<Last Match Review: Yokohama FC>
A significant victory achieved in the first match. "Rikuzou Tokyo" faced Yokohama FC away in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 1 and won 1-0, firmly proving what they have built up since the camp. They brilliantly secured 3 points in the opening match.
The first goal of the team led by new coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI was a strike born from a fluid passing play that could be described as a "statement of intent."
In the 16th minute of the second half, on the right side, Kosuke SHIRAI made a powerful dribbling breakthrough and earned a throw-in. The ball thrown by Shirai was passed to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, and after receiving the return from Shirai, it was quickly connected with Kei KOIZUMI and Takahiro KO, making a smooth progression towards the center of the penalty area with angles. Then, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, positioned centrally, dropped the ball forward directly, and Shirai, who had sprinted in from the right side, took a well-aimed left-footed shot. The beautiful goal, scored in a vivid manner with many players working in unison, sent the away fans into a frenzy. The heroic right wing-back dashed straight to the fans and supporters behind the goal, sharing the joy with many teammates who had traveled to the away match.
Tokyo, which newly adopted a three-back formation, struggled to break through their opponent who tightened the center from the first half, and continued to face difficulties in launching the desired attacks due to the hard and dry pitch. During a crucial period where attention was focused on how to find a breakthrough, what was showcased was a moment that encapsulated the coach's style aiming for both ball possession and sharp attacks. It evoked a sense of the potential hidden within 'PITA Tokyo' and the bright future of the newly formed blue-red team.
Match Preview
Now, it's the home opening match.
Tokyo secured 3 points from Yokohama FC in their opening match. The first match at Ajinomoto Stadium will be against FC Machida Zelvia, who also calls Tokyo home. The frustration of experiencing a 'season double' in last season's encounters should be etched in the minds of everyone associated with the blue and red. While sincerely acknowledging the current situation of finishing 7th and ending the season without a win against both clubs, including Tokyo Verdy, the aim is to seize victory from Machida and achieve a consecutive opening win at all costs.
The players vividly remember the humiliation they experienced in last season's match against Machida.
Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA said, "We cannot lose any more to clubs that share the same home town of Tokyo, and there is a definite reason we must win this match. Last season, we finished at the bottom among the three Tokyo teams, and we were thoroughly beaten by Machida, which was a great humiliation. This is important as it is our home opener, but on this day, it is not about the form or content; we must truly show our spirit and win." Masato MORISHIGE expressed, "Last season, we struggled to win at Ajinomoto Stadium. Moreover, our opponent for the home opener is Machida, against whom we lost twice, so I believe the players' motivation will naturally rise. I want to present a victory to our fans and supporters in the home opener, and I understand that we must do so to gain their satisfaction. We absolutely want to end with a victory."
Machida, last season, achieved a top-tier finish in their first year of J1 promotion, centered around the league's fewest goals conceded, finishing 3rd in the league and securing a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite (2026-2027 season). In the opening match, they suffered a comeback loss to Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and were hit by a series of injuries to their newly signed center-backs during the match. However, for them, who aim for the top with significant reinforcements, avoiding consecutive losses is a must in this match. The battle for possession will likely be the key point.
On February 21 (Friday), the day before the match against Machida, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI emphasized maintaining a calm mindset while promising an emotionally charged game in the home opener, always focusing on the upcoming game.
"Of course, it's not just the two teams from Tokyo that we are up against, but I believe the fans and supporters will be quite passionate. We need to fully sense that voltage and energy, and because we are a team that values the ball, we must surpass teams with high intensity like Machida in terms of enthusiasm and passion."
First, I want to calmly assess my position and dominate the pitch with superior predictions and intensity over my opponent. Keep the eyes and mind cool, but let the heart and play be hot and intense──.
"Rikuzou Tokyo" embodies the soccer it aims for on the pitch, as the blue-red army seeks to overcome last season's humiliation and achieve two consecutive opening wins at Ajinomoto Stadium.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: By winning the first match of the league, we can welcome the home opener with a good momentum. I believe the expectations of the fans and supporters are high.
