<Previous Match Review: Albirex Niigata>
With a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses, the "restart" match was greeted with a fantastic game from the blue and red army, resulting in a 3-1 victory. They showcased what they have built up this season on away ground, proving that their record so far is not just a mere draw.
Albirex Niigata, who holds the ball and attacks. Tokyo shows a back-and-forth possession of the ball from the beginning, while suppressing the passing options with a compact formation, and closing the center to prevent the opponent from creating scoring opportunities. The entire team's concentration, quick prediction, and good start stand out in both offense and defense.
The hero of this match was Kosuke SHIRAI, who was involved in all three goals for Tokyo. He started as a right back.
First, in the 39th minute of the first half, Henrique Trevisan made a sharp start and cut the ball from his own half, and then ran up the right side with full speed as if anticipating the next move. He received the ball from Diego Oliveira, who had entered the post, and then sprinted vertically at top speed, supplying a perfect ground cross between the opponent's goalkeeper and defender. From this brilliant play, Teruhito Nakagawa scored the opening goal with an assist from Henrique Trevisan.
In the 4th minute of the second half, TERRY entered freely from the left side and demanded a final pass to the ball that was connected from the left side. Then, he swung the ball directly from the gentle side pass of Nakagawa player and scored a well-controlled shot into the right corner of the goal.
In addition, in the 17th minute of the second half, he aggressively regained possession of the ball that was almost lost in a high position on the right side, and became the starting point for the third goal by working closely with his surroundings. After that, even after changing positions to left wing and left back due to player substitutions, he maintained an aggressive attitude.
He appeared out of nowhere. With a sharp interception, he saved the team and while the stadium was focused on the ball, he ran up the right side and created the opening goal. Without being marked by anyone, he showed his face in front of the goal with ninja-like movements and also marked his first goal since the 2019 season.
Here, Shirai is also here, and there, Shirai is also there. There was a presence as if there were 99 clones on the pitch. Among many players who showed their strengths, it was number 99 who stood out with a particularly brilliant performance, moving as if using the "clone technique".
Match Preview
After a disappointing loss to FC Machida Zelvia at Ajinomoto, the reliable ace Albirex Niigata made a comeback in the away game. Teruhito NAKAGAWA scored the opening goal, followed by Kosuke SHIRAI's additional point, and the team's third goal to push Niigata was scored by Diego OLIVEIRA. The number 9, who scored his first goal of the season, said, "I want to thank the supporters and my teammates for helping and supporting me. It's great to be on the pitch and score a goal, but I want to continue this. I want to do my best for everyone."
This round, Sawai will face his former team, Kyoto Sanga F.C. In the Niigata match, he showed his good form by scoring a goal for the first time in 5 seasons. Sawai, who just turned 30 on May 1st, said, "Since it's a team that I am indebted to, I want to show my growth and win. I think it would be amazing if I could score in two consecutive matches, so I will aim for a goal. I want to score a goal as a thank you in front of Mr. Cho."
For the team, a win would mean the first home victory at Ajinomoto Stadium this season. The fans and supporters have been eagerly waiting for this first win, and we will give it our all to achieve it.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, how will you approach the tight schedule of 8 official matches in May?
A, I think it is very exciting to have many football games. It is also an opportunity for many people to see the process of our growth and what kind of team we want to become. We have many games ahead of us, but it is important to first focus on the game in front of us.
Q, now able to score multiple goals in one game, shows growth in the attacking aspect.
A, I think we can grow more, but it is a positive aspect for us. We feel the momentum of being able to express good things on the pitch. We want to continue to demand a club and style of play that fans and supporters can be proud of in this match as well. Every game, the players approach with a strong mindset, and it is important to focus on our style of play. The mental aspect leads to a high performance.
Q, At the moment, the number of goals is 17, which is the top of the J1 league, but the number of goals conceded is 15, which is the worst 4th place.
A, I am satisfied with the number of goals. It is a number that reflects our football. We want to continue to improve. One of the points we need to improve is the number of goals conceded. We want to improve by making the basics of defense tighter. It is important for us to focus on ourselves, including what we have achieved and the content so far. Continuation leads to growth. I believe that by building up our own football, we can prove what position we will finish in at the end of the 38th round. Physical numbers such as running distance and sprint count are also increasing. We are also among the top in the league in terms of overall numbers, which is a change that has not been seen in Tokyo before. We will continue to demand persistence and toughness in the future.
[Player Interview]
＜Kosuke SHIRAI＞
Q, please look back on the impressive performance in the Albirex Niigata match.
