<Previous Match: Yokohama F.Marinos Review>
Goal conceded within the first minute of the match.
Ajinomoto Stadium was enveloped in a silence that seemed to carry over the atmosphere of the first half of the previous match against Vissel Kobe.
Kashima Antlers, Kobe, and Yokohama F.Marinos, the top teams, had a three-game series. In all three games, they struggled with conceding the first goal to their opponents. In addition, in the game against Kobe, they had already conceded three goals in the first half, so it wouldn't have been strange to have a bad feeling about it.
However, the Tokyo players stood up without bowing their heads and returned to the fight as if nothing had happened. In the battle for midfield dominance, Yokohama FM, who have matured their build-up style, held onto the ball. However, once they had possession, they quickly accelerated vertically, aiming for space if the opponent's defensive line was high, and if there was no space, they calmly pushed the opponent back and patiently attacked.
Equalizing goals are created by quickly moving vertically, while comeback goals are achieved by pushing the opponent and pulling them out to the side, dispersing the marking in front of the goal and taking it away.
Despite being at a numerical disadvantage in the middle of the second half, Tokyo's fighting spirit did not waver. Without dropping their formation too much, they persistently slid and applied pressure on the ball side, also launching short counters. There was a determination to not take a step back and to go for all 3 points head on.
Looking at the results alone, it was the same 2-3 as the previous Kobe match. However, the content was completely different. When Tokyo had the ball, something happened. They showed us a passionate play that made us feel excited as viewers throughout the 90 minutes.
<Match Preview>
The Yokohama F.Marinos match was a turnaround in the first half, despite conceding the first goal. However, in the late stages of the second half, they fell behind again due to being outnumbered and suffered another defeat.
The score may be the same at 2-3, but the content is different. In the first half of the Vissel Kobe match, the intensity and performance did not improve and we conceded 3 goals, while in the Yokohama FM match, the team's condition remained consistent throughout. As a result, we approach the halfway point of the season with a losing streak, but the feeling of being able to fight that remains is different from before the previous match.
Gamba Osaka, the opponent, went through a tough period in the early stages of the season, even falling to last place, but gradually climbed up the rankings and is now in 15th place. They are currently 6 points behind Tokyo. In the Panasonic Stadium Suita, which will be the venue for this season, they faced each other in the group stage of the Levain Cup and lost 0-3. However, they were able to secure a 1-0 victory at Ajinomoto Stadium, resulting in an even record of 1 win and 1 loss for the season.
In the 2nd round of the Emperor's Cup held on the 7th, Gamba Osaka suffered a 1-2 defeat against Kochi United SC, who belongs to the JFL. For Gamba Osaka, this match is a home game that will determine their comeback. Furthermore, the point difference with the last place is only 1, and although they have recovered their position, they are still in a difficult situation. In the last match of the first half of the league, they surely have a strong desire to earn 3 points in front of their home fans and supporters.
For Tokyo, this season has been a season of ups and downs in each game, with intense waves within the 90 minutes. Can they express the feeling of being able to fight that they grabbed in the previous match against Yokohama FM on the pitch? The key lies in whether they can continue to perform at a high level.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, What do you want to focus on in this final match of the first half of the season?
A, Gamba Osaka has recently transformed into a team that plays with higher intensity and actively goes after the opponent's ball. They are a dangerous opponent as they are one of the larger clubs and have a high-quality squad of players. This match is also important for them as it is a home game. I have memories of playing at Panasonic Stadium Suita in a fantastic atmosphere. We are currently in a good state. I have conveyed to the players that we can play with confidence, so I want them to continue playing with confidence. Of course, we will fight for all three points.
Q, in the league matches we are in a losing streak, but we shouldn't worry too much about that.
A league match is a long battle. The most important thing is the final ranking after all the matches are finished. In the first half of the league, there were many injured players and we struggled. As a result, we couldn't continue playing with the same members. In the matches against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo during the Golden Week in May, we suffered consecutive defeats and couldn't play well. In the recent league matches, we played against two teams competing for the top positions. Regarding the match against Vissel Kobe, there were plays in the first half that were not appropriate, but I think we played well in the second half. As for the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, we played a good game overall. We even made a comeback, but the red card affected the game greatly. The first half of the league had many away games. In any case, the team is in a good condition now. I have confidence in the team's situation.
Q, please tell us the important things to do for a comeback in the future.
It is important to increase the playing tempo, deepen the understanding between players, and enhance the team's maturity.
