<Last Match Review: Júbilo Iwata>
Tokyo, who couldn't break through Júbilo Iwata's defense as they retreated and tightened their defense after conceding a goal in the first half, continued to struggle. The difficult period lasted for a long time, but in the 39th minute of the second half, the game finally changed as they activated the pitch with player substitutions and launched a fierce attack.
A chance from a free kick on the left side. A sharp slider cross from Shuhei TOKUMOTO's left foot is sent to the far side, and as if symbolizing the team's determination to "definitely score a goal", many players jump into the goal area.
The player who met the ball that fell sharply in an arc just in front of the opponent's goalkeeper was Soma ANZAI, who has been supporting the team with dedicated play since the opening. He threw his whole body into the header, and as he fell down with the momentum, he quickly stood up and raised his right fist towards the goal stand.
The first professional goal of the season, which was finally scored in the 23rd official match, was also the 600th home goal in the J1 league for the club.
However, what he was aware of was the next kickoff. While repeatedly making a guts pose, he quickly returned to his position. There was a strong desire to score a winning goal and to strongly pursue the team's victory, more than his own emotions.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw. In the post-match mixed zone, number 38 was seen with even stronger emotions after scoring their first professional goal. There were hardly any smiles in response to questions from the press, as they opened their mouth with a tinge of frustration.
"Personally, there is something that makes me feel relieved, but as a team, we haven't been able to win, so I want to strive for more goals that will lead to victory. I understand the criticism that has been directed towards me for not being able to produce results while playing in the forward position, and I have always thought about contributing to the team's success. However, even if we win the game, the frustration of not being able to leave a mark still remains, and I have always felt that I need to do more. That frustration was the strongest, but it can only be resolved on the pitch. As long as I am used in the forward position, I want to meet the expectations with my results, and I am not satisfied with this, I want to continue to leave results that will meet the coach's expectations."
Aggressive defense from the front line shown in the right wing position, a strong desire to score by boldly jumping into the goal, and versatility to also cover the side back position depending on the team's situation. While expressing plays that save the team multiple times, he also carries the pride of an attacker in his heart. The rookie, who said "I want to score more", scored a soulful header. This may be a turning point for him.
Match Preview
The 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League will reach the halfway point this weekend with a match against Shonan Bellmare. Tokyo is currently in 8th place with 7 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses. This will be an important away match to gain momentum for a comeback in the second half of the season and secure a victory.
In the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 18 match against Júbilo Iwata last weekend, the game took a turn as they conceded the first goal from a set piece despite dominating the game. After taking the lead, they struggled to attack against the opponent who chose a defensive approach by creating a block. They were unable to switch to an attacking mode while maintaining possession of the ball, resulting in a series of unsuccessful attempts to create scoring opportunities.
In the second half, the flow shifted to Tokyo after the players who had been watching the game from the bench were brought in. Then, in the 39th minute of the second half, Soma ANZAI scored an equalizing goal with a header from a free kick on the left side. However, they were unable to score again and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. This season, they have struggled to win at Ajinomoto Stadium and once again missed out on a victory, settling for a draw. In this match, they will reflect on their game against Iwata and carefully observe their opponent's movements in order to find opportunities to attack and make changes, which will be the key to victory.
Shonan, who they will face, is currently in 17th place with 3 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses. This will be a crucial home game to maintain their position in the relegation zone.
The most concerning player for Tokyo would be Lukian, who had recorded 6 goals in 4 official matches until the 2nd round of the Emperor's Cup last week. In the previous match against Nagoya Grampus, he scored a goal but it was disallowed due to an offside call after VAR review. However, his calm shot from a skillful breakthrough showcased his good form. As a striker who shows strength in finishing with headers and one-touch goals, he must not be given any time or space. With Enrique Trevisan, who has shown outstanding strength in personal play, suspended due to accumulated warnings, Tokyo will need to keep a tight defense without showing any momentary gaps as a team.
