Tokyo gained a definite sense of confidence from these two matches.
In Sec. 29 match against Verdy, Motoki NAGAKURA calmly assessed the situation when the opponent shifted their weight forward and scored with a long ball behind the defense. Although they did not dominate from the beginning, they seized the momentum with a timely strike and held on to the path to victory until the end.
In the following match against Kawasaki Frontale, Tokyo calmly moved the ball against the opponent's defensive block formation, shaking the opponent and finding space to build their attack. They thoroughly pursued their own objectives while neutralizing the opponent's strengths.
Keita ENDO's opening goal and the VAR support that led to its cancellation, the series of plays leading to Marcos Guilherme's goal can be said to reflect not just playing based on their own strengths, but also understanding Kawasaki's characteristics and tactical style and turning them to their advantage.
What is common throughout these two matches is that, after accepting the opponent's style of play, we brought the game into our own shape. Additionally, with calm actions and reactions to the phenomena occurring on the pitch, we are able to play with confidence. The winning streak is not a coincidence; rather, it can be said to be an inevitable result of what we have built up through hardship.
Confidence and Inevitability Brought by Consecutive Wins
Fast vertical attacks and wing plays that utilize the unique strengths of each player are Tokyo's traditional weapons, but by integrating a consciousness of "connecting," it has become possible to express a variety of styles depending on the situation.
In the match against Tokyo V, we applied pressure from the front, used long balls at the right moments, and sent the ball deep into the opponent's territory to break their momentum and make them follow our lead, thereby exhausting their stamina.
On the other hand, in the match against Kawasaki, the buildup from the defensive line, including the goalkeeper and defensive midfielders, drew the opponents in, and the players and ball skillfully interacted in the open spaces, progressing past the opponent's pressing lines one row at a time. Although the attacking styles differed in both matches, they shared the common point of being able to accurately choose how to organize the attack by reading the situation.
The words spoken by Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI at the post-match press conference, "Good offense leads to good defense," are proof of the team's desire to accelerate its progress. By developing tactical insight and experience to play while observing the opponent, a virtuous cycle between offense and defense is bound to emerge.
At the core of the virtuous cycle is the thorough fulfillment of individual roles and the link as an organization. In both offense and defense, the balance of the entire team has been achieved by the 11 players on the pitch each fulfilling their respective roles. Instead of relying on someone, everyone understands their own role and keeps running. Such a sense of unity is reflected on the pitch.
Towards the first 3 consecutive wins of this season
This week, we welcome Avispa Fukuoka to Ajinomoto Stadium. The direct confrontation with the opponent tied at 37 points is an important match in aiming for the top positions.
In the first half of the league match, we struggled against Fukuoka's solid defense and sharp counterattacks, conceding a goal from a corner kick during additional time. We were unable to bring out the team's strengths and suffered a 0-1 defeat.
Fukuoka is currently on a three-game losing streak in the league. In the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos, they adopted a four-back formation instead of the usual three-back system used this season, but they were unable to connect to a finish as intended from long balls and conceded two goals due to defensive lapses. Although they created several chances from side attacks late in the game, they could not score. They tried to find a breakthrough by changing the system, but it did not lead to the intended style of play.
However, they are by no means an opponent to be underestimated. Based on solid defense, their ability to capitalize on a single chance remains intact. Set plays initiated by precise set pieces from the renowned player, and the attacking sense of Matsuki, who leads the team with 5 goals, must be watched with utmost caution.
Starting with this match against Fukuoka, Tokyo will face consecutive matches against Yokohama FM and Shimizu S-Pulse, teams close in ranking. If they can steadily accumulate points here, it will not just be a winning streak but a stepping stone toward advancing to the top ranks.
After the match against Kawasaki, Coach Matsuhashi told the players, "(Depending on the second half's battle) we could have achieved a better score." Tokyo currently has an attitude of continuous growth without being satisfied. That is why the upcoming "three consecutive matches," which they have yet to reach this season, are extremely important at this timing. Accumulating 3 points will turn confidence into conviction.
To prove that this winning streak is not a coincidence but an inevitability, the match against Fukuoka with only two days in between is likely to be a battle that demonstrates Tokyo's overall strength and evolution.
