Match Review & Preview

Review of the Previous Match Against Kawasaki Frontale

The Tamagawa Clasico at Ajinomoto Stadium, bathed in the strong early summer sunlight. Tokyo, who must continue to win every match to chase the league-leading Kashima Antlers, is in a position where a victory in this game would allow them to gain 3 points ahead of Kashima, who have a match the following day, and take the top spot based on goal difference. In such a game that demands strong competitiveness, the blue and red players shine brightly at home.

From the beginning, Tokyo showed a strong awareness of transitions between offense and defense, aiming to shift from good defense to good attack. By changing the two-forward combination to the duo of Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Ryunosuke SATO, the team proceeded with the match while exploring their attacking shape.

Gradually gaining momentum while searching for build-up outlets on the flanks and through the center, the match shifted in the 41st minute of the first half. From a sharp interception by Keiya Sato, Ryunosuke Sato on the left side took a shot. The rebound, saved by the opposing goalkeeper, was volleyed in with the left foot by Keiya Sato, allowing Tokyo to take the lead just before halftime.

Even after entering the second half, Tokyo pressed into the opponent's territory and controlled the game, including quick pressure after losing the ball, maintaining the upper hand. In the 11th minute of the second half, Ryunosuke Sato sent a vertical pass that sliced through the center of the pitch, which Keito Sato received, turned, and then switched play to the right. When Teruhito Nakagawa made a move inside the penalty area and a scramble ensued, Leon NOZAWA, using his goal-scoring instincts, ran in and struck with his right foot to score an additional goal.

The team continued to showcase coordinated soccer in both offense and defense, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory. They achieved a season double over Kawasaki Frontale, kept a clean sheet for the first time in four matches, and recorded their fourth consecutive win in the special tournament. Tied on points with Kashima, they took the provisional top spot in the EAST group by surpassing them in goal difference and total goals scored.

This Week's Preview

The day after taking the provisional top spot, Kashima Antlers won against FC Machida Zelvia in a penalty shootout, putting Tokyo back in pursuit of first place by 2 points. That said, it is also true that they have reached a position where they can secure the championship on their own depending on the result of the direct confrontation in the final round. The situation still demands a must-win in every match, but with only four games left, each match carries even more weight than before.

This week marks the fourth match in a five-game winning streak attempt, as we face JEF United Ichihara Chiba at home. To keep the possibility of outright victory alive, we must focus on the game in front of us and absolutely secure all three points in this match.

Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who has finally set his sights on taking the top spot, emphasizes once again the importance of never letting go once caught. "There is no way to move up except by accumulating three points," he says, stressing the need to keep fighting without falling behind Kashima.

The team continues to maintain its good form. The players on the pitch are thoroughly fulfilling their defensive and offensive tasks, fully demonstrating the ability to push forward the moment they regain possession and to immediately try to recover the ball when it is lost. Their unity of purpose is so strong that the word “good form” cannot fully describe it; they are playing football facing the same direction. There is a strong sense of confidence that the team has become one that can score from anyone, in any formation, and from anywhere.

On the other hand, Chiba is struggling as the bottom team in the EAST group with 9 points in the special tournament, but Coach Matsuhashi warns, "They are a team with a very clear structure. Especially the relentless speed from the sides, and while hinting at that, there is also a relationship in the center." Even so, he says, "While it is natural to exploit their weaknesses, it is important to firmly shut down their strengths," highlighting the focus on suppressing the opponent’s key qualities while bringing out their own strengths.

Considering the congested schedule with consecutive matches, this will be a game that tests the team's overall strength. The coach commented on the current state of the team, saying, "It is certain that we are in good condition," and touched on how they will approach the battles ahead.

"We just need to continue doing what we have been doing without putting on airs. There are parts where our energy is accelerating rapidly, and we must express that as a team. I believe the efforts of many players have led to the current results, and the attitude of those who have not had many opportunities to play in training has also helped create the current atmosphere. In such a positive environment, we are able to tackle various things with a positive mindset."

Connecting with teammates in both offense and defense, linking passes, coordinating pressing, and attacking the goal as one. Then, defending the goal together as a unit. That is the essence of Tokyo’s style, and it will continue to be demanded going forward. Without ever overreaching or faltering under pressure, it is football that fully outperforms the opponent in both offense and defense.

Continuity is strength. We will fully demonstrate what we have built up so far and overcome Chiba standing right in front of us. This is an important match to carve out our future with our own power. Overcoming the tight schedule with an all-out effort, we pledge victory united as one in blue and red.

Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI

Q: You are currently in great form with four consecutive wins and are in the running for the championship. How would you describe the current state of the team? During this period, in what areas do you think the team has been able to demonstrate strengths that have led to these results?
A: I believe the team is definitely in good condition. It’s not that this period alone is special, but rather, it’s not just about this time frame. The foundation built up to this point, the appropriate training that matches these results, and the players living their days appropriately all contribute to the current results.

