<Previous Match Review: Albirex Niigata>
The orange waves filling the stadium were carrying the 11 orange players on the pitch, swallowing up the blue and red goals.
In the early stages, Tokyo showed aggressiveness in attacking towards Niigata's goal, but gradually lost control to Albirex Niigata who pushed forward while maintaining possession of the ball.
Somehow enduring, the clock's hand passed 90 minutes without the goal being broken, and the score remained 0-0.
Additional time now. There was an air pocket at the moment when we were still fighting without giving up hope for victory.
In the second half, at 45+1 minutes, despite defending their own goal, Niigata was shaken by using both the side and center, and when a cross ball was sent in from the left side, they were jumped into the goal and headed in freely.
Heading shot taken near the goal area. No matter how tall Taishi Brandon NOZAWA is, the shooting range is vast. He comes in with a shot that is difficult for the goalkeeper to handle, hitting the ground like a theory. The shot on the orange wave approaches the goal line.
As if the entire sequence was seen in slow motion, player Nozawa remained calm. He positioned himself on the left side of the goal, anticipating a cross ball, and as the ball came, he moved towards the center of the goal without taking his eyes off the ball.
He kicked the ball that flew to his feet, matching his right foot to the ball while taking a step. His right foot repelled the orange wave. The clean sheet that was necessary for the team, which was on a losing streak, to regain confidence was achieved by Nozawa's calm and composed response.
<Match Preview>
In the previous match, we drew 0-0 with Albirex Niigata away and stopped our losing streak at 2. Yuto NAGATOMO, who made his first appearance in 3 games, said that he had been "thoroughly focused on defense" for this match. During the 2-week preparation period, the team's detailed agreements and individual tactics, which were reviewed by returning to the basics of defense, paid off.
This season, which has been marked by unstable battles, has seen a significant deficit of 2 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses away from home. Long-time player Nagatomo points out the reason as "our defense was too fragile." "First and foremost, we need to stabilize our defense. We need to show persistence and precision in our defense to prevent our opponents from playing comfortably. (In the match against Niigata), I was able to show the minimum as a defender."
The opponent for the final home game is Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. In the previous match, they conceded a season-high of 5 goals away, so defensive stability will be a key theme in this match as well. Teruhito NAKAGAWA stated, "I want to play a game that will give the viewers something to look forward to next season," and he has vowed to release the built-up frustration with the fans and supporters who have supported him throughout this season. As the culmination of this season, we hope for a solid victory with a strong performance.
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, How did you improve the attacking issues seen in the Albirex Niigata match this week?
A, after taking the back of the opponent's last line, we are thinking of becoming a threat towards the opponent's goal. And when we have possession of the ball, it is important to think about how to use the space. We want to pressure the opponent while playing our own football, put pressure on the opponent's goalkeeper, and improve our ability to supply the ball to places where the opponent is uncomfortable.
Q, after the Niigata match, there was also the phrase "(we) rushed a little too much (in attack)".
A, It is very difficult to give a perfect performance, but there were some scenes in the game where we were able to move the ball into space a little more. If we can express that, it will be a threat to the opponent. However, it is very important to have the consciousness of moving forward, and I think there were many scenes where we lost the ball in the Niigata match where we could control it ourselves.
Q, were you able to keep a clean sheet in the previous match against Niigata? It seems like the defensive-focused training paid off.
A, It was very important for us to improve our defensive side. In addition, we must also continue to score points. In the Niigata match, we were unable to demonstrate the results of our attacking efforts. We want to express what we have built up in the match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. We expect our players to have a strong mentality to keep a clean sheet, score many goals, and show what they have been building up in training.
Q, How was the defense and practice focused on the Sapporo match, and what was the feeling?
A, Sapporo is a great football club and we respect coach Petrovic. When Sapporo has possession of the ball, it is important for us to have a sharp defense. We are preparing for that this week and we want to connect good attacks based on the team's defensive basics and principles. When attacking, we want to move the ball well and use the space effectively to break through the defensive block. We want to create good opportunities and make it an exciting game for the fans and supporters.
Q, this match against Sapporo will be our final home game of the season.
A, this is a special and important game. Everyone understands how important it is to grab a victory. And we are focused on making our fans and supporters happy. That's why our players and staff are fighting desperately and have prepared well. I believe our players will give everything they have to win.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, we are approaching the end of the season. Compared to last season, it was a difficult season, wasn't it?
As you can see from the rankings, this season has been disappointing and it is reflected in the results. We were unable to play the way we envisioned at the beginning of the season, with changes in coaching staff and a difficult season overall.
Q, Have you played a big role as a captain when the team was in a tough situation?
A, Coach CKLAMOVSKI took over in the middle of the season and I don't think we should leave everything up to him, such as what kind of soccer we will play and what kind of style we will create. Of course, each coach has their own style, but the most important thing is for the players to take action and challenge themselves in various ways. We need to create an environment for them to challenge themselves, listen to each player's opinions, and work together to understand what everyone is thinking and what kind of play they want to make in their respective positions. I feel that we need to increase this coordination work even more from now on.
Q, Looking back on Morishige's comments this season, it seems to be focused on "what the player will do".
A, it is the players, not the coach, who play on the pitch. While the coach takes overall control, we players on the pitch must grow and express what we feel in each moment through our play. We want each of the 11 players on the pitch to think about what they want to do, what kind of play they want to make, and how their chosen play will affect the team. We want each player to think about their strengths and express them more. It is not just about meeting expectations, but also about expressing more than that. Each player should communicate what they want to do.
Q, How will you play the last two games?
A, in a sense, I think it's two games where you can try various things. There is only a little time left until the final match on December 3rd, but I think there are plenty of challenges that can be done in the remaining period. Of course, the ranking in the league has been narrowed down to some extent, but for the fans and supporters, and to connect to our next season, we want to take various actions. I want to grab at least one opportunity. If we start looking for that opportunity for next season, it will inevitably take time to move forward. In that sense, I think the battle for next season has already begun.
Q, this season achieved a total of 450 appearances in the J1 League. In addition, he is expected to break the record for 12 consecutive seasons of scoring in the J1 League, which is tied for the highest among defense players.
A, this season, I have been working on improving my physical condition and I believe I can evaluate myself to a certain extent. I still think I can fight and being able to fight throughout the season has given me confidence for the future. As for consecutive goals, I am often told about it and cannot help but be conscious of it, but I will not change anything to aim for it. Of course, I am happy to achieve a record, but I still think there are other aspects that I can show, so I hope to update the record in the end.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, In the previous away game, the match against Albirex Niigata ended in a draw. How will you continue that momentum in the next game?
We were able to finish the away game with a clean sheet, but since we couldn't score, we need to improve for this round. It's a good result to have a clean sheet away, but I'm not completely satisfied with the game. We want to improve our performance on both offense and defense.
Q, What role do you want Nakagawa to play on both offense and defense?
A, I think the most important things are the intensity of the ball and the mentality when facing a match. I want to increase the possession rate by holding the ball for a longer time in the opponent's territory. I think everything I just said is necessary to win, but first and foremost, I am conscious of fighting to achieve victory.
Q, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo is expected to have many options in the attack due to their high press.
A, if we can successfully break through the opponent's defense and exploit the space, chances will naturally increase. On the other hand, if we lose the ball in our own half, it will lead to a dangerous situation. I believe that challenging and successfully beating our opponents in matchups throughout the game is crucial for both the team and individual growth, and it will be the key point that determines the outcome of the match.
Q, this match will be the final home game of the season.
A, we all want to end with a smile. We want to show the fans and supporters a game that will lead to next season with high expectations.
