<Match Review>
Tokyo is blue and red. Ajinomoto Stadium is our home.
As if to show it off, the path from the pedestrian deck to the stadium is paved in blue and red, and the stands are decorated with blue and red patterned choreography from the warm-up. Loud chants echo from behind the home goal.
"Fight, my Tokyo. Believe in victory today as well. Let's burst forth, Tobitakyu. There's no way we can lose."
The support system is fully prepared. The stadium is filled with passion. Now, all that remains is for the team to deliver results. Harnessing the energy of the blue and red family, turning it into positive power, and approaching each game with a determination to win. Tokyo welcomes back members who had been absent and players who were suspended in the previous match, aiming for 3 points with a deep roster.
A crucial game where we must win at all costs. The goalkeeper position was assigned to Kim Seung-gyu, who returned from the South Korean national team. The back line featured Yuto NAGATOMO, returning from the Japanese national team, on the right; Masato MORISHIGE and Alexander SCHOLZ as center backs; and Naruki Muroya, who made his return to the lineup after about a month, at left side back. In midfield, Takahiro KO, also returning, partnered with Kento HASHIMOTO. The attackers were Marcos Guilherme on the right and Keita Endo on the left. Up front, Motoki NAGAKURA and Marcelo Gian, who dyed his hair blonde, formed the two-top. Additionally, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who had been out for a long time, was on the bench for the first time in about five and a half months.
1st HALF—Endured early pressure and attacked but no goals. The match will be decided in the second half
In the coin toss, the choice was made to change ends, so Tokyo attacked towards the blue-red goal behind the stands from the first half. At the start, Verdy continuously pressed with set plays, and afterwards, Tokyo was pushed back by the opponent's sharp approach, making it difficult to leave their own half.
Facing a situation where they couldn't establish their shape in ground play, they attempted to push forward by supplying approximate balls ahead. In the 14th minute of the first half, player Nagakura kept possession, turned forward, and passed to the left. Here, player Endo cut inside and aimed a shot with his right foot. In the 16th minute, player Marcos received the ball on the right side, advanced, and sent a cross pass, which Endo again shot with his right foot. They created consecutive chances, gradually gaining momentum.
However, they struggled against opponents who applied aggressive pressing from the front, and in the 17th minute of the first half, there was a scene where a long shot was saved by hitting the crossbar.
Tokyo gradually began to gain possession by alternating between long balls and short passes, prompting Tokyo V to ease off their high press and switch to a mid-block defensive strategy around the 25th minute of the first half. This allowed Tokyo to further increase their possession rate and showcase a more robust attack, utilizing speed and breakthrough ability on both flanks.
However, the opponent also solidified the center and did not allow freedom, so although they advanced into the penalty area, they could not create a decisive scene. In the 37th minute of the first half, while moving around the outside looking for an attacking opportunity, player Morishige made a sharp pass diagonally to the right front. Player Nagatomo, who was overlapping, received it and crossed. However, this was blocked by the opponent and could not lead to a scoring chance.
The score remained unchanged during the 2 minutes of additional time in the first half. The outcome was left to be decided in the 45 minutes of the second half.
2nd HALF—Motoki's goal secures first home league win in 21 years
At the start of the second half, both teams launched fast-paced attacks. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Tokyo countered as player Marcos powerfully advanced down the right side into the opponent's territory, combining with player Nagakura to press forward, but they couldn't get a shot off. After that, they continued to connect passes mainly on the right side, showing a solid attack with overlaps from player Scholz, but they couldn't break through the opponent's 5-back defense and failed to create clear scoring chances.
And at 15 minutes into the second half, the score finally changes. The starting point was a long kick from Min Gyu JANG, who had repeatedly created chances since the first half. When Lukian contested the ball with a header from the back and flicked it forward, Nagakura broke through between the opposing center backs and, from mid-range, skillfully chipped the ball over the opposing goalkeeper's position with the outside of his left foot to score the opening goal. Ajinomoto Stadium was filled with roaring cheers, and the scoreboard in Tokyo displayed the number '1'.
