<Last Match Review: Tokyo Verdy>
Trailing by two points at the end of the first half. In addition, they were put in a difficult situation by losing a player just before the end of the first half, resulting in a numerical disadvantage.
However, the blue and red warriors fighting on the pitch and the fans and supporters who filled the "away" goal end of Ajinomoto Stadium never gave up. Despite being at a disadvantage, the voltage in the stands continued to rise even at halftime and as they welcomed the start of the second half.
Furthermore, there was another man sitting on the Tokyo bench, burning with fighting spirit. It was Keita ENDO, who had announced his complete transfer to the blue and red team two days before this big match.
"I could feel the passion of the supporters cheering from the bench, and I couldn't let the fans and supporters go home like that. (When the opponent scored their second goal) I was motivated by the performance of the Tokyo supporters behind the goal. When I came on, I wanted to show it through my play."
16 minutes into the second half, number 22 was substituted into the left wing position. He strongly feels that his situation is linked to wanting to produce a difficult game and result. For him, it was a pitch-in of determination, burning with fighting spirit.
"Although we haven't had any results so far, I thought that if we could leave one behind in this important match, we would be recognized. The timing of the announcement of the full transfer is a chance."
Those feelings will soon come to fruition.
In the 23rd minute of the second half, Kosuke SHIRAI, who showed a sharp interception in his own half, continued to run down the right side. He ran up to a high position and crossed the ball on the ground, and number 22 who ran into the center pushed it in, finally signaling Tokyo's counterattack.
A battle that doesn't make you feel disadvantaged. As the players said after the game, "The support of the fans and supporters gave us a boost," truly the "12th player" lifted the team up and changed the atmosphere of the stadium.
And a dramatic development was waiting in the second half additional time.
Go HATANO made a long feed and Henrique TREVISAN competed for it near the opponent's penalty area. Teruhito NAKAGAWA collected the loose ball. Endo received a gentle cross and said, "I had already decided to take the shot when I received the pass. The ball flew to a good spot and I was able to score with my left foot."
In the green uniform that collapsed on the pitch, the blue and red goal end erupted in joy, bouncing back from a disadvantage. In the center of it all was the figure of number 22, who had just completed a full transfer.
As he returns to the pitch, he looks back at the stands and grabs the emblem on his left chest with his right hand. There is a strong determination towards the result and his own manners are embedded there.
"I was really frustrated. I couldn't go back home with a 0-2 loss, and I wanted to show that I made the right decision by fully transferring to Tokyo and proving myself in such an important game. I also wanted to convey my gratitude once again. It was all thanks to the team's hard work that we were able to catch up. Personally, I think I fulfilled my duty and responsibility as a player in the Tokyo Verdy match."
Finally officially became a member of "Seiakai", but of course, it is not possible to peak here. It is from here that we will demonstrate our true value, such as championship experience and competitiveness.
"I want to work hard to truly be recognized. Top players can continue to perform well. I want to continue this by training every day."
Two goals shown from an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation. Unfortunately, we were not able to achieve victory, but the one point earned by the "team" including the fans and supporters will surely be a memorable one. The determination and feelings held by the leading actors may also become an episode that will be passed down together.
Match Preview
At the Japan National Stadium, Tokyo Verdy, who faced Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers in succession, overcame a numerical disadvantage and caught up with a 2-point deficit in the J1 for the first time in 16 seasons. In addition, in the 2nd round of the YBC Levain Cup, they defeated Y.S.C.C. Yokohama 4-0, and have been on a roll with no losses in 4 official matches.
While missing players such as Kuryu MATSUKI, Ryotaro ARAKI, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA who are participating in the U-23 Japan national team, Riki HARAKAWA and Keita ENDO have stepped up and shown a strength that does not make the absence of key players felt. Under the ideal of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, "anyone can play our style of soccer", they are getting closer to the ideal form.
One player to watch out for is Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who was not called up to the U-23 Japan national team. With a humble attitude of "giving my all in the position I am in," he has shown his presence on both offense and defense with 1 goal and 2 assists in the league so far. This season, he has expressed his desire to become a key player and "be the center of the team."
This round, FC Machida Zelvia will be welcomed to Ajinomoto. Facing a strong opponent in 3rd place in their first J1 league challenge, how much of their accumulated results can Tokyo show? This match should be a test for advancing to the top.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, I think that the goal set by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI of having a team where anyone can play is gradually being realized.
A, the Y.S.C.C. Yokohama match on Wednesday, the players showed a good performance on the pitch and we could see good signs as we continue to build. The important thing is for whoever plays to show a strong performance and give their all in the game. We want to continue to encourage the growth of the players' mentality from here on. It is important to find our own value and move forward. As a club, we want to take one step at a time and move on to the next page.
Q, FC Machida Zelvia may come to face the opponent team with plays that eliminate their strengths.
A, this weekend is also an important match. We are able to train well every day. I always respect the club we are playing against. The important thing is to prepare for the match against any opponent. We need to control the game and be aggressive, which will lead to a good team performance. It is expected to be a tough match. We will focus on our way of playing and give our all.
Is it not important to defeat tough opponents like Machida in order to move on to the next page?
It is important to firmly engrave the process of growth as a team. No matter what opponent or style, we will not change anything drastically. The content to challenge and what is required will naturally differ from game to game, but I believe that by focusing on the team's rules and way of fighting, we can defeat any opponent.
