<Last Match Review: Cerezo Osaka>
In the J1 League restart match after two weeks, held at Ajinomoto Stadium where they faced Cerezo Osaka, the intense battle ended in a 2-2 draw, sharing one point each. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI put an end to the three-back formation that had been continued since the opening, and introduced a four-back system during the break. Immediately after the start, this "dress change" led to the opening goal. It was only three minutes from kickoff. With coordinated pressing, they cornered the left side, trapped the opponent, and Takahiro KO successfully stole the ball in an advanced position. Riding that momentum, a final pass was made in front of the goal. Reacting to this, Marcelo RYAN took one touch and slotted the ball in with his right foot to take the lead.
However, at the 42nd minute of the first half, C Osaka took advantage of a brief lapse. When they attacked the opponent's territory, the loose ball was picked up by Shinji KAGAWA, who then made a long feed to Rafael Hatton, allowing him to break through and score. The score was tied 1-1 at halftime. Then, at the 26th minute of the second half, the system change was exploited. Unable to keep up with the run of Tanaka from the third line, they allowed a through pass and conceded the go-ahead goal.
Tokyo, who cannot afford to lose at Ajinomoto, launched a counterattack in the 36th minute of the second half, pushed on by the home crowd's support. Substitute Leon NOZAWA created a chance on the right side and passed into the space behind. There, RIAN ran in and scored the equalizing goal with his right foot, bringing the match back to square one.
The momentum-building Tokyo intensified their offense but fell just short of a comeback. The final whistle was blown. It was a match that revealed both the effectiveness and challenges of the new system.
After the match, player Hian, who saved the team with two goals, said, "I played with the sole desire to save the team, and that feeling led to the equalizing goal. Although we were able to gain the upper hand toward the end of the game as a team, it is very frustrating that we couldn't turn the game around," biting his lip. His determined look as he said, "I want to win the next match no matter what," was impressive.
Match Preview
Between the Emperor's Cup 2nd Round match against Zweigen Kanazawa, this week we will head to Panasonic Stadium Suita to face Gamba Osaka. Although there was a limited preparation period of three days after the Emperor's Cup, Coach Matsuhashi said, "We focused on adjusting physical condition and aligning attention to detail. We shared tactical confirmations during the meeting."
The 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League has completed 19 matches. Tokyo stands at 17th place with 20 points from 5 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses. The team ranks 14th in the league for goals scored with '19', and concedes the joint worst number of goals at '28'. How to reduce the uncontrollable number of goals conceded and increase scoring depends on the maturation of the four-back system. The manager expresses it in these words.
"We have conceded so many goals, and we haven't been able to tighten up. However, I believe the overall balance is important. I want to carefully observe the balance between offense and defense as we proceed with the match."
In the previous match in April, we secured a 3-0 victory at Japan National Stadium. However, Coach Matsuhashi said, "The result of the last match is not a reference for this round. We want to make it a tight game both offensively and defensively."
The 4-4-2 is a traditional system, but conversely, it leaves no room for deception. In defense, each player's position is clear, so winning individual local battles tends to directly affect the outcome. If the coordinated pressing from the front line works well, short counters utilizing speed centered around RIAN should also function effectively.
Shuto ABE joined G Osaka this month during the special transfer period held in conjunction with the Club World Cup. Ahead of his first match against his former club, Aozora, he made his first start since the transfer in the previous match against Shimizu S-Pulse, and is likely fully prepared.
Although the record in Suita is not favorable with 1 win, 5 draws, and 5 losses in official matches, the battle for the pride of the red and blue begins.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, After the Emperor's Cup 2nd Round match against Zweigen Kanazawa, we face Gamba Osaka after three days.
A, we shared adjustments to physical condition, aligning attention to detailed points, and confirming tactical aspects during the meeting. We deepened understanding through the meeting and encouraged everyone to visualize the same scenario during training. Given the limited three-day interval, we managed time and volume carefully while considering physical condition as we prepared for the G Osaka match.
