＜Review of the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale＞
The early stages were fantastic. Multiple passing lanes were created both near and far to the ball, pushing the opponent back with rhythmic one-touch passes and precise movements. Centered around Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who entered as the left inside half, several scoring opportunities were created, increasing the time spent in the opponent's half.
However, as time passed without converting those clear chances, the attack gradually toned down. The match developed into a battle for possession against Kawasaki Frontale, who originally aim for possession-based soccer. Tokyo connected the ball from the back line, took control using the flanks, and crossed the halfway line, but they reached halftime without being able to add variation or consistency in how they entered the attacking third.
At the start of the second half, Soma ANZAI from the left and Kosuke SHIRAI from the right created chances with crosses from both wings, but they couldn't score. In the 10th minute of the second half, they conceded a goal due to a momentary lapse in front of the goal. Then, in the 28th minute of the second half, they were broken down on the left side and allowed an additional goal. As the match approached its final stages, in the 38th minute of the second half, a misalignment in the high line build-up led to a counterattack, resulting in a decisive third goal being conceded.
In the end, we were unable to shake the goal net until the last moment, suffering a 0-3 defeat at home. This resulted in a frustrating third consecutive loss to Kawasaki with the same score.
<Match Preview>
This is a match that we absolutely cannot lose, no, we must absolutely win.
Last season, in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, which was the first encounter in 16 seasons, there were two draws. In the away match, Soma ANZAI received a red card in the first half, putting the team at a numerical disadvantage, but they managed to come back from a two-goal deficit to secure a draw. The return match at home ended in a scoreless draw after enduring a tough situation. There is also the humiliation of not having won against a club based in Tokyo since last season.
The team is currently on a streak of four consecutive matches without scoring in the league, remaining winless in four games. With two wins, one draw, and four losses, they have dropped to 15th place. Although the match performance has been unstable with fluctuations, they are undoubtedly able to create chances. Takahiro KO stated after the match against Kawasaki, "The start of the game was good, but what I felt after 90 minutes was a lack of strength. That's what it comes down to. However, we cannot falter here. Everyone must continue with a strong will to break through and score goals. We need to further enhance our reproducibility, accuracy, and quality."
If I were to point out the key on the pitch, it would be whether we can play by working backward from the goal rather than just breaking down the opponent. It is precisely because strong actions occur that the next options and possibilities arise. Since we have an organized build-up, we want to show a sense of “fear” including some forcefulness, align our focus, demonstrate a strong desire for victory and scoring, and launch aggressive soccer.
A must-win match. Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach who continues to value the match right in front of him, understands the importance of this round while maintaining his composure.
"I believe that by winning, we can involve many people and it can become a significant game that leads to the next step. While we have built a solid organization, in the end, it comes down to one-on-one situations and duels. I think it's important to truly fight with our hearts and come out on top. It's not a priority to break down the opponent, but we must ensure we take our chances and get to shooting. After the last match, when we were sent off from the stadium, we received such loud cheers from the fans and supporters that their feelings were conveyed to us. It really gave us strength, and I am filled with the desire to deliver a win quickly and share the joy together."
The players have a strong desire for the match against Tokyo Verdy. In the previous match, seven players from the academy started, and four more were on the bench. There is no way they wouldn't be fired up to compete against an opponent they have been intensely aware of since their developmental years.
In the last few matches, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA has been involved in many scoring opportunities and said, "We can only keep going. The next match will be a battle we absolutely cannot lose, so I want to focus on the results and prepare thoroughly. I have been competing against them since my academy days, and I have heard the cheers of the fans and supporters, so my determination not to lose is very strong."
We have no choice but to overcome the difficult situation ourselves. One goal, one victory should change the flow. To turn what we have built up into confidence, this week's match against Tokyo V will be the perfect stage.
Unleash your passion. Seize it.
If you believe in yourself, victory will follow.
Let's show them our strength.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: Regarding defense in front of the goal, although it has been a short period, what kind of preparations have you made?
A: Regarding organized play, I feel the players are diligent and highly capable. Although we conceded goals despite having numbers in front of the goal, we want to continue striving. In today's practice, I encouraged them to organize their thoughts more than their movements. While we have been able to build organization, I strongly demand focus on one-on-one situations and the final duels. I told them to keep their awareness high and to fight in the next match as well.
Q: Please tell us if you have communicated anything about breaking down the opponent's defense in front of the goal.
A, I narrowed down the points and conveyed the aim of the attack. I established a single criterion and organized it so that secondary and tertiary actions could be initiated against it. The players' reactions to that aim were also very good, and I believe it is about how the players can make judgments when their shapes, patterns, and perspectives align. To get to the shot, I want to emphasize 'striking in the chance scene' rather than 'breaking through.'
Q, a match against Tokyo Verdy is coming up.
A, I want to avoid being overly conscious of the surrounding situation and atmosphere, but I believe that by winning this match, not only we but also many others can be involved and move on to the next step. It is a very important match. How we fight is important, but first and foremost, I think it is crucial to surpass them in terms of spirit.
[Player Interview]
<Kento HASHIMOTO>
Q: We are preparing to face Tokyo Verdy.
A, I’m excited. It’s my first time, but looking back at my academy days, the match that fired me up the most was against Tokyo Verdy. I still haven’t forgotten that feeling. It’s a match I’m really looking forward to. (Tokyo Verdy’s coach, Shirofuku) is a very passionate person and a coach I have a strong connection with. He was the coach who nurtured me when I was young, so I want to show him how much I’ve grown on the pitch.
Q: In the last match against Kawasaki Frontale, it felt like we dominated the game, but there were few plays that led to shots.
The coach mentioned that our play and decision-making in the attacking third are areas for improvement, and we have been focusing on this as a team since the match against Kawasaki. There was an emphasis on this in our meetings, and I want to express it clearly. However, it also depends on the opponent, and I think the content will change accordingly. Building up from the back requires creativity based on the opponent and the situation. The choices and options in our play are increasing with each match, so I want to connect this to good attacks.
Q: As a team, how much do you feel you have grown in playing while observing the situation and the opponent?
As we play more matches, various challenges arise. There are discussions and communications among players like, "It was like this at that time" and "I want to do it this way." I think we are gradually improving. To add depth to our attack, participation from the second and third lines is essential. If we can push into the opponent's territory and play soccer within their area, I believe I will have more opportunities to get in front of the goal.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: In the recent matches, we have been able to bring the ball to the goal area, but we continue to struggle to take shots.
In the match against Kawasaki Frontale, we were able to attack in the early stages of the game. This season, even when we had time to push forward, we had few shots, so I thought I would try to give the team some momentum in the match against Kawasaki by taking a shot after a dribble. As a team, it's not good to be too fixated on breaking through; I believe that if various players head towards the goal and we can continue to take many shots, it will be easier to seize the flow of the game. Personally, I have been able to take shots, but finishing them is my current challenge, and I am working on it in practice. I want to develop the ability to finish properly.
Q: Player Tawaramizuki has been going through a tough time without being able to score.
I believe that scoring goals is the best way to contribute to the team, so I want to aim for goals. However, just like in defense, I think it's important to first do the basics well and play in a way that can shift the momentum of the team. I want to communicate well with the forwards, choose the best plays, and contribute to the team's victory.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for tomorrow's match.
A, since it's a match against Tokyo Verdy, we absolutely cannot lose. I feel the same way, but the players from the academy have that feeling especially strongly. We cannot lose any match, but for this one, I want to play with everything on the line just to win, regardless of the content.
