＜Previous Match: Shonan Bellmare Review＞
A promising start, followed by an ideal scenario of scoring an additional goal early in the second half.
The first goal was scored by the new ace wearing number 26. In the 6th minute of the first half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA delivered a direct free kick from the right side into the penalty area with his right foot. After the ball was deflected by the opponent, Kashif BANGNAGANDE struck it with his left foot, and Henrique TREVISAN headed it down. Motoki NAGAKURA aimed at the ball and firmly connected with a direct right-footed shot, driving it into the goal and exciting the many Aoaka family members who had gathered away from home. After that, the team continued to play aggressively both offensively and defensively, taking control and heading into halftime with a one-goal lead.
In a situation where an early additional goal was desired, Tokyo experienced joy early in the second half as well. In the 7th minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was fouled inside the area, earning a penalty kick opportunity, which Alexander SCHOLZ calmly converted with his right foot for an additional goal. They succeeded in extending their lead by catching Shonan off guard as they launched a counterattack.
However, from here, there was a period where Shonan's momentum was overwhelming. In the 22nd minute of the second half, they scored by pushing in a rebound from a middle-distance shot to make it 1-1, and just before the end of the match, a painful goal from a corner kick leveled the score at 2-2. Despite creating multiple big chances on counterattacks in the second half, they failed to score, and at the crucial moment, the net was shaken, resulting in a missed victory right before their eyes.
This Round's Preview
A crushing 0-3 defeat in the previous away match. It was a situation where boos could have easily echoed throughout the stadium. However, what came from behind the goal was a passionate chant conveying unwavering support and solidarity. The message to the players, who stood still in front of the stands listening intently, continued even after the Blue-Red Eleven returned to the locker room. It was an important moment that will remain in the memories of the club, the team, and the Blue-Red fans and supporters for a long time.
This will be a game we absolutely want to win, no, must win. The team has used the frustration experienced in away Kyoto as motivation, and with system changes and the dynamism of new players, they have rapidly improved their form and achieved results since the break. However, after lacking finishing ability and losing in the match against Kashima Antlers two rounds ago, they also missed victory in the previous round against Shonan Bellmare due to both a lack of finishing ability and conceding a goal just before the end of the match.
The content is undoubtedly improving, but we must face the current situation where we cannot maintain a winning streak. While accepting the reasons for not being able to secure victories, it is necessary to move forward without dwelling on them.
Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach, who is preparing for the home match against Kyoto SANGA S F.C. the next day, said, "The Shonan match was a game where we should have taken 3 points, but it ended up as 1. There are inevitably some negative aspects, but that is also our reality. We must firmly accept it and express what we have learned. Our mindset for each match is to be positive, confident, and aggressive in attack," looking forward.
The previous match held at the end of May saw us trying to target the space behind with long balls to avoid the opponent's press, but there were increasing cases of simply kicking the ball vertically, and we were pushed back by the opponent's intense pressing, failing to create attacking opportunities. Under pressure during build-up, we lost the ball on the last line and conceded goals, resulting in a complete defeat where only the opponent's strengths stood out. In this match as well, how we handle Kyoto's high press and transition to attack will be the key point.
"I know the opponent will come with pressure," says defensive midfielder Kei KOIZUMI. He talks about the strategy and mindset for the match against Kyoto.
"If we lose the battle for the second ball, the game itself will really slip away from us like in the last match (against Shonan). Both as a team and individually, we need to be fully aware and focused on this. If we can recover the ball there, short counters are Tokyo's weapon, and whether to attack by connecting passes or not should be judged appropriately based on the situation. It's necessary not only to break free individually but also for teammates to connect well and maintain good spacing."
Control the ball in close quarters and strike the opponent's vital points. If the opponent presses forward, aim accurately for the space behind. We must also battle the harsh conditions of heat and humidity,
That is also part of the determination. Kashif BANGNAGANDE said, "I think the chance will come from recovering the second ball and aiming for a short counterattack. The battle for the ball is the decisive moment. The key will be to see it through to the end even in the heat. I want to stay aware of those points until the final whistle blows," as he identifies the key points of the match.
In retrospect, the frustration from the away match against Kyoto brought the team together as one and became the trigger for steady progress. The passion of the Blue-Red family is surely being conveyed to the team. Taking into account the result of the Shonan match, Yuto NAGATOMO speaks passionately.
"I think booing there was an option, but the fact that the fans and supporters encouraged us while feeling the same pain really resonated with the players, including myself. However, if we don't repay that with results, it would be a betrayal. The only way to repay them is by delivering results."
The moment that changed the team, to respond to that passion──.
What is required of the Red and Blue Army is only to sound the final whistle that brings smiles to Ajinomoto Stadium.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. You had your birthday yesterday; what kind of year do you want to have?
