<Review of the previous match against Nagoya Grampus>
Tokyo struggled to break through Nagoya Grampus' compact defense and find a way to score. They conceded the first goal from a penalty kick in the first half, and then two more goals in the second half, resulting in a difficult 0-3 situation.
The players who were watching from the bench had been storing up their power for a game that wasn't going as planned. Finally, in the 33rd minute of the second half, a goal was scored that changed the flow of the game. The three men who were determined to make a comeback shook the goal net with all their might.
After receiving a quick throw-in on the right side, Yuto NAGATOMO passed it horizontally and quickly dashed towards the front line with an inner lap. Here, Takahiro KO supplied a sharp through pass from a one-touch, and Ryotaro ARAKI who had broken through the pocket on the right side, slid and crossed it to the center. The one who finished it in the center was Ryotaro ARAKI. The three players showed their individual strengths and scored a counterattack goal with a quick attack.
A brilliant vertical pass by Takahashi, who opened up the situation with his precise aim and passing speed, a soulful attacking run by Nagatomo, who reflected on the assist scene, and a skillful sliding cross with his right foot by Araki, who deftly guided the floating ball from Nagatomo into the goal. It was a dazzling attack that seemed to show the path of the ball and the movement of the players as if with arrows, involving all three players.
"Number 71 looked back and said, "It may have looked like an easy shot, but the ball was also floating, so I had to be absolutely sure to score and I was able to make it with my nerves sharpened." For the point-getter who returned from the U-23 Japan national team, it was a blue and red comeback goal that appealed to "Taro, here it is".
Afterwards, Tokyo repeatedly created big chances and attacked the goal, but were stopped by the opponent's physical defense, good saves, and clearances on the goal line, and were unable to change the score, resulting in their first loss in 5 league matches. Player Araki said, "To go up, we have to finish those kinds of opportunities. I'm happy to have scored in my comeback match, but it's frustrating to lose. We can't dwell on it, so we need to switch gears right away and work together to help each other out."
Match Preview
In the previous match, they lost 1-3 to Nagoya Grampus and suffered their first defeat in five games. Manager Peter CKLAMOVSKI said, "We need to improve the part where we easily concede goals. It was a tough lesson, but we want to prepare for the next game and become a difficult team for our opponents to beat."
Tokyo unleashed 11 shots, surpassing Nagoya, and the attacking line remains in good form with a goal from player Ryotaro ARAKI, who returned to the game. However, it is clear that there are still defensive challenges. After the game, ARAKI said, "I am happy to score, but I am frustrated that we lost. However, there is no point in dwelling on it, so I want to switch gears quickly."
This round, we will face Yokohama F.Marinos at Ajinomoto Stadium. Although they have not won since the 2020 season, if we can firmly shut down their confident attack, it will be a big confidence boost for Tokyo. Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who started in the starting lineup for the first time since the Kashima Antlers match on April 7th in the Nagoya match, said confidently, "We will definitely win and do our best to move up as a team." As those words suggest, the team's improvement and progress are being put to the test.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, Do you see reducing the number of goals conceded as the biggest challenge for the team right now?
A, It is important not to think too complicated. By dealing with the problem sharply, we can get closer to the team we aspire to be. It is one of the important points to improve. I think there are few scenes that have been greatly disrupted by the points lost so far, but I think it is necessary to respond firmly in the scene just before. By conceding a goal, it becomes difficult to bring the game flow that we naturally imagine. In the 90 minutes, unexpected scenes and developments may occur, but it is important to overcome such difficulties and move forward.
There were many difficult situations during the Nagoya Grampus match. We want to be more aware of our connection between offense and defense, and pull the momentum in our favor even in defensive situations. When our connection is working well, we can be a threat to our opponents. The important thing is for us to understand and have the same awareness of what we need to improve and how we can polish our skills.
Q, Please tell us your impression of Yokohama F.Marinos, who you will be playing against this round.
A few days later, we will become the Asia champions. We are a strong team. We have respect for all of our opponents. We are excited to play against the club that will become the Asia champion. No matter who our opponent is, it is important for us to first play our football. Even if we get caught up in our opponent's flow, I believe that controlling the overall game, playing with intention, and not slacking off in hard work will lead us to victory.
