Match Review & Preview

Review of the Previous Match Against JEF United Chiba

Tokyo wants to close the gap to just 2 points behind the league-leading Kashima Antlers, continue to apply pressure on the top teams, and maintain their chances of overtaking for the championship by extending their winning streak over the full 90 minutes. However, the match unfolded with JEF United Ichihara Chiba taking control, showing aggressive pressing and fierce challenges for the ball.

From the start, chances were created against us, and in the 6th minute of the first half, an attempt to build up from the back line was intercepted, leading to a counterattack and conceding a goal. We ended up falling behind early in the game.

Even so, by fine-tuning positioning and the distance between players, and with the defensive midfielder dropping back to the last line, the attack was rebuilt. Ryunosuke SATO gradually established rhythm by dropping back from the front line to the midfield to receive the ball.

In the 39th minute of the first half, it seemed that Hayato Inamura had equalized by pushing in a cross from the left by Keita ENDO, but with VAR support, the offside was confirmed and the goal was disallowed. Near the end of the first half, Marcelo RYAN made a breakthrough and Keisuke Sato took a volley shot, but unfortunately, it went over the crossbar and did not shake the net.

Even after entering the second half, the team created opportunities with sharp vertical passes from Inamura and counters from Takahiro KO’s interceptions. At the 25th minute of the second half, injured players Yuto NAGATOMO and Motoki NAGAKURA were sent onto the pitch to prepare for a counterattack.

However, immediately after, at the 28th minute of the second half, the side was broken down and an additional goal was conceded, followed by a direct free kick goal at the 34th minute, resulting in a painful third goal against. Although the team increased pressure from the front and created many chances, they failed to convert. In a match where victory was absolutely necessary, they suffered a 0-3 defeat, widening the gap with league leaders Kashima to five points.

This Week's Preview

"We can't stop now. Let's show the power of Tokyo."

The pitch at Kodaira Ground, on the eve of the big match against Tokyo Verdy, was decorated with blue and red banners, to which a handwritten message was added. This match is not one we can afford to lose; it is one we absolutely must win. That determination is firmly ingrained within the team.

After losing to JEF United Ichihara Chiba in the previous match, the four-game winning streak that had continued in pursuit of the top spot came to a halt. The points gap with Kashima Antlers widened to five, and with the direct showdown awaiting in the final round, it has become a situation where not a single point can be dropped to revive the possibility of a comeback championship.

Of course, the fact that we must keep winning remains unchanged. The upcoming game against Tokyo Verdy, played at the same Ajinomoto Stadium home ground, carries even greater significance than usual matches—it is a crucial battle in which we cannot afford to lose to this opponent.

Captain Sei MUROYA says, "From the moment the kickoff whistle blows, we want to show our determination. There are no more excuses, and the whole team truly feels the frustration from the previous defeat. It’s really encouraging to see the banners put up like this, and our feelings are being conveyed. Our rebound mentality will be tested, and we want to prove that on the pitch. Above all, this is a match we absolutely must win."

Kento HASHIMOTO, who has grown up in the red and blue from the academy, spoke about his feelings as he faced the day-before training surrounded by red and blue banners, saying, "It’s thrilling." He continued, "There is tension. I want to show the determination that we will defeat every opponent right in front of us as a team. Because I feel that we are fighting together, I want to repay that with results and celebrate together after the match."

The match that concludes the five-game stretch marks the start of the last three games in the special tournament. For Tokyo, it is truly a survival match to stay alive in the championship race. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also says, "There is still plenty of possibility, and without that mindset, it won’t work. We absolutely must not give up and must fight believing in our chances."

If you believe in yourself, victory will follow. There is no doubt that the team has built up enough to say that. Win the battles for the ball, choose a style of play that accurately reads the flow of the game, and show mental toughness where it counts—both in scoring and defending. No matter what anyone says, don’t worry about those around you. Show the pride of the blue and red, and with the eleven players on the pitch and the support from the stands united as one, bring a joyous and possibility-connecting victory to Ajinomoto Stadium.

Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI

Q, In the previous match, the Kashima Antlers pulled further ahead. Could you tell us what you thought after the game and what you conveyed to the players?
A, We are still catching up to Kashima, and without that mindset, it won’t work. There is still plenty of possibility, so I told the players that once we catch Kashima, we must never let go. We absolutely must not give up and must believe in our chances as we fight on.

Q, I believe we have no choice but to move forward toward the next match. The previous game ended in a frustrating result, but looking back with reflections for the upcoming match, what points would you highlight?
A, Regarding our physical movement, there were several points in our plan and preparations that did not go well. However, we also had many chances, but we couldn’t convert them in the last match. We are the highest-scoring team among both groups in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, and we want to maintain that confidence. As long as we can shake the goal net, we want to believe that we can definitely earn 3 points. Rather than reflecting negatively, it was unfortunate that the match turned out that way, but the moment the match ended, all the players switched their focus to the next game in the locker room, and that was enough.

Q, this match against Tokyo Verdy comes at an important time. It will be a more important game than usual.
A, truly, everyone’s feelings are there, and I believe we absolutely must win in order to move up. I believe in 'definitely winning,' and the players also share that belief, so I think this is a reset from the last match. We are really just focused on moving forward toward that goal.

Q, in the previous match, there were parts where we struggled against the opponent’s tight defense. What do you think will be the key points in tomorrow’s game, and what is your impression of the current Tokyo Verdy?
A, I reviewed the previous match, and it was definitely not like that. We had chances, and so did the opponent. Rather than struggling with something, it was a game where we were able to show our style clearly. Of course, it was also a match where Tokyo V’s strengths were clearly displayed, but in terms of the number of times the ball could have gone either way, we had more. I believe that if we can firmly shake the back of the net tomorrow, we will definitely be able to win. Tokyo V is a team where everyone is always aggressive and can fight both offensively and defensively. I think the team is united as one, so we need to exploit any cracks in that unity.

Q, please tell us in one word the significance of this match once again.
A, this is an important match for achieving our goals.

Player Interview

Kota Tokiwa

Q: In the previous match, you came on as a substitute. The first half seemed to be particularly difficult in terms of how the game unfolded. How did you see it from the bench?
A: In the match against JEF United Chiba, they applied intense pressure right from kickoff, and we were unable to fully cope with it. After conceding a goal, Chiba set up a defensive block, and the challenge was how to break through it. From the bench, I felt that we were struggling to find a way to unlock their solid central defense.

Q. When you come on as a substitute, what do you focus on as you enter the pitch?
A. Since we conceded two goals after I came on, I felt that was due to my lack of ability. If we had been able to keep the game within one goal and I had scored in the last chance, we might have been able to secure a draw. However, after I entered, we ended up conceding two goals and losing 0-3, so I felt very disappointed in myself. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI refers to players coming on as substitutes as game changers, but at the time I came on, I was unable to turn the game in a positive direction. I feel that this was a reflection of my lack of ability and that I was unable to fulfill my role adequately.

Q, I think it is important to make use of that experience going forward.
A, When I start as a starter, I am able to play while reading the flow and the opponent, but what can I do as a game changer when coming on from the bench? I still don’t have the ability to come on midway and drastically change the flow of the game, so I see this as an area where I can grow more. Of course, I want to start every match, and I believe every soccer player wants to play the full 90 minutes. However, what you can do when given a role, even if there are only five minutes left, will be important for the rest of my soccer career.

Q. This season, you have started many matches as a starter, but in the previous match against Tokyo Verdy, you started from the bench. You must have felt some frustration, didn’t you?
A. Even in the previous match against Tokyo V, I had the mindset to give it my all from the start, but starting from the bench left me feeling frustrated. Even then, when I came on during the Tokyo V match, I couldn’t change the flow of the game, and this time as well, I believe the most important thing is to play in a way that helps the team win when I step onto the pitch. Rather than focusing on my own performance, I want to play well for the sake of the team’s victory.

