4/2 (Sat) vs Yokohama F.Marinos (Away)
High Press vs Build Up
If you're looking at the Yokohama F.Marinos perspective, you can't ignore "that match" when previewing the match against FC Tokyo.
８-０――。
On November 6, 2021, Yokohama FM and FC Tokyo faced each other in the J1 League Sec. 35, which was held at the same Nissan Stadium as this round. Yokohama FM displayed their attacking football and easily defeated FC Tokyo in a record-breaking victory. Shortly after, then-manager Kenta HASEGAWA (current Nagoya Grampus manager) left the team, leaving a bitter memory in FC Tokyo's history.
On the other hand, Yokohama FM's record-equaling club record for most goals in a single game was not only a memorable bout, but also a record that will be remembered. Looking back at the situation at the time, it was a match that was lost to Gamba Osaka without any strength, and in the midst of disappointment that crushed the league championship for the first time in two years, it was a match that was greeted in just two days. Moreover, it was a "overwhelming second place" with a large gap in points from third place. The great victory in the adversity where it is difficult to raise motivation due to the elements that are intertwined is surely engraved in the hearts of supporters who witnessed the players' strong rebellious spirit.
Of course, it is not possible to talk about the current situation of both sides only in that context.
As you know, FC Tokyo has invited coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, who aims for positional play, and has made a big transformation to a style that values the ball. Even for Yokohama F. Marinos, while their ultra-attacking mindset remains the same, key players such as Thiago MARTINS (now with New York City FC) and Takahiro OHGIHARA (now with Vissel Kobe) sought new opportunities after supporting the team's league victory in the 2019 season. And with the addition of many young players, the average age has dropped by about 2 years compared to last season, resulting in a "new Marinos" lineup.
With such a background, it is expected that the styles of both teams will fit together and resonate in this match. In other words, regardless of the outcome, it can be said that this is a great card that can maximize the entertainment value of football.
One of the key points is the high press of Yokohama FM vs. the build-up of FC Tokyo. FC Tokyo has been on a steady improvement since their tough opening match against Kawasaki Frontale, but they are still in the developmental stage.
If we focus on the key points, Yokohama FM will put strong pressure on GK Jakub SLOWIK, who is the starting point for the attackers during defense, and how they will reverse the coordination of the press. "Setting up" is not an option, so how much they can be caught will be the barometer for measuring the success or failure of attacking football. Paradoxically, it could also be said that FC Tokyo's refinement in build-up play will be tested against Yokohama FM, who boasts the highest tempo in the league.
In addition, Yokohama FM's theme is "immediate recovery" after losing the ball during an attack. If they can regain possession of the ball during the transition from attack to defense, it will be Yokohama FM's pace. If they can stop their strong counter-press, it will be FC Tokyo's momentum. This will be one of the criteria for determining who has control in the battle for dominance.
In the past, Yokohama FM has won 3 consecutive games against FC Tokyo. In those 3 games, they scored 15 goals and conceded 0. Even though FC Tokyo's team has changed, there are still many players who remember that time and there is no bad image. Furthermore, this round is a memorial game commemorating the 30th anniversary, and there is a reason why the club must win.
Against the serious Yokohama FM, it will be a great match to see how much the current 3-game winning streak and good form of Albert Tokyo, who finished second last season, can compete. In any case, the interest is endless and there is a feeling that a new great match will be born.
Text by Yohei Oobayashi (El Golazo, Yokohama F.Marinos Correspondent)
