Match Review
Special TournamentThe match against JEF United Ichihara Chiba, with five consecutive wins at stake. Having closed the gap to just 2 points behind the top-ranked Kashima Antlers,this match becomes one where we absolutely must secure a victory within 90 minutes to keep the possibility of overtaking them on our own in the Final Round alive.
While looking ahead, the important thing is the game right in front of us. The lineup for this must-win match featured goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, with the back line consisting of four players from right to left: Naruki Muroya, Rio Omori, Hayato Inamura, and Kento HASHIMOTO. For Inamura, who turned 24 today, it was a milestone birthday match. The midfield duo was Kento HASHIMOTO and Takahiro KO, with attackers Keito SATO on the right and Keita Endo on the left, and Marcelo Hian and Ryunosuke SATO formed the two forwards. Additionally, Yuto NAGATOMO, recovered from injury, returned to the lineup for the first time since the March 14th 6th round match against Mito Hollyhock, and similarly, Motoki NAGAKURA made his first appearance since the March 22nd 8th round match against Tokyo Verdy, as the kickoff approached.March 22nd 8th round against Tokyo Verdy marked their return to the squad, and the match kicked off.
Tokyo has fully embraced the style they have built up, allowing them to take control both offensively and defensively. This match, they aim to demonstrate an attack that skillfully blends possession with sharp counterattacks while carefully assessing the situation.
1st―Graduallypushing back and creating chances, but falling behind by one goal
From the start, intense battles for the ball were fought, and amid a back-and-forth situation, scenes of being pressed by the opponent's pressure became more noticeable. In the 6th minute of the first half, a pass aimed at building up from the back line was intercepted, leading to a counterattack and CARLINHOS JUNIOR scored in front of the goal, conceding the opening goal early in the match.
Tokyo tried to advance into the opponent's territory with attacks from both the left and right sides, but from Kento HASHIMOTO's left cross, Keito SATO, and from Endo's left cross, Muroya connected in front of the goal, yet they were unable to finish just at the crucial moment. On the contrary, they struggled against Chiba's high press and side attacks, allowing multiple clear chances from crosses.
Tokyo was required to restructure their tactics to break through the situation. They connected from the back line to draw the opponent in, with Ryunosuke Sato dropping into midfield to pull out the opponent’s back line and aim for RIAN’s run behind. Additionally, Kento HASHIMOTO and Takahiro KO dropped back to the defensive line to support the fullbacks’ offensive participation. While changing their positioning, they aimed to break through the situation. However, Chiba also shifted from high pressing to firmly solidify their block in response. Although Tokyo increased the number of scenes where they brought the ball close to the goal, the moments just before creating decisive chances continued to fall short.
Tokyo gradually began to develop a more substantial attack. Ryū Sato became the starting point of the offense and made runs behind the defense, while multiple players launched powerful attacks on the opponent’s goal. First half39 minutes in, from Endo’s left cross, Inamura pushed the ball in with his left foot at the far post, but with VAR support, it was ruled offside, and Inamura’s birthday goal was not recognized.
Just before the end of the first half, Lucas RIAN carried the ball up a long distance with a dribble and took a shot. The opposing goalkeeper saved it, and the rebound ball was chased down by Keisuke Sato, who tried to push it in with a left-footed jumping volley, but it did not replicate the previous match's success.During the 3 minutes of additional time, Ryu Sato created some highlights by receiving the ball back and delivering a sharp vertical pass, but the first half ended as it was. The team went into the second half trailing by one goal.
2nd―Attempting a counterattack,but conceded 2 more goalsand lost the match
Tokyo entered the second half without any changes to the lineup. First, they wanted to bring a sense of threat to their attack in order to equalize. At 2 minutes into the second half, from a build-up in the back line, Inamura supplied a sharp vertical pass. The ball, played via Endo, was targeted by RIAN with his right foot. Although it narrowly missed to the right of the goal, Tokyo immediately created a chance in their characteristic style.
In the second half, Tokyo quickly switched from being pressed back to immediate recovery, sharpening their reactions to loose balls. Their high pressing also worked effectively, and the time spent transitioning from good defense to good offense increased.
Without rushing, Tokyo intensified their offensive pressure while aiming to quickly reset the match. The two central midfielders alternately covered the right-side space with balance, allowing both Kei Sato and Muroya to take up advanced positions and strengthen the attacking pressure.
