<Sec. 15 - Review of the match against Yokohama F. Marinos>
The match held at Nissan Stadium was a game that absolutely could not be lost against Yokohama F.Marinos.
The first half ended scoreless at 0-0, and the game moved in the 6th minute of the decisive second half. Leon NOZAWA, who was starting his first J1 League match in his 4th professional season, made a big impact.
When Mitsuru SATO took the ball on the left side and made a move, Motoki NAGAKURA received it between the lines and faced forward. SATO, who overtook him, crossed the ball in front of the goal. Yuto NAGATOMO swung his left foot in the scramble, and Leon NOZAWA tenaciously pounced on the rebound and pushed it in. This goal, a perfect response to his selection, energized the team.
At the 23rd minute of the second half, Sei MUROYA surged up the left side and set up Sato for an additional goal. Furthermore, Nagakura, who made his first league start since transferring, combined with Sato in a one-two at the 40th minute, entered the penalty area, and finished the match with a skillful goal showcasing individual technique by pushing the ball in with the right toe.
On this day, the team maintained high concentration until the end and completely shut out Yokohama FM's attacking line as a team. Breaking out of a long tunnel, they secured their first win in six matches and moved up one place to 16th position.
Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, while relieved, said, "Our situation has not dramatically changed. Without letting our guard down, we want to carefully focus and build up what we can do in this short period, and use the confidence gained this time for the future," tightening his helmet strap anew.
This Round's Preview
This week, with only two days since the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, marks the last match for Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who is about to embark on a new journey. The guardian, who has prepared for his challenge in Europe after five and a half seasons as a professional, spoke about his decision as follows.
"I have always had the desire to fight in Tokyo and achieve something with this club. When the offer came from Europe, I took a lot of time to think about it. The decision at this timing was not easy, and in the end, I chose the option that excited me as a football player."
Since turning professional, he has faced himself daily and steadily honed his skills. Every year during the pre-season camp, the sight of him always staying behind until the very end to continue training is etched in our memory. As Taishi Nozawa heads toward his "last dance," he did not hold back words of gratitude to everyone he has been involved with so far.
"It wasn't just my own strength. I have simply been earnest and dedicated. I have given my all every single day. Looking back, I am truly full of gratitude. First and foremost, I want to win. I don't want to say goodbye after losing; I want us all to finish with smiles. I will show strength in front of the goal and secure victories. On top of that, I want to firmly express what I have within me."
Fully natural and true to themselves until the very end, they expressed these words looking ahead to the future.
"In a good way, I'm excited wondering how things will turn out. I'm not chasing a dream. It's not about whether it goes well or not, but rather the great anticipation of what will really happen. No matter what happens, I want to continue in a way that I can look back and feel it has ultimately led to my own growth, just like before. I haven't thought of any plan about how I want to proceed."
Yokohama FC, the final opponent, suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the previous match. They are expected to work on rebuilding their defense to establish a stronger defensive block. Given that they have a more favorable schedule with two days' rest compared to Tokyo, a battle that carefully addresses key points such as how to start the match will be required.
A bird leaves no stain as it flies away, departing with a victory.
We cannot afford to lose when sending off players who have grown from the blue and red. We will achieve consecutive wins and lift the guardian deity in the air in front of our fans and supporters.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. In the recent match against Yokohama F.Marinos, Motoki NAGAKURA's performance smoothly advanced the team's offensive play.
A, not only him but also Marcelo RYAN, their good plays create an advantage for the players positioned wide. Of course, I also believe that bold attacks breaking through the center, not just the sides, are sometimes important.
Q. In addition to good offense, if you also improve the ability to firmly maintain possession of the ball, will even better results be produced?
A. Increasing the time of ball possession expands attacking options, and that time creates good spacing and relationships. If you seek certainty rather than just quick touches, naturally, a certain number of players need to be involved in the play.
Q. Regarding Yokohama FC, whom you faced in the league opening match, what is your impression of them?
A, I think they are a team characterized by solid defense and attacks starting from the flanks. The key point is how to shut them down in those situations. Since they play with a five-back formation, it is necessary to determine how many players to keep back during the opponent's attacks and how much risk to take by committing players forward in attack. We want to exploit the opponent's weaknesses without missing any opportunities and break them down with clear attacking rhythm.
