＜Previous Match: Verdy Review＞
"We were able to demonstrate the will and determination to build the future of Tokyo. I believe this victory belongs to everyone, including those who gave strength to the players and supported them."
As Rikizo MATSUHASHI passionately spoke at the post-match press conference, Ajinomoto Stadium on this day was filled with the pride and fighting spirit of blue and red. The pedestrian deck leading to the stadium was decorated in blue and red, and before kickoff, a fantastic light choreography was performed. The entire stadium was filled with the heat of striving for victory, and in response to that passion, the players fought hard on the pitch.
Although the beginning saw a period where we were overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum, we avoided the press by simply playing behind. Gradually, we gained control of the flow, increased possession, and ended the first half on a positive note.
Then, at the 15th minute of the second half, Marcelo RYAN headed Kim Sung-gyu's long kick towards the opponent's goal, and Motoki NAGAKURA broke through there. After confirming the position of the opposing goalkeeper, he scored the opening goal with a skillful shot from mid-range, using the outside of his left foot to send the ball over the goalkeeper's head. Ajinomoto Stadium was filled with great cheers.
They continued to show a passionate fight, completely shutting down the opponent with intense chasing from the front line and daring press backs. Supported by the chant from behind the goal, "We must not lose to Verdy," they achieved their first clean sheet in seven official matches.
This put an end to the streak of five consecutive draws in league matches. After the game, the blue-red family passionately sang the victorious “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” making it clear that Ajinomoto Stadium is the true home of the blue-red team.
This Round's Preview
The match, held after a four-day interval, is a rivalry showdown across the Tama River. This game is another must-win, but it is important to approach it with a mindset of winning each match without getting carried away by the victory against Verdy on Monday.
Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the manager, also said, "Winning and becoming united is important. The overall team's motivation and feelings are moving in a positive direction." He explained the team's situation as they head toward the next big match, saying, "There is not much lingering feeling, and the overall team atmosphere is showing a good mindset toward moving forward," continuing the good momentum.
Currently, we are on a 4-game losing streak against Kawasaki Frontale. Moreover, we have lost the last three matches with a score of 0-3 each time. Of course, past results do not affect this match's outcome, but the coach commented, "There is naturally a desire to either get the same score or to make up for it all at once, but more than that feeling, we want to firmly show our current condition first." Furthermore, he continued, "There will be times when we must fight patiently, and it is important to convert our chances into goals when we have the momentum," emphasizing the importance of seizing the flow of the game.
Kawasaki, currently in 7th place with 48 points, is holding on at the edge of the championship race, and their determination for this match must be strong. Moreover, their attack is in great form, having scored 16 goals in the last 5 official matches. Right winger Ito has scored in 6 consecutive official games, and Elison has netted 6 goals in 5 matches, showing impressive results. For Tokyo, not only will it be important to contain these key scorers, but also to figure out how to shut down conductors like Yamamoto and Wakisaka.
From good defense to good offense──. With Marcelo RYAN suspended due to accumulated warnings, what is necessary for Tokyo to bring out their own style while neutralizing Kawasaki's strengths? Coach Matsuhashi predicts, "There are plenty of situations where the balls we win lead to good attacks," and continues further.
"The opponent's characteristics lie not so much in intensity, but in timing, coordination, and relationships in both offense and defense. So, how do we surpass them? Do we outmatch them in intensity, or do we shake them repeatedly while firmly maintaining possession of the ball?"
To give meaning to the victory in the previous match, winning this match is crucial. The Tamagawa Clasico will be played away. To repay the "big debt" of recent years, we hope for a fierce battle.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. You won the previous match against Verdy, so you were able to start this week's training in good shape, weren't you?
A, the euphoria of victory ended in an instant, and the next day we switched our focus to the upcoming match against Kawasaki Frontale. The overall team atmosphere was the same, always looking forward and preparing for the next game. There are always things to do and areas to improve. Paying attention to both achievements and challenges, even in a short time, the players are able to coordinate with each other during training, which reflects their high level of awareness.
Q. Isn't there a lot to gain by moving forward while winning?
A, I believe there are various ways to connect, but it is extremely important for the team to unite through victory. I feel that the players' motivation, and consequently the entire team's motivation, is definitely moving in a positive direction toward the next match.
Q, It was the team's first victory with a clean sheet in a long time.
A, of course, there are still many challenges. There are always areas for improvement during matches, but it is precisely because we have been consciously working on the defensive aspects built up through training that we were able to finish the game without conceding any goals. Continuing this is not easy, but it is a part we must keep striving for.
Q. The opponent's midfield is filled with players who excel in the skills to control the game.
A, how to suppress, whether to suppress first, or suppress the passer, all are options we consider. Depending on the situation, it is also important to simultaneously limit the source and timing of the passes. However, the opponent is very skilled at exploiting gaps. They pass the ball through places you think it won't get through, and their quality of play afterward is also excellent. It is not easy to simply erase the opponent's strengths, but to make them even slightly unstable, we want to share this thoroughly as a team and express it in the match.
Q. In the recent Tamagawa Clasico, we are on a four-game losing streak.
Regarding the point about being on a losing streak, that is in the past and we are not particularly concerned about it. What matters is the present. Currently, both teams are facing each other in a condition that is by no means bad. Of course, we want to even the score or make a comeback decisively, but more importantly, it is crucial to fully demonstrate our current form on the pitch. There will be times when we have to fight patiently, and when it is our pace, it is important to surely convert that into goals or significant chances. It is not special just because the Tamagawa River separates us; rather, if we cannot beat Kawasaki, we cannot always stay on top. They are such an opponent and club. From the perspective of how we build our future, I consider this a very important match.