[Player Interview]
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q, including National's two consecutive wins, we have not lost in four official matches.
A, including the Y.S.C.C. Yokohama match on Wednesday, I think the key to our good form is that we have been stronger and faster than our opponents in terms of ball control and running ability. It may be a simple thing, but because the quality of each player has improved at the base, we are able to express our own soccer more. The Tokyo Verdy match was a tough one for the team, and we were forced to play with 10 players from the middle of the first half, but the players on the pitch were able to return to the basics of soccer. I think we were also able to beat our opponents in terms of movement and sprint numbers, and the players who came on the pitch in the middle were able to produce results, showing a good form as a team.
Q, Three players have left their clubs during the activities of the U-23 Japan national team. Please tell us the reason why the team has been able to maintain an undefeated record.
I think it's the atmosphere and intensity of the practice. Each player is able to express a good sense of tension and a level of intensity close to a real game, which naturally raises the quality of the practice. No player is guaranteed a starting position, so the quality of the practice is reflected in the game. In the match against Urawa Reds on April 3rd, many young players were used in the starting lineup, but we were able to secure a solid victory. One of the reasons for this is that veteran players like Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE are creating an atmosphere where young players can play fiercely in practice.
Q, it seems that player Yoshifu is getting more involved in scoring plays as if being pushed by that atmosphere.
A, I have a strong desire to contribute to the team with visible numbers such as goals and assists. It was difficult to connect results in the first few games of the season, but I believed in myself and focused on playing with consistency from practice. Compared to last season, I have a feeling that I am involved in the ball more often in a higher position, and I am reflecting on each game with the coaching staff. This season, my goal is to increase the number of plays that contribute to scoring.
Q, compared to previous seasons, the number of attacking participations and aggressive positioning are shining.
A, Endo Keita and Tawaratsumida Kota often form a partnership in a vertical relationship, but both are high-quality players. Their playing styles are completely different, but I am conscious of attacking and positioning while understanding their movements. On the pitch, Takahiro Ko in particular supports my movements in various ways. He gives me detailed advice on the movements necessary for building up attacks, such as where to receive the ball, where to move, and when to stop and receive. I am able to organize and absorb the opinions of players, coaches, and the coaching staff, and I feel that I am becoming more confident in my own play without any hesitation.
Q, this week's match is against FC Machida Zelvia. A matchup with Junya SUZUKI is also expected.
A, Machida is a team that comes out with their strong points while erasing the opponent's strengths. I feel their strength and quality in their hard work and foundation. First and foremost, it is absolutely necessary to surpass the opponent in that aspect, and if we are losing there, no play or tactics will work. I think it is important to not lose in the intensity of the ball and hard work. I am also looking forward to the match-up with Suzuki. His kicking accuracy is high, and when I was with Tokyo, he taught me the points and tips. Even among domestic fullbacks, his kicking accuracy is top class in the J-League. Suzuki's kicking and long throws are definitely Machida's weapons, and they are opponents that we absolutely do not want to lose to. I want to attack the sides successfully with combinations with my teammates.
<Keita ENDO player>
Q, how do you feel about scoring two consecutive games in official matches?
A, no matter what form it takes, it is a good thing to score points. I want to create a strong team that can produce results on the pitch no matter who is on the field. When the team is struggling, we need players who can score goals. I believe that nothing is better than a goal, no matter how good the play is.
Q, previously I talked about the importance of "swinging your feet". How do you feel about that point?
A, I am now able to touch the ball with a good feeling and can play calmly in front of the goal. I hope to continue to express myself on the pitch in the upcoming FC Machida Zelvia match.
Q, this week's match is against 3rd place Machida. Considering Machida's strengths, what kind of game do you think it will be?
If you aim to win the league, this is an opponent that you absolutely must defeat. It's not a 6-point game, but it's a match that holds that much value. The players who step onto the pitch must approach this game with determination, as it is a crucial one. Currently, Machida has been accumulating points, which means they are a team that is fully committed to winning. Winning is everything. I think Machida is a really strong team, and they will choose plays that Tokyo will not like. Duels and ball control will be important, and we want to avoid losing in those situations and exploit weaknesses that both us and the opponent dislike.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, I think the team has been able to embody the tenacity of not losing in the recent official match.
A, Last season, there were many situations where we gave the lead to the opponent and lost control of the game. This season, we have been able to turn the game around, like in the 6th round against Urawa Reds, and catch up, like in the game against Verdy. We have been developing a strong perseverance. Although we have only played 8 league games so far, we are tied for first place in total goals scored as a team, and we want to continue to gain confidence in our attacking abilities. On the other hand, we have conceded a lot of goals, so we want to make sure to improve on that.
Q: Please tell us the factor that has contributed to the growth of our mental strength to be able to catch up and turn the game around, despite significant changes in the team since last season.
A, There has not been a big change between teams and players, but compared to last season, we are conscious of securing more possession time as a team. I think one of the factors is that we have a common understanding as a team and as players.
Q, Kei KOIZUMI himself seems to have increased his participation in attacks and the number of times he builds up compared to last season.
A, not only defensive movements and build-up, but also being conscious of visible goals and assists has become important this season. If the midfielder is involved in the attack and can contribute with goals and assists, the team's ranking will improve and the attack will become stronger. Personal growth is necessary for the team to become stronger, and I always want to play with a challenging attitude.
