<Last Match Review: Cerezo Osaka>
In the away match against Cerezo Osaka, Tokyo deployed a new formation that utilized Soma ANZAI as the left stopper in a three-back system and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA as the left wing-back, adapting from a three-back to a four-back depending on the situation. Maki KITAHARA was named in the starting lineup for the first time in a league match.
The entire team tried to take a fluid position and launch an attack, but there were noticeable scenes of misalignment in the build-up from the start, and just 6 minutes in, they were caught out by a mistake in the buildup at the final line, allowing an early opening goal.
After enduring several dangerous moments in the early stages and conceding one goal, the player wearing number 53, who made his first start, changed the course of the match in the 17th minute of the first half. Kitahara initiated an attack from the left and passed to the center, where Sato Keiun, after a feint to evade the opposing defender, was brought down and won a penalty kick. Sato calmly converted the penalty, bringing Tokyo back to level terms in the match.
At the start of the second half, with the score tied, player Tawaramizuki brought the ball in from the left and took a shot. This went wide to the right of the goal, but he showed an aggressive attitude aiming to take the lead.
Tokyo, looking to turn the situation around, saw Marcelo RYAN, who was brought on in the 16th minute of the second half, direct a powerful shot towards the goal. In the 21st minute, RYAN broke free with a vertical pass and showcased a dribble that knocked the opponent away with sharp and powerful running. In the 37th minute, he also won a corner kick by outcompeting an opposing player, demonstrating the form that led to his hat-trick in the midweek match against Omiya Ardija.
Overall, simple mistakes were noticeable, and in the final stages of the match, C Osaka created several chances, but we did not allow any goals with our committed play. The match ended in a 1-1 draw away, resulting in an eight-match winless streak in the league.
Match Preview
Four days since the last match. We will face Gamba Osaka in a Friday night game at the Japan National Stadium.
Tokyo has not been able to secure a victory in the league after 8 matches. Recently, there have been instances where they conceded goals due to simple mistakes or just before the end of the match. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also mentioned, "There were some regrettable goals conceded. Rather than focusing on the content, we need to think about how to play with winning in mind. While it is important to align our perspectives on methodology and tactical aspects, we must also ensure that we are on the same page regarding what we should do during the actual game."
One way to solve the challenges faced by the team is to increase communication on the pitch. By accurately reading the development of the game and aligning our perspectives on how to fight, we want to draw the flow of the match in our favor. Teppei OKA, who played in the center of the three-back line in the last match, talks about the importance of communication and his own determination.
"Regardless of professional experience or age, I must actively voice my demands and energize or tighten the team for everyone. I believe I am in such a position, so I need to take the lead and show leadership not just after the match or at halftime, but during the match itself. In soccer, it's important to paint the same picture, and I think that can often be resolved through communication. The 11 players on the field should continuously communicate, help each other, and align their focus as they fight together."
In terms of aligning perspectives, the fact that we have started to bring out Marcelo RYAN's strengths on the pitch is a significant positive factor. By delivering timely passes into forward spaces, even with somewhat rough balls, his powerful breakthroughs can be utilized. The goal rush in the match against Omiya Ardija in the 2025 J League YBC Levain Cup held last week, and the breakthrough from the right side shown in the second half against Cerezo Osaka, are precisely examples of his weapons being unleashed. Coach Matsuhashi also expresses his trust, stating, "He truly has running ability and physical strength, and there are moments when he can firmly control the ball." He is a talent who can become a point getter in the blue and red. Continuing to take a fighting stance that attacks the goal centered around him should pose a threat to the opponents. If we are winning, we aim for additional goals; if the score is tied, we seek a go-ahead goal; and if we are at a disadvantage, we look for a counterattack. By always maintaining a sense of 'fear' as a team, we want to broaden our approach to the game.
Given the congested schedule, it is expected that this match will also be a full-scale battle. Coach Matsuhashi stated, "While checking the timely situations of each player, we will make solid judgments. On top of that, if we can consider various elements such as the opponent's tactics, power dynamics, and player conditions, we will be able to think it through effectively."
G Osaka, with 4 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses, is currently in 12th place. They have won all 4 matches in which they scored the first goal, while they have 2 draws and 5 losses in matches where they conceded the first goal. Considering that Tokyo has 2 wins and 1 draw in matches where they scored first, and 2 draws and 5 losses in matches where they conceded first, the importance of scoring the first goal will be higher than usual in this game. G Osaka is known for their solid defense and their style of play that emphasizes maintaining possession, so it seems that both teams' styles will clash in this match.
And this week, the spirit of a reliable man was injected into the struggling blue-red army. Diego OLIVEIRA, who had retired from active duty at the end of last season and returned to Brazil, visited the team. He came to Japan for the first time as a club ambassador and strongly encouraged the team as they continued their preparations for the match against G Osaka. Before the practice on the 24th, he also greeted everyone at the team meeting.
