<Review of the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka>
It was a poorly played game where we were always one step behind.
In the press conference after the last match, considering the fact that the team has gone three consecutive league matches without scoring and was unable to create chances as desired, coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI summarized the match against Avispa Fukuoka with a look of regret.
In the early stages, the defense showed strong physical play, with consecutive blocks in the penalty area, coordinated pressing, a fine save by Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, and a crucial clearance by Kento HASHIMOTO just before a goal. On the offensive side, there was a scene where Teruhito NAKAGAWA cleverly changed the course with a header from a right cross by Kosuke SHIRAI, and a follow-up from the opposite side by Shirai after Kota TAWARATSUMIDA broke through on the left side. However, overall, time passed with few scenes that added variation to the attack.
Even in the second half, the team was often pushed back by Fukuoka, but the coach made substitutions to shift the momentum, and gradually Tokyo began to create more chances. Substitute player Keigo HIGASHI, who made his first appearance of the season in the 29th minute of the second half, provided a one-touch pass that changed the rhythm, leading to some close scoring opportunities.
They continued to maintain a focused defense until the end of the match, but in the second half's added time, just when it seemed like it would end in a scoreless draw, they suffered a heartbreaking goal. In the end, they allowed a goal and faced a frustrating defeat away in Fukuoka.
Match Preview
After the International Match Week, the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League resumes after two weeks. In March, Kashima Antlers ended without scoring due to a lack of finishing ability despite feeling positive about their performance. Following two matches against Shonan Bellmare, the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka ended in defeat as they were unable to generate consistency in their attack.
After struggling with three consecutive matches without scoring in the league, we achieved victory against Nara Club in the 1st Round of the 2025 J League YBC Levain Cup held during the break. After a back-and-forth battle, we secured the win with a penalty kick from Soma ANZAI just before the end of the match. Despite the difficulties, we advanced to the 2nd Round. Reflecting on the league matches where we couldn't make significant changes during periods without scoring, coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI changed the system in the second half of the Nara match. By showing a combination of systems that had been tried during the camp, we succeeded in creating numerous chances. This marks another new challenge we have taken on.
During this break, considering the current situation where the results have not been as expected, Coach Matsuhashi focuses on the need to be more aggressive, stating, "We have long periods of defense and short periods of ball possession. We must play more offensively while maintaining a compact state in both attack and defense." As a team, we have not been able to score from the flow of play in four consecutive official matches, but we are able to create chances. By paying close attention to the details and establishing an aggressive style, he expresses hope that, "Even if it's not a pretty form, if we score first, it will boost morale. That could have a significant effect in generating various outcomes."
The upcoming match is the "Tamagawa Classico" against Kawasaki Frontale. Last season, we faced them twice and lost both matches 0-3, and we are currently on a three-game losing streak against this team. We cannot afford to lose any more in this rivalry across the Tamagawa River. Sato Keiun, who joined the team this season, made a strong comment based on the recent match results, saying, "I will score a hat-trick, and this time Tokyo will win 3-0."
Kawasaki has appointed Shigetoshi HASEBE, who led Fukuoka until last season, replacing Toru ONIKI, who has been the commander since the 2017 season (currently the coach of Kashima Antlers). He is adding his own defensive essence to the traditional passing football, creating a new style. So far, with one match less played, they are in 8th place with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. The team has secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) and will travel to Saudi Arabia for the ACLE knockout stage after a grueling schedule of 7 consecutive matches starting this round. This match, being their first in the series, is undoubtedly a game they want to gain momentum from.
Tokyo wants to improve the precision of their new style of football while accumulating results. March has been filled with matches that have brought the pain of giving birth, and they found themselves in a situation where they suffered a loss in the previous match. However, starting from this match, important games against rivals that cannot be lost, including the Tamagawa Classico and Tokyo Verdy, will continue. First, they want to firmly defeat Kawasaki at home and use it as a turning point for their resurgence.
[Player Interview]
< Sato Keiin Player × Ito Tatsuya Player Tamagawa Classico Joint Press Conference >
-- Please introduce yourselves and share your enthusiasm.
Kei Sato: I am Kei Sato, number 16 of FC Tokyo. Last season in the Tamagawa Classico, we lost both matches 0-3, which was a disappointing result, so this season I will make sure to perform well and win 3-0.
