Match Review & Preview
Review of the Previous Match Against Kawasaki Frontale
The Tamagawa Clasico held away was a match that strongly impressed the evolution and growth of the blue and red.
Having won the first two matches of the season after penalty shootouts, the common understanding within the team for the match against Kawasaki Frontale was to secure “3 points.” The players, aiming for a victory within 90 minutes, overwhelmed the opponent with aggressive soccer right from kickoff.
Right from the start, Marcelo RYAN created a big chance from a long feed by Alexander SCHOLZ, and thereafter, the team intensified pressure from the front line, executing coordinated pressing to prevent the opponent from creating chances. Mixing short counters with possession, they repeatedly approached the opponent’s goal.
The attack bore fruit in the 18th minute of the first half. Keita ENDO received the ball on the left side and sent a long feed into the penalty area. Motoki NAGAKURA contested for it, and the ball that spilled loose was picked up by Julian, who carried it to the right and struck the net with his right foot, giving Tokyo the opening goal.
However, in the 31st minute, a momentary lapse allowed the right-back Yamahara to get free, and he skillfully scored with a cut-in to equalize. Since the first two matches from the start of the season each had only one goal, FC Tokyo had set the themes of not only securing a win within 90 minutes but also scoring multiple goals in this match. Even after the game was reset to a draw, the team continued to control the game by seamlessly functioning in both offense and defense, striving for a second goal.
Then, in the 38th minute of the first half, the long-awaited go-ahead goal for the blue and red came. Kyota TOKIWA, who received a sideways pass from the back line’s Hayato INAMURA, made a sharp vertical run, and using RIAN as a pivot near the post, the play expanded to the right side. Keito SATO passed to Sei MUROYA, who sprinted inside, and from a tight angle, number 2 unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot! The captain’s strike pierced the near side, pushing the blue and red one step ahead.
In the second half as well, they continued to display proactive soccer both offensively and defensively, hardly allowing Kawasaki to form any attacking plays. Maintaining focus until the final moments of the match, they shut down their opponents and saw the final whistle. Achieving multiple goals as planned and securing a victory within 90 minutes, they successfully marked a splendid third consecutive win from the season opener.
This Week's Preview
A home game against Kashiwa Reysol aiming for a fourth consecutive opening victory. It will be a match where we must firmly connect the flow so far and focus on the game in front of us.
In the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale, we achieved our first 3 points and first multiple goals of the season. Although we conceded one goal, the team showed an aggressive attitude both offensively and defensively, maintained control, and realized a match where the content matched the result.
Kento HASHIMOTO, who started for the first time in the special tournament and showed outstanding presence both offensively and defensively, also looks ahead, saying, "Being able to score additional goals without sinking after being equalized is proof of the team's growth. We created several big chances, so I want to keep increasing opportunities and piling up goals." Due to the nature of soccer as a sport, momentary errors can lead to accidental goals conceded. To continue accumulating '3 points,' consistently scoring multiple goals will be a major key moving forward.
Although the victory over Kawasaki was a clear and convincing one both in name and reality, there is absolutely no sense of complacency among Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach, or the players in blue and red. On the eve of the match against Kashiwa, the manager said, "We have no choice but to keep this going. We must always approach with a challenging attitude, and the most dangerous thing is to think we are invincible or to feel satisfied. There are always many things to strive for, and not only on the pitch but also in our private lives, it’s about how many days we can dedicate to pursuing that. I emphasize this to the players as well, and I believe we are able to train with an atmosphere aimed at reaching higher levels," he said, tightening his resolve while expressing a sense of readiness.
It is impossible to overlook the growing awareness of the team’s “+1” mentality. Not only do they constantly aim for an additional goal with the “One more GOAL” attitude, but by each player improving their running ability, they are trying to create a style of soccer that makes playing with 11 feel like 12 or 13. They show fierce, coordinated pressing in defense and, when transitioning to attack, they launch a relentless assault on the opponent’s goal. This foundation is one of the strengths of this season’s “Rikizo Tokyo.” Even if the opponent adapts, they want to seize the momentum with fighting spirit and responsiveness that surpasses that of their rivals.