Diego Ambassador expressed his thoughts about the club and the fans/supporters during the press conference after the practice the day before.
"The current ranking in Tokyo is not appropriate. I believe there are tough times in football, but by delivering results here, we can break through and achieve better results. Everyone is working hard and practicing to win, and I was the same during my playing days. However, if the reality is that we still can't win, then we have no choice but to keep going. If we are lacking, we have to do even more. No matter what, the fans and supporters are always cheering for us. Everyone's support truly empowers the players, and I am very grateful for it, both during my playing days and now. I hope we can come together as a team and overcome these difficult times together."
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, we will have consecutive matches from here.
A. While properly adjusting my condition, I am able to maintain a good tension and have good concerns.
Q: What specifically constitutes a good dilemma?
A, it is important to always consider how to prepare for the next match, as not everything will go smoothly.
Q: Please tell us what you focused on with the players during this period.
While reflecting on the match is important, it is crucial for the team to keep moving forward. There were unnecessary and regrettable goals conceded, but not everything about the game was bad. Rather than focusing solely on the content, I want to keep in mind how to play with the goal of winning. It is important to align our perspectives on methodology and tactics, but we must also agree on what we should do during the actual game.
Q: Are the players' perspectives aligning more as the matches progress?
In training, we are able to align our focus well. Now, I want to always seek quality.
Q, Please tell me your impression of Gamba Osaka.
A, there is a solid defense, and the skills and members to move the ball are all talented. I have the impression that there are many moments that showcase the use of individual abilities and differences in how time is utilized.
[Player Interview]
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: The match against Cerezo Osaka ended in a draw, thanks to the hard work of the players who came on as substitutes. Please tell us what is necessary to turn this into a win.
Of course, it is important to increase the number of chances, and it is also crucial to finish them properly. I don't know if that is good or bad, but I believe it is important for me as an individual to return to the basics. Not losing in one-on-one situations, not allowing easy crosses, and being more particular about each play in the attacking phase. I want to focus on each player's technical mistakes rather than tactical errors.
Q, there have been many scenes where easy mistakes that can be improved with individual awareness have led to crises.
Of course, with this kind of challenging soccer, mistakes are inevitable. For example, connecting all the passes beautifully from a goal kick to score a goal is quite difficult unless the quality is very high. It's not about challenging everything head-on; if there are strong players up front, there are times when it's perfectly fine to simply kick the ball. It's not that players are told not to kick long balls. It depends on the judgment of the players on the field and whether they can translate the situation into their play. I believe each player has their own strengths, and if there is a player good at dribbling, teammates will support to create zones that make it easier to take on defenders. If there is a player who excels at making runs behind the defense, using long balls or space effectively can lead to plays that utilize their strengths. I want to bring out the strengths of each player as a team.
Q: In the next league match, I will reach a total of 300 appearances in the J1 League.
A, this is not a team record, but a personal matter, so I will firmly accept what I have accumulated so far and just continue to do my best.
Q: Mr. Diego OLIVEIRA visited Kodaira Grand as an ambassador. Did you receive any inspiration or power from it?
A player who has been active in Tokyo for a long time, and I was genuinely happy to see him again after a long time. He came all the way to Japan to watch two matches against Gamba Osaka and Shimizu S-Pulse. I want to deliver a winning match for Diego as well.
<Tetsuhiro OKA>
Q, I believe that breaking through and leading the defense will also be required of Teppei OKA.
With Masato MORISHIGE not in the starting lineup, someone needs to take leadership and bring the team together. This season, I have been consistently playing as one of the final line players, and even though it's my second season since joining, I want to demand from everyone and lead the team with voices that uplift and tighten the atmosphere.
Q: I think that in order to turn a difficult match into a victory, it is even more important for the players to share the same vision and communicate with each other.
A, I think soccer is often resolved through communication. It's not about one person, but the 11 players on the pitch must continuously communicate and coordinate their play. I want to create a situation where there is no quiet moment.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka, the team you will be facing.
We have players with height and strength, as well as players with speed, all lined up in the front line. I believe that if our defense can effectively contain the opponent's strengths, the team will gain momentum. I want to make sure we take care of the areas that are key for the opponent, utilizing our predictions. We need to be mindful of supporting and covering for each other as a team, ensuring that we play and support in a coordinated manner in every situation, rather than relying on individual plays. Soccer is a team sport. I want to progress through the match while helping each other.
Q: In terms of offense, players like Marcelo RYAN and Sato Eiin, who are characterized by their speed, are also lined up in the front line. I believe that the quality of Okada, who can kick the ball regardless of his dominant foot, will also increase from here.
A, I think it's about how I can utilize my strengths while maintaining ball possession as a team style. I want to strengthen my awareness of combining my own characteristics while ensuring that the team has a solid amount of time on the ball. I also want to focus on utilizing long balls to make the most of players like Lucas RIAN and Sato, as well as changing the flow of the attack with a single pass or a switch of sides, and altering the opponent's perspective.