Q, The point difference now allows us to win the championship by overtaking on our own.
A: From the beginning of the season, everyone has been aiming for the championship, so of course we pay attention to other teams, but I believe we must firmly keep our focus on ourselves as we move forward.

Q, you have consistently mentioned putting pressure on the top-ranked Kashima Antlers, but do you think that fighting under the pressure of this championship race will help the team grow further?
A, even without emphasizing it, winning the championship is something everyone has aimed for from the start, so it is important to keep focusing on that and, once we catch up to Kashima, to never let go.

Q. Every match is a must-win, but please tell us again what will be important from here on.
A, without putting on any pressure, it is important to further accelerate the energy from what we have done so far, and I think we must express that as a team. 

Q, I think the team has become one that can score and win no matter who plays or from where on the field.
A, I truly believe that the efforts of many players have led to the current results. This includes the attitude towards training of players who are not getting match time, and such things help build the team atmosphere. Being able to tackle various challenges positively within a good atmosphere is very significant and not something easy to achieve. 

Q, you often talk about "becoming a team worthy of winning the championship," and seeing that even the substitute players are aligned in the same direction and the level has risen, isn't it true that you have really become a team worthy of winning the championship?
A, we have not won the championship yet, so I think it would be appropriate to use such an expression only once we have achieved the championship. From there, whether we can become a team that aims even higher is something that involves stages. 

Q. This will be a match with five consecutive wins on the line. Looking back at the previous encounter, what is your impression of JEF United Chiba?
A. They are a team with a very good structure and have rapid attacks from side to side without any hesitation. I also think their central coordination, shown alongside that, is a strength. Of course, there is the aspect of exploiting the opponent’s weaknesses, but it is important to firmly shut down their strengths. 

Q, there are only four matches left in the regional league round. How do you plan to approach these games?
A, it remains unchanged from before. We can somewhat see what lies ahead, but we must not looktoo far ahead; we need to be mindful of what we can do within our current capabilities and live each day with that awareness. The only way to move up is by continuously earning 3 points, so we want to keep that firmly in sight. Of course, we expect the pressure to gradually increase on us as well, but we must not succumb to that pressure; on the contrary, we must also apply that pressure to our opponents.いけません。常に地に足を着けて戦っていくことがポイントになると思います。 

Q. I think tomorrow's match will be the toughest in terms of schedule. Including player selection, what do you see as the key points?
A. We are considering which players to field based on a comprehensive review of various aspects since the last match. However, since we have also achieved good results and created a positive flow, we will firmly fix the parts that need to be fixed, while flexibly changing players where possible. How much we will change is still uncertain. We must compete with overall strength. Regarding overall strength, one option is to rotate players who played the full 90 minutes in the previous match during this congested schedule, but how we utilize players within the 90 minutes will also be a key point.

Player Interview

Seung-gyu KIM

Q: The match against Kawasaki Frontale was the team's first clean sheet victory in four games. Please review the game.
A: We prepare aiming for a clean sheet in every match. Personally, I was very disappointed that we hadn't been able to finish the last several games with a clean sheet. Throughout the consecutive matches, players have been rotated for each game. Even so, I am personally very satisfied that we were able to keep a clean sheet. As defenders, we believe that if we can prevent conceding goals, the quality players up front will surely score, and we fight with that trust.

Q, This was the second match playing alongside Rio OMORI and Hayato INAMURA. How has the communication and building of understanding been going?
A, I believe it has been steadily building up as we play more matches. Right after each game, we make it a point to immediately discuss any conceded goals or scenes that caught our attention. Even though Rio OMORI and Hayato INAMURA rarely play simultaneously, each of them has been participating in matches. Since we have consistently done what the team set out to do from the training camp and have a clear understanding of our roles, there was no need for detailed adjustments. However, it is necessary to communicate and respond to events that occur throughout the match, so we talk each time and continue to build on that.

Q. After the last match, the point gap with Kashima Antlers has narrowed to just 2 points. What do you think will be important from here on in the pursuit of the championship?
A. As the chasing team, if we can keep winning steadily, I believe it will be a heavy burden for the team being chased. From now on, while focusing on the quality of play is important, it is even more crucial to focus on the results of the matches right in front of us. During games, situations may unfold differently than expected, so in those cases, we want to communicate thoroughly and make corrections as quickly as possible. We prepare for each match one by one, thinking only about winning. Ultimately, we want to firmly overtake and win the championship.

Q. What is important to secure a victory against JEF United Chiba?
A. Against a team that applies pressure from the front, it is crucial to firmly seize the momentum right from kickoff and maintain it until the end of the match without giving it away. If we get overwhelmed by the opponent’s momentum, it is not easy to regain it. Therefore, although the preparation time is short, we want to prepare thoroughly and approach the match with full readiness.

