<Previous Match: Yokohama F.Marinos Review>
Goal conceded within the first minute of the match.
Ajinomoto Stadium was enveloped in a silence that seemed to carry over the atmosphere of the first half of the previous match against Vissel Kobe.
Kashima Antlers, Kobe, and Yokohama F.Marinos, the top teams, had a three-game series. In all three games, they struggled with conceding the first goal to their opponents. In addition, in the game against Kobe, they had already conceded three goals in the first half, so it wouldn't have been strange to have a bad feeling about it.
However, the Tokyo players stood up without bowing their heads and returned to the fight as if nothing had happened. In the battle for midfield dominance, Yokohama FM, who have matured their build-up style, held onto the ball. However, once they had possession, they quickly accelerated vertically, aiming for space if the opponent's defensive line was high, and if there was no space, they calmly pushed the opponent back and patiently attacked.
Equalizing goals are created by quickly moving vertically, while comeback goals are achieved by pushing the opponent and pulling them out to the side, dispersing the marking in front of the goal and taking it away.
Despite being at a numerical disadvantage in the middle of the second half, Tokyo's fighting spirit did not waver. Without dropping their formation too much, they persistently slid and applied pressure on the ball side, also launching short counters. There was a determination to not take a step back and to go for all 3 points head on.
Looking at the results alone, it was the same 2-3 as the previous Kobe match. However, the content was completely different. When Tokyo had the ball, something happened. They showed us a passionate play that made us feel excited as viewers throughout the 90 minutes.
<Match Preview>
The Yokohama F.Marinos match was a turnaround in the first half, despite conceding the first goal. However, in the late stages of the second half, they fell behind again due to being outnumbered and suffered another defeat.
The score may be the same at 2-3, but the content is different. In the first half of the Vissel Kobe match, the intensity and performance did not improve and we conceded 3 goals, while in the Yokohama FM match, the team's condition remained consistent throughout. As a result, we approach the halfway point of the season with a losing streak, but the feeling of being able to fight that remains is different from before the previous match.
Gamba Osaka, the opponent, went through a tough period in the early stages of the season, even falling to last place, but gradually climbed up the rankings and is now in 15th place. They are currently 6 points behind Tokyo. In the Panasonic Stadium Suita, which will be the venue for this season, they faced each other in the group stage of the Levain Cup and lost 0-3. However, they were able to secure a 1-0 victory at Ajinomoto Stadium, resulting in an even record of 1 win and 1 loss for the season.
In the 2nd round of the Emperor's Cup held on the 7th, Gamba Osaka suffered a 1-2 defeat against Kochi United SC, who belongs to the JFL. For Gamba Osaka, this match is a home game that will determine their comeback. Furthermore, the point difference with the last place is only 1, and although they have recovered their position, they are still in a difficult situation. In the last match of the first half of the league, they surely have a strong desire to earn 3 points in front of their home fans and supporters.
For Tokyo, this season has been a season of ups and downs in each game, with intense waves within the 90 minutes. Can they express the feeling of being able to fight that they grabbed in the previous match against Yokohama FM on the pitch? The key lies in whether they can continue to perform at a high level.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q, What do you want to focus on in this final match of the first half of the season?
A, Gamba Osaka has recently transformed into a team that plays with higher intensity and actively goes after the opponent's ball. They are a dangerous opponent as they are one of the larger clubs and have a high-quality squad of players. This match is also important for them as it is a home game. I have memories of playing at Panasonic Stadium Suita in a fantastic atmosphere. We are currently in a good state. I have conveyed to the players that we can play with confidence, so I want them to continue playing with confidence. Of course, we will fight for all three points.
Q, in the league matches we are in a losing streak, but we shouldn't worry too much about that.
A, the league is a long and demanding battle. What matters most is the position we finish in after all the matches are completed. In the first half of the league, we faced a period of hardship with many injuries. Because of that, we couldn’t continue playing with the same lineup. During the long holiday period in May, we suffered consecutive losses in matches against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, unable to perform well. In the most recent league matches, we faced two teams competing at the top. Regarding the match against Vissel Kobe, there were some clearly inappropriate plays in the first half, but I think we played well in the second half. As for the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, we played well overall. Although we made a comeback, the sending off had a significant impact on the match. The first half of the league left the impression that there were many away games. In any case, the team is currently in good condition. I have confidence in the team’s situation.
Q, please tell us the important things to do for a comeback in the future.
A, I think it is important to speed up the playing tempo, deepen the understanding among players, and enhance the team's maturity.
Q, it seems like we are struggling against opponents who defend deep.
