＜Previous Match Yokohama F.Marinos Game Review＞
The match was approached in a situation of three consecutive wins with three consecutive clean sheets. The coach and players unanimously said, "We want to focus on the match in front of us," and, as in the winning streak, they emphasized flexible responses. However, they were overwhelmed by the opponent who aggressively pressed from the beginning and could not demonstrate their strengths as they wished.
Before the match, we devised a strategy to increase ball possession while simply targeting the space behind, but with the opponent solidifying the center and increased pressure on the passing outlets, not only did build-up become difficult in the first half, but there were also extended periods where we couldn't supply good long balls.
It seemed that the first goal was conceded in the first half's additional time, but with VAR support, it was judged offside and no goal was given. The first half ended scoreless.
In the second half, an unexpected turn awaited Tokyo. Although they showed aggressive play at the start, they conceded the first goal from a cross ball in the 6th minute of the second half, and then conceded again in similar fashion in the 14th and 17th minutes. Perhaps unsettled by conceding goals after a long time, they allowed 3 goals in just 11 minutes.
Tokyo, determined to show their spirit to the fans and supporters who continue to cheer passionately, made a move. In the 44th minute of the second half, Keita YAMASHITA broke free on a feed from Alexander SCHOLZ and took a shot. Sei MUROYA followed up on the rebound, and finally Takahiro KO scored, igniting a counterattack. Furthermore, in the additional time of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was fouled while dribbling and earned a penalty kick. SCHOLZ calmly converted it, finally closing the gap to one goal.
After that, the blue and red launched a fierce attack, but the match ended here. Although they scored two goals after being down 0-3, it was not enough, and both their winning streak and clean sheet streak stopped at three. It was a frustrating defeat at home.
This Round's Preview
The winning streak and clean sheet streak both stopped at three, marking a restart in Sec. 33 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Shimizu S-Pulse. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, after conceding three goals in 11 minutes in the previous match against Yokohama F. Marinos, focused training on defensive measures for this match.
In the three consecutive 1-0 shutout victories against Verdy, Kawasaki Frontale, and Avispa Fukuoka, the solid defensive efforts in front of the goal and timely decision-making stood out. Even during difficult periods, by enduring firmly and drawing the momentum, the team was able to tenaciously pull the victory closer.
However, in the previous match, the team conceded goals for the first time in a while, which had an impact. The inability to attack as planned also worked against them, and they quickly conceded multiple goals from crosses in a similar manner. Coach Matsuhashi reflects on this period.
"Regarding the conceded goals, I felt that the overall alertness and concentration to tighten up once were lacking. When things didn't go well in the attack as rehearsed, the part about how to change our approach next, including my encouragement, was somewhat lacking. It was a game where we couldn't fully exert our power and energy."
This season, it can be said that the team once again exposed issues in dealing with crosses, which had been a defensive challenge. Since the team has been able to score goals, it is important to focus firmly on these issues and address them to increase the chances of victory.
Guardian Kim Seung-gyu said, "(In the previous match) all the goals conceded were from crosses. Since Shimizu also relies heavily on wing attacks, the defense discussed the height and positioning of the back line and was able to prepare thoroughly." He spoke about the points to be corrected to address the issues.
Shimizu, on the other hand, is tied with Tokyo at 40 points so far, standing 11th with 10 wins, 10 draws, and 12 losses. In the previous round, they suffered a painful late comeback defeat against Vissel Kobe, but until then, they had shown good form with five unbeaten league matches and three consecutive clean sheets. The team situation is very similar to Tokyo's, and this game will be a restart for them as well, aiming to climb up the rankings.
Including that position, Coach Matsuhashi said, "(With Shimizu) we have the same points, so the question is who will rise above here. We have to be greedy for that, and if we consider that in the previous match against Yokohama FM they were hungrier for points, then this time the key will be who can hold that feeling stronger. The hungrier person has a better chance of winning. First, I think it's about truly giving your all with what you currently have," he spoke about the nuances of the competition.
The players share the same feelings. Masato MORISHIGE said, "I want to win no matter what," while Kei KOIZUMI commented, "Ultimately, it's about battles in key moments. Whether players have been playing regularly or not, everyone wants to be well prepared." And Seung-gyu expressed his determination by saying, "Next time, I want to keep a clean sheet."
The previous match at Ajinomoto Stadium ended in a 0-2 defeat. Inui, who scored the goals, is a key player that must be tightly marked this time as well. Yuto NAGATOMO, who played together with him on the Japan national team, points out that the key lies in the team's overall response while keeping a close watch on him.
"Even at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, we formed a partnership on the left side, and there are very few players with whom it was as easy to play as with him. He is truly an excellent player. Both defensively and offensively, he is really smart, has great positioning, uses his teammates well, and on top of that, he can take the initiative himself. When facing him, he is simply troublesome. His real talent lies in always choosing plays that annoy the opponent. If the space behind is dangerous, he runs back; he has outstanding judgment and sense in deciding whether to drop back and receive the ball at his feet or to receive it between the lines. In any case, rather than trying to handle it alone, I want to respond to his movements as a team by passing marking responsibilities."
