Review of the Previous Match Against Vissel Kobe

Having put the heavy defeat in the opening match behind them, Tokyo traveled to face Vissel Kobe in pursuit of their first win of the season. Against the reigning Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League champions, it was Tokyo who struck first in spectacular fashion.

From the opening stages, a high-intensity contest unfolded, with Tokyo repeatedly having to deal with Kobe's attacks centered on long balls and crosses. While allowing their opponents possession and looking to draw them in before hitting on the counter, Tokyo also mixed in well-constructed build-up play, gradually swinging the momentum their way and taking control of the pace.

Then, in the 35th minute of the first half, Sato burst down the right from a long counterattack that started in their own half and delivered a precise low cross. Motoki NAGAKURA, arriving at the far post, struck it first-time with his left foot to score! A powerful, high-speed attack found the net.

They were level at halftime after a mistake in the build-up allowed the equalizer, but with the back-and-forth battle continuing in the second half, Tokyo stepped forward again. Having made three substitutions at once, the Blue and Red struck in the 79th minute when Sato delivered a cross from a move down the right. The ball deflected off an opposing player and into the goalmouth, where Teruhito NAKAGAWA challenged for it. Nagakura then headed the loose ball into the net. The assistant referee initially raised the flag for offside, but the goal was awarded after VAR review. Tokyo regained the lead away from home.

Tokyo looked set to see the game out, but became passive against Kobe's powerful late onslaught. In second-half added time, they conceded when a long throw from the right was flicked on and turned into the net. Kobe leveled the match at the death, leaving Tokyo with a frustrating draw after victory had been within reach.

This Week's Preview

One point from the first two matches. For a team aiming to win the title, this week's match against JEF United Chiba at “Our National” is one they must win at all costs.

There is no question that the team has made an unsatisfactory start. However, the performances have by no means been cause for discouragement. In the opening match against FC Machida Zelvia, Tokyo produced sharp attacks targeting the space behind the defense until a player was sent off, while in the previous match against Vissel Kobe, they scored two goals with the kind of attack that is characteristic of Tokyo.

Their starts and overall approaches in both matches were by no means poor. However, they conceded heavily while playing a man down in the opening match, and despite pushing the defending champions hard in the previous round, they were pegged back at the very end. It is not hard to imagine that the players have taken a mental blow.

In light of the current situation, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI urged the team heading into the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 3 match against JEF United Chiba to "rise to the occasion." The long league campaign has only just completed its second round. Everyone must come together as one, ignite their fighting spirit, lift their hearts, and aim for three points. The issues are clearly visible, so there is no need to be overly negative; the team simply needs to focus firmly on itself. What is needed is to demonstrate the quality of their performance through results, turn what they have built up into confidence, and move forward. It is exactly a matter of believing in yourselves, and victory will follow.

Chiba, meanwhile, are competing in the J1 League for the first time since the 2009 season, but have started the campaign with consecutive 0-3 and 0-4 defeats. They, too, are sure to approach this round with tremendous resolve. This season, they acquired Erison from Kawasaki Frontale, and whether Tokyo's blue-and-red defense can contain the “heavy tank,” who possesses explosive driving power and a powerful left foot, is likely to be a key factor in the match. Tokyo also have bitter memories of a 0-3 defeat in May against Kashima Antlers, who were top of the table in the special half-season tournament and whom Tokyo had closed to within two points of. Although the stage is different, they must repay that debt in full.

Tokyo begins a run of five consecutive matches this round, including the Emperor's Cup. Securing a win here should restore the team's confidence and pave the way for the future. One player approaching this match with even greater determination than usual is Kein Sato, who has worn the No. 10 shirt since this season. After the match against Kobe, in which the team experienced the frustration of a strong performance not translating into a result, he spoke candidly about his passionate feelings: “I feel like the momentum may be against us right now, but the only way to change it is by winning. The No. 10 is the one who helps the team when things are tough. I will keep working so that I can be the one to make that happen.”

The goal of the “new No. 10,” who has set targets of 10 goals and 10 assists, is nothing less than winning the league title with the team. He has vowed to raise his game further—first to bring about a positive result in this restart, and then to turn the quality of the performance into results and confidence.

This round’s match against Chiba at “Our National” is an important game for Tokyo, one that will test both the team’s progress and its true quality. In a match that could become a turning point in the season, the entire blue-and-red family will move forward with courage and confidence, united in their determination to claim all three points.

Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI

Q: Last round ended in a disappointing result. What feedback did you give the team, and how have you prepared for this round?
A: First and foremost, what we need is three points. I believe those three points will give us great confidence and allow us to fully demonstrate our abilities again. With that in mind, I told the players that, rather than simply doing what we always do for the next match, I wanted everyone to push beyond that and lift themselves up together. I think everyone has worked hard with the aim of making these three days just that.

Q: After the match, the players appeared somewhat dejected. Was that why you spoke of “rallying” them?
A: Of course. We were so close. Although we were reduced to 10 men in the opening match, our vulnerabilities showed and we conceded heavily, which shook our confidence somewhat. Then, in that situation, we faced the champions of the previous tournament and were pegged back when we were truly just one step away. I think that certainly took its toll. But if we consider that only two rounds have been played, there is no time to hang our heads. Especially when we might begin to doubt ourselves, we need to maintain strong desire and not be swayed by outside voices. We want to focus firmly on the fact that the true words we need are within us, and move forward toward the next match together as a team. There may be various ways of looking at JEF United Chiba based on their current results, but that is not the point—we were beaten by them in our previous meeting. With the determination to absolutely repay that debt, we have spent these past three days working together to rally ourselves.

Q: Looking at the positives, I think Tokyo showed its identity in terms of attacking patterns both in the opening match, until the sending-off, and in the previous match.
A: It is certainly very difficult to decide how much attention to pay to that and from what point to stop looking at it. However, I do not think we should look at everything too closely, and I believe there were moments in both matches when we were able to fully show our strengths. As for when that will translate into points, all we can do is keep at it patiently, and we want to break through with our own hands.

Q. If there is anything to learn from the Vissel Kobe match, they turned zero points into one at the end. That kind of ability to grind out results can lead to championships as well. How do you see it?
A. That is something we have learned not only from the Kobe match, but from our previous games as well. Situations like that will inevitably arise, so it is extremely important how we can regroup when they do. We have to keep our feet firmly on the ground. On the other hand, before a match, I tell the players to go out there not just with confidence, but with almost an overconfident mindset. It may not sound like a positive word, but the players have responded well to the idea of playing with such complete confidence that they almost overestimate what they are capable of—in a positive sense. However, conceding at the end meant that it did not lead to the result we wanted. In a sense, I think there may be times when we need to be even more arrogant.

It is not enough just to be nice people, and I do not think it is enough just to be humble, either. I do not know whether you would call that strength, but I think something like the ability to win can also come from that. If everyone starts using those kinds of words, and we become an organization surrounded by the spirit and character of those words, I feel it will surely lead to the next three points, which in turn will give us the confidence to build momentum.

Q: This time, the match will be held at MUFG Stadium. Do you see it as an opportunity to change the momentum?
A: It is a venue with a truly great atmosphere, and it is also our home. Even after the results of these two matches, we have fans and supporters who continue to give us tremendous support, which is very encouraging for us. Before the season, I said, "Let's win the title together and lift the trophy." If our fans and supporters are teammates alongside us, I hope they will create that kind of atmosphere at National. We will feed off that energy and aim for three points together.

Player Interview

Alexander SCHOLZ

Q: please review the game against Vissel Kobe.
A: If we played the same game 10 times, I think we would win most of them. We played very solidly and powerfully as a team, and we did not give our opponents many chances. However, when we gave them an opening, they finished clinically. High-quality players such as Osako and Muto capitalize on those small opportunities. While I feel that we delivered a good performance, I also have mixed feelings about not getting the result we are looking for as a team.

Q: What is needed to see out games and win when you are putting in good performances?
A: I think it is a combination of various factors, such as responsibility and quality, but first of all, we need to eliminate simple mistakes. We need to avoid red cards and defensive errors, and take our clear-cut chances. There are matches in which we do not get that many chances. But especially when we are building good momentum, we need to make sure we take those chances. There are also areas where we can improve as a team. For example, against Kobe, in the 20 minutes before we conceded, our line dropped too deep and there were periods when we stopped moving. We only managed to attack on the counter a few times, and we spent too long defending. We need to keep improving and continue playing proactively.

Q. This season, it seems that not only the first and second players, but also the third and fourth players are linking up.
A. Since I came to Tokyo, I feel the team has constantly evolved and continued to improve. What you just mentioned is also one sign that the quality of our play has improved. Both the players and the team’s style are developing. There are times when performances and results need to be considered separately, but our current performances and the players’ commitment are by no means bad. If I were the manager of this club, I would not be worried because we are heading in the right direction. Of course, it means nothing unless we turn that into results at some point, and I am very happy that we will have another opportunity to do so again soon