Tokyo, wanting to further strengthen their attack, made substitutions immediately after at the 16th minute of the second half, replacing players Hian and Endo with Keito Sato as the left attacker and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA as one of the two forwards. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI took the initiative to energize the team.
Tokyo, advancing the match in the opponent's territory, at the 27th minute of the second half, connected from Marcos, who kept the ball on the left side, to Muroya, then made a sharp pass to Hashimoto, who entered the penalty area from the left. When number 18 dropped the ball, players Ogashiwa and Nagakura aimed for it. Although the timing overlapped and they couldn't take a decisive shot, it resulted in a powerful and good attack, including the advancing defensive midfielder.
They capitalized on limited chances to take the lead, entering a phase where the last 10 minutes would test their approach. At this point, Tokyo faced an accident. Substitute player Kogashiwa injured his right shoulder after contact with an opponent. Although it was the opposite side from the left shoulder he had previously injured during a long absence, as a precaution, he was substituted out for Leon NOZAWA. At the same time, Soma ANZAI was brought in as left side back. He replaced Muroya, who had been fighting intensely, and was entrusted with the role of closing out the match.
Tokyo wants to seize victory with passionate play. When Nagakura holds the ball with his body, Sato rushes in with a fierce press to save the team. The spirited play continues through the 6 minutes of added time in the second half. They repeatedly clear the opponent's set pieces at the near side, and at 45+7 minutes in the second half, there is a switch from Takashi to Kei KOIZUMI. Using the last substitution to manage the time, they tighten up the pitch.
From behind the goal, the chant "We can't lose to Verdy" echoed loudly. As if responding to that feeling, player Nagakura fiercely chased the opposing defender until the very end and made a sliding tackle to cut the ball. Amidst the roaring cheers, the final whistle blew. At the home Ajinomoto Stadium, united in blue and red, Tokyo secured a victory in this matchup for the first time since April 12, 2008.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING XI
GK Kim Seung-gyu
DF Muroya Naruki (39th minute 2nd half: Soma ANZAI) / Masato MORISHIGE / Yuto NAGATOMO / Alexander Scholz
MF Takahiro KO (45+7th minute 2nd half: Keisuke Koizumi) / Kento HASHIMOTO / Keita ENDO (16th minute 2nd half: Megumu Sato) / Marcos Guilherme
FW Marcelo Jean (16th minute 2nd half: Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA) (39th minute 2nd half: Leon NOZAWA) / Motoki NAGAKURA
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Teppei OKA/Kanta DOI
FW Ewerton Gaudino
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
15th minute of the second half: Motoki NAGAKURA
<Verdy>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Mateus
DF Kazuya MIYAHARA/Daiki FUKAZAWA/Hiroto TANIGUCHI
MF Tetsuyuki INAMI (19th minute second half: Kazusei KUMATORI)/Rei HIRAKAWA (45th minute second half: Soma SHOKUNO)/Koki MORITA/Yuta ARAI
FW Kosuke SAITO (19th minute second half: Yuya FUKUDA)/Itsuki SOMENO (30th minute second half: Shimon TERANUMA)/Shoji TOYAMA (30th minute second half: Yosuke UCHIDA)
SUBS
GK Yuya NAGASAWA
DF Kaito SUZUKI/Naoki HAYASHI
FW Hayato HIRAO
MANAGER
Hiroshi JOFUKU
GOAL
―
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: Please summarize the match.
A, I am truly very pleased that the players gave their all during both good and bad times in pursuit of victory, and that their efforts led to this win. At the same time, I believe this victory was made possible by the support and backing of our fans and supporters who always stand by us. Thank you very much.
Q, it was a match where both teams, including Verdy, were highly motivated, but I think Tokyo showed a fighting spirit that surpassed their opponent. I believe that was the key to today's victory. What are your thoughts on this, coach?
