<Last Match Review: FC Machida Zelvia>
A match that was sandwiched between a draw and a three-game winning streak. The game allowed the first goal from a set piece, but equalized with a penalty kick from Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who scored his first league goal after transferring to Tokyo. However, they were unable to defend against a long ball attack and conceded a second goal. They were unable to break through the opponent's defense and unfortunately suffered a loss.
Although it was a frustrating game, number 33 showed a lot of potential with his bold plays on the left side, which cannot be overlooked.
Not only cutting in from the left side and taking a shot, but also creating chances with a right foot cross or a horizontal pass while changing the ball. He relentlessly attacked and created a scent of scoring.
Machida has also responded with multiple people by continuing to "unrivaled" from the start, but the number 33 of Akaaka still does not stop. While lightly stepping, he measures the timing with the opponent and boldly gets involved in the finish by opening up a small space born in the opponent's defense network.
The highlight was the 4-person dribble shown in the 17th minute of the second half. Holding the ball on the left side, he broke through the gap between the two defenders who came to mark him. He then cut through the two players who came to close him down, leaving them behind and providing a shot-worthy cross. Although Keita ENDO's shot from this was denied by the crossbar, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA was a dominant presence on the left side.
However, the fact that he was unable to produce direct results such as goals and assists, he expresses his frustration by saying, "I think I was able to create a lot of chances from the left side, but I am aware that they only ended up as chances."
Despite being only 19 years old in his second professional season, his plays have become a major weapon for the team. He is also able to provide support in a way that allows those around him to excel. That is why he wants to deliver results.
"I haven't reached the level of satisfaction yet. I have to continue working hard to grow even further. I want to aim for both goals and assists, but my main goal is to contribute to the team's victory by scoring."
At the start of the second half of the Machida game, his personal chant echoed from the goal end. A product of the academy, there are high expectations from those around him. The fact that he was unable to bring victory to the team while showcasing his strengths only strengthens his desire for results. If this match serves as a reminder of that feeling, then the bitter loss should lead to a bright future for both the team and him.
Match Preview
FC Tokyo, who suffered a frustrating defeat against FC Machida Zelvia in the previous match, now has a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses in the league. Both goals scored and goals conceded are 14, resulting in a goal difference of 0.
The total score of 14 so far is tied for the most in the league with Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Vissel Kobe, but the fact remains that they also have the 17th most goals conceded, leaving room for improvement in defense. While the team is able to score goals, stabilizing their style of play will be key to advancing to the top and securing a victory against Albirex Niigata.
Niigata, who will face Tokyo, has the same record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses so far. Led by third-year coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, they have been playing possession soccer, pushing forward while maintaining possession of the ball.
The most dangerous player to watch out for in Niigata right now is undoubtedly FW Kaito TANIGUCHI, who has scored in the last two official matches and was awarded the Meiji Yasuda J1 Monthly Best Goal for February and March. With his natural scoring sense and sharp, powerful movements, he is a striker who constantly threatens the goal. He also possesses a strong punch that can shoot from long distances, so Tokyo must work together in the backline and midfield to cut off his powerful finishing abilities.
The key to the game will be how the blue and red players respond to Niigata's ball possession. Tokyo will come with speedy players up front and high ball-winning players in the midfield, drawing the opponent into their own half and launching long counters or short counters from high pressing, in order to be able to adapt to the situation and determine the outcome of the game. Offense and defense are two sides of the same coin. It will be interesting to see how they manage the risk of not conceding and how they will strategize to defeat their opponent.
Looking back, we have shown a passionate fight, such as a winning streak at the Japan National Stadium since April, a tie in the Tokyo Verdy match, and 4 goals shown in the YBC Levain Cup 2nd round against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama. Although we missed a 3-game winning streak in the league after a draw, we were able to show aggressive soccer. We don't want to be discouraged by the loss against Machida and want to stand up firmly together.
In addition, it will be a reunion for Takahiro KO, who was with Niigata until last season. It will be interesting to see if he can shine in his former home.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, After the previous defeat, what will you be looking for?
It is important to firmly connect the pain and experience from the defeat to the next. In football, there are times when you have to endure tough lessons. Of course, you should not continue to do such things. In the process of building something special, you must accept and learn from the defeat in the previous match. As long as you are in that process, you must grow from it and not repeat the same mistakes. In the previous match, we were unable to outperform or outplay our opponents.
Q, considering the results of the previous match, I think we need to focus more on shots and scoring than ever before.
