<Last Match Review: Tokyo Verdy>
In the first half, Tokyo built up play steadily from the final line while being cautious of the opponent's counterattacks. Right after the kickoff, Takahiro KO immediately regained possession of the ball lost at a high position. In this match that absolutely cannot be lost, they showed high concentration and awareness of victory.
However, despite overwhelming possession, they were solidly defended with a five-back formation, and in the 20th minute of the first half, while gradually searching for a breakthrough, they allowed the opponent to score first from a corner kick after a single chance.
Although they were forced into an unexpected situation, Tokyo maintained a high line and began to vary their attacks with passes aimed behind the opponent from a compact formation. In the 23rd minute of the first half, they broke through the green defense with flowing passing from the right side. In the end, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's shot was slightly deflected by a fine save from the opposing goalkeeper, hitting the left post and not resulting in a goal, but they created a big chance with an attack characteristic of 'Chikarazo Tokyo.'
Tokyo, showing a fierce battle, delivered a superb floating pass behind the final line in the 43rd minute of the first half by player Ko. Here, player Sato Keiun sharply broke through and scored to equalize. They successfully brought the match back to square one with a combination that can be described as 'aun no kokyuu'.
In the second half, the opponent suddenly applied high pressure, significantly changing the dynamics of the game. In the 7th minute of the second half, Henrique TREVISAN made a skillful tackle to win the ball from an opponent trying to break through behind him, and the loose ball went to Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. Taishi tried to evade the approaching opponent by cutting back, but he was poked at the ball and lost the chance for a go-ahead goal.
Having saved the team from danger multiple times, the guardian showed a big save in this match as well. In the 44th minute of the second half, Soma ANZAI's right cross was headed in by Henrique, equalizing the score. The number 7, who was fired in the same match last season and was eager to repay that 'debt', recorded an assist that erased Taishi NOZAWA's mistake, bringing Tokyo back to level terms at the last moment.
After that, they left the tall player Henrique up front to aim for a comeback, but they couldn't shake the goal net. Although they stopped the streak of four consecutive scoreless matches, they couldn't secure a victory against an opponent they desperately wanted to win against. The same matchup ended in a draw for the third consecutive time since last season, resulting in a frustrating outcome of five league matches without a win.
Match Preview
Five consecutive winless matches in the league. However, the team's diligent training efforts are beginning to bear fruit, and the performance is definitely improving. The players' eye contact has improved, and the timing of their movements for passes and support is becoming more coordinated. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also stated, "Little by little, various elements are starting to come together, and we are beginning to see good results. This is the outcome of our continued efforts."
That is why we want results, no matter what. The team has broken the difficult situation of four consecutive matches without scoring, and although the last match ended in a draw, they marked two goals. In addition to the scoring scenes, they created chances with a passing style characteristic of 'Rikizo TOKYO' and showed a strong desire for victory with solid blocks and pressure in one-on-one situations. After two consecutive matches that can be described as a 'battle of wills' since the Tamagawa Classico, we want to approach this match with the mindset of 'the enemy in front of us is the strongest enemy' (Coach Matsuhashi) without letting up. One victory can change the flow. We must make the upcoming match against Fagiano Okayama a game that we can look back on as a turning point in the season.
Okayama, which has been promoted to the J1 League for the first time this season, is currently in 9th place with 3 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. In the last match, they suffered their first multiple goals conceded this season against Cerezo Osaka, but they have boasted a solid defense with only 3 goals conceded in 7 matches prior to that. They have shown a brave fight in their first J1 League season with hard work and focused defense. For Tokyo, this will be a match against a promoted team, but they must not let their guard down and aim to surpass their opponent with determination and tactical awareness, seeking to secure a victory away since Sec. 3.
Ryunosuke SATO, who is on loan from Tokyo, recorded his memorable first J1 League goal in the last match against C Osaka. He played as a right wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 formation, connecting a left cross with his right foot to shake the goal net. This season, he has also been continuously selected for the U-20 Japan national team, and during the March expedition to Spain, he achieved consecutive victories against the France and USA national teams of the same age group. SATO started in both matches, increasing his presence as a key player. He will not be able to participate in this match due to contractual reasons, but we also want to keep an eye on the blue-red warriors who are training hard.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: The first goal in the match against Tokyo Verdy encapsulated everything we have been working on. What is your feeling about it?