Continuing to focus on good offense from good defense remains unchanged. The entire team coordinates to identify critical moments, taking the initiative with passionate play while neutralizing the opponent's strengths. By returning to basics and actively challenging ourselves, victory should come closer. This will truly be a match that tests all the progress we have made so far.
This will be the team's first day game since Sec. 18 match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima held on May 25. The coach said, "The conditions are the same for the opponent. I don't want to overemphasize that, but we want to start well from the first half and fight with a shared understanding and flexibility among all players," expressing his enthusiasm for the reset match.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. In the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos, we conceded 3 goals in 11 minutes. How do you reflect on that?
Regarding the goals conceded, I feel that there was a lack of focus and a certain level of attentiveness to tighten up as a team, even if only to some extent. This includes the bench as well, but I believe that such awareness had become weak. Conversely, this also highlights issues in our offensive play. Although we were conscious of what we had prepared in practice, when things did not go well, including my prompting, our response in deciding the next move was insufficient. I believe the reason for our defeat was that we could not fully exert our power and energy.
Q. What is your impression of Shimizu S-Pulse?
A, they give the impression of having a solid defense. From the beginning of the match, they firmly approach the ball, unsettle the opponent, and by turning attacks from the sides and set plays earned from there into goals, they seem to be able to develop a good game. There were matches where their performance dropped in the second half, so that is not the only point to target, but I still think they are an opponent against whom we must demonstrate our strength from the first half.
Q. Including the fact that the winning streak was stopped, what did you tell the players this week?
A, it is about continuing consistently. All the players are fully addressing the issue of conceding goals from the previous match. To ensure that such problems do not arise in the next game and to minimize them as much as possible, I believe the players will prepare thoroughly from the very beginning.
Q, among those, please tell us what you particularly emphasized.
A, regarding Shimizu's defense, since it is expected that they will apply pressure from the front in the first half, we organized our attack strategy on how we should respond to that. When we are pressing and the opponent is retreating, a simpler approach is also necessary. For defense, we emphasized having a shared understanding throughout the entire team. We anticipated situations that could lead to us being in trouble and have trained accordingly.
Q. How were the players' expressions and atmosphere?
A made a very good switch and was able to have really good training this week. The outcome of soccer matches is truly unpredictable. Sometimes you win with just one chance, and other times you can't win even when you are in a dominant position. It is important to first firmly accept the various situations that occur within the 90 minutes. On top of that, I believe that fighting without giving up until the very end increases the chances of ultimately achieving victory. Winners have a mentality that never loses their attitude of not giving up and their spirit of challenge. I believe that the entire team must always maintain such a mindset.
[Player Interview]
＜Alexander SCHOLZ＞
Q. After the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos, you mentioned that you couldn't get a hold of your own momentum. What is necessary to seize the momentum from the start of the game?
A, in the previous match, we conceded goals due to poor defense. I believe those goals could have been avoided with better attention to detail. As a whole team, it also felt like we were slow to get going from the start of the match. Throughout the J.League, the first half tends to be compact and difficult, but in the second half, spaces open up and matches often become more open. In the match against Shimizu S-Pulse, if the team focuses on playing with a bit more patience, I think we will find an opportunity to seize the momentum.
Q. What is your impression of Shimizu?
A, I think Shimizu has been progressing through the season in good form. IAI Stadium Nihondaira is also a very wonderful stadium, and when I played there in the past, the stands were close, creating a different atmosphere, so I always had the impression that it was a difficult match. Shimizu has many players with very high quality, and as a team, they have prepared well, so I am looking forward to the match.
Q. Shimizu is a team that applies pressure from the front line, but what do you think is important in dealing with that?
A, I think they will press quite high from the first half. The combination play when we have the ball will be important. It will be crucial to prepare so that we don't let the opponent do what they want and can play the style of football we want.
Q. I think it is important not to have consecutive losses here.
A, Since we lost to Yokohama FM, it is natural for such talk to come up, but before that, we had three consecutive wins. Therefore, personally, I think it is more important to focus on playing a good game rather than worrying about not losing consecutive matches.
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q. I think the match against Yokohama F.Marinos was one where the ball didn't get forward in good situations.
A, it is true that tight marking prevented us from playing as we intended. It was a game where the number of times we received the ball in the targeted positions was also low. I believe a major reason was that the attacking players, including myself, made few aggressive moves against the opponent's defense.
Q, Shimizu S-Pulse this week is also a team that uses solid defense as their strength.
A, the team must thoroughly understand how the opponent defends and applies pressure, and coordinate with a shared understanding on the pitch. Including what kind of countermeasures are necessary, we feel we had good training this week. Now, we just need to deliver a performance that leads to victory in tomorrow's match.
Q. Please tell us the points you are focusing on for tomorrow's match.
A, I want to maintain high concentration from the moment the match starts, being aware of the opponent's intentions, positioning, and defensive tactics, and exploit any openings. The most important thing, I believe, is to quickly identify the opponent's weak points and convert them into scoring opportunities.
Q. In the previous match against Shimizu, we lost 0-2.
In the first half of the league matches, we lost to opponents whose strengths we couldn't surpass. I believe the only way to make up for those losses is by winning. We want to show it with the result of 3 points and share the joy with everyone.