A, football is a sport where it is important to create scoring opportunities. I think we have been able to create chances to reach important elements. We were able to play in areas that the opponent didn't like and create good situations for us. In the match against FC Machida Zelvia, there may have been more goals scored. However, Machida was able to convert their few chances into goals. In other situations, we were able to respond well. The opponent took advantage of their chances, while we were unable to convert our chances into goals. We want to use this frustration to drive us in the upcoming matches.
Q, Albirex Niigata, who we will be facing this round, is a club known for their possession play.
A, We are preparing firmly for the Niigata match. Of course, there will be times when we have to hold the flow and ball of the opponent. It is important to prepare for how to respond to that. If the opponent has the ball, we need to counter with a strong defense. And when it is our turn to take control of the game, we need to surpass the opponent with our own play. There are various situations in football. The plays and fighting style that we have built up are meant to create scenes that lead to goals. It will be a tough away game, but we will go for many goals with high concentration and intensity.
[Player Interview]
Takahiro KO
Q, this week's match is against Albirex Niigata, who was with us until last season.
A, since joining Tokyo and when the schedule for this season was announced, I have been aware of this match as one of my targets. I am looking forward to playing against them. I have been with Niigata for 3 seasons. I want to express my gratitude on the pitch, but first and foremost, I am focused on bringing back 3 points as a Tokyo player and winning against Niigata.
Q, What are the important points to consider for the Niigata match?
A, Niigata is a team that values the time of possession and is expected to have a slightly longer defensive time compared to other games. It is important to communicate well on the pitch and play in coordination, such as when to take the ball. In terms of attack, we want to challenge while valuing the play of holding the ball and not abandoning what we have built up as a team.
Q, What is the key to attacking when transitioning from defense?
A, I think it is important to be able to control at the timing of switching to attack. Soccer is a sport that scores points, so I think that plays calculated from the goal are required. I want to read the atmosphere during the game and look for opportunities, whether to put numbers on a short counter or to slowly connect the ball and invade the enemy's territory.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, Please review the previous match against FC Machida Zelvia.
A, I think we were able to create a lot of chances from the left side. However, within those chances, I am aware that we were unable to score or assist, and it ended up just being chances. There is also frustration from not being able to finish. As a team, we did not do well in terms of conceding goals. It was a game where there were many things to reflect on.
Q, it seemed that Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's dribbling was leading Tokyo's overall attack from the beginning of the game.
My teammates understand my playing style and encourage me to make the most of my strengths. Players like Takahiro KO, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who play in similar areas to my position, create an environment and situation that allows me to make plays. I believe we have good communication and coordination.
Q, It can be seen that there has been an improvement in contribution to defense and physical strength compared to last season.
A, I think we are gradually moving in a good direction, but I have not yet reached a level that satisfies me. I think I have to continue working to be able to grow even further from here.
Q, this week's match is against Albirex Niigata.
A, I believe it is important to focus on myself in order to play well and contribute to victory. I think the strength of Tokyo is that all 11 starters can demonstrate their strength, so we will all go to win the away game.
Q, are you focusing more on scoring or assisting when you use your signature dribbling skills?
I believe that aiming for a goal and scoring is the best, but I also feel that I have been able to assist my teammates in scoring more recently. I want to be greedy and aim for both, but my top priority is to contribute to the team's victory by scoring.
Henrique TREVISAN
Q, Please review the FC Machida Zelvia match.
A, although we lost in the previous match, I don't think we should be pessimistic about the entire game. There were scenes where we were winning, but as you know, in football, the team that scores more goals than the opponent wins. The opponent scored two goals from their chances, and that's all there is to it. We were well aware of Machida's playing style and players like Se Hun OH, who possess height and strength, as well as the strengths of our forwards. There were several points that we needed to be cautious of as defensive players. Of course, we prepared to contain the opponent's strengths and approached the game, but I am extremely disappointed that we gave away a goal.
Q, What kind of measures will be necessary against Albirex Niigata this round?
A, I think it will be a different game from the previous one. We have been training this week while understanding Niigata's playing style and tactics. We study our opponents and come up with strategies for each game. In doing so, it is most important for me to express on the pitch what I have been building and growing through practice, including myself.
Q, the May series will start with the Niigata match.
A, in May there are also midweek matches and a large number of games. In order to fight through these consecutive matches, the strength of the entire team is necessary. It is necessary to create a situation where anyone can play and to accumulate training to demonstrate a good performance in the game. We want to challenge with all our might.