[Player Interview]
-- Please start by introducing yourselves.
Fan Welmeskelken Sai Player: I am Fan Welmeskelken Sai, number 31. As expected from the Tamagawa Clasico, we always get to play in a wonderful atmosphere. The team has been delivering results, and aiming for a 4-game winning streak, we want to unite as a team and secure a victory in this match as well.
Keita ENDO: I am Keita ENDO from FC Tokyo. In the recent Tamagawa Clasico, we were thoroughly defeated, so I will do my best to win this match.
――You seemed to be enjoying your conversation in the waiting room, but please tell us about your relationship.
Opportunity: I was approached by a team in Magdeburg, Germany, where player Tatsuya Ito used to play, and I participated in training for about two weeks. There happened to be a practice match scheduled, and I was asked to play in the game. When I joined, the opposing team included player Endo. It was an unexpected situation where two Japanese players faced each other on German soil.
Endo: We were matched up on the sides in terms of position, and Ito also played in that match.
Occasion: After the match, we had a meal together at a place like the cafeteria in Magdeburg with three Japanese players. Since then, we have become good friends.
Endo: At that time, it was special to be able to interact with Japanese players in Germany, and it is also very moving to be able to compete again in the J.League like this. In last season's Tamagawa Clasico, I matched up against Sai, and I felt it was fate. This season, with Ito also joining, I think it's very interesting that the three of us, who were close friends back then, can compete against each other in matches.
-- In last season's matchup, I heard that player Sai assisted in front of player Endo.
Endo: It was because I was too soft in closing down the ball (laughs). I felt that Sai's physical battles and challenges for the ball were unlike those of typical Japanese players. He has the strength gained from playing overseas, and his ball challenges are really strong, making it quite difficult to break through. We conceded from a wonderful cross, and from there the momentum turned against us, causing us to miss out on victory. This time, we want to make sure not to allow easy crosses.
-- What is your impression of Endo's play from Sai's perspective?
Regarding: Since the time we faced him in Germany, I felt he was a powerful player. Not only is he fast, but he also has a strong burst of speed that comes out in an instant, making it quite difficult to take the ball from him even when defending. He skillfully uses speed and changes of pace to attack, making him a very tough player to defend against. Throughout the season, he has truly been one of the most troublesome wingers. Although we did manage to win the match (laughs).
-- So, what are the key points to control the player when you allowed an assist in last season's match?
Endo: Last season, Sai played in a vertical relationship with Akihiro IENAGA, and I had the impression that there were many cases where IENAGA would create space while Sai advanced from behind. This time, if the combination changes, the response should also change. I think we need to respond flexibly during the match.
Regarding the Tamagawa Clasico, Kawasaki has continued to win matches 3-0 since last season.
Endo: Honestly, I can't just laugh it off. It's frustrating. The fans and supporters come to see us win, so I want to do my best to deliver a victory. While there is some regret, the sense of loss is greater, so I want to focus and compete on equal terms.
Match: Although we have won when looking only at the results, Tokyo also had chances in terms of content, and in every match there were moments where if they had scored, the momentum would have shifted. Soccer is a game where if you don't stay focused and fight for the full 90 minutes, the outcome can be completely different. Even if you are winning 3-0, if you become complacent, you can be caught off guard, so I think it is important for the whole team to tighten up and give it their all.
――Both of you are in your second year with the team, but please tell us your impressions of the Tamagawa Clasico.
Sai: The atmosphere of the stadium is wonderful, and in such an atmosphere, the players naturally get into the zone, so to speak, and can immerse themselves in the match, resulting in a high-quality game. We want to deliver a high-level match that everyone watching can enjoy. When actually standing on the pitch, the feeling of "I can't lose" is very strong. Especially if the opponent is a player I am familiar with, like Endo, I want to win even more.
Endo: We have a rivalry across the Tamagawa River, and I believe being able to play in such a wonderful atmosphere is the ultimate joy for a player. I feel the passionate atmosphere and am happy to be able to play on the pitch. The previous match was against Verdy, and this time, with the Tamagawa Clasico, I think it will be a game where we can feel a different level of intensity. It's an exciting match, and I believe the fans and supporters will come looking forward to it, so I hope we can put on a good game.
-- How do you want to contribute through your play in this Tamagawa Clasico?
Sai: As a defensive player, I want to secure a win with a clean sheet just like in the previous match. If we can keep a zero at the back, the forwards should be able to deliver results. On top of that, if there is a chance, I want to join the attack and support the offensive players, including Ito, to contribute to the victory. It would be ideal to record an assist this time as well, but above all, the most important thing is for the team to win and share the joy with our supporters. Even in this special match, the Tamagawa Clasico, I will approach it with the aim of making that happen.
Endo: In the recent Tamagawa Clasico, we haven't been able to score and have suffered three consecutive losses with a 0-3 scoreline. I believe that if we can score just one goal, the flow of the match will change, and as an attacker, I want to focus on scoring goals myself. If the game continues with a zero score, the team loses momentum and the atmosphere becomes one of "Are we going to lose like this?" I want to actively aim to score the opening goal.
-- Please say a few words to the fans and supporters, including the highlights, ahead of the Tamagawa Clasico on September 20.
Endo: The fans and supporters have seen us lose 0-3 repeatedly recently, but I believe they are coming to watch a match we will win this time. We will firmly respond to those expectations, hold on tightly, and do our best so that we can finish with a victory no matter what it takes.
Situation: The team's condition is good, and we are aiming for a fourth consecutive win. Looking ahead to the championship race, there is no room to lose any more matches. This is a special match, but we want to stay focused, secure the win, and take one more step forward toward the championship.
*Excerpt from the joint press conference held on September 17
