<Last Match・Gamba Osaka Review>
It is common for opponents to struggle to break through a defensive block when playing against a team that prioritizes attacking while maintaining possession of the ball.
When pushing the opponent and holding the ball, there is not enough space when trying to break vertically. In that case, by utilizing the width of the pitch, the opponent who is crowded together can be spread out, aiming for the gap between players, or increasing the chances of scoring from a cross ball before the opponent's defense can slide into position.
In the former, technical skills and playing accuracy are required to go through the small gap that can be created, while in the latter, speed is needed to leave the opponent behind.
Tokyo, who had been unable to score despite taking control of the game against Gamba Osaka, chose the former and moved the score. Moreover, not only with their individual abilities, but also with advanced coordination where the passer, second, third, and fourth players switched on and attacked the narrow area in the penalty area.
Yuto NAGATOMO, who opened on the right side while pushing the opponent, will make a wedge pass that will become the switch of the attack, and pass it to Diego OLIVEIRA who has entered near the center of the penalty area.
When the center forward, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had attracted the opponent's defender, passed the ball, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had entered to support from behind, received the ball.
Diego TABA ran towards the goal after passing the ball, pulling the defender with him and creating space in front of the goal. Riki HARAKAWA, the fourth attacker, then jumped in and received a pass from Nakagawa.
From here, Harakawa's technique shone. With his first touch, he dribbled past one defender, then used a feint to get past the second defender and calmly slotted the ball into the goal, aiming for the goalkeeper's difficult-to-react feet.
The opponent's defense team combines coordinated plays and individual abilities to take the upper hand in all situations. On the day of the club's 25th anniversary, a goal was born that concretely imagines the future of Tokyo, and it was not by chance. Turning the struggles of the present into future glory. Instead of giving up in the face of current circumstances, the team's efforts to continue growing should only increase on the pitch.
<Match Preview>
After a break of about three weeks, the league will resume. There are only five more matches left this season. The possibility of winning the title or qualifying for the AFC Champions League has disappeared, while on the other hand, the team has secured their place in the J1 league. The focus is now on building a future-oriented style of soccer and developing a winning mentality.
In the consecutive wins against Sagan Tosu and Gamba Osaka, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, even after winning, has been encouraging his teammates to strive for further improvement, and has been making efforts to promote the team's growth without wasting each game.
We want to show our fans and supporters the path forward by balancing our pursuit of deepening our soccer style and winning the game, while also testing our progress over the past three weeks in this long-awaited official match.
Yokohama FC, the opponent, is currently in last place and is in the midst of a fierce battle for survival in the J1 league, with only one point separating them from 17th place Shonan Bellmare. The motivation to win the game is extremely high, and it is expected that the desire for victory will be fully expressed. Therefore, Tokyo must surpass the opponent's desire for victory with their own growth ambition as a team, and also demonstrate their superiority in terms of the development of their soccer style.
In the first half of the season, they faced each other in the fourth game after the opening. Tokyo had played three games with one win, one draw, and one loss, and although their form was not at its best, they took the lead in the 5th minute and went on to win 3-1, showing a dominant performance.
In between this match, on October 28th (Sat), we will have the final game of our 25th anniversary celebration. We want to continue our winning streak and earn 3 points without breaking it at the away game, and return to Ajinomoto.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, Yokohama FC, who we will be facing this round, is a team fighting to avoid relegation. What will you be focusing on when approaching the match?
A strong opponent who will come out with a desire to stay and fight, and it will be a difficult match. The mentality that I always demand from my players is important, and for us, it is everything to grab three points. I think it will be a heated battle for both teams to take three points. We know how the opponent plays, so we want to show a fight that respects their strengths and exploits their weaknesses.
Q, How do you think about the value of consecutive victories, even though you haven't won three in a row this season?
