the scoring scenes, they created chances with a passing style characteristic of 'Rikizo TOKYO' and showed a strong desire for victory with solid blocks and aggressive plays at the ball. After two consecutive matches that can be described as a 'battle of wills' since the Tamagawa Classico, we must approach this match without letting up, with the mindset that 'the enemy in front of us is the strongest enemy' (Coach Matsuhashi). One victory can change the momentum. We must ensure that this match against Fagiano Okayama becomes a pivotal game of the season.
Okayama, which has been promoted to the J1 League for the first time this season, is currently in 9th place with 3 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. In the previous match, they suffered their first multiple goals conceded this season against Cerezo Osaka, but they have boasted a solid defense with only 3 goals conceded in 7 matches prior to that. They have shown a brave fight in their first J1 League season with hard work and focused defense. For Tokyo, this will be a match against a promoted team, but they must not let their guard down and aim to surpass their opponent with determination and tactical insight to secure a victory away since Sec. 3.
In addition, Ryunosuke SATO, who is on loan from Tokyo, recorded his memorable first goal in the J1 League in the last match against C Osaka. He played as a right wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 formation, connecting a left cross with his right foot to shake the goal net. This season, he has also been continuously selected for the U-20 Japan national team, and during the March expedition to Spain, he achieved consecutive victories against the France and USA national teams of the same age group. SATO started in both matches, increasing his presence as a key player. He will not be able to participate in this match due to contractual reasons, but we also want to keep an eye on the blue-red warriors who are training hard.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: The first goal against Verdy encapsulated everything we have been working on so far. What are your thoughts on that?
A, I want to win, and while I have been thinking about what is necessary to win, the results have not been coming. Recently, I used the word "growth," and although it is gradual, various things are starting to come together in a good way. I believe this is the result of our continued efforts, and because we have been persistent, the players' perspectives have also aligned well, so the results are beginning to show. The opponents will also come up with countermeasures, so being adaptable with the next steps is important, and I think aligning our perspectives for that play is necessary as well. I want to approach both aspects firmly and create something better.
Q: I have the impression that I am gradually getting into the things I want to do.
A, during the match, there were some good moments here and there. Until now, there were places where I felt we were just one step away, but in the last match, I think we showed our form until the end. There were several instances of that, and we also created other chances. Focusing on individual players, as we continue, each person's awareness is changing more and more. I spoke with Keigo HIGASHI this morning, and he mentioned that compared to the match against Kawasaki Frontale, he had a higher awareness of getting involved in the attack during the match against Tokyo V. There are also areas where he feels he can add a bit more. When these things come together, I believe it will add more depth to our play.
Q: How do you feel about the match against Fagiano Okayama?
Although we are a team that has just been promoted to the J1 League, the team in front of us is always our strongest opponent. I want to maintain that perspective as we move forward. It's important not to become complacent just because we felt good about our last match; we need to continue to push ourselves repeatedly. In competition, it's crucial to be even 1mm or 1cm ahead of our opponents, to create more chances than them, and to score at least one more goal than they do. While competing, it's not just about the details, but also about having the fighting spirit and the desire to surpass our opponents. I want to express what we have built up with the mindset of taking on challenges.
[Player Interview]
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q: You played for about 30 minutes in the Verdy match. How do you feel about your performance as an individual?
The match against Tokyo V in the last round was special for both the club and the fans and supporters. I wanted to contribute to the team in that match, but it ended in a frustrating draw. In the next match, I want to bring home a victory. Personally, I was not in good condition and it was my first match in a while. When I entered the pitch, the team was losing 1-2, and I aimed to be a starting point for the attack, with the mindset of scoring to equalize and then take the lead. Although I couldn't directly contribute to a goal, I want to build on the fact that the team managed to equalize just before the end of the match.
Q, while leaving challenges in the area of "scoring ability," how do you want to integrate Marcelo RYAN's own characteristics with the team?
The league matches have started, and after playing several games, I believe the quality of our attack will continue to improve from here. I feel that the chances leading to goals are gradually increasing, and I am also enhancing my coordination with my teammates, fitting into the team tactics. I want to score for the team here and bring about a good flow. I believe that we will start to accumulate more wins from this point on.
Many voices are expressing期待 for Hian's first goal after joining.
A, I have a very strong desire to score in the upcoming matches and contribute to the team. However, I also believe that if I put too much pressure on myself, good results won't follow. I want to shake the goal net during crucial moments, increase my playing time from here on, and although I think it will be a tough match against Fagiano Okayama, I want to play for victory.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: How did you feel the passion of the fans and supporters on the pitch during the last match against Verdy?
It was an away game, but the atmosphere of the stadium and behind the goal was wonderful, and I think it was a match where we could fight together with passionate feelings.
Q: After a very frustrating match, how do you want to switch your mindset, player Taishi Nozawa?
A, mistakes and the accuracy of plays during the match are the criteria for evaluation, and if I cannot contribute to the team's results, I will not be evaluated. That is the world of professionals. As an individual, I am determined to contribute to the team at all times. If the team selects me as a starter in the future, I will do my utmost to meet those expectations. After the match against Tokyo V, I do not intend to make any significant changes, nor do I plan to play in a way that fears mistakes. I believe that doing my best in what I can do will lead to the next opportunity.
Q: There were also many big saves that saved us from numerous crises, not just in the match against Tokyo V.
A, there have been many mistakes during matches, both big and small, up until now. Still, I can only be grateful to the team for giving me the opportunity to play as a starter. It motivates me to push myself further and makes me want to play without regrets. Indeed, there were a few saves in the Tokyo V match, but the fact that I couldn't contribute is everything. I want to continue fighting with responsibility.
Q: Starting in April, we will have consecutive matches. I believe the overall strength and results of the team will be required.
To change the current flow as a team, we need a match that leads to a good opportunity. I believe that as a team, we can improve further from here. The next match against Fagiano Okayama is an important game to climb up the rankings. First, I want to focus on the upcoming match and ensure that we secure a victory as a team.