A, I want to meet everyone's expectations. In that process, we need to grow into a team that can gradually earn your trust. Since you have been providing wonderful support even away games, I believe it will be even more exciting at home. With your support, I want to aim for victory together.
Q: The maximum number of registered substitute members has changed from this season.
A, there will be more options. Since we can have plans tailored to various situations, I want to make good use of that. One of my shortcomings, which I think is not good, is the timing of substitutions. My thoughts and feelings often come before tactical considerations. With the increase in the number of substitute members, I have been able to think through various scenarios. By increasing the number of substitution cards at hand, I believe it has become easier for me to make bold changes.
Q: Last season, there were no victories against teams based in Tokyo.
I often hear that story, but those two teams are not the only opponents. However, I understand that this battle is important. I want to fully feel that heat and turn it into energy to fight. To win, we have to surpass our opponents in various ways. I believe we also need to surpass them in terms of intensity and passion.
[Player Interview]
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: please review the previous match.
It is positive that we won as a team, and I felt that there is still room for growth. I want to continue growing while winning as a team. Personally, I want to seek quality in both offensive and defensive plays, and I reaffirmed my desire to continue growing for the sake of the team.
Q: There were times when quick judgments about the game situation were made, and sometimes decisive plays were observed.
I was aware of using the width of the pitch simply while managing risks based on the pitch conditions and the situation at that time. Connecting the ball is not the only goal, and I don't think relying solely on long balls is the objective either. I believe it is important to attack effectively and build up play, so I want to continue to focus on sending the ball to areas and spaces that the opponent finds uncomfortable.
Q, in fighting with the new system, did you feel any difficulties, such as in controlling the defense?
A, regardless of the system or defensive formation, it is natural for the players on the pitch to play with responsibility, and if each player has that foundation, the solidity of the defense will inevitably emerge. However, since the number of players in front of our goal is increasing, I believe we also have the strength to flexibly care for the power of rebounds and disturbances.
Q: The home opener is a match against FC Machida Zelvia. Please let me know if there are any points to be cautious about.
A. I have the impression that they will play with "thorough play" in both offense and defense. I want to be cautious of their hard work calculated from victory, such as in ball contests and recovering second balls. However, I don't think we need to fear them at all. We want to express our play in a way that is "true to ourselves" and with confidence. I believe that our fans and supporters are looking forward to this match, and I think they will support us with their passionate cheers. To meet those expectations, I want to express not only tactical aspects but also bold plays at times. I will do my best to ensure everyone enjoys the experience at Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: Please reflect on the match against Yokohama FC.
In addition to being the opening match away, the conditions of the pitch made for a difficult game. We couldn't play the football we wanted, but I think it's positive that we were able to secure 3 points first.
Q: You played as a wing-back, how was it throughout the 90 minutes?
A, it was still not enough. There were also some conditional aspects that I mentioned earlier, but there are still many areas that are lacking, so I believe it will improve from here on.
Q: The match against Yokohama FC was played with the same system by both teams.
I was conscious of not conceding goals. When I looked back after the match, I realized that my positioning was too low, which led to being pushed back at times. To be honest, it felt more like I was being forced to defend rather than consciously defending. When I was playing as a wing-back, I should have been the one pushing forward. I believe that is a point I need to reflect on.
Q: The few chances were converted into victory. Please review the scoring scene.
A, that goal was really just a matter of coincidence that I was the one to finish it, but many players were involved and we were able to score well. Since Rikizo MATSUHASHI became the coach, it has often been said to penetrate the middle, so I think it was a play that embodied that.
Q: You have experience as a wing-back even before joining Tokyo. How do you want to contribute that experience to the team?
I will provide any advice or support that I can, but since it's been a while for me as well, I think it's important to first regain my sense of the game. Given my experience, I believe I can adapt quickly. I hope to show a different side of myself compared to when I was a fullback.
Q: When you scored a goal in the match against Albirex Niigata last season, you mentioned that you had forgotten how to perform due to not scoring for a while, and that's how "Super Shirai" was born. How was it this time?
A, I think it was cool this time. I believe I was able to perform properly. Rather than a performance, I just went to the goal area driven by my emotions (laughs).