Tatsuya Ito: I am Tatsuya Ito, number 17 from Kawasaki Frontale. We have a series of 7 official matches coming up, followed by a match in Saudi Arabia for the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE), so first, we want to win this match and carry that momentum into the series and ACLE. I want to win this important match.
Please tell us your impression of this season's opponents.
Player Sato: Indeed, there is an impression of carefully connecting the ball from the defense line to break through, and not only that, but the forwards are made up of wonderful players with high individual abilities, giving the impression that there are no weaknesses anywhere.
Ito player: FC Tokyo has changed coaches and it seems they are trying a different style of soccer than before. I think they are probably in the process of searching for their style, but there is no doubt that they have many highly skilled players, so I believe that when each of them fits in, it will become a threat.
Both of you play in positions close to the goal. Please share your impressions of each other's play and your own unique selling point that you believe you excel at.
Player Sato: I have been watching Ito's play on video since he was in Germany, and I have the impression that he is a very skilled player with great vertical drive, sharp dribbling, and the ability to control the pace of the ball. I also use vertical drive and dribbling as my weapons, so there might be a chance that we will match up in a game, but in that situation, I want to break through with my speed and connect straight to the goal.
Ito: Sato has an impression of combining power and speed. In the match against Nagoya Grampus in the third round, he recorded a goal and an assist, and when he comes at you with that kind of speed during a counter, it's very unpleasant for the opponent. In the Levain Cup match against Nara Club, he also contributed to the victory by earning a penalty kick in such a difficult game. I believe he will be a threat in counterattacks and transitions. My own characteristics are a bit different from Sato's, but I want to compete in one-on-one situations and plays that lead to goals, so in this Tamagawa Classico, I want to contribute with a goal or an assist.
Q: This is your first time experiencing the Tamagawa Classico together. What impression do you have of this matchup?
Player Sato: I was of course aware of the Tamagawa Classico, and being from Tokyo myself, I have been familiar with the term 'Tamagawa Classico' since I was young. It gives a strong impression of a traditional match from the past.
Player Ito: I was aware of it as well, and I find it very impressive that we refer to it as a Clasico rather than a derby. I am looking forward to being able to compete on that stage this time.
Q: You two are playing in the J-League for the first time this season. Please share your impressions of actually playing.
Player Sato: Compared to overseas leagues, I feel a strong sense of teamwork, high organizational strength, and individual player skills. Of course, overseas leagues are also at a high level, but there is a different kind of subtlety, and it is interesting to play here.
Player Ito: With organized defense, it feels like there are many defenders with no space when receiving the ball. In overseas matches, there are often one-on-one situations multiple times during the game, so I feel that difference.
-- Please tell us about the strengths of your teams that you won't compromise on.
Sato Player: This season, with a change in the coach, we aim to play a style of football that is one of Tokyo's characteristics, which is to "fight" as a base, while also connecting the ball well from the back and launching attacks while neutralizing the opponent. I believe Kawasaki Frontale is a team that connects well and takes control to advance the game, but I think the struggle for control will be one of the interesting points in this matchup.
Player Ito: I think one of the characteristics of Kawasaki this season is its defense, which has improved compared to previous seasons. This season, we have the strength of not conceding multiple goals, so I believe this is one of the new strengths of Kawasaki.
※Comments from both players are excerpts from the Tamagawa Classico joint press conference Q&A.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: This match is the Tamagawa Classico, what kind of preparations have you been making?
While considering the current situation where we are not able to play well, I want to approach the game more aggressively. In the recent matches, we have spent a long time defending and had little time to maintain possession of the ball, so I want to firmly try again what we have been consciously building up since camp. This week, we have been working on both offense and defense with the theme of fighting more aggressively while maintaining a compact formation.
Q: We are in a difficult situation where we have not scored in the recent league matches.
There were many close scenes, but if we don't finish those situations properly, it will make the game difficult. Even if it's not a pretty form, scoring raises the team's morale and creates momentum and a good atmosphere. I want to proceed while being particular about scoring.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Kawasaki Frontale, whose defensive strength has been enhanced this season.
While there doesn't seem to be a significant change in the system, I feel that with the change of coach, the solidity and awareness of the defense, as well as the individual characteristics of the players, are clearly reflected in their play.