Q, after the last match against Tokyo V, you said not "we can't lose" but "we must win." I think this match will be one where we absolutely cannot afford to lose if we want to win the championship.
A If we are to compete for the championship, we have no choice but to win three consecutive matches, and there is no doubt this is an important game. We can't afford to be distracted by Tokyo V; if we want to win the title, we really have to focus on the top. So, it's not about wanting to win just because Tokyo V is the opponent, but rather that to compete for the championship, we must win, and we absolutely must beat Tokyo V—these two points are non-negotiable. On the other hand, if we lose, we can no longer win the championship, and there is even a possibility we could fall below Tokyo V in the standings. I want to approach this match with the mindset that every game is a must-win, and the opponent we face in pursuit of the championship right now is Tokyo V.

Q. Today as well, fans and supporters have been showing their support by hanging banners at Kodaira Ground. Please give a message to those fans and supporters.
A. When I came to Kodaira Ground this morning, I was really surprised to see the blue and red banners hanging there. Having those banners changes the atmosphere, and I think it created an environment where the players could concentrate even more. It gave off the feeling that tomorrow’s opponent is Tokyo V and that we absolutely have to win, so I’m very grateful. Even though we suffered a disappointing loss in the previous match, the fans were still singing chants to support us toward the championship. I truly believe that the fans and supporters always cheer for us with more than 100% effort, so we want to give back by putting out more than 100% effort on the pitch and repay them with results. And after the match, I want to celebrate together with them.

Keita ENDO

Q. First, how do you look back on the content and result of the previous match?
A. The opponent also came into the match with high motivation. I think we allowed them to gain momentum with the first conceded goal, and it definitely made the game difficult. Throughout the match, I believe our performance was not worthy of a win.

Q. I think it was a match where we were able to create chances.
A, however, it is also true that there was no scent or atmosphere of a goal being scored. But as long as the probability of winning the championship is not zero, I think we just have to focus solely on winning. Since the match is already over, I feel we have no choice but to move on.

Q, please tell us if there are any key points for us to successfully switch gears on the pitch.
A, simply put, I think there were players other than myself who continued to play in the matches, and of course, those players must have been fatigued. In that situation, I, who was getting back into form after a while, and Marcelo RYAN had to take the lead.

Q. The next match is against Tokyo Verdy, which adds significance, but is your stance, having fought with the championship in mind, unchanged from before?
A. Of course, since it’s a match against Tokyo Verdy, there are many reasons why we must not lose, but if there is even a 1% chance of competing for the championship, I believe this is one of the matches we must win. Having this match come after a loss like that means we are being tested.

Q. The match against Tokyo Verdy, as was the case in this season's encounters, gives the impression of being a closely contested game.
A, I was on the bench for the last match, so this is just my impression from the sidelines, but I believe they will come in fired up. If they can reduce Tokyo's chances of winning the championship even slightly, I think they will fight desperately to stop us. It might be a tight match, but ultimately, I just want us to come out on top.

Q. In that case, besides the tactical aspects, will the basic fundamentals also be required?
AYes, I think the team that wins in terms of spirit will be the one that wins the match.

Q. Keita ENDO has scored in past matches and gives the impression of being strong on big stages like this.
A, That is in the past and already over. We are going to fight a new game, so I am preparing for that.

Q. This season, you have scored goals from the left diagonal position and created decisive scenes. Do you feel like you have established a “pattern”?
A. My shooting has improved year by year, and it has become a bit of a confidence booster for me. The goal scene against Kashiwa Reysol felt good, and although it was in the (left diagonal goal) situation, I now feel fairly confident in my shooting.

Q. You have been delivering results and fulfilling your role in attack, but what kind of tasks are you expected to perform in defense?
A. There are two players on the right side with incredibly strong defensive abilities, so compared to them, I think I am weaker in terms of completely winning the ball. However, I also recognize that in the current team, if you don’t absolutely track back to dangerous areas or where you should return, you won’t be able to play in matches. I believe the strength of this team is that everyone works hard without slacking off.

Q. Lastly, please give a message to the fans and supporters ahead of the match against Tokyo Verdy.
A. In a way, I think this will be a match that tests both the players and the fans and supporters. Of course, I was disappointed after losing the previous match, and I believe both the players and the fans and supporters felt the shock together. That is the reality, and it’s something that’s already over, so I think it’s about how much we can show our fighting spirit or rebound mentality in this upcoming match against Tokyo V. I’m looking forward to that.