A, as you mentioned, I believe they approached the match with the unique passion and spirit that only a game against Tokyo V can bring, and naturally, the opponents also responded with equal determination. However, in the end, we managed to surpass them by a single goal, and securing that result is extremely valuable. While not everything in our style of play went exactly as planned, the unique intensity of this match and the moments where a calmer approach might have allowed us to perform better are still challenges we need to address. That said, considering the opponent's situation, effectively using both short and long passes, exploiting the spaces in between, or taking advantage of the space behind the opponents were all intentional strategies that led to our goal.
Q. In the early stages, when the opponent pushed forward, it seemed like player Kim Seung-gyu deliberately slowed down the game by holding the ball for a long time or passing it around at the back. Was there any particular strategy behind that?
A, no, I did not give such instructions, but we have been discussing which areas to use while carefully observing how the opponent will come at us, so I think they made good decisions on their own. However, I feel there were parts where we relied too much on that approach. The flow of the game has good periods, but there were also moments when we lost the ball carelessly or attacked sloppily, immediately giving the ball to the opponent and allowing them to press us. We need to correct that as well. This is a challenge in how we create the flow of the game.
Q. The goal scene was a beautiful and technical loop shot using the outside of Motoki NAGAKURA's left foot. The coach has been watching him all along and I believe he fully understands that he possesses such skills. Please give your evaluation of him.
First of all, I think it is truly wonderful that we were able to score solidly in this big game and lead the team to victory. The goal was born from the relationship between goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, who made the decision in the previous scene, and Marcelo RYAN, who was involved there. It was not just about breaking down the opponent or skillfully exploiting the space between the lines, but also about taking advantage of situations where the opponent was slightly stretched out or using those gaps effectively. Therefore, I believe it was a very excellent goal.
Q, You made a double substitution immediately after scoring, but I believe the substitutions were originally planned for a 0-0 situation. As a result, the substitutions happened after taking the lead by one goal. Did you change your approach at that point?
It was one of the game plans, but after scoring, I talked a little with the coach about whether to make a substitution or not. Even so, in the sense of going for an additional goal, I brought Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA on, hoping to effectively use the ball with him and the relationship there. He is a player who is good at dribbling between the lines and breaking through with the connection between the two players. The opposing defensive midfielders seemed to be showing signs of fatigue and their movement was getting worse, appearing exhausted. If we could take the initiative there, there would be another chance for an additional goal. So, the substitution was about how to get the second goal.
Q. Since it was a match against Tokyo V, there were scenes where the referee called fouls on some contact plays to prevent the players from getting too heated, and as a result, the game was interrupted at times. Is this kind of flow a difficult aspect for the coach?
Regarding the referee's decisions, I respect the referee, and while I don't agree with everything, I think it's important to respect that. What I think is that we want to avoid the additional time getting longer and longer. If it becomes too long, it gives the opponent more time, and we ourselves have to fight for an even longer period while already being tired. Even if the pace is good, there is a possibility that the final one chance could go to the opponent, so we must aim to minimize that and always keep the in-play time as long as possible.
Q, Please give a message to the fans and supporters who cheered us on in the hot weather during today's match.
A, honestly, I believe today's victory would not have been possible without them, and I think they are always backing us up as the true representation of "Tokyo." What I conveyed to the players today is that this is not just a battle of history and pride, but a fight for the future. When considering who we can entrust Tokyo's future to, it is us. I believe today we were able to show everyone supporting us the will and determination to build Tokyo's future, and the players responded to that. And including those who gave strength to the players and backed them up, I believe this is a victory for everyone.
[Player Interview]
<Motoki NAGAKURA>
Q. After the match, please tell us your honest impressions.
A, it's the best.
Q. How was the atmosphere at Ajinomoto Stadium after your first match against Verdy as a Tokyo player?
A, there was a different atmosphere than usual in the match. Not only for ourselves, but we also felt the fans and supporters' sentiment of "We can't lose to Verdy," which was more intense than usual.
