＜Previous Match: Kashiwa Reysol Review＞
Aiming for the first 3 consecutive wins of the season, we went away to face Kashiwa Reysol. For player Kim Seung-gyu, who became a member of Tokyo in June, it was his debut match in blue and red against his former team.
Yokohama F.Marinos will express on the pitch the confidence gained from consecutive wins in the two-match series against Yokohama FC. From the start, they showed one-touch passing to evade the opponent's press, with long vertical passes from Sei MUROYA to the forwards, Kashif BANGNAGANDE joining the attack, and Leon NOZAWA delivering crosses for Teruhito NAKAGAWA to target with pinpoint headers, demonstrating proactive soccer. Defensively, they alternated between pressing from the front line and forming a solid block in the center to deny Kashiwa any freedom, supported by fine saves from Kim Seung-gyu, firmly protecting their goal.
The intense battle continues with neither side gaining the upper hand in the second half. Player Yoshifu's left foot demonstrates power during set plays and open play, creating good opportunities. However, they narrowly miss scoring by just a step. Then, in the 28th minute of the second half, after losing the ball while pressing forward, the defense is broken down by a side change, and a cross from the opponent's right side in their own half is met in the center, resulting in a goal conceded. They are caught off guard for a moment and concede the opening goal.
They continued to press forward, attempting a counterattack with shots from Motoki NAGAKURA, who had been functioning as the focal point of the offense since the first half, but the match ended 0-1. Despite putting pressure on Kashiwa, who are competing for the top spot, they suffered a defeat, narrowly missing out on points in a game that was evenly matched or better.
This Round's Preview
I still can't forget that frustration.
An away game at Saitama Stadium 2002, where we went in with two consecutive wins. Although we took the lead twice, we were caught up and ultimately conceded the final winning goal at the very end, overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum, resulting in a come-from-behind loss. Tokyo entered a tunnel of five winless matches starting with this defeat. It's a matter of 'what if,' but if we had secured a third consecutive win in that game, there was a good chance we could have fought while seeing a different outlook.
However, there is no point in being stuck in the past. We can only move forward with the frustration in our hearts. Above all, it is an undeniable fact that the current Blue-Red Army has evolved into a team that can show a different form from back then. Rather than aiming to take revenge for the last time, we want to showcase the new strength we have gained at Ajinomoto Stadium, excite the home Blue-Red family, and share the joy together.
Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach ahead of the match against Urawa Reds the next day, said, "Good attacks are increasing. Risk management is important, but to score goals, we have to take risks. Urawa's defense is very solid, so side attacks will be a major point. On that premise, spaces where we can show our strengths will be created, so by balancing left and right, I think we can gradually diminish the opponent's strengths." He pointed out the offense and defense on the sides as the key to the match.
The team faces Urawa just two days after the 3rd Round match against Oita Trinita in the 105th Emperor's Cup JFA All Japan Soccer Championship held away on Wednesday. Due to travel and recovery, the tactical focus was mainly on review work, but even so, they have established a base style of play that mixes short and long passes, switching between fast and slow attacks depending on the situation, and fiercely competing for the ball. From here, it will be about deciding which players to deploy and what strategies to employ based on the circumstances.
This week, Motoki NAGAKURA, who is on loan from Urawa, cannot play due to contract issues, but the style of the whole team working together with a fighting spirit remains unchanged. Coach Matsuhashi also said, "There are players who are performing well among those who have played so far. We are selecting players who can make the most of their strengths, so I have high expectations for them."
For Alexander SCHOLZ, who joined in June, this is a match against his old club where he spent three and a half seasons. With the current situation of increasing goals conceded from crosses, he is expected to become the new "blue-red wall," not only repelling Urawa's attacks but also contributing goals from set pieces.
This match is held as 'FIREWORKS NIGHT supported by Paidy', featuring flame effects on the pitch level of the back stand from around 18:50 during the player introductions until the players enter the field, and special effect fireworks and moving light performances from the roof during halftime.
