＜Previous Match: Avispa Fukuoka Review＞
Neutralizing the opponent's strengths and showcasing our own qualities, we tenaciously secured the 3 points──. The previous match against Avispa Fukuoka at Ajinomoto Stadium was exactly such a scenario.
A game following consecutive wins in must-win matches against Verdy and Kawasaki Frontale. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI changed 8 players in the starting lineup, aiming for the first 3 consecutive wins of the season with a fresh lineup.
Before the match, it was expected that Fukuoka would play challenging soccer from the front line, but once the game started, the opponent did not push forward as much as anticipated. Fukuoka closed the center, cutting off Tokyo's vertical passes from the back line and defensive midfield. The players on the pitch decided there was no need to take unnecessary risks and carefully observed the opponent's moves while probing for attacking opportunities.
The attack bore fruit in the 41st minute of the first half. Soma ANZAI took control of the ball with his left foot from a high position on the right side and delivered a cross. Marcelo RYAN met the softly arcing ball firmly with his head and scored a goal aimed at the right corner. Tokyo succeeded in scoring the opening goal for the third consecutive match.
In the first half's additional time, Wellington from Fukuoka received a second warning and was sent off. Tokyo, leading by one goal and with a numerical advantage, reached halftime. In the second half, they effectively used time while neutralizing the opponent's strengths to close out the match. Although there were moments late in the game when Fukuoka's power play put pressure on them, the players on the pitch adapted flexibly and achieved their third consecutive clean sheet, brilliantly securing their first three-game winning streak of the season.
This Round's Preview
The phrase "three consecutive league wins and three consecutive clean sheets" tends to be highlighted, but the commanders and players involved show no signs of getting carried away. Rather, there is even a sense that they are more determined than usual to stay focused as they approach this matchweek.
"Rikizo Tokyo" has started to show flexible soccer that adapts to the opponent's approach. The style they have been working on since the pre-season camp has firmly taken root, and the team-building aimed at maintaining quality soccer regardless of who plays is beginning to bear fruit.
In the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, the starting lineup was changed with 8 players due to a tight schedule with only two days in between. There is a saying in the football world, "Don't change a winning team," but coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI says, "On the contrary, I believe that changing the team when it is doing well can create something even better. Changing the team because of a loss is not positive. By continuously making changes while winning, competition and a sense of responsibility arise. New players coming in will also have the desire not to lose when they play, and the more this spreads, the more the team's depth will increase." He explains his philosophy.
Stay true to your original intention. Thoroughness in ordinary tasks. The team image envisioned before the season opener is gradually taking shape. Even if the results do not match expectations, the unwavering effort has led to a flexible approach and a deep player roster, resulting in three consecutive wins.
Yokohama F.Marinos, on the other hand, currently stand 17th with 7 wins, 7 draws, and 17 losses, totaling 28 points. They have yet to secure a victory since the season opener and are in the midst of a relegation battle. Among the "Original 10" clubs (the 10 clubs that joined when the J.League started), only Kashima Antlers and Yokohama F.Marinos have never experienced relegation to J2 League. It is easy to predict that they will approach the final stages of the season with the mission to survive at all costs. Therefore, their determination for this matchweek is undoubtedly strong. This attitude is also reflected in their current aggressive pressing style of play.
Tokyo has gained confidence and composure by achieving results, and has become able to produce outcomes while carefully assessing the flow of the game. However, this is just the stage where continuity is finally starting to bear fruit. That is why it is crucial not to lose sight of the basics. Entering the match with a strong focus and dominating the battle against the opponent will be the foundation.
And one more important point. While watching the flow of the game, how to score additional goals. After all, a one-goal lead can easily lead to an "accident." If you can manage risks properly and score goals to close the game while reading the development, you will become even more skillful in managing matches.
Winning streaks are not something to be counted, but merely the result of accumulating victories earned. Truly, each match must be won. With confidence and a sense of accomplishment, the Blue-Red Army sets out to prove their progress on the battlefield.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, This will be the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, coming off 3 consecutive wins.
A, we believe the team atmosphere is very good, but we discussed in the meeting that we must never become complacent. We must make steady progress. To use a mountain climbing analogy, just as you must descend after reaching the summit, we talked about firmly planting our feet on the ground and preparing for the next battle from there.
Right now, where we place our focus is a very important point. With this three-game winning streak, we have established a good momentum to some extent, but whether we think about "creating a gap with the lower-ranked teams" or "getting closer to the top teams," this difference in mindset makes a huge difference. We have always tried to maintain the perspective of how to climb higher. Of course, it would be a lie to say we had no awareness of the lower-ranked teams at all, but it is precisely because the players have kept their eyes on the top that we have these current results. To aim even higher, we want to thoroughly instill in the team the attitude of always aiming high, never looking back, and moving forward.
Q. In the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, there were many instances of game management and play according to the situation.
A, one factor was that the opponent was down a player early in the match, but in the early stages of the game, the agreed plan of who marks whom and how to move according to the rehearsal was working. Even when reviewing the footage, Fukuoka is a very challenging team, so being able to contain their pressure was the result of us properly executing what we needed to do.
