<Last Match Review: Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
The blue and red warriors returned to Ajinomoto Stadium. 32,274 spectators gathered for the home opener against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The pitch and stands became one, and they began to run for their first victory in the league.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE made a big save with a fantastic reaction after a direct volley from the opponent's left cross, which had been pushing from the beginning. Go HATANO also blocked the rebound shot, avoiding danger.
Player Go HATANO also made a difficult save with a sideways dive on a tricky bouncing mid-range shot in the 19th minute of the second half. "Returning HATANO" on loan to V-Varen Nagasaki has been producing fine plays to save the team.
After that, they conceded the first goal from a penalty kick, but Ryotaro ARAKI, who scored 2 goals in the opening game and made a brilliant Tokyo debut, smashed a shocking goal as a greeting to the home crowd.
In the 26th minute of the second half, immediately after conceding a goal, Yuto NAGATOMO, who had sprinted up the right side at full speed, received a pass near the goal. He thought, "I'll try to fake out the defender and goalkeeper by slightly missing the shot," and used a feint to briefly pull the ball back with the sole of his foot, creating an opening for his shot. Then, he lightly pushed the ball forward and swung his right foot sharply, blasting the ball into the near side of the goal with great force.
In just over 1 second, "Akaaka no Tarou" showed a magical footwork that stopped time at the stadium, bringing the game back to the beginning. After scoring, he elegantly bowed towards the goal end with a smile. Along with the equalizing goal, he added the thought of "Thank you for your support" to the home fans and supporters.
After being behind in two consecutive games, the team managed to catch up and the game ended in a 1-1 tie. Following the opening game, they earned 1 point with another draw.
<Match Preview>
In the previous match, Sanfrecce Hiroshima drew 1-1, making it two consecutive draws since the start of the season. They conceded the first goal from a penalty kick in the 24th minute, but just two minutes later, new signing Ryotaro ARAKI scored the equalizing goal. Araki responded to the cheers from the crowd by elegantly bowing his head and saying "thank you" in celebration. However, he is not satisfied with just scoring a goal. After the match, he said, "I wanted to score the winning goal. I want to win as soon as possible and share the joy with the fans and supporters."
This round, we will face last season's J1 League champions, Vissel Kobe, at Ajinomoto Stadium. We should be particularly wary of their strong attacking lineup, which includes last season's J1 League top scorer and MVP, Yuya OSAKO, as well as former Tokyo player Yoshinori MUTO. Masato MORISHIGE says, "We have been discussing our challenges while playing in camp. If we can move the ball more, we can reach an even higher level. I believe that is the potential of this team," emphasizing a head-to-head battle. Our goal is to achieve our first victory of the season. We will face the previous season's champions without being passive and challenge them with the Tokyo style of soccer that we have built up until now.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, this round we will be facing last season's champions, Vissel Kobe.
A, our way of fighting is just to improve it further from here. It is important to think about what is important to show a high level of performance and to continue to work on it. Of course, we respect our opponents and want to understand what we need to do to win and approach the game. In the recent match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we were just one step away from victory. We will fight desperately to make the fans and supporters smile and return home from the stadium. We ask for your passionate support in this match as well.
Q, In practice, there were scenes where coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI gave detailed instructions himself. What points of Kobe are you wary of?
A, rather than being careful, I want you to be aware. Kobe has many talented players and is a wonderful team. I told them how to respond to their strong playing style, how to recover second balls, and how to respond to cross balls. It is important to follow the rules that we consider important in our battle in attack and defense, and to take the lead and attack the opponent's weak points. It's going to be a tough and exciting game, but I want to score more goals than the opponent.
Q, How do you, as the coach, view the first two games?
We are focusing on the performance of each player and the team. We are asking for improvement in mentality and awareness when approaching the game, and to continue in a positive direction. We drew both games, but there were also good plays and good moments as a team.We will not neglect improvement, and we want to learn a lot from the games and get closer to the team we dream of. In order to be like that when the 38th round of the league ends, we need to grow in every game.