Tokyo, wanting to change the momentum, brought three players onto the pitch all at once in the 25th minute of the second half.They switched the left side back from Kento HASHIMOTO to Nagatomo, the defensive midfielder from Takashi to Kota Tokiwa, and one of the two forwards from Ryu Sato to Nagakura. Adding fresh players, they aimed for a comeback.
However, immediately after, in the 28th minute of the second half,the right side was broken through and a crossball was allowed. Ishikawa connected with a header in the center, and the rebound off the crossbar was pushed in by Himeno, resulting in conceding the second goal. Furthermore, in the 34th minute, Hidaka scored directly from a free kick, extending the lead to 0-3.
Looking to change the momentumand score back one goal at a time, Tokyo made substitutions in the 36th minute of the second half, bringing on Fuki YAMADA for Kei SATO and Leon NOZAWA for Keita ENDO. They switched attackers on both flanksto try to break through the situation.
Player Inamura’s vertical pass, Player Nagatomo’s cross from the left, and Player Tokiwa’s long-range shot—all the players showed eager play trying to lead a counterattack goal, but they were unable to create a decisive chance. In the additional time of the second half, when Player Tokiwa aimed a long-range shot from a loose ball after a corner kick, the opponent was judged to have handled the ball. However, here, VAR support intervened and the penalty kick was canceled.
The match ended as it was, and the winning streak chasing Kashimastopped at 4.It was a frustrating result at home in Ajinomoto Stadium.
After the match, the blue-red family behind the goal, refusing to give up on the possibility of a comeback championship, continued singing the chant "Pour out your passion! Grab the championship!" to encourage the players. Toward the decisive battle awaiting in the next round, they raised a large "TOKYO" flag and kept conveying their spirit of unity and determination to win at all costs with loud cheers of "We must not lose to Verdy."
MATCH DETAILS
Detailed match data is available here
Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q,Please give us a summary of today’s match.
A, it is very disappointing that the result was so frustrating. However, even in the locker room after the match, there were players already getting ready for the next game, so I believe we must properly prepare well for the upcoming match.
Q,This season, you conceded three goals for the first time. How do you view the challenges in dealing with crosses from the sides?
A, I believe the cause was the inadequate response to both the first and second goals conceded.This had been an issue we were aware of before, and we have been addressing it properly. However, creating gaps there makes the game more difficult. With fewer matches left in the season, these weaknesses and lapses in concentration are also a reflection of our own shortcomings. Still, I do not think what we have built up so far has been in vain; there are parts we have done well.
Q. Please tell us about the simultaneous substitution of the three players in the second half, including the coach’s instructions and the intention behind their introduction.
A. First, regarding Yuto NAGATOMO, his task was to further energize the left side, and I think he expressed that well. As for Motoki NAGAKURA, he came on in place of Ryunosuke SATO, and while maintaining Marcelo RYAN’s aerial presence and his role as a focal point in set plays and behind the defense, we expected him to draw the ball out between the lines and build relationships with those around him. Regarding Kyota TOKIWA, since Takahiro KO played the full match in the previous game, although his task was similar, we expected him to firmly become a focal point and control the game to bring it into our hands. I talked to them not about detailed instructions but about wanting each of them to bring out a good flow through their play. In that sense, I believe all three fulfilled their respective roles well.
Q. We created many chances in attack, and according to preliminary figures, we took 25 shots (official record shows 16 shots), but only 3 were on target. I think this means that while our shots were on target when we were winning, today they were not. How do you feel about this difference compared to before?
A. I think there are technical aspects involved, as well as various factors including the condition of the ball when it reaches me and anticipation. We did take shots decisively, and in the first half there were moments when it wouldn’t have been surprising if the ball had hit the net. However, in the second half, although we got shots off, the opponent blocked many of them, and most were blocked physically before reaching the goal. I think it would have been better if we had a bit more composure or ideas to catch the opponent off guard, but their defense was very solid. Even so, being able to take many shots is a positive point, and although we had fewer shots on target this time, next time we want to increase those and be able to attack effectively.
Player Interview
Kento HASHIMOTO
Q: please review the game.
A: We conceded an early goal and made the game difficult for ourselves. Including the fact that we couldn’t score a single goal throughout the 90 minutes, it’s very frustrating, and I believe we need to lift our heads and keep moving forward.
Q, The next match against Tokyo Verdy is, of course, a game we cannot afford to lose, but wouldn’t it be an even more important match than usual?