Q. In the previous match, we won 3-0 at home against this opponent. What are your impressions of them now?
A, in the previous match, we won, but the game was closely contested until the final stages and could have gone either way. We believe the previous match result is not a reliable reference for this round. Our tactical approach has also evolved. It is important not to lose in individual battles, and while understanding the opponent's strengths, we aim to make it a tightly contested game both offensively and defensively.
Q. How do you feel about the system changes?
A. I always believe perfection is impossible, and if I were to point out an area that is lacking, it would be our defense. We have conceded quite a few goals so far, and we haven't been able to close out matches properly. I think overall balance is crucial. If we focus too much on defense and our attack becomes weak, we won't be able to secure wins. Naturally, we can't win without scoring goals. We want to carefully maintain the balance between offense and defense as we move forward in matches.
[Player Interview]
<Go HATANO>
Q: The team is required to reduce the number of goals conceded.
A, although it was difficult to take enough time to review thoroughly due to consecutive matches, we were able to communicate well during practice and had intensive training sessions. I was unable to participate in the Emperor's Cup 2nd Round match against Zweigen Kanazawa, but I have been focusing on various scenarios during practice. After the best preparation, I want to show my best play with a fierce spirit on full display.
Q: In the match against Cerezo Osaka, you conceded the second goal because you couldn't fully catch the player who rushed out from behind.
A, of course, we shared this in the post-match meeting, but from my personal standpoint, I think "I just need to stop it." I want to demand more detailed play from myself.
Q. I think the match-up against Shuto ABE is also a key point of interest this week.
A, this is my first time ever competing against him. At that time, we attended the same high school and were even on the same team for the sports festival (laughs). Since this is our first time facing each other as opponents, this match holds special meaning for me. It's a strange feeling, but I'm really looking forward to competing on the pitch. I'm excited. (Abe also wears the number 13 jersey,) I don't know why he chose it, but it's funny how he matched the same number (laughs). There are many backgrounds to this, but first and foremost, I really want to win. I want to aim for a higher position, and without overthinking or getting too tense, I want to play in a way that helps the team win. And I want that to lead to a clean sheet victory as a result.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: Until now, we have been playing with a three-back formation, but in the match against Cerezo Osaka, we used a four-back formation.
A, since it was a formation we were accustomed to both defensively and offensively, there was less hesitation. After the match, I felt it was a shape that allowed us to make the most of our attacking players. I want to view that positively. We have played with a three-back system, which certainly had its advantages, and there were things we were able to develop precisely because of that. We want to continue those strengths even after switching to a four-back system. I believe we must not waste what we have worked on over the past six months. In that sense, just because it’s a four-back system, we must not stop doing or lose the ability to do what we have practiced for six months. I think it is necessary to steadily build on the good aspects of both systems.
Q, In that match against FC Osaka, we conceded 2 goals. I think preventing goals is also important to earn points.
Both goals conceded were due to simple mistakes. Regarding the first goal, reflecting on my decision to challenge the opponent ahead, from a risk management perspective, I think I could have handled it differently. For the second goal, the way we lost possession was poor, leaving space in the center, which led to conceding. I should have communicated more and worked with the team to cover the most dangerous areas. Conceding two goals makes it quite difficult to secure three points, so we must work on preventing goals.
Q. I think center backs are expected to be the starting point of the attack on the offensive side.
A, the players at the back are holding the ball for longer periods. I believe that with our smooth distribution, we can bring stability to the team. This will also lead to better attacks. However, this is still lacking, and there are parts where the intentions of the forward players and the players at the back do not align. We need to communicate and establish a common understanding on whether to connect the play or simply carry the ball forward.
Q, Although it is a different tournament, it will be a match against Gamba Osaka, who come in after winning the Emperor's Cup.
A, in the previous league match, we were able to stop the losing streak by drawing with C Osaka. Building on that momentum, winning in the Emperor's Cup and advancing to the next stage gave the team confidence. In both matches, there were still areas in terms of performance that need improvement. Considering the upcoming consecutive matches and the opponents, I believe these will be three important games. First, in the match against G Osaka, the result is the most important, but we also want to focus on the quality of play and make it a game where we aim to take all three points to move up the standings.
