＜Review of the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale＞
The pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, which has not been played on since the match against FC Machida Zelvia on April 21st. After a long period of rehabilitation, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA has returned to his home ground.
Substituted in during the first game back, a practice match during the break, against Gamba Osaka in the 25th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. After the game, he expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "The pitch is definitely the most enjoyable place for me, and it's where I have to do my job. I finally came back and it feels great. With fewer games left, I want to cherish each game and score more and more goals."
The Tama River Clasico against Kawasaki Frontale at home, approached with determination. However, what awaited the number 11 and the blue and red eleven, who were aiming for their first victory after the break, was a result that was too frustrating.
The team that became too passive in the Gamba Osaka match showed an aggressive attack centered on the right side from the beginning, creating numerous chances and threatening the opponent's goal. However, they were unable to score and conceded a goal in the 15th minute of the first half. In the following 20 minutes, they were once again caught off guard by a pinpoint cross, putting them at a disadvantage with two goals behind in the early stages of the game.
And in the 25th minute of the second half, the team sent on both Kashiwa and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA to the pitch in hopes of a comeback. However, just three minutes after their substitution, they conceded another goal from a set piece, making it 0-3. This tough turn of events forced them to face a difficult situation when they were trying to increase their offensive pressure.
He was able to demonstrate plays that still gave a sense of possibility. In the match against Gamba Osaka, Ryotaro ARAKI, who showed off his ability to shake off marks, received the ball and showed his movement to break through the space behind. It was clear to see the good compatibility between Takahiro KO, who created rhythm from the midfield, and Ryotaro ARAKI, who added variation to the attack.
"Taro can face forward and make passes. We communicate by saying "be aware" during practice, and I think if more players do that, we can use our weapons more effectively. We have to build that up from practice. I started moving today, thinking Taro would face forward, and if that continues for a long time, we can create even more chances. I want to polish that kind of relationship even more."
The biggest chance came in the 42nd minute of the second half. Keita Endo skillfully dove and headed the ball into the far corner from a sharp right cross.
"Keita-kun is good at that kind of cross, and I was aware that it would definitely come. If we increase that kind of cooperation, chances will naturally increase. It was a chance to score there, so we have to work on it as a challenge."
However, the ball narrowly missed the left post. Number 11, who had jumped in with his head, checked the direction of the ball, hit the pitch in frustration, and quickly got up to return to his own half.
"That time zone is tough for the opponent, so it's inevitable that chances will come. It's important for the team to be able to finish them off, so we need to reflect on that."
While chewing on regret, immediately turn forward. The game ended in defeat with a score of 0-3, but that attitude will surely bear fruit.
As a player, I have strong feelings of reflection and regret due to the consecutive matches against Tamagawa Classico and Tokyo Verdy. After the Kawasaki match, I put a lot of emphasis on the words, "The match against Tokyo V is a must-win game. We didn't have a good image in the previous match. I want to repay the debt and respond with a goal."
The striker who is hungry for goals has accumulated a passion that is about to boil over. There is also a sense of accomplishment that the scene where he can demonstrate his strengths is increasing. The Tama River Clasico has become a game that can only be seen as a battle for victory in the next match, both as a team and as an individual.
Match Preview
In the previous match, we lost 0-3 to Kawasaki Frontale in the Tama River Clasico. The start of the game was not bad, but we were caught off guard and conceded the first goal, followed by consecutive goals. In the second half, we tried to make a comeback but ended up losing due to conceding another goal from a set piece. Kei Koizumi expressed his frustration after the game, saying, "We had a good start in the first 10 minutes, but the goal we conceded was painful. From there, we let the opponent play with a good rhythm."
For Tokyo, who have not won in the league for three games, this round is a must-win match. In the previous match against Tokyo Verdy, it ended in a 2-2 draw, and the fans and supporters are eagerly waiting for a victory this time. On the open practice day of August 14th, about 300 fans and supporters gathered at the Kodaira Ground, raising banners and creating excitement for this match. Player Koizumi said, "Playing for the fans, supporters, and the team is a given, but the most important thing is to give my best. I have to give my all. If I focus on that, it will ultimately lead to a victory. I don't want to just say empty words, I want to firmly focus on myself and give my best."
Everyone understands the meaning of this match. In order to respond to the feelings of the fans and supporters, Tokyo will come together as a team and go for the win.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, there is a hot game coming up on the 17th.
A, yes. We are preparing firmly for the game. The 17th is an important game for the fans, supporters, and the Tokyo club. We want to enjoy this match by expressing ourselves and preparing well.
Q, it seems that the opponent's formation and members have changed since the last match in April.
A, In training, we can share with the players, including the opponent's characteristics, and prepare for the game with a good image. In the match against Tokyo Verdy, we must be prepared for various things, just like in the previous match. I also think it will be a match where emotions clash. Sometimes crazy things happen. I want to be prepared to handle whatever happens.
Q, please tell me the key points of the match against Tokyo V.
A, first of all, it is important to control our emotions and turn them into our strength. And we must never lose our focus. In the game, we want to win the physical battle and focus on our way of playing.
Q, It is important to have a strong mindset in games where only victory is required, but calmness is also essential.
A, that is football, and it is especially important in big games. It is important to combine both aspects that you just mentioned. Without a doubt, it is a special match. Let's enjoy this moment.
[Player Interview]
Diego OLIVEIRA
Q, this week's match is against Verdy.
We are going through a frustrating and difficult time as a team, having not won in 3 games. However, the next match is one that we absolutely cannot afford to lose against Tokyo V. I believe it will be a slightly different atmosphere from usual, and we will pour all of our strength into grabbing the victory.
Q, Please tell us what is necessary to win in a unique atmosphere and a tough game.
A, I think there will be many intense battles and fierce battles in this passionate game. It is important to stay focused until the final whistle of the game. I believe that even a momentary gap or a small difference can lead to the result of the game. When the opportunity comes, I want to score firmly and sharpen my concentration to make it a game without regrets.
Q, fans and supporters are also looking forward to Diego OLIVEIRA's goal.
A, all members of the team are only thinking about winning this game, and within that, I am also aiming for a goal. And the ideal situation is for that goal to lead to victory. I am truly grateful for the support that comes from the fans and supporters. For the fans and supporters, for Tokyo, I will do whatever it takes to win.
<Kanta DOI>
Q, Please tell us again about the points that were important in the previous Tokyo Verdy match that you played in.
A, I think the result is everything rather than the content of the match against Tokyo V. I want to focus on playing with a strong emphasis on the result.
Q, please tell us about the opponent's noteworthy tactics and players after the previous match.
A, I want to make sure to respond firmly to Kimura, who has a high probability of matching up, and Someno, who scored in the last match, is a highly skilled player, so I want to finish the game without conceding a goal.
Q, last match ended in a disappointing 0-3 result. How do you want to approach the game to make corrections?
A, we have corrected our issues during this week's training. The important aspect of defending by putting our bodies on the line that we felt during the Kawasaki Frontale match will be even more demanded in this round against Tokyo V. We believe that if we calmly handle the opponent's attacks and defend with our bodies, we will also have chances. We want to be able to score our chances and win, and be conscious of solidly blocking in defense.
Q, How do you want to proceed with the game in the unique atmosphere and intensity of the stadium that may affect the game?
In tough matches, I think aggressive play is required. Instead of just relying on back passes, we want to focus on supplying the ball to the front line, having an overall forward mindset, and not being too passive on defense. We want to express an active defensive approach from the kickoff.