[Player Interview]
＜Henrique TREVISAN＞
Q, I think it is necessary to reduce the number of goals conceded in order to compete for the top position, considering the team's situation.
A, as a center back player, my role is to prevent the opponent's attack, so I feel a great responsibility. Both offense and defense are things that the whole team should work on, and we need to adjust together. However, as defensive players, we need to improve in order to reduce goals. We want to win the next game without conceding any goals.
Q, What is the biggest point of improvement to reduce points conceded?
A, Communication according to the situation is the most important. There were various cases such as goals conceded from mistakes, goals scored by the opponent with multiple attacks, but no matter what form, I think it is necessary for the defensive players to take control from the final line through communication.
Q, this week's match is against Yokohama F.Marinos.
A, We lost to Nagoya Grampus in the previous match, but before that we had maintained a good record of 3 wins and 1 draw. We believe that by winning the next match against Yokohama FM, we can regain our rhythm and confidence.
Q, Yokohama FM has a strong lineup of individual forwards.
A strong presence and a highly accomplished team, it is a wonderful team. By taking 3 points from a high-quality team like Yokohama FM, our motivation will undoubtedly increase. Overcoming difficult matches together as a team and achieving victory will lead to confidence as a team.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q: Please review the scoring scenes of the Nagoya Grampus match.
A, First of all, I am able to play with a good feeling and I have also been involved in the activities of the U-23 Japan national team, so I have been away from the team's activities for a few weeks, but I feel comfortable and easy to play. There were scenes where I was able to express my own plays and the parts that were required of me, but of course, I wanted to win the most. As for the goal from the cross, it is a form that the team is working on, and it is also one of the ways I have been conscious of since coming to Tokyo. I think that this season, the team has been increasing the number of goals scored in that way. It is important for the team to have a form of scoring and I feel the results we have built up.
Q, Do you feel a great sense of accomplishment in scoring right after joining the team?
A, I was worried that I was doing too well since the start of the league, and I'm relieved that I was able to score right after joining. I want to continue playing well.
Q, following multiple games with conceding goals, the previous match was the first loss since Sec. 9. Once again, what are the key points that need to be organized at this moment?
A, first of all, I want to reduce the number of goals conceded. It is important to be in a position where we can still aim for the top even with so many goals conceded, and the competition for the top is also intense. I think there will be more games with a one-point difference or close content. Fixing the defensive issues is the key to establishing ourselves in the top position.
Q, Please give us your enthusiasm for the Yokohama F.Marinos match.
If we can win against Yokohama FM, I think our team's momentum will come back and the game after a loss is especially important no matter who the opponent is. We will play offensively and go for the win, showing our own style.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, Wednesday's Nagoya Grampus match was a disappointing defeat. How do you look back on it?
A, it's not that we were able to play very well, but I don't think there was as much difference in ability as the score of 1-3 suggests. There were also many chances for Tokyo, so I'm not pessimistic. I want to fix our issues and prepare for the next game.
Q, After the Albirex Niigata match, you have scored 4 goals in 5 games. Diego OLIVEIRA, what changes have you personally felt?
A, there hasn't been any particular change. The biggest factor is that my injury from the early stages of the league has healed and my condition has recovered. Since returning to official matches for the first time in a while against Albirex Niigata, I have been able to play my usual game without any discomfort, which is why I have been able to score goals consistently.
Q, What do you think Tokyo needs to do to compete for the top spot from here?
A, this season is a close battle for the top spot, and of course we have a chance to aim for the top as well. However, during the season, it is important to focus on the game in front of us rather than thinking about the title. If we can keep up with the top teams, I believe we will see results in the end.
Q, to the fans and supporters, please share your enthusiasm for this match.
A, Yokohama F.Marinos is a very good team, so I think it will be a difficult game. However, we must win at home no matter what. The support of the fans and supporters always gives us strength. I heard that there will be a Brazil Festival in this round, and I want to deliver the joy of victory at the end of such a day.
