<Last Match Review: FC Machida Zelvia>
The home opening match held at Ajinomoto Stadium. Tokyo, which won against Yokohama FC in Sec. 1, faced off against FC Machida Zelvia, which is also based in Tokyo.
Tokyo, aiming for consecutive wins with the same starting eleven as the previous match where they started with a white star, sought scoring opportunities from the early stages through Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's bold dribbling breakthroughs, set plays, and build-up play that incorporated goalkeeper Taishi Brandon NOZAWA into the back line. Although they were unable to advance the ball as desired due to the opponent's aggressive pressing in attack, they displayed concentrated play centered around the back line in defense, leading to the end of the first half. Both teams adopted the same system, resulting in a complete mirror game, and they entered the second half in a stalemate.
The same development continued in the second half, with Takuya Tawara's initiative and Teruhito NAKAGAWA's through pass leading to Marcelo RYAN's breakaway, gradually creating a sense of goal-scoring potential. While aiming to change the situation, including player substitutions, they showcased a style of football that did not allow the opponent to play freely. However, in the 37th minute of the second half, they were breached on the right side, and taking advantage of a momentary gap, they were pushed back in the center, conceding a painful opening goal.
Tokyo made an effort to change the flow by bringing in Kento HASHIMOTO, who made his first appearance since returning to the J-League, immediately after conceding a goal. However, in the end, a left-footed shot from Ewerton Gaudino, who came on as a substitute, was caught, and the counterattack did not succeed, leading to the end of the match. In a game aimed at overcoming the frustration experienced last season, the result was once again harsh.
Match Preview
Continuing from the previous match, the home game held three days later will be against Nagoya Grampus, which has many members associated with the blue and red. For Tokyo, with one win and one loss since the opening, they want to secure a solid victory at home and take the lead in wins.
The system being implemented this season has shown glimpses of potential with coordinated attacking plays in the first two matches since the opening, but we are currently at a stage where we aim to increase maturity and enhance the reproducibility of attacking while maintaining possession of the ball. In order to utilize the speed of the front line for quick counterattacks, we want to push forward and face the front without becoming too heavy at the back during possession. We also want to initiate attacks that are calculated from the finish.
In that sense, expectations are high for Kento HASHIMOTO, who made his first appearance after returning in the last match. Not only did he apply active pressure from the front line, but he also played a role in driving the team forward with his dribbling from the midfield. Regardless of how he is utilized, when he is on the pitch, he seems likely to demonstrate a presence in both offense and defense with purposeful play.
Against Nagoya, Kawasaki Frontale lost 0-4 in the opening match. They had shown good form during the pre-season camp, but after conceding the first goal, they became disheartened and ended up conceding more goals. In the previous match, they drew 2-2 with the defending champions, Vissel Kobe. Players Tokumoto on the left side and Uchida on the right side, who are familiar faces for Tokyo, provided an attacking accent, and despite allowing a comeback, they showed a rebound mentality to secure the draw.
Among them, what Tokyo should be wary of is the left foot of player Tokumoto, who has been exciting the stadium since his time with the team. In the match against Kobe, he scored the opening goal with a powerful direct free kick and created numerous chances with his daring overlaps and high-precision crosses. He also possesses a long throw, making him a player that Tokyo must definitely take care of. Additionally, this match is exciting as it features a reunion with familiar members, including Coach Hasegawa, player Nagai, and goalkeeper Kodama, who decided to retire last season but made a comeback. For Coach Rikizo MATSUSHI, it will also be a match against his senior from his time at Nissan Motor's soccer team, Coach Hasegawa.
Since the 2016 season, we have had a good record against Nagoya with an unbeaten home record in official matches, but once the game starts, past results do not matter. First, we want to focus our eyes and minds, make accurate judgments, and maintain a strong awareness of the ball and the goal while dominating the game, aiming for our first victory of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: Please tell us your impression of this week's opponent, Nagoya Grampus.