Q, That was a splendid goal. How do you feel looking back on it?
A, I saw the goalkeeper coming forward, so I instinctively decided to shoot over him. Based on the ball's position and my running position, I aimed with my left foot.
Q. What kind of adjustments were instructed during halftime?
A,In the first half, the opponent's defense was solid, so we discussed using the space behind their defense more. In the second half, we increased the number of runs behind the defense and targeted the open spaces.
Q, an incredible cheer erupted at the moment of the goal.
A,I was happy. However, since the opponent had changed sides of the court, I felt frustrated that it wasn't in front of our fans and supporters. On the other hand, scoring in front of the opponent's fans and supporters was also, in its own way, a good thing. Since it was a goal scored when it was unclear which way the momentum would go, I was happy.
Q. Please tell us your honest feelings about winning the match.
A, I knew it had always been a draw, and I believe we fought with a sense of responsibility. Matches like this are enjoyable, I'm happy to win, and I want to play more. I think the next 'Tamagawa Clasico' will also create a good atmosphere, so I want to win.
<Player Kim Seung-gyu>
Q, This is your first clean sheet since joining. How do you feel looking back on the match?
A, of course, we aim for a clean sheet in every match, and it was unfortunate that we couldn't achieve that until now, but it was very good to achieve a clean sheet in today's match against Verdy.
Q. Today, it seemed that long balls from player Sungyu were effective. What were you thinking about while playing?
A. Since the opposing forwards applied pressure from the front and the defenders had height, I discussed with Yuto NAGATOMO before the match that if there was any open space, we would effectively use the area behind the opponents. Coach Matsuhashi also mentioned that while circulating the ball, we should always aim for the space behind, so I kept that firmly in mind while playing.
Q. How did you hear the cheers from the fans and supporters?
A, you gave us loud cheers from the warm-up. Throughout the match, we could always hear the strong support from the fans and supporters behind us, which was very encouraging. We are grateful.
Q, from here we have consecutive matches. How will you prepare for them?
A, Since all teams face consecutive matches, the situation is the same for everyone. I believe the team that can prepare better will win, so to steadily accumulate points, we want to continue making good preparations and playing good matches.
<Takahiro KO>
Q. Please reflect on today's match, which had a unique tension.
A. The passionate feelings of the fans and supporters created the best atmosphere and air inside the stadium. The players also felt a different kind of tension than usual. First of all, above all, it was really great that we were able to secure the win. I think it turned out to be a good game.
Q. Against opponents who firmly set up a defensive block, it seemed that you thoroughly focused on calmly circulating and controlling the ball.
A, the start was negative, giving the opponent consecutive free kicks, but as the match progressed, the pressing play gradually increased. However, I think it would have been better if the team could have expressed plays aiming behind the opponent or plays aware of the opposite side a bit more while pressing. Regarding the goal, it was scored from a simple situation, but the opponent was solidly defending with five players, and overall, I personally felt that there was a lack of coordinated plays involving middle-range shots or the third and fourth players.
Q. Even in a situation where the team is pushing forward, I think Takahashi's positioning, conscious of risk management, maintained the balance.
A. Regarding the opponent's counterattacks and the positioning of their forwards, I was constantly communicating with players Scholz and Morishige. I believe we were able to create a situation where the opponent could hardly play as they liked. Through the voices from the defense and from us in midfield, we coordinated well to prevent the opponent from scoring on a single counterattack, and even in attacking scenes, I feel we managed risk properly and took good care of it.
Q. This victory in the league match was the first win in about 6,300 days. How do you want to build on this victory in the remaining 9 matches?
A, I myself was in poor condition and was just eager to get on the field and play as soon as possible. I am only thinking about winning all the remaining matches. I am most happy that we were able to respond to the feelings of the fans and supporters with a victory in today's match against Verdy, and considering our current ranking, I am only thinking about aiming higher even a little. To make this win meaningful, I will just prepare well for the next match against Kawasaki Frontale.