On June 22nd, the day of the match, is Diego OLIVEIRA's 34th birthday. The number 9, who has scored the most goals in J1 League history with 72 goals as a club player, is also expected to score a celebratory goal on his own birthday.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, The first half of the Júbilo Iwata match was generally stagnant.
A, it was an unsatisfactory game and we will reflect on it and improve to connect to the performance of the next game. From that experience, we shared with the players what we can do and what is necessary to become the team we aim for. In the game against Iwata, the players showed a good performance in the second half and were able to catch up to a tie. However, I am disappointed that we were not able to score an additional goal and turn the game around.
Q, it is expected that more teams will come to respond by laying a defensive block like Iwata in the future.
A, First of all, it is important to focus on what we need to do, no matter who the opponent is. In the first half of the Iwata match, our tempo of moving the ball was poor, but in the second half, we increased our movements to get behind the opponent and move forward, which improved the balance of our attack. In the second half, we were able to play our football, but from kick-off to the end of the game, we were unable to express it consistently, which is a challenge for us. It is crucial to score the first goal in any match. No matter how the opponent approaches the game, we want to continue to grow by playing our own football and finding solutions.
Q, this week's match is against Shonan Bellmare.
A, Shonan is a team with high hard work and mobility. They will be a tough opponent who will fight with everything they have. We want to surpass our opponents in intensity and intensity, and play with a focus on the connection of football. We want to aim for victory.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, this match will be the halfway point of the 2024 season.
In the match against Shonan Bellmare, the first half of the league will end, but we must not play like we did in the previous match. I think Shonan will come with a 3-back formation, so we need to thoroughly prepare and analyze their system and come out with a strong team performance to seek victory.
Q, it seemed like the attack gained momentum after player Matsuki entered the pitch in the previous match.
A, Watching the game from the bench, the first half left the impression of a passive play by the team as a whole. By entering the pitch, I was conscious of adding depth to our attacking play and playing more positively. In the second half, I also felt the opponent's fatigue. We were able to effectively attack the opponent's stretched areas with the substitute players, and as a whole, I think our receiving and small details became more positive. It may be a simple thing, but just by changing those aspects, I felt the depth of our attack also changed in the second half.
Q, how do you feel about playing in an attacking position more often this season?
A, I am focusing on the "numbers" of goals and assists that decide the game while playing more in the position before last season. For example, I can play with a good sense of distance with Ryotaro ARAKI and we can play freely while watching each other's movements. I think that good results will naturally follow by continuing in a good form, and the team's condition will also improve as the chances of scoring increase.
<Takahiro KO>
Q, Please tell us your impression of Shonan Bellmare, who you will be facing this round.
A, Shonan Bellmare's style is known for being a hard-working team. The coach of Shonan, Satoshi Yamaguchi, used to be a coach and player for Gamba Osaka, so I am personally looking forward to facing them. Coach Yamaguchi is very knowledgeable about soccer, so I expect them to be a tough and challenging opponent.
Q, I think there were times when we struggled against the opponent who set up a defensive block in the previous match against Júbilo Iwata.
A, We had a long time holding the ball, but I feel that we didn't do enough to break the opponent's block during that time. In the Iwata game, I personally feel that I didn't jump out in front or play in a high position enough, so I think that not hesitating to do such work will be one solution.
Q, What kind of communication did you have between players to improve in the second half?
A, I think the game situation was that we were behind, so it became a second half game. As a team, we were able to strongly focus on moving behind again, and I think we were able to have the option of playing forward, with players who could hold the ball at the center. I think the increased momentum, including the players who came on as substitutes, led to the second half game.
Q, The first half of the league will end in the Shonan match this week. How do you perceive the momentum and challenges of the first half of the league?
A, I joined Tokyo this season and there were times when I couldn't play and it took time to adjust, but gradually I have been able to contribute my strengths to the team. However, both as a team and as an individual, there were ups and downs in the first half of the league. I also want to continue playing in the games from here and show my presence through my play. In order to move in a good direction towards achieving the team's goal, I want to earn 3 points in the last game of the first half against Shonan and make it a game that leads to the next one.