Q, it was a draw after catching up from behind in both games, do you feel that your ability to catch up has grown?
A, our ideal game scenario is to take the lead and extend it to 2 or 3 points. However, it is also important to have the ability to turn a losing situation into a draw. We will give our all to win against Kobe. The amazing atmosphere created by our fans and supporters, which we felt in the previous game against Hiroshima, is definitely reaching us. We truly feel that it is giving our players something wonderful. Your support makes us stronger.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryotaro ARAKI＞
Q, Please review the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match.
A, throughout the 90 minutes, there were many chances for both teams to score, but it ended up being a one-point game for both teams. As for Tokyo, there were chances to seal the deal, but unfortunately we couldn't capitalize on them and ended up losing 3 points.
Q, how do you feel after scoring 3 goals in 2 games?
A, as an individual, I have had a good start. I want to continue building goals for the team to win from here.
Q, What do you think will be brought to the team by winning from last season's J1 League champions?
Both teams have changes in their lineups, and I think there will be differences between them. This season, we want to express our soccer on the pitch and defeat Vissel Kobe at home. Winning this match will boost our team's morale, and like the fans and supporters who are eagerly waiting for our first victory of the season, we players are also hungry for a win. We want to deliver a victorious battle to all of you. We want to express our soccer until the end.
<Keita ENDO player>
Q, Please look back on the debut match in Tokyo against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
My Tokyo debut was in the recent Hiroshima game, as I avoided playing in the Cerezo Osaka match due to conditioning. It was our home opener, so I wanted to show visible results such as goals and assists with a strong mindset. While fans and supporters watched my play, I was conscious of leaving a first impression and giving my all with momentum from the start.
Q, What challenges did you feel on the pitch during the 1-1 draw?
A, if we were able to move the ball well and find space, it would have been good, but unfortunately, there were scenes where the players in the front line got stuck or had nowhere to go and ended up easily kicking long balls. Of course, it's not just the players kicking the ball who have a problem, but if we want to build up as a team and connect precisely, the players receiving the ball also need to think about when to start moving and showing their faces. We want to avoid the first choice being a long ball.
Q, what are the key points for the upcoming match from playing in the J-League after a long time?
After being away from the J-League for a while, I am able to play without fixed ideas or preconceptions, and I think I can express a play that will challenge the opponent. I honestly don't know what kind of game it will be against Vissel Kobe, but we have been drawing a lot so far, so I think this game is an important point that will lead to the future and will greatly change depending on whether we win or lose. I also think there will be a match-up with Gotoku SAKAI on the same side. SAKAI is a player who has also been on the Japan national team, but I want to play without falling behind in both offense and defense.
Henrique TREVISAN
Q, we have had two consecutive draws since the opening game. How do you view this result?
A, Both games were difficult when looking back, but I feel that we are getting better as we play more games. Of course, there are areas that need to be fixed. We want to grab our first victory of the season against Vissel Kobe on the 9th.
Q, No club has won consecutive victories at the end of the 2nd section, and it seems that this season will also be a closely contested league match.
A, I perceive it as a very close match. Looking at the entire J1 league, there are many clubs with strong abilities. In other countries' leagues, it is often seen that 2 or 3 teams constantly compete for the top spot as potential champions, but in the J1 league, it would not be strange for any club to enter the title race. I have a strong sense of playing in a highly competitive league.
Q, How do you evaluate Henrique Trevisan's performance and current condition?
A, it is not in perfect condition, but I think it will gradually improve as we play more games. I want to understand my role and contribute to victory with my play.
Q, Vissel Kobe, who we will be facing this round, is a team with a high-level attacking lineup. Can you tell us the key to victory?
A, This is a team that won the J1 League last season, so it gives the impression that they have excellent players on both offense and defense. They have players with scoring ability in the forward position, but as defenders, they will need to hold their ground and not give the opponent any freedom. With strong defense and physical blocks, we hope to lead Tokyo to their first victory of the season. We definitely want to earn all 3 points.