A, Kashima Antlers won their match today, and since we also have a series of matches we absolutely cannot lose, I think there’s no point in dwelling on today’s defeat. Time is limited, so I want us to look forward and focus solely on scoring goals and defeating the opponent.
Q. I heard that the atmosphere in the locker room was positive looking ahead to the next match.
A. Yes. We did concede a goal, and during the match it was hard to stay positive at times, but in the locker room we faced forward, switched our mindset properly, and there were positive voices. We want to thoroughly reflect on what needs reflection, make corrections, and approach the next match with that mindset.
Q. Do the cheers from the fans and supporters resonate with you?
A. I truly believe everyone has high expectations for us. Since we are in the title race, it’s meaningless unless we fully capitalize on it, and I want us to definitely earn 3 points in the next match and celebrate together.
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q. How did you view the situation before the match started?
A. Since it was a series of consecutive matches, I had the impression that everyone felt very heavy physically today. I especially felt that we lacked a bit of momentum when watching the first half.
Q, I think the timing of your appearance was when you wanted to change the flow by substituting three players.
A, In the end, we conceded two goals after the substitutions, so I feel responsible for that. Honestly, the second goal was a very difficult situation to handle, but since we actually lost, I regret that we couldn’t give the team momentum. However, personally, after coming on, I had some good breakthroughs and crosses. Since I just restarted after returning from injury, the first thing is that I was able to come back without any injury. Including the fact that I was able to return this quickly, I view that very positively.
Q, After your injury, you mentioned "replacing the engine." Were you able to do that successfully?
A, From here on, it’s only going up. Returning after two months, being able to make breakthroughs like that and deliver crosses is part of starting from zero. I want people to watch how I improve my condition from here on.
Q, How did it feel to play in the match?
A, I definitely felt the intensity was high, but I also felt that I could perform better than I expected. However, since it was my first time back in two months, I just want to show that I can start making up for lost time from here on.
Q. How did the crosses feel?
A. I delivered about three crosses, and all three felt pretty good. Especially the second cross after the breakthrough and the third cross were on target, and if they had gone just one step further, the ball would have reached Marcelo RYAN. I think those parts were good. However, since none of them ultimately led to an assist, we have to look at it critically.
Q, It was impressive that you spoke with Hayato Inamura immediately after entering the pitch. What did you say to him?
A, I told him to watch my movements. He can really deliver quick passes and also play balls behind the defense. Taking that into account, I told him to watch my runs. (Regarding advice to Inamura, who was involved in the first conceded goal) Of course, he might have made a mistake in that situation, but there were many scenes where attacks starting from him led to goals. That shows how excellent his build-up play is. I told him, "Keep facing forward and play."
Q. The next match is against Tokyo Verdy.
A. We have already switched our focus to that. This loss is frustrating, but there’s no point dwelling on it. Although it will be decided by a penalty shootout, we lost to Tokyo V in the previous match, so a second consecutive loss is out of the question. We are already fired up.
Motoki NAGAKURA
Q. It was a frustrating result, but this match was your comeback game, Nagakura. How do you look back on the match?
A. I have the impression that we couldn’t bring the game into our own hands from the first half. I think the team really needed 3 points, and that was all there was to it.
Q. While watching the first half from the bench,what were you focusing on?
A. Rather than things not going well, it felt like the flow was indecisive.The opponent had some good moments, and so did Tokyo, so I was conscious of trying to bring the momentum to our side once I came on.
Q, What aspects did you find difficult?
A, From the outside, it seemed like the pressing wasn’t going well, but just watching doesn’t tell you for sure until you try it yourself. When I actually entered the pitch in the second half, there were times when we pushed forward too much due to the timing, so there are parts that are hard to explain.
Q, how does the team take this result, and how will you approach the next match?
A, we have no choice but to apply the lessons learned from today’s match to the next one. While it’s important to move on, I believe making use of today’s issues is the most important thing.
Q. The next match is not only one we absolutely cannot lose, but also one we must win within 90 minutes. What kind of mindset will you have going into it?
A. It is an important match as part of the league,and I believe it is the most important match for the team, so I definitely want to win that game.
Q. How do you feel about the presence of the fans and supporters who continued to cheer after the match?
A. The fact that the fans and supporters keep cheering us on toward the next match really motivates us. We want to switch our focus to the next game and prepare ourselves to fight with all our might. I want to score goals and play in a way that can save the team.