A crucial match where we clash with the pride and passion of blue and red. This is an important game where we absolutely want to seize victory as we prepare for a summer comeback.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, The match against Urawa Reds comes after just two days of rest, so I think there are some difficult aspects including player selection.
A, it is not just about yesterday or today; as various matches are played, I always have the desire to show the best possible approach at that time according to mid- to long-term plans and the situation.
Q. What will be the key points in the match against Urawa, as it will be the first official game in a while?
A, in the last away match, we suffered a truly frustrating defeat. It's not just about the word 'revenge' or anything like that; we definitely want to firmly channel the frustration we felt into our performance at home, using the strength we currently have.
Q, Although the members are somewhat different at that time, please tell us your impression of Urawa.
A, while playing compact and tight defense, aims to score from counters by quickly attacking and entrusting the ball to the forward talents after winning possession. This approach is clearly visible in their style of play, but it is not the only aspect. Looking at each (Urawa) player individually, they are a team with very strong individual abilities, so we must remain vigilant. There are certainly team strategies they aim to execute, but I believe it is crucial to have the mindset to win in individual battles as well.
Q. Was there anything you emphasized to the players in a short period of time?
A, on both offense and defense, we have been doing some of our inside work style while playing matches, and good moments have gradually increased. There are also good aspects from the perspective of attacking even at some risk, and because of that balance, we can also express immediate recovery. Side attacks are one key point, and I believe that on that premise, spaces where we can show our strengths will be created.
Q: In the previous match, we conceded multiple goals due to miscommunication in dealing with cross balls.
As a key point, we have repeatedly trained to make sure we maintain eye contact. The opponent launches attacks starting from the sides, so the team's overall shape is somewhat easy to understand. Whether the attack comes from the left or right, maintaining proper balance is essential, and when the ball is switched to the opposite side, that side must also be conscious of maintaining balance. It's a very simple concept, but by staying aware of it throughout the full 90 minutes, I believe we can gradually diminish the opponent's strengths.
[Player Interview]
＜Alexander SCHOLZ＞
Q. You will be facing your former team. How do you feel about that?
Not only the club Urawa Reds, but I also have various memories with the players and staff belonging to it. This is my first time facing my former club in Japan, but I have experienced it in Denmark and Belgium as well. I consider it just a regular match.
Q. Please tell us your impression of Urawa Reds.
A, I have the impression that the team I know has not changed. The coach's style remains the same, forming a very compact formation, and since there are many players with high individual abilities, I can somewhat imagine what kind of game it will be.
Q. What do you think is the key to winning the match?
A, I think scoring the first goal is important. I expect the match will not have many goals, and as a defensive player, I hope it will be that kind of game. I believe set pieces and fine details will decide the outcome. Although we lost the first match of this season, from my experience, matches between Tokyo and Urawa are always intense, so there are many memorable games.
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q. How do you feel about your current condition?
A, we have the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round match against Oita Trinita on Wednesday, and soon after, we face the Urawa Reds match in a short period. Despite the tight schedule, we were able to approach training with a very good atmosphere, and our condition is well adjusted. Of course, we have thoroughly shared strategies for the Urawa match, and we have high motivation and good preparation to win.
Q. With Motoki NAGAKURA and other attackers performing well, how would you describe your motivation to score and aim for goals once again?
A. I believe that not only myself but all players want to start in the lineup and perform well in matches. In recent games, I have been starting on the bench, but I am playing with a strong determination to contribute to the team's victory. I just focus on playing and scoring with the awareness that it will lead to a win.
Q, Urawa Reds will also participate in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, and this match will be their first game after returning to the country.
Team A is a highly skilled team representing Asia in the Club World Cup, and there is no doubt about their individual abilities and overall team strength. I believe this match will also be very challenging, but we want to aggressively aim for victory.
Q. In the previous match, Marcelo RYAN also scored, but we suffered a frustrating come-from-behind loss.
A, unfortunately we lost the last away game, but there were many good aspects throughout the match. I think it was good that we took the lead, were caught up, but then scored the winning goal, and it wasn't a situation to be completely pessimistic about. We want to overcome that frustration by winning firmly in this round's match.
