<Review of the previous match against Cerezo Osaka>
Tokyo faced away against Cerezo Osaka with a new formation that starts Soma ANZAI as the left stopper in a three-back defense and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA as the left wing-back, switching from three to four at the back depending on the situation. Maki KITAHARA was named in the starting lineup for the league match for the first time.
The entire team tried to take fluid positions to launch attacks, but from the start, there were noticeable misalignments in the build-up, and just 6 minutes in, a mistake in the back line's organization was exploited, conceding an early opening goal.
After enduring multiple dangerous scenes in the early stages while conceding only one goal, the match shifted in the 17th minute of the first half when the first-time starter wearing number 53 made a move. Kitahara, who attacked from the left, passed the ball to the center, and Sato Yoshimasa, who tried to shoot after a one-touch move to evade the opposing defender, was fouled and earned a penalty kick. Sato calmly converted it, bringing Tokyo back to level terms in the match.
At the start of the second half with the tied score, player Tawara Tsukida advanced from the left and took a shot. Although it went wide to the right of the goal, they continued to show an aggressive attitude aiming to take the lead.
Tokyo, aiming to break the deadlock, brought on Marcelo RYAN in the 16th minute of the second half, who directed a powerful shot towards the goal. At the 21st minute, RYAN broke free with a vertical pass and showcased sharp and strong runs, dribbling past opponents with force. At the 37th minute, he won a challenge against an opposing player to earn a corner kick, demonstrating the excellent form he showed by scoring a hat-trick in the midweek RB Omiya Ardija match.
Simple mistakes were noticeable overall, and in the final stages of the match, C Osaka created several chances, but the goal was not conceded due to physical and committed play. The match ended in a 1-1 draw away, resulting in an 8-match winless streak in the league.
This Round's Preview
Four days since the last match. Facing Gamba Osaka in a Friday night game at Japan National Stadium.
Tokyo has not been able to secure a victory in the league after 8 matches so far. Recently, there have been scenes where goals were conceded due to simple mistakes or just before the end of the match. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also said, "There were some regrettable goals conceded. More than the content of the game, we need to focus on how to play with the mindset of winning. It is important to align our perspectives on methodology and tactics, but we must also coordinate on what to do practically during the game." He is trying to align perspectives on the challenges ahead.
One way to solve the challenges the team faces is to increase communication on the pitch. By accurately reading the development and aligning perspectives on how to fight, we want to take control of the flow of the game. Teppei OKA, who played in the center of the three-back in the previous match, talks about the importance of communication and his own determination.
"Regardless of professional experience or age, you have to actively raise your voice to demand from anyone, to energize the team, and to tighten discipline. I believe I am in such a position, so I must take the lead and show leadership not after the match or at halftime, but during the game itself. In soccer, it is important to draw the same picture together, and I think that can often be solved through communication. The 11 players on the field must constantly communicate, help each other, and fight while keeping eye contact."
In terms of aligning perspectives, the fact that we have started to bring out the best of Marcelo RYAN's strengths on the pitch is a significant positive factor. Even with somewhat rough passes, delivering the ball timely into the space ahead allows his powerful breakthroughs to shine. The goal rush against RB Omiya Ardija in the 2025 J.League YBC Levain Cup held the previous week, and the breakthrough from the right side in the second half of the last match against Cerezo Osaka, are exactly examples of his weapons being unleashed. Coach Matsuhashi also places trust in him, saying, "He truly has running ability and physical strength, and there are moments when he can firmly control the ball." He is a promising talent who can become a key point-getter for the blue and red. Continuing to take a fighting stance centered around him, aggressively attacking the goal, should become a threat to opponents. If winning, aim for additional goals; if tied, aim for the go-ahead goal; and if at a disadvantage, aim for a counterattack goal. As a team, by always maintaining a sense of "fear," we want to broaden our range of tactics.
Given that we are in the midst of a congested schedule, this round is also expected to be an all-out battle. Coach Matsuhashi stated, "We will carefully assess the timely conditions of each player and make solid decisions. On top of that, we will consider various factors such as the opponent's tactics, the balance of power, and the players' conditions as we plan."
G Osaka, currently in 12th place with 4 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses, has won all 4 matches in which they scored the first goal, while in matches where they conceded first, their record is 2 draws and 5 losses. Considering that Tokyo has 2 wins and 1 draw when scoring first, and 2 draws and 5 losses when conceding first, the importance of the opening goal will be even higher than usual in this game. G Osaka is known for their solid defense and a style of play focused on maintaining possession, so this match is expected to be a clash of contrasting styles.
And this week, the fighting spirit of a reliable man was injected into the struggling Red and Blue Army. Diego OLIVEIRA, who retired at the end of last season and returned to Brazil, visited the team. Making his first visit to Japan as the club ambassador, he strongly encouraged the team as they continued preparations for the G Osaka match. He also greeted everyone at the team meeting before practice on the 24th.