The motto of '+1' is clearly changing not only the team but also the players' mindset. Kenta Tokiwa, who has started three consecutive matches since the opening, said, "If we can show such a level of stamina that the opponent feels like they are facing one extra player, we can naturally control the game. I am conscious of this in both offense and defense, and if we can make it +2 or +3 instead of just +1, we should be able to dominate even more. This message is strongly conveyed by the coach, so I think everyone is aware of it and acting accordingly. My strength lies largely in my stamina, and also in bringing out the best in those around me, so I always want to be the '+1' for my teammates. You can't win the championship without being the strongest team, and for that, strong individuals must gather. I want to become that kind of player and be able to cover for my teammates as well," leaving a comment that reflects his high level of awareness.
On the other hand, Kashiwa Reysol, who finished second in last season's Meiji Yasuda J1 League, have suffered three consecutive losses since the start of this season's special tournament. Despite recording league-leading numbers in expected goals and chance-building points, they have yet to translate these into results, so it is not hard to imagine they will show a fierce fight to break their losing streak. Although they have not been able to produce results, they remain an opponent that will allow no complacency whatsoever.
For Tokyo, aiming for a fourth consecutive win, the key point is how to seize control of the game first. Since Kashiwa, like Tokyo, is a team that centers its play around aggressive pressing, it is crucial to judge when to switch between possession and simple attacks while observing the opponent’s approach to target goals. They must demonstrate adaptability and skillfully manage the game according to the timing. Additionally, having secured multiple goals and a 90-minute victory in the previous match, what Tokyo wants to add now is a win with a “clean sheet.” Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu expressed his determination for the match against his former club, saying, “We haven’t kept a clean sheet yet this season, so next we want to shut them out completely. We can’t move up without winning one game at a time, so I’m forgetting about the three consecutive wins and preparing for the next match as if it’s the Final Round.”
I want to get better, I want to get stronger—this desire will pave the way to the future. Both the match content and the results must be built up stoically, one step at a time, continuously. That is the only way to become a “team worthy of the championship.” To truly become a strong team, the blue-red eleven stand on the pitch of Ajinomoto Stadium with a vow to win every single match.
Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q. When watching the players, I feel that many of them have a strong desire to become "stronger."
A. They consistently give 100 percent of everything they have in response to what is demanded during training. As the overall picture has come together for each individual, they approach daily practice with a high level of awareness. Gradually, more than ever before, the training atmosphere has developed with a mindset of "aiming higher."
Q, You always talk about becoming a "team worthy of winning the championship," and I think the foundation, including the atmosphere and style of play, has been established.
A, There is nothing that can be fully satisfied by continuing, and there is no point where we can say this is OK. I believe that being in a stable or complacent state is the most dangerous. There are always many things to strive for, and how we spend each day to pursue those goals is crucial. This applies both on the pitch and in our personal lives.
Q. Kashiwa Reysol is struggling with three consecutive losses. How do you view Kashiwa this season?
A, I am not concerned at all about the number (three consecutive losses). What matters is that we clearly outperform Kashiwa on the day of the match, so this time we want to settle the game with zero goals conceded in 90 minutes and aim for consecutive wins.
Q, Kashiwa is currently on a losing streak, so I think they will come into the match with a strong determination to win here.
A, In the end, I believe the hungrier team is stronger. Winning does not satisfy our desires, and we have not yet reached any destination, so we must keep working toward our goals. We always need to be greedy and stay hungry.
Player Interview
Player Kei Sato
Q. In the match against Kawasaki Frontale, you recorded an assist and were involved in scoring opportunities, so it seems your form is improving. How do you feel after completing the first three matches since the season opener?
A. It’s gradually getting better, and compared to the 1st and 2nd rounds, my condition and play in the 3rd round were the best. I have the image that I will continue to improve from here. I’m partnering with Sei MUROYA on the right side, and our relationship is also steadily getting better. The fact that we were able to score on that side as a result has really boosted my confidence.
Q. In the assist scene, you chose a lofted pass when the opponent’s marker put out his foot. Is that quick decision also proof that your condition is good?
