My impression of FC Machida Zelvia is that they have a solid defense and are a team that does not concede multiple goals. I believe their strength lies in their tenacious defense, such as putting their bodies on the line until the very end.
So far, we have faced each other three times in league matches. There were times when the matches went well, and there was also the game last season at Japan National Stadium where we fell completely into the opponent's trap and suffered a thorough defeat.
The opponent's strengths lie in scoring opportunities created from long throws and crosses. Their wing-backs and attacking midfielders encourage attacks from the flanks, so we need to be cautious about their chance creation from good crosses. We have faced teams like Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Fagiano Okayama, which are based on a three-back formation, and I believe we have been able to work on this consistently in training.
I also feel a sense of confidence from what we have built up through practice and matches, and the number of goals conceded from crosses, which was an issue, has decreased. However, in the Okayama match, we were caught up with an equalizer from a set piece, and speaking specifically about Machida, they have many options for set pieces. I believe vigilance and countermeasures are especially necessary.
It was the same in the Okayama match, but the system uses five defenders when defending, and once they form a block, it is not easy to break it down. Since it is difficult to score easily, we want to focus on playing without rushing.
We will face Machida in the league match on the 9th and then consecutively in next week's Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round, and of course, both matches are important. I believe the fans and supporters will not be satisfied unless we show an attitude of going for the win on the pitch in both games. By winning against Machida, whom we have not been able to beat so far, we want to instill a "winning habit" in the team, and we also want to connect this to the mentality when facing Machida from next season onward.
Regarding the Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round, there is a chance to win the title. It's a one-match showdown, and there is an excitement in being able to compete at the Japan National Stadium. Considering that we have come this far (to the Semifinal Round) by working together as a team, we absolutely do not want to lose. With the chance to earn a "ticket to the Final Round" right in front of us, we do not want to miss this opportunity that we have finally encountered.
Of course, it is important for all of Tokyo to unite their strength, and the thoughts and passion of the fans and supporters give us encouragement. We want you to bring the highest level of enthusiasm to us starting from the league match on the 9th, and by winning the league match, let's double the passion that the team and everyone puts into the game and unleash it on the stage of the Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round.
The whole team, along with fans and supporters united as one, must have the determination to defeat Machida; otherwise, they are not an easy opponent to beat. We players will also give our all and show our spirit and play on the pitch to seize the "ticket to the Final Round."