A, we are focusing on what we should do in our performance. If we can demonstrate what we have been promoting and the areas we have grown in, I think it will be a threat to the opponent. We are focusing on maximizing our performance and expressing the best football. To do that, it is important to concentrate in every situation and win in crucial moments. In a match, there will always be moments that determine the outcome, and we are asking our players to firmly make those moments our own. Perhaps what we should cultivate is a mentality of sometimes ruthlessly fighting against the opponent. I always only think about winning the next match. I want to give everything I have to beat Yokohama FC.
Q, Is there any change in the members after a break of about 3 weeks?
A, as we did in today's practice, there are variations in the members and we have multiple options. We have time until the game, so I would like to consider the players' condition in practice.
Q, Four players who were selected for the U-22 Japan national team will return home after completing their activities. How do you feel about returning to the team after gaining game experience?
A, upon returning home and arriving at the clubhouse, I would like to confirm the condition of each of the four players. I do not know if they will participate in the Yokohama FC match. I cannot say anything at the moment, whether they will play or not. Representing the country is a truly special and wonderful thing, and I think it is a great honor. I want to carefully assess their condition and make a decision.
[Player Interview]
＜Henrique TREVISAN＞
Q, in the previous match against Gamba Osaka, we achieved a shutout victory and continued our winning streak. How do you feel about this accomplishment?
I think we were able to win in a very good way in the Gamba Osaka match. As a defensive player myself, I feel a sense of accomplishment in being able to keep the opponent at zero without giving up any points on the defensive side, which led to our victory. We are now preparing for our match against Yokohama FC, and I believe we will be able to approach the game with a refreshed mind and body after a three-week break. We have been able to train well as a team for the Yokohama FC match. We will forget about the Gamba Osaka match and focus on winning and extending our winning streak in the next match.
Q, Was there anything that the team improved or maintained during the break period?
During the approximately 3-week break, I feel that we were able to have very good practices. We were able to strengthen our physical abilities and deepen our teamwork, and we also worked on tactical training. I believe we are moving in a good direction step by step.
Q, Are there any specific plays, instructions, or defensive coordination that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI is focusing on to build the defense?
As a defender, individual defensive ability is naturally required, but what is important is communication with teammates and positioning when defending. We are conscious of communicating during practice and giving instructions on positioning from the defensive line. I feel that we are gradually improving.
Q, Yokohama FC has foreign players as well as players with individual abilities to break through, all lined up in the front line. How will you deal with it?
A, We are prepared to fight with the understanding that there are no easy games, not just against Yokohama FC this week. The opponent has many highly skilled players, and it is expected to be a very difficult match. Considering the current team situation and ranking of Yokohama FC, I think they will come to this match with a very strong desire to win no matter what. We will also aim for a third consecutive victory and fight passionately to seek victory without being passive.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, expectations are rising for 3 consecutive goals.
A, With only 5 games left this season, I will continue to strive for consecutive goals. Whether I play on the left or right side, I will not change my style and will focus on making vertical attacks, taking shots, and providing crosses from the side to contribute to scoring.
Q, It seems that Tawarazumida's weapon, dribble, is leading to goals and chances.
A, I knew from the beginning of this season's training and debut match that my strength in dribbling would work, and I felt confident. Dribbling is also one of my strengths, so if it doesn't work, I think it's over. I have gained confidence in that area and I want to improve it.
Q, What points do you feel have grown as you continue to play and score in games?
A. In terms of defense, there are still challenges remaining, but I feel that we are gradually becoming more aware. We have received advice and listened to various people about our positioning and details, and I think we are starting to play the defense that the team requires. Compared to the beginning of the season, I feel that our physical strength has improved.
Q, What is the important way to fight against Yokohama FC?
A, I think there are situations where you can't break through the opponent's defense just by holding the ball when you are defending and building a block. In such cases, I hope to show a play that breaks through the opponent's defense with my own dribbling and leads to a goal. It would be ideal to score in three consecutive games, but I want to play while being aware of what's in front of me in every game.