Diego Ambassador once again expressed his feelings for the club and fans during a press conference after the previous day's practice.
"Tokyo's current ranking is not appropriate. I believe there are tough times in football, but by producing results here, we can break out of our shell and achieve better performance. Everyone is working hard and practicing to win, and I was the same during my playing days. Even so, if the reality is that we can't win, then we have no choice but to keep trying. If it's not enough, we have to do even more. Fans and supporters are always cheering for us no matter what. Everyone's support truly empowers the players, and I am very grateful both during my playing days and now. I hope we can overcome these difficult times together with the team by combining our strength."
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, from here it will be consecutive matches.
A, while properly adjusting the condition, is maintaining good tension and positive challenges.
Q. Specifically, what kind of issues are considered good problems?
A, not everything goes well, and always thinking about how to prepare for the next match.
Q. Please tell us what you focused on with the players during this period.
A, reviewing the match is important, but continuing as a team is crucial. There were unnecessary goals conceded and regrettable goals allowed, but not everything about the game was bad. Rather than focusing on the details, we want to keep winning in mind and be conscious of how we play. Aligning our perspectives on methodology and tactics is important, but we must also coordinate on what to do during the actual game.
Q. Are the players' perspectives aligning more as the matches progress?
A, during training, eye contact is firmly established. From now on, we want to constantly pursue quality.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka.
A has solid defense, and the team is filled with talented members skilled at moving the ball. There are many moments that showcase the use of time and differences that leverage individual abilities.
[Player Interview]
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: The match against Cerezo Osaka ended in a draw, thanks in part to the hard work of the substitute players. Please tell us what is necessary to turn this into a win.
A, of course, increasing the number of chances is important, and finishing them properly is also crucial. Whether that's good or bad, I think it's important for each individual to return to their original mindset once again. Not losing in one-on-one situations, not allowing easy crosses, and on the offensive side, being more particular about each play. Rather than tactical mistakes, I want each player to thoroughly focus on avoiding technical errors.
Q. There have been many scenes where easy mistakes, which could be improved by individual awareness, have led to dangerous situations.
A, of course, when expressing football with this kind of challenge, mistakes are inevitable. For example, it is quite difficult to connect all passes cleanly from a goal kick and finish with a goal unless the quality is very high. Not everything has to be challenged head-on honestly; if there is a strong player upfront, sometimes it is fine to simply kick the ball. It is not that long balls are prohibited either. It depends on whether the players on the field can translate their judgment and the situation on the pitch into their play. Each player has their strengths, and if there is a player good at dribbling, teammates support to create zones where it is easier to take on opponents by dribbling. If there is a player good at breaking behind the defense, using long balls and space effectively leads to plays that bring out their strengths. We want to bring out each player's strengths as a team.
Q: The next league match will be the 300th appearance in the J1 League.
This is not a team record but a personal matter, so I will firmly accept what I have accumulated so far and continue to do my best.
Q. Diego OLIVEIRA visited Kodaira Ground as an ambassador. Did you receive any inspiration or power from this visit?
He is one of the players who has been active in Tokyo for a long time, and I was genuinely happy to see him again after a long time. Since he came all the way to Japan and will watch the two matches against Gamba Osaka and Shimizu S-Pulse, I want to deliver winning games against Diego as well.
<Teppei OKA>
Q. I think Teppei OKA is expected to make breakthrough plays and also lead as a defensive leader.
A. With Masato MORISHIGE off the starting lineup, someone has to take leadership and unite the team. This season, he has been consistently playing as one of the final line players, and even though it is only his second season with the team, regardless of that, I want to lead by demanding from anyone, raising the team's spirit, and tightening the atmosphere.
Q: To secure a victory in a difficult match, I think it is even more important for the players to share the same vision and communicate effectively.
A. I believe that soccer is often resolved through voice. It's not just one person, but all 11 players on the pitch who must constantly communicate and coordinate their play. We want to create a situation where there is no silent moment.
Q. Please tell us your impression of the opponent, Gamba Osaka.
A, we have players with height and strength, as well as players with speed, all lined up in the front line. If we defenders can firmly suppress the opponent's strengths, I believe the team will gain momentum. We want to carefully cover the opponent's key points by using anticipation. To avoid individual isolated plays, the entire team will focus on supporting and covering each other, and on coordinated play and support in every situation. Soccer is a team sport. We want to proceed with the match while helping each other.
Q: In terms of offense, players like Marcelo RYAN and Megumi Sato, who are known for their speed, are also lined up at the front. I believe that from here, the strength of player Oka, who can deliver balls to both the left and right with either foot, will also increase.
A, I think it’s about how I can make the most of my strengths while the team maintains possession as its style. While ensuring the team secures enough time on the ball, I want to strengthen my awareness of aligning my own characteristics with that. I also want to be mindful of using long balls that utilize the strengths of Lucas RIAN and Sato, and sometimes changing the flow of attack or the opponent’s focus with a single pass or a switch of play.
