The results of the recent league matches have ended in two consecutive 0-0 draws. Looking only at the score, it may seem like both teams have been lacking in decisive plays. However, in the press conference after the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, coach Albert Puig Ortoneda expressed a strong sense of growth with his words.
Although we fell just short in the finishing stage, Tokyo created scenes that threatened the Sapporo goal by sticking to our own style in a highly intense and tactically advanced match.
Sapporo has played under coach PETROVIC for 5 seasons and has a high level of tactical maturity. Even against such opponents, Tokyo did not back down. Although they struggled in the latter half of the first half, they held onto the ball for a longer period of time in the second half and created multiple chances towards the end. In the final moments of the game, Adailton passed the ball to Kuryu MATSUKI, who made a run into the penalty area and jumped in front of the goal. Although the ball just barely missed MATSUKI, it was the highlight of the game.
The 6th match of a 7-game stretch in a tight schedule. It's Nagoya Grampus, led by former Tokyo coach Kenta Hasegawa, who took command of Tokyo for about 4 seasons until the end of last season.
Tactical highlights can be found in Yasuhira Baba's column. In the previous match, there was a sense of gaining tactical momentum by adopting a new system against Kashima Antlers, making them a very formidable opponent.
While Tokyo is adopting a new style and showing a steady growth curve, the essence instilled by former coach Masaru HASEGAWA is evident in every aspect of their football. The high intensity press from the front line, strength in challenges, and the power and speed of counter attacks all showcase a fusion of the new and previous styles, which can be seen as the source of Tokyo's growth.
How much can we take advantage of our positional play and superior positioning against the enemy commander who knows the essence of it? We have no intention of backing down even in a physical battle, but rather we want to use our new style to strip away the opponent with a fast-paced passing game and bring victory to our home, Ajinomoto Stadium.
