<Review of the Previous Match vs. Sagan Tosu>
"Come spilling in front of me!"
A golden opportunity came to the player wearing number 8, who was hoping for just that.
While running forward, what he focused on was firmly controlling the ball and sending his kick on target. The shot released from his compactly swung right foot slipped between the legs of the opponent who came to block, and pierced the goal net with a rising trajectory.
The goal scored in the 37th minute of the second half while chasing a goal was low, sharp, and powerful, an equalizer. For Takahiro KO, this was his first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium.
However, there was no smile on his face. Determined to achieve a fourth consecutive win by overturning the score, he made a small jumping guts pose as he returned to his position. Then, kneeling on the pitch, clenching both fists, he let out a roar, spreading his strong determination for a comeback victory to himself and all the Blue Reds.
Perhaps because that feeling was conveyed, Tokyo launched a sudden offensive. The comeback mood grew stronger in the stadium. The defenders, who threw themselves into blocks and made fine saves, as well as the players brought on during the match, also made their presence felt in attack.
However, unable to break down the resolutely defending Sagan Tosu until the very end, the match ended with the final whistle as it was. Despite showing a rebound mentality, they could not achieve a comeback, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
"I think everyone felt the chance and atmosphere to turn things around in the last 10 minutes, and we were also playing while feeling that. That’s why we have to finish it off. Not being able to secure a win at Ajinomoto is our own weakness. It’s very frustrating."
An interview after the match without a smile. His expression, filled with the frustration of not being able to win despite scoring the equalizing goal, conveyed the regret of missing out on a fourth consecutive victory.
Match Preview
The first match after the international match week is an away game against Vissel Kobe, held on a “Friday J” schedule. Due to Kobe competing in the AFC Champions League Elite early the following week, the match date was changed to a Friday night game.
The Sec. 33 match of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Sagan Tosu held on October 5 saw a first half where we struggled to break through their high press and five-back defense, followed by a second half where we gradually adapted and took control. However, despite equalizing after conceding first, the match ended in a draw. Once again, we were unable to secure a win at Ajinomoto Stadium, resulting in a frustrating draw in a game where we aimed for our first four consecutive league wins of the season.
However, there is no need to view the content negatively. In the second half, each player demonstrated their strengths both offensively and defensively in their respective positions. There were also moments showing the transition from good defense to good attack, which had been seen during the winning streak. While we couldn’t secure the victory, we want to think positively about the fact that we were able to display Tokyo’s distinctive style.
On the other hand, Kobe is on a six-game winning streak in the league. They have closed the gap to just one point behind the league leaders, Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Their style remains unchanged: intensifying pressure with aggressive high pressing from the front and swiftly breaking through with sharp counterattacks. Led by experienced players, the reigning champions are making their final push toward consecutive titles.
Tokyo, heading into the away match this week, will need to reorganize their back line as center back Yasuki KIMOTO is suspended due to accumulated cautions. The key point of the match will be how to deal with the opponent’s aggressive pressing. It will be important not only to connect the ball steadily from the back but also to avoid risks by assessing the situation, neutralize Kobe’s press with long kicks, and consider utilizing hold-up play and sharp attacks exploiting the space behind. This match will likely test the adaptability that has been shown during the winning streak.
The winning streak in the league was stopped at three, but the team remains unbeaten in four matches and is on an upward trend. This game will be an opportunity to firmly demonstrate the strength of the Blue-Red against Kobe, who are in the title race, and to carry that momentum into the final stages and the future.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q. The match against Sagan Tosu ended in a draw, partly due to their solid defense.
A. Every match presents its own challenges. The first 20 minutes against Tosu were very difficult. There were many moments where we had to endure, but we fought well and were able to play positively toward the end of the first half. In the second half, I think we managed to grasp the flow and rhythm of the game effectively. However, we gave them an opening and conceded the first goal. Even so, the players each showed their individual qualities, never gave up, and gave their all. I believe that led to the equalizing goal.
Q. This week’s match is against Vissel Kobe.
A. Kobe is the J1 League champion club from last season and has accumulated many victories in recent matches. It is precisely because they are riding such a good momentum that Kobe is positioned near the top. This week’s match will be an away game. While we need to be cautious of their momentum, we also have the good flow we have gained from recent matches. We want to show that we can fight firmly. I believe it’s just about expressing a strong mentality, the strength to fight through, and our own principles.
Q, what measures will you take against a highly offensive opponent?
A, Kobe has a squad full of very talented players, but the most important thing is where we exploit their weaknesses and how we control the game. Defendingchampions deserve our respect, and Kobe is expected to fight fiercely to defend their title, but first, we need to focus on our own style of play. We will give everything for the three points.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: In recent matches, the team has been able to score many goals. What kind of progress have you made during this break period?
A: Currently, Ryotaro ARAKI, with whom I have a vertical relationship, is a highly skilled player, so it is very easy to play with him. Not only in these recent matches but throughout this season, I believe he has had a positive impact on the team. I think we have built a very good relationship so far, but since there are still five matches left, I want to build an even better connection.
Q: The upcoming match is against Vissel Kobe, who are currently in second place and unbeaten in their last 8 league matches. How will you approach this game?
A, they won the championship last season and are currently in second place, competing for the title, making them a very strong team. Of course, being an away game, I think it will be a very difficult match, but we are also on a very good streak with 3 wins and 1 draw in our last 4 matches. As the defending champions, we will approach the match with a sense of respect, but we will be the ones who win the match.
Q: As the league matches approach the final stages, the remaining games are becoming crucial for breaking into the top ranks.
A, the number of remaining matches is decreasing and the intensity of the games is increasing. Fatigue is building up, but we have been able to prepare in a good atmosphere through training and practice matches. We are preparing for the Kobe match in the best possible condition, so we will do our utmost to deliver a victory to our fans and supporters.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: In recent matches, stable defense has led to consecutive wins.
A, there have been recent three consecutive wins, but not a single player is satisfied with the current situation. However, there is a sense that we are increasing our ability to control the game, and even during times when we struggle to score or manage the game well, we are able to maintain a collective defensive awareness. I believe we were able to play clearly in the aspects of building and creating the game.
Q: In the previous match against Sagan Tosu, you made a big save that helped turn around a difficult game.
A: Our ideal is to dominate the match both offensively and defensively and secure the win, and that is what we are aiming for. In the game against Sagan Tosu, the score remained 0-0 for a long time, but we conceded the first goal and ended with a draw. To aim for the top positions from here on, we want to focus on taking control of the game ourselves and playing in a way that leads to positive results.
Q: How do you feel about your performance as an individual player, Taishi Nozawa?
A, I believe I can do much more. This includes analyzing the opponent’s shots and ball handling, as well as improving how I engage with the ball in both offense and defense during build-up and preparation phases, communicating with my teammates to raise our level further. I want to enhance my individual quality to help the team win.
Q: Please tell us the points to be cautious about when facing Vissel Kobe, who have a talented attacking lineup and many scoring patterns.
A: They are a very tough opponent, and there will inevitably be times when we have to endure pressure. It is important not to give them any openings, to maintain good condition and make good choices, and to express the team's agreed-upon principles. Against such a challenging opponent, faithfully following defensive rules and how flexibly we can respond to irregular situations will be tested. It will be a very tense match, but I want to enjoy that tension.