A, I want to win, and while I have been thinking about what is necessary to win, the results have not been coming. Recently, I used the word "growth," and although it is little by little, various things are starting to come together in a good way. I believe that is the result of our continued efforts, and because we have been persistent, the players' perspectives have aligned well, so the results are beginning to show. The opponents will also come up with countermeasures, so it is important to be flexible with the next steps, and I think it is necessary to align our perspectives for that play. I want to approach both aspects firmly and create something better.
Q, I have the impression that I am gradually getting into the things I want to do.
In the match, there were some good moments here and there. Until now, there were times when I felt we were just a step away, but in the last match, I think we were able to maintain our shape until the end. There were several instances of that, and we also created other chances. Focusing on individual players, as we continue to play, each person's awareness is changing more and more. I spoke with Keigo HIGASHI this morning, and he mentioned that compared to the match against Kawasaki Frontale, he had a higher awareness of getting involved in the attack during the match against Tokyo V. He also mentioned that he is thinking about adding a bit more of this to his game. When these elements come together, I believe we will see even more depth in our play.
Q: How do you feel about the upcoming match against Fagiano Okayama?
We are a team that has just been promoted to the J1 League, but just like always, the team in front of us is our strongest opponent. I want to maintain that perspective as we move forward. It's important not to become complacent just because we felt a sense of achievement in the last match; we need to continue pushing ourselves repeatedly. In competition, it's crucial to be even 1mm or 1cm ahead of our opponents, to create more chances than them, and to score at least one more goal than they do. While competing, it's not just about the details; the fighting spirit and the desire to surpass our opponents are essential. I want to express what we have built up with the mindset of taking on challenges.
[Player Interview]
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q: You played for about 30 minutes in the Tokyo Verdy match. How do you feel about your performance as an individual?
The match against Tokyo V in the previous round was a special game for both the club and the fans and supporters. I wanted to contribute to the team in that match, but it ended in a frustrating draw. In the next match, I want to bring home a victory. Personally, I was not in good condition and it was my first match in a while. When I entered the pitch, the team was losing 1-2, and I entered with the mindset to become a starting point for the attack and to score to equalize and turn the game around. Although I couldn't directly contribute to a goal, I want to build on the fact that the team was able to equalize just before the end of the match.
Q, while leaving challenges in the area of "scoring ability", how do you want to integrate Marcelo RYAN's own characteristics with the team?
The league matches have started, and we have played several games, but I believe the quality of our attack will improve further from here. I feel that the chances leading to goals are gradually increasing, and I am also enhancing my coordination with my teammates, fitting into the team tactics. I want to score for the team here and bring a good momentum. I believe that we will start to accumulate more wins from this point on.
Many voices are looking forward to the first goal after the arrival of player Hian.
I have a strong desire to score and contribute to the team in the matches from here on. However, I also believe that if I put too much pressure on myself, good results won't follow. I want to shake the goal net firmly in chance scenes, increase my playing time from here, and although I think it will be a difficult match against Fagiano Okayama, I want to play for victory.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: How did you feel the energy of the fans and supporters on the pitch during the last match against Tokyo Verdy?
It was an away game, but the atmosphere of the stadium and behind the goal was wonderful, and I think it was a match where we could fight together with passionate feelings.
Q: After a very frustrating match, how do you want to switch your mindset, Daishi Nozawa?
A, mistakes and the accuracy of plays during the match are the criteria for evaluation, and if I cannot contribute to the team's results, I will not be evaluated. That is the world of professionals. Personally, I am determined to contribute to the team at all times. If the team chooses to start me in the future, I will do my utmost to meet those expectations. After the match against Tokyo V, I do not intend to make any significant changes, nor do I plan to play in a way that fears making mistakes. I believe that doing my best in what I can do will lead to the next opportunity.
Q, there were also many big saves that saved us from numerous crises, not just in the match against Tokyo V.
A, there have been many mistakes during matches, both big and small, up to now. Still, I can only be grateful to the team for giving me the opportunity to play as a starter. It motivates me to push myself further and makes me want to play without regrets. Indeed, there were a few saves in the Tokyo V match, but the fact that I couldn't contribute is everything. I want to continue fighting with responsibility.
Q: From April, we will have consecutive matches. I believe the overall strength and results of the team will be required.
To change the current flow as a team, we need a match that can lead to a good opportunity. I believe that as a team, we can improve further from here. The next match against Fagiano Okayama is an important game to climb into the upper ranks. First, I want to focus on the upcoming match and ensure that we secure a win as a team.