Q: Since it is Golden Week, I think many fans and supporters will come to cheer. What kind of play do you want to show to those who support you?
A: I believe that the current results are thanks to the many people who come to the stadium and cheer for us. In the previous match, just as the second half started and I took my position, when I looked up, the Tokyo fans and supporters had truly dyed the stands behind the goal in blue and red. Even though they were supposed to be the farthest away, I could clearly hear their cheers reaching me. To those who create such a wonderful environment, we think the best way we can repay them is by giving our all on the pitch and showing results. We want to win every single match and repay the fans who support us so passionately. Please give us your enthusiastic support again this match.

Takahiro KO

Q. The team has achieved four consecutive wins, and it seems like a good momentum is continuing. Although I imagine there are physical challenges due to the consecutive matches, how is the team atmosphere?
A. We are truly able to approach both training and matches in a very positive atmosphere. The match against Kawasaki Frontale was a chance for our first four-game winning streak in a while, but we didn’t get too caught up in that. To keep applying pressure on Kashima Antlers, we focused solely on winning the match in front of us. Everyone understands that each match is really important, and I believe that is why we can fight strongly in such a good atmosphere.

Q. Although the goal is to win the championship, is it emphasized throughout the team that everyone is focusing entirely on the upcoming match without looking too far ahead?
A. There is no doubt that everyone’s focus is aligned on that point. No player is looking ahead, and including the staff, everyone is truly concentrating on the match right in front of them. Since we are in a series of consecutive matches with games coming up quickly, I believe everyone is spending their time thinking only about securing the three points in the immediate match.

Q: In the previous match against Kawasaki, I think there were some struggles, especially in terms of the content during the first half.
A: Most of the players had been playing in three consecutive matches, and with the heat, it was difficult at first. I also played in the starting lineup for the first time in a while and initially had some trouble finding my rhythm. Personally, I felt that as time went on, I gradually got into the flow, and I think everyone was able to play more freely after scoring the opening goal. Considering the consecutive matches, the heat, and only two days of rest in between, I really think the players who kept playing through the run did an amazing job.

Q. This season, it feels like the team has firmly established the strength of enduring difficult periods and capitalizing on a single chance.
A. I think there have been many such situations recently. In the match against Kashiwa Reysol two games ago, we were under pressure for a long time, but scoring near the end of the first half was crucial. In the game against Mito Hollyhock, although we conceded first, we managed to turn it around by the end of the first half. Regarding the Kawasaki match, I think it was a similar scenario to the one against Yokohama F.Marinos. The opponent applied pressure from the front, the heat made it tough, and difficult moments continued, but we still managed to score around the 40th minute of the first half and went into halftime with the lead. I believe that was a very significant part for the team.

Q. In the Kawasaki match, you started on the pitch for the first time in a while. How was your performance and condition?
A. It was really my first time in a long while. Returning from injury, then going out again—this was a first-time experience for me, so I struggled to find the sharpness in my body that I envisioned, my condition didn’t improve as I wanted, and my mind wasn’t fully in sync. But just recently, my senses have truly started to improve, and the worries about my leg have disappeared. However, the team had been on a three-game winning streak, so I was a bit nervous for the Kawasaki match after such a long time (laughs).

Q. Even so, at the timing when the periods of endurance improved, I had the impression that you were able to control the game well around Takahiro KO.
A. It gradually got better from the moment I started to feel that the rhythm was being established. We were able to create a solid shape up to scoring the additional goal in the second half, and I finally felt that my sense of the game had returned. Even when I wasn’t playing and was watching from the bench, the team was really performing well, and I was able to spend time in good competition. That gave me good motivation, and I also had the strong desire to work hard for my own growth.

Q: The next opponent is JEF United Ichihara Chiba. While some voices around may be optimistic based on the standings, from the perspective of how Tokyo approaches their matches now, I believe this is a game where we must focus on ourselves and give everything we've got.
A, as I mentioned earlier, it’s not about the opponent; I believe that if we deliver a solid performance ourselves, the results will naturally follow. As Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI often says, if we courageously strive with a strong determination to "do better than the last match," we can aim to secure the full 3 points.

Q: Since it is the last day of Golden Week, a large number of visitors are expected, and I think many children will also come. Please share a message for the fans and supporters, as well as for the children.
A: We are united as a team, and in terms of the team continuing to win, there is no doubt that the support from the fans and supporters gives us strength. Including the cheers from the warm-up, we really feel like we are fighting together, so we want to keep this going as we continue to compete. I believe many children will come to watch as well, and we want to play a match that inspires courage in many people, secure the full 3 points, and make sure everyone leaves the stadium with a smile.