<Preview of the Emperor's Cup 2nd Round>
The 2nd Round, which is the first match of the Emperor's Cup, is expected to feature a fresh lineup on the pitch. Just three days after the Sec. 20 match against Cerezo Osaka in the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League on June 14, players who have had limited playing time this season and those returning from injury have been preparing for this match. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also mentioned that he wants to select the members considering various factors such as condition and playing time so far. Players bringing in "fresh power" will likely include Motoki NAGAKURA, who joined in June, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who has returned from a long-term absence.
Aiming for their second championship in 14 years, Zweigen Kanazawa, the Ishikawa representative who defeated Chukyo University, the Aichi representative, 6-0 in the first round, will face off in the 2nd Round. Already, in other venues for the 2nd Round held on June 11, there have been several upsets where lower-tier clubs have defeated higher-tier ones.
Coach Matsuhashi said, "I think the first match is really important, so we want to approach it with a focused mindset. I don't think we need to be overly conscious, but we want to believe in our own strength and take the initiative to attack the opponent. If we try to be too calculating, we might get caught off guard." In this single-elimination tournament, the coach's constant message, "The enemy in front of you is the strongest enemy," will be put to the test in this must-win match.
Coach Matsuhashi highlighted "transition" as the key focus of the game. To break through Kanazawa's block set up in the middle zone and shake the goal net, quick switching between offense and defense is crucial. Immediately after gaining possession, the team aims to approach the opponent's goal before Kanazawa can organize their block, and right after losing the ball, they want to regain possession quickly to deny the opponent attacking opportunities.
On the other hand, Coach Matsuhashi says it is also important to calmly connect passes even when positioned in midfield.
"We can somewhat anticipate how the opponent will respond while we maintain possession of the ball. Where the spaces open up and who will move into them. The timing of when to receive the ball. How those around engage with this, and where to aim next—if we can move the ball well, mismatches will inevitably occur. That is the crucial point."
He scored 2 goals in the recent match against C Osaka, but the coach said, "There were still many opportunities to score," and continued.
"That has always been a challenge. Data shows that there are many big chances in the league. There are also many missed opportunities. How to convert those decisive chances determines the outcome. This must be pursued continuously, whether in the league or cup matches."
If the players hungry for playing time can solve the urgent issue of lack of scoring ability, the team should gain momentum heading into the J1 League Sec. 21 match against Gamba Osaka, played with only three days' rest. Furthermore, if they win the championship for the first time in 14 years, it will lead to the AFC Champions League 2.
The match that opens the road to Asia kicks off at 19:00 at Ajinomoto Stadium.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. In the match against Cerezo Osaka, it was a game where we managed to equalize by scoring at the crucial moment.
A, I still think there were many opportunities to score. This has been ongoing. I believe every club has scenes where they fail to convert chances, but data shows that we have one of the highest numbers of big chances in the league. However, we also miss many of those chances. Whether we can convert these big chances will determine the outcome, so I think we must continue to strive for this, regardless of whether it's the league or the cup competition.
Q. After the disappointing experience in the 2025 J.League YBC Levain Cup, a new cup competition is starting. How do you feel about it?
A, I truly believe the first match is the most important. We want to stay focused as a team. I don't think there's a need to be overly conscious of anything, but we want to trust our own strength and approach the game at full power from the start. I believe we have to be the ones to take the initiative and attack.
Q: The temperature is rising, and the match will be held within a short period of three days.
A, we would like to decide the members considering various factors.
Q. What is your impression of Zweigen Kanazawa?
A, they give the impression of a very solid team. There are players in the front line who have also been active in the J1 League. I think they are definitely an opponent not to be underestimated. Some players have individual skills that can punish even the slightest lapse. I hope we can stay fully alert to that and exploit the opponent's weak points.
Q: It is expected that the team will have longer ball possession time in tomorrow's match.
A, I don't know if it will be a long one, but since the opponent is a team that defends solidly, transition will be a very important keyword.
[Player Interview]
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q. In the match against Cerezo Osaka, I think it was a game where I was able to demonstrate my strengths, including assisting the equalizing goal.
Although the match against A and C Osaka ended in a draw, I personally felt a sense of progress and was able to build visible results. My condition is good, and my confidence is growing. As a team, we share responsibility for not securing the win, including those of us who came on as substitutes, and there is a lingering frustration for not leading the team to victory. That is precisely why I want to respond with visible results in the matches I play, and I want to work hard so that people say, "We won because Reion played." To gain such trust and growth, I want to dedicate myself wholeheartedly from the next match onward.
Q. You expressed some reflections after the Levain Cup match against Shonan Bellmare, in which you started in the lineup. Based on that experience, what kind of mindset do you want to have going forward?
A, although I started in the match against Shonan, I was unable to contribute to the victory. There were some good moments during play, but the result was elimination. This Emperor's Cup is also a one-match knockout tournament, so a stronger commitment to winning is required. As a forward player, I want to be mindful of the numbers and results and meet the expectations of our fans and supporters.
Q. I think there is a high possibility that players who have had little playing time in the league matches so far will also get a chance to play.
A. Although there have been some tactical changes as a team since the break, the basics have not changed. Regardless of who plays, both as a team and individually, we just need to demonstrate what we are supposed to do and what is expected of us in the match. By effectively utilizing each player's strengths, we want to focus on what we need to do rather than the opponent, and aggressively aim for victory.
Q: The league matches and tournament formats are different, but I believe that winning this game will have a positive impact on both the team and individuals.
A. I believe that if I achieve results as an individual, my opportunities to play in league matches will increase, and as a team, I feel that winning this match will set us on a good path. It is undoubtedly an important game. While there is the difficulty of a one-shot match and a unique atmosphere, we want to align our direction as a team and fight together.
<Ewerton GAUDINO>
Q: In the previous match against Cerezo Osaka, you played for the first time in a while. Please tell us what went well and what challenges remain.
A, personally it was a short time, but I was able to move well and had several chances to take shots. I wanted to finish those opportunities. As for the whole team, the system changed and we had many good chances in good situations. Although we conceded goals and there are points to improve, I think the system change created good scenes.
Q: You played as one of the two forwards. How was playing in a position closer to the goal than before?
A, in the position I played, there was another forward very close by. I was always able to play in a position near the vital area. So, there were scenes where I created chances with my own passes and dribbles, and scenes where I received passes to create chances. Conversely, whether as one of the two forwards or as a side midfielder, I had no difficulty playing in either position.
Q, Tomorrow is the Emperor's Cup. I think it will also be an opportunity to showcase for participation in the league matches.
A, in every match we give our all. No matter the time or the game, we strive to participate with full effort. In the next match as well, we will play solely to secure victory for the team. And we want to share the joy together with our fans and supporters.