Q, it seems like we are struggling against opponents who defend deep.
The team that is aiming to form a compact block in the middle area is trying to steal our vertical passes and quickly transition to attack. It is important to move the ball well against such a block and lower the opponent's defensive line by making runs behind them. The Emperor's Cup match against Fukushima United FC on Wednesday created many chances, but we were only able to score three goals, leaving room for improvement. Additionally, we were unable to play well in the last 15 minutes of the game.
Q, we have been struggling in away games.
A, last season we fought in a way that utilized the speed of switching between offense and defense as our weapon. In that regard, there was a tendency for us to achieve better results in away games. This season, the team is continuously growing. In line with that, it seems that we are able to play more comfortably in home games. Of course, we must express the same style of play regardless of the environment, and I think there are areas that need improvement.
[Player Interview]
＜Takuya AOKI＞
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Gamba Osaka match.
When looking back at the matches against Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos, it seems that we had a good attacking rhythm when we were able to defend well. While offense is important, I believe it is crucial to start the game with a strong defense.
Q, please tell me the important things to avoid conceding goals early in the game.
I don't think there is anything we are not careful about, but I think it is necessary to continue emphasizing the importance of not losing focus. It is important to win the game in 90 minutes while being conscious as a team. I think game planning and control are important.
Q: What kind of communication do you provide to your teammates in the midfield position?
A, there are both good and bad times during a match. Especially when entering a bad time, it is important for players to have the ability to immediately correct themselves on the pitch. If the players cannot correct themselves, they cannot reach the top position. We want to create a situation and atmosphere where we can immediately make corrections.
Q: How do you feel about player Aoki's performance?
A practice match with Kawasaki Frontale is scheduled for mid-May, and since then, I have the impression that my condition has improved significantly. I really want to win this match and provide an enjoyable game for the spectators. The matches against Yokohama FM and Kobe had the same score, but the content was completely different. I want the spectators to enjoy the game and for us to win. I hope we can play a game that will make the fans and supporters leave the stadium with a smile.
Q, how do you pay attention to the coordination of defense?
A, there are many strong players in Tokyo, so coordinated play is important. Personally, I think we were able to create scenes where we could fight for the ball in the Yokohama FM match. If the defense doesn't work well, I think it's also important to regroup and adjust when returning to the defense.
Q: Please tell us the image of Gamba Osaka and the points that determine victory or defeat.
A, based on the footage, I have the image that they come with a solid defense, so I think it will be a difficult game. The key is whether we can do what we want to do. Even in times when we can't do it or in bad timing, I hope we can do the work of defending and scoring as best as we can.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, 4 goals in the last 3 league matches. It seems like the form is improving.
A, the condition is getting better. I have overcome the injuries I suffered last season and I can play without pain. Of course, there are still areas where I need to improve in order to score goals, so I want to further enhance my condition.
Q, it is a match against Gamba Osaka, who has been on a winning streak in the league. What kind of game plan do you want?
A tough opponent is expected, but we also have good players. It is an away game and also the last game of the first half of the league, so we want to approach the match with a solid start and focus.
Q, this season, we have already played against Gamba Osaka twice in the Levain Cup. How do you perceive Gamba Osaka's style and way of playing?
A, both of the two games we played this season were very difficult. As I mentioned earlier, tomorrow's game will be an away game and I expect it to be a tough match. We will face Gamba Osaka, a team with tough defensive players, and we want to show a winning attitude and seize the victory.
Q, the first half of the league will end this week. How do you feel about looking back on the league matches so far?
A, of course, it is not the result we had imagined and we are not satisfied. As you know, the J1 League is highly competitive and it is not easy to achieve victory. Looking back on the first half of the season, there were games where we played well but couldn't reach victory, and there were also games where we managed to win despite poor performance. In the second half of the league, we hope to continue playing well and strive for victory.
Q: Are there any matches in the first half of this season that Diego OLIVEIRA himself particularly remembers?
It is the Kawasaki Frontale match in Sec. 13. About 57,000 people filled the stands at the Tama River Clasico held at Japan National Stadium. As you all know, Kawasaki is an incredibly strong team. Winning against such opponents in a difficult match is the most memorable thing.
Q, finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Gamba Osaka match.
In the first half of the league, there were many games where we couldn't achieve good results in away games. Although there were consecutive away games in the first half, I think all clubs had the same conditions. In order to take a new step from tomorrow's game, I want to win solidly and bring a good flow to the team.