A, it seems that we are thoroughly continuing what we have built up since last season, and the team's approach is consistent. Of course, there have been changes in players, and I believe the quality of each individual player is also high.
Q: Is Nagai's speed one of the points to watch out for?
AWhile there may be few players who can win just by relying on speed, it is important to focus on timing and positioning by one meter or one centimeter. I want to be conscious of preventing players like Nagai from receiving the ball in the first place, and even if the ball does come in, I want to ensure it is not in a good condition for them to take control of it.
Q: In the last match against FC Machida Zelvia, the build-up was organized, but it seemed that there were fewer chances that led to goals.
A, there are many players in Tokyo who excel at making aggressive plays in the final third (the area closest to the opponent's goal when the field is divided into three parts). I want to convey to the players that they need to shift their perspective a bit. Since this is soccer, they must keep the opponent firmly in their sights, not just their teammates. It is true that the number of shots in the first two matches has not been high, and even if the quantity increases, the quality and potential that lead to goals will be the next requirement. While ensuring the creation of attacks, I want to connect those to shots. I believe that decisiveness in front of the goal will also become important. The key to increasing the probability of scoring is shooting. I want to further enhance that awareness from here on.
[Player Interview]
<Tetsuhiro OKA>
Q: In the last match, you contributed significantly to the team with a high defensive intensity.
A, except for the goal conceded, it was a match where we could feel a sense of achievement in our play. Above all, we were able to play without losing our high concentration, and we responded to each situation with alertness. On the other hand, we were involved less frequently in the attacking play up front, and we couldn't execute dynamic plays. It doesn't mean anything if we don't win at our home, Ajinomoto Stadium, and I want to express our commitment to winning through our choices on the pitch.
Q: The build-up was smoother compared to the opening match.
A, I was aware of my positioning. After the match against Yokohama FC, building up as a team was a challenge, and I believe the other players also had a heightened awareness of receiving passes. The passing options naturally increased from one to two, and I think being able to move the ball smoothly will lead to the next steps.
Q: In the match against FC Machida Zelvia, while we effectively contained the opponent's strong points, we faced challenges in the depth of our attack.
A, I didn't feel like we were going to be overwhelmed defensively, but I got the impression that we didn't have many opportunities to dive into the opponent's goal area or spend much time pressing forward. I want to focus on increasing our playtime in the opponent's half and creating more plays that lead to shots from the next match. Another point is that we couldn't utilize Marcelo RYAN's characteristics. There were many situations where we had to rely on hold-up play, and the pressure from the opponent's defense was concentrated on RYAN. If we could provide passes that utilize his speed and create opportunities in other spaces through his runs, I believe our attack would improve even further.
<Ewerton Gaudino player>
Q, Please review the previous section.
A, although we lost the match against FC Machida Zelvia as a team, I don't think it was a content to be pessimistic about. It was a closely contested match with both teams having few chances, and I personally wanted to convert my own long-range shot into a goal.
Q: We could see the positives in the short play time, such as the set-piece kicker and the accents of the attack.
AI have been able to continue good training since the Okinawa camp, and my condition is also good. I started on the bench in the match against Machida, but all the players, including myself, were in a state of readiness to enter the pitch at any time. I want to contribute to the team with plays that involve assists and goals, including set pieces.
Q: I think the number of times we play in a more offensive position has increased compared to last season.
A, the current position is very easy to play in, and I think the distance between the side players and forwards is important. During attacks, I want to aim for goals through various combinations with the forwards. Marcelo RYAN is also in the forward position, and as fellow Brazilian players, I believe our ability to communicate closely is a strength that other players do not have. I also understand his playing style, and I want to connect it to scoring through good cooperation.
Q: We have back-to-back matches against Nagoya Grampus on Wednesday and Kashima Antlers on Saturday.
I want to overcome the consecutive matches as a united team and steadily accumulate 3 points. Personally, I excel at playing in consecutive matches, and my motivation is very high as there are always upcoming games. I want to seize the opportunity to play and contribute to the team.