A, what teams that set up a compact block in the middle area aim for is to intercept our vertical passes and quickly transition to attack. Against such teams that set up this kind of block, it is important to move the ball skillfully and lower the opponent’s defensive line by making runs behind them. In Wednesday’s Emperor's Cup match against Fukushima United FC, although we created many chances, scoring only three goals leaves room for improvement. Additionally, in the last 15 minutes until the end of the match, we were still unable to play well as a team.
Q, we have been struggling in away games.
A, last season we played with the quick transitions between offense and defense as our strength. From that perspective, I think we tended to achieve better results in away games. This season, the team has been continuously growing. Following that trend, it seems we are able to play more comfortably in home games. Of course, we must express the same level of play regardless of the environment, and I believe this is an area that needs improvement.
[Player Interview]
＜Takuya AOKI＞
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Gamba Osaka match.
A, looking back at the matches against Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos, I have the impression that when we were able to defend well, our attack found a good rhythm. Of course, attack is important, but first, I want us to start the game with solid defense.
Q, please tell me the important things to avoid conceding goals early in the game.
A, I don't think there is anything we are not paying attention to, but I believe it is necessary to keep emphasizing the importance of maintaining concentration. It is crucial for the entire team to stay aware and aim to win the match over the full 90 minutes. Game planning and control are important.
Q: What kind of communication do you provide to your teammates in the midfield position?
A, there are definitely both good and bad periods during a match. Especially when we enter a bad period, it is crucial for the players on the pitch to have the ability to immediately correct things among themselves. If the players cannot fix it on their own, we cannot reach a higher ranking. I want to create an environment and atmosphere where quick corrections can be made.
Q: How do you feel about player Aoki's performance?
A, we had a practice match against Kawasaki Frontale in mid-May, and since then, I feel my condition has improved significantly. This match, I absolutely want to win, and I want to play a game that the spectators can enjoy. Although the scores were the same in the matches against Yokohama FM and Kobe, the content was completely different. We want the spectators to enjoy the game, and on top of that, for us to win. I want to create a match where fans and supporters can leave the stadium smiling.
Q, how do you pay attention to the coordination of defense?
A, Tokyo has many players who are strong in one-on-one situations, so coordinated play is important. Personally, I think we were able to create moments where we fought well for the ball in the match against Yokohama FM. When the defense doesn't fit well, I believe it is also important to retreat and reorganize.
Q: Please tell us the image of Gamba Osaka and the points that determine victory or defeat.
A, From what I have seen in the footage, they have the image of executing standard, solid defense, so I think it will be a difficult game. The key point is whether we can play the way we want. Even during times when we can’t play well or during bad periods, I hope we can still do the work of defending firmly and scoring goals, even if it’s not perfect.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, 4 goals in the last 3 league matches. It seems like the form is improving.
A, my condition has been improving. I have overcome the injury I suffered last season and am able to play without pain. Of course, there are still areas I need to improve to score goals, so I want to further enhance my condition.
Q, it is a match against Gamba Osaka, who has been on a winning streak in the league. What kind of game plan do you want?
A, it is an opponent expected to be a difficult match, but we also have good players assembled. Since it is an away game and also the last match of the first half of the league, we want to approach the game with full concentration right from the start.
Q, this season, we have already played against Gamba Osaka twice in the Levain Cup. How do you perceive Gamba Osaka's style and way of playing?
A, both matches we played this season were very difficult games. As I mentioned earlier, tomorrow's match is an away game, and I expect it to be a tough one. Facing Gamba Osaka, who have defenders with tight marking, we want to firmly show our winning attitude and seize victory.
Q, the first half of the league will end this week. How do you feel about looking back on the league matches so far?
A, of course, the results are not what we had envisioned, and we are not satisfied. As you know, the J1 League is highly competitive, and victories are not easily achieved. Looking back on the first half of the season overall, there were matches where we played well but fell short of winning, and others where we secured victory despite poor performances. In the second half of the league, we want to continue playing good games and strive for more wins.
Q: Are there any matches in the first half of this season that Diego OLIVEIRA himself particularly remembers?
A, it was the Sec. 13 match against Kawasaki Frontale. Approximately 57,000 people filled the stands at the Tamagawa Clasico held at the Japan National Stadium. As everyone knows, Kawasaki is an incredibly strong and excellent team. The fact that we were able to secure a victory in such a difficult match against such an opponent is what left the strongest impression on me.
Q, finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Gamba Osaka match.
A, there were many away games in the first half of the league where we couldn't achieve good results. Although we had a stretch of away games in the first half, I believe all clubs faced the same conditions. From tomorrow's match, we want to take a new step forward by securing a solid victory and bringing a positive momentum to the team.