A. At that moment, my head was up, and above all, I had composure. I’ve never made a pass like that before (laughs). With two opponents closing in tightly, when Muroya came in free, I anticipated that the opponent would put out his foot, so I chose a lofted pass. I think being able to play with that kind of composure led to that assist.
Q, you wanted to finish that clear scoring chance, right?
A, that was the scene where I shot over the bar. I put in a bit too much power. I wanted to strike it in a more relaxed state. It’s also something Naohiro ISHIKAWA CG advised me on last season, so I need to go and get more advice again.
Q. Regarding the Kawasaki match, including your own movements, it seemed that what the entire team needed to do became clear, and everyone’s direction was aligned.
A. I felt the same way on the pitch. There was even a sense of overwhelming an opponent like Kawasaki, who continuously competes for the championship. Especially in the first half, we were able to shut them out to the extent that the only shot they had was the one that resulted in a goal. On the other hand, we took many shots, and while finishing those chances is of course important, I also felt on the pitch that we were that dominant.
When thinking about the factors behind it, while it is important that we hold the ball and take control, the goal was not to just pass the ball around aimlessly. Rather, we were always conscious of building up play by working backward from the goal. That direction was also aligned within the team, and most importantly, the intensity level has significantly increased. The speed of switching between offense and defense, the number of sprints run compared to the opponent, and the strength in one-on-one situations—these were the keys to our victory against Kawasaki. I believe this was evident to those watching from outside as well, and the players on the pitch also felt that achievement.
Q, Is the reason you can play with such high intensity because you communicate and demand it from each other on the pitch?
A, Of course, we play with high intensity even in practice, but rather than players demanding it from each other, it creates a chain reaction during the match. When someone applies pressure, others definitely follow in coordination, and similarly, there seems to be a linked increase in intensity. It’s like a chain of flames. The passion spreads, and I believe the whole team’s intensity rises as a result.
Q: After gaining confidence from the previous match, you now face Kashiwa Reysol. Last season, it seemed you struggled with their fluidity and coordinated movements.
A: In terms of taking action ourselves, especially on defense, we definitely want to apply a high press without dropping back, and we are visualizing this in practice as well. If we can catch them with a high press, it will definitely create chances. There is space, so that is the first target. Even if we get beaten, we can recover and set up a defensive block. Whichever option we choose, everyone is confident in executing it, so I believe we can respond very flexibly to the opponent’s attacks.
Kashiwa has incredible fluidity and also finished last season with good results in the league. Although they have suffered three consecutive losses since the start of this season, their style of play is clear, showing a maturity that seems to have been built up over two or three seasons. They are a sophisticated opponent, but we will not be complacent or overconfident just because we are currently in good form. First, we want to firmly grasp what we need to do and maintain a high level of intensity as we go forward.
Seung-gyu KIM
Q: We have conceded goals in three consecutive matches so far. What do you think is necessary to win without conceding?
A: Personally, I am disappointed that we have not yet had a clean sheet. We prepare with the defensive players to finish each match without conceding, and after every game, we discuss in detail the points to improve and work on them. I feel that progress is going well, so now I want to connect that to results.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Kashiwa Reysol.
A: Kashiwa gives the impression of maintaining possession while continuously making high-quality movements to effectively use space. They play not only with individual tactics but also as a team with well-organized coordination. In addition to their high-quality play, they are a team that runs hard, so we must never lose to them either in quality or in fighting spirit.
Q: What do you think are the key points to winning against Kashiwa?
A: Kashiwa is a team that maintains possession of the ball and has many highly skilled players. Therefore, when the opponent has the ball, the entire team needs to defend in an organized and solid manner. Tokyo has many good players up front, so I believe they will score. As a goalkeeper, I believe that if we do not concede goals, we will definitely win. In meetings, the information necessary to score against Kashiwa is shared with the entire team, so if we can properly express that aspect, I believe we can win.
Q: What do you think is necessary to achieve a fourth consecutive win?
A: Since we are currently on a three-game winning streak, I believe the players are confident. However, without becoming complacent, it is precisely at times like these that we need to sincerely face the style of soccer we want to play and reaffirm our commitment to what we have done so far to realize it. I want to prepare even harder to win than in the previous matches.