A, throughout the match, we were able to thoroughly execute what we needed to do as a team. We assumed that there would be times when we would be under pressure, but we were able to score from counter attacks and secure a second goal early in the second half, followed by a third goal, which I believe was a key factor in maintaining our advantage in the match. The last goal we conceded was a shame, but other than that, it was a really good flow of the game.
Q, 1 goal and 1 assist, showing good form.
A, The condition is very good. It was also the first goal in 5 seasons, so I was very happy. I marked two assists in the Tokyo Verdy match and the Niigata match, but there was a different joy and I was a little relieved. I didn't aim for a nutmeg, but the ball flew to the course I aimed for.
Q, there was an assist scene where the characteristics of Kosuke SHIRAI were highlighted in the Verdy and Niigata matches.
As a team, of course there is a strategy for the side back to join the attack and position themselves, but I think my teammates also understand my strengths. In the scenes of assists, I was able to express my strengths. In both scenes, there was space in front of me, and I was able to sprint and play with speed. By utilizing my strengths and getting results, the combination with my teammates has increased and I feel that my range of play has expanded.
Q: Please tell us the important points to aim for the top from here.
I think it's important to eliminate late goals like in the Niigata match and the second goal in the FC Machida Zelvia match. We are able to score, so in order to go higher, the key is to first eliminate easy goals.
Q, this week's match is against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
A, Kyoto was a team that really took care of me and helped me grow. I want to show my growth on the pitch and through my play. I want to win and repay them.
Kosuke SHIRAI PLAYER ORIGINAL COLUMN is here
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, Please review the previous section.
A, Tsubasa TERAYAMA entered the pitch earlier than planned due to an accident where he got injured in the first half. Football is a sport where various accidents and unexpected things can happen, so I was able to calmly enter the game as a substitute. I had a good feeling about my performance and was able to score a goal, which I think was great. I don't know what opportunities will come next, but I want to continue preparing well.
Q, after the start of the league, there were some changes in members and placement.
A, I think the team has been moving in a positive direction since the opening. In that process, each player is expected to adapt to various changes and grow. It can also be considered that the changes are leading to good results.
Q, Tokyo is currently at the top of both the J1 League total points and shooting accuracy. You can feel the "change" in improving scoring ability.
A, I am most happy when it is shown in numbers. Last season, there were still challenges in terms of the team's scoring ability. If those challenges have been cleared to some extent this season, I would like to take one step at a time in a good direction. This season, we have good players in the front line, but it is not just the forwards who are contributing, it is also a sign that the defense players are increasing their build-up and starting passes for attacks. As a team, we have been able to organize our shape until the finish, and the front line players are able to finish their chances. I think the fact that the team is united and able to build up good things from practice is what is leading to our results.
Q, Kyoto Sanga F.C., our opponent this round, has a strong defense and excels in aggressive play on both offense and defense.
A, Kyoto won against Vissel Kobe in the previous match and I think they are a very strong team. Their attacking quality is also high, and above all, they seem to have a strong physical aspect. I think the next match will also be a difficult one, but we want to fight tough and stay focused in order to grab our first victory of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q, please tell us about the sense of accomplishment and challenges you have been gradually gaining in recent official matches.
A, I feel that I have a sense of accomplishment in being able to participate in chances and shooting scenes within a small amount of playing time. I am also able to use my speed, which is my own strength, to enter the box, but the challenge is that I am not able to finish and show my numbers and results. As a striker, it is important to produce results in any form, and I want to focus on achieving results.
There were big opportunities in both the Q and Y.S.C.C. Yokohama matches, as well as the Albirex Niigata match.
A, I think that communication during practice and practice matches is reflected in the game. The players around me understand what kind of player I am and bring out the best in me. This season, I am particularly conscious of playing in sync with my teammates and being able to contribute to the team. I have a strong desire to live up to expectations and score goals. I want to show my worth through numbers.
Q, Takahiro KO, Kosuke SHIRAI, and Soma ANZAI, who were feeling frustrated at the start of the league, have seized their chances and are now starting in the lineup. Is their performance a source of motivation for you?
I am inspired by the performances of players in the same position as me. First of all, when given time or when coming on as a substitute, I have to think about "what can I do?" and show the required play as a result. I want to learn from and surpass these players who have become indispensable to the team by seizing their chances. In a sport where chances do not come often in one game, it is important to be conscious of not neglecting preparation to seize the opportunities that come. I want to delve deeper and face the areas where I am lacking.