Q, We will face Yokohama FC just two days after the victory against Yokohama FM.
A, immediately after the match ended, I was happy about the long-awaited victory, but I quickly shifted my focus. We still have to continue fighting with a sense of tension. We will approach this week's match without letting our guard down. Although it was a tight schedule with only two days between games, the players have been sincerely committed to practice. I appreciate that attitude, and we definitely want to win and secure two consecutive victories.
[Player Interview]
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: It was my first start in a while in the match against Yokohama F.Marinos. Despite the recent streak of conceding goals, we finished the game without conceding any.
A, I approached the match focusing solely on steadily progressing through the game and securing a victory. I personally didn't think much about keeping a clean sheet. Looking back after the match, I realize that was the case, but during the game, I wasn't that conscious of it. Of course, I want to keep a clean sheet, but more than that, I often think about what I should do "to win the match." I believe it's important to manage the game to win over the full 90 minutes and to prepare for playing with high quality in every moment. Even if we concede a goal, we must not collapse. When the 90-minute match ends and the score is 0 goals conceded, I just think that’s a good result. I play with great care to maintain the flow necessary to win the match.
Q. After the victory against Yokohama FM, this match will be very important for climbing up the rankings in the future.
A, you might be feeling relieved after one win, but it means nothing unless we keep winning, so as a goalkeeper, I want to stand firm and block in front of the goal. I believe the best outcome is to do what I must properly and ultimately secure the "3 points".
Q. Since the matches are consecutive, it is expected that the lineup will change. Even if the players change, I believe we must win in the same way.
A, I honestly think it is quite a tough situation to have to play an away back-to-back schedule with only two days in between, followed by a match against Yokohama FC also with just two days' rest, especially in this heat. Therefore, I believe it will truly be an all-out battle. In that context, how we communicate and approach the match will be very important. It is crucial to play while covering for each other. Ultimately, if we can overcome the consecutive matches with consecutive wins, it will boost our confidence moving forward. The opponent did not have a match on Wednesday and should be fresh, but from the start of the game, we want to show them toughness and continue to fight with momentum. As a goalkeeper, I think I am the least affected by the consecutive matches among the players on the pitch. So, when everyone is going through tough times or difficult situations, I want to encourage them and, even if the opponent comes close to our goal, I want to cover with physical, committed play. And then, I want the whole team to celebrate the victory together.
Q, Tomorrow will be the last match at Ajinomoto Stadium before the transfer.
A, anyway, first of all, I want to win. Honestly, my current feeling is that I want to win and feel relieved. No matter the situation, I have always thought about what Tokyo can do to achieve victory. So, of course, I had personal emotions, but now I have truly focused only on what I can do for this club to keep winning. I want to think until the end about "what I can do for Tokyo" and express that awareness firmly through my play without changing it. It is because of the fans and supporters that this club exists, and Ajinomoto Stadium has such a wonderful atmosphere. Thanks to all of you, we can be players, so I want to express my gratitude through my play until the very end. I want to express my deepest gratitude on tomorrow's pitch to everyone who has helped me grow this far.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: You have gradually increased your playing time, and I think a full comeback is near. Please tell us your impressions after the recent matches.
A, I was able to make my official match return in the Emperor's Cup 2nd Round against Zweigen Kanazawa, and in the Gamba Osaka match, although it was irregular, I was allowed to play for a long time. In the recent match against Yokohama F.Marinos, while feeling the role of closing out the game in a winning situation, I also felt the high intensity of the J1 League and have gradually started to get used to the pace of play. The challenge going forward is whether I can adjust well. With each match, my own sense and sharpness have been improving. From here, I want to show play that can better demonstrate my strengths.
Q: With a tight schedule of just two days in between, we will be hosting Yokohama FC at home this round.
Above all, I believe the true value of the team is tested after a good match like the one against Yokohama FM, and this is an important game. Considering the current team's ranking, it is meaningless if we cannot win. It will be a tough series of matches, but we want to make it a game where we give everything we have.
Q. Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who has been competing and improving together, will leave the team after this match.
A and I played together from the academy and started our professional careers at the same time. He is also a friend I have spent a lot of time with. It is truly exciting that a player with such a relationship is going to play and transfer to Europe. Although we will be on different teams, I want us to continue to improve each other. I hope our team wins tomorrow's match to send him off properly.