A, what I am telling everyone is that I want to become a person who can be helpful to others. I believe that growth in that area and depth as a person will further develop my current position. First and foremost, rather than just as a coach, I want to continue striving to grow as a human being.
Q, This week is the match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. We had frustrating experiences in the matches against Kashima Antlers and Shonan Bellmare.
A, in terms of the flow of the match, it is true that this was a game where we had to take 3 points but ended up with only 1 point. However, the content was such that we felt we managed to get 1 point. This is our current state, and while we must firmly accept that, we also need to clearly express in this round what we can learn from the match and not repeat mistakes that only become clear after the game.
Q. What is your impression of Kyoto at the moment?
A, rather than 'having momentum,' what you feel this season from Kyoto is the maturity of the team. You can sense the high quality of what they are trying to do. This is clearly reflected in their scoring ability, and I truly think they are a wonderful team.
They aim for goals by using simple plays to supply the ball to the front line and attacks that effectively utilize height, involving multiple players as starting points. The quality of their attacks, coordination, reactions to loose balls and second balls, as well as second actions, all contribute to their sharp offensive moves. However, after gaining possession, the space in front of us is very vast. It is necessary to make good use of that space.
[Player Interview]
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q. As your opportunities to participate in official matches have increased, please tell us about the current sense of achievement and challenges you feel.
A, it has been about a month and a half since I started playing in matches, and I can see both areas where I feel confident and challenges. In the recent Shonan Bellmare match, I was able to contribute to the team's opening goal with plays involving the quality of crosses and the strength of kicks, and I am gradually gaining confidence. On the other hand, I have also found many issues, such as dealing with crosses in defense and approaching the ball side. Overall physical condition, as shown by GPS data, is improving, so I am working on further enhancing my condition while addressing new challenges that arise during matches one by one.
Q. It is a tough battle during the summer, but how would you like to improve the way you close out matches?
A, I believe that even a slight lapse can determine the outcome of a match. In the recent game against Shonan, we conceded a goal in the last play, showing how such brief moments of inattention can directly lead to conceding goals and affect the result. Paying close attention to the finer details and continuing to work hard until the very end will become even more important in the battles during the summer. Kyoto SANGA F.C., our opponent this week, is a wonderful team known for their hard work, but we are by no means inferior in that regard and have players who surpass Kyoto. The condition of summer heat is the same for both teams, and if we can maintain our concentration and outperform the opponent, I believe we can naturally control the pace of the game. Continuing to work hard until the end is a crucial point in the match.
Q. Kyoto is a team that excels in long balls and wing attacks, with a very high scoring rate from crosses.A. The team is made up of players who can work hard, with fullbacks actively participating in attacks, and the front three have players capable of breaking through individually. We have also reviewed match footage and noted that many goals originate from crosses from the wings, which is a key point to watch out for. However, since the opposing fullbacks push forward aggressively, space opens up behind them. If our defense coordinates well to handle crosses and exploits that space to launch counters, chances will naturally arise. First, in defensive situations, we want to outwork the opponent with high intensity and create opportunities for ourselves.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q. I think tight defense is required against Kyoto SANGA F.C., whose strength lies in attacks utilizing long balls.
A, first of all, I think it is important to prevent them from easily kicking the ball and to apply defensive pressure from the front. Even if they do manage to kick, it is crucial to increase the recovery rate of second balls and to react as quickly as possible to loose balls. We want to stay fully focused and be thorough both as a team and individually. I believe Kyoto is especially conscious of maintaining high play intensity and fighting for the full 90 minutes, and we want to surpass them in that aspect. By doing so, the rhythm and control of the game will naturally tilt in our favor. If we lose in fundamental play, the match will end up like the previous one. We want to give our all physically until the very end.
Q. I think recovering the second ball is a key point to suppress the opponent's strengths.
If we get outmatched by the opponent in that situation, as in the previous match, they will take control of the entire flow of the game. Rather than just recovering and ending there, we want to launch our strength, the short counterattack, against opponents who are leaning forward. However, the judgment and situational assessment of whether to launch a short counterattack or to calm things down first must be done quickly and accurately.
Q. In the previous match, we also struggled against Kyoto's high press.
A, first of all, I think it is about the awareness and precision to break free in individual situations. Especially the fullbacks and defensive midfielders need to raise their awareness and play accordingly. In situations where individual efforts alone are not enough, players need to maintain proper spacing and play in a well-linked manner. We know Kyoto will apply high pressure, so if teammates are fully aware of connecting their plays, I believe we can move the ball effectively.
The key is not to be passive in both offense and defense. This match is our home game, and if the 11 players on the pitch can play freely in a positive way, I believe the strengths of both the team and individuals will shine even more.