Q. Please tell us your impression of Yokohama FM.
A, there are parts that have gradually powered up, and they also have an aspect of fighting in a very clear-cut manner. Therefore, I feel that the threat in their attack is somewhat different in color from the Yokohama FM we have seen so far. However, if we take the initiative, lead the match, and control it, I believe we can respond adequately. Not only tactically, but also in fully bringing out our strengths such as intensity, they are a very good opponent. Also, since they set up with a very high defensive line, if we can effectively exploit the space behind it, I think we will see a chance to win.
Q. I believe that the fact we are getting results even while rotating players is a result of the team's overall strength improving.
A, I believe there are various perspectives. From a player's point of view, it is natural to want to be selected when in good form and to continue being used if they produce results, and this certainly contributes to team stability. However, I think that changing members precisely when the team is in good condition can create something even better. I wouldn't call this a philosophy derived from my past experiences, but it is one way of thinking. Changing members because the team lost does not create a good cycle. Rather, by making changes when the team is winning, healthy competition and a sense of responsibility arise within the team, and the players who newly participate develop a strong desire not to lose the matches they play in. Beyond these psychological effects, the more this policy permeates the team, the deeper the player pool becomes. As a result, I believe the team grows into one that can win no matter who plays. Of course, I also understand the team-building approach of fixing members to maintain stability and clarify roles. However, I believe that introducing changes brings positive energy to the team in various ways.
[Player Interview]
＜Sei MUROYA＞
Q. Please tell us the reason why you have kept a clean sheet in the last three matches.
A, I feel that the biggest factor is that the entire team is able to play with confidence. Especially in defensive situations, each player takes responsibility and fulfills their role, which I believe leads to the results.
Q. It seems that there are more players who can play with their heads up.
A, it is proof that each player can express the play they envision, and I believe that continuing to win exactly refers to this kind of state. The team has a good atmosphere, is confident, and has started to create their own time during matches. Of course, we want to maintain this good condition, but at the same time, we understand that a slight lapse in concentration could worsen the situation. The coach often says this as well, but precisely because it is a good period, I strongly feel that it is important to stay grounded and continue playing steadily.
Q. In the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, the game took an unusual turn as the opponent had a player sent off early in the match.
A, the opponent had been defending solidly from the start of the match, and with a player sent off, they fell back even more to defend. However, in terms of taking control of the pace ourselves and managing the game, I think this was a performance unlike any we have had in the league so far. Ideally, it is best to dominate the match to that extent, and I honestly did not feel like we would concede a goal. Moving forward, we want to continue taking the initiative and increase our ideas for attacking the goal. As we increase the time we keep possession, the fullbacks will find it easier to take higher positions, so we want to increase their contributions in attack as well.
Q. The next opponent, Yokohama F.Marinos, will probably play a high line.
A, as an offensive team, I think the space behind naturally opens up, and the entire team needs to constantly target that space. Since the opponent is also fighting to avoid relegation, it is expected that they will fight desperately. Against such an opponent, the key to victory is not to be passive but to play boldly and confidently. When we last played against Yokohama FM, I recorded an assist, and I want to increase plays like that even more.
In the last three matches, we have kept a clean sheet, but we are not solely focused on winning without conceding goals. Rather, we believe we are a team capable of scoring more goals. Although we have won three consecutive matches 1-0, that is not the entirety of the football we aim to play. If the game turns into an open exchange of goals, we have the strength to face it head-on. We want to deliver exciting football for the spectators.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q. What do you think is the reason for the consecutive matches without conceding a goal?
A, I think the main factor is maintaining high concentration throughout the 90 minutes. Additionally, there have been fewer mistakes. Since there used to be many mistakes leading to conceding goals, I believe this has been improving.
Q. I believe becoming a team that can score a second goal will lead to further growth for the team.
A, mentally speaking, of course we want to score a second goal, but it might be that maintaining a 1-0 lead allows for higher concentration. We won't know until the actual situation arises, but since the club has a vision of "one more goal," we want to pursue going for the second and third goals. Personally, one goal is not enough, and I will greedily aim for additional goals.
Q, It will be a match against Yokohama F.Marinos.
A, as a Tokyo player, I just need to do what I must to win. I also think it's important to show my presence to Yokohama FM. Looking at the current standings, I believe the opponent will approach with the mindset of a challenger, but our position is still one where we can't afford to let our guard down. It would be no good to get carried away here. I think it is important to keep our feet firmly on the ground and focus on extending our winning streak, as this is a crucial process for steadily growing and moving forward step by step.
Q. I think Teruhito NAKAGAWA shines the most in situations against teams that play a high defensive line.
A, like me, we have players who excel at getting behind the defense, such as Marcelo RYAN and Yoshimasa Sato, so I believe that will be a key point. While aiming to get behind the defense, I want to firmly control the ball, actively participate in building up the play, and aim to score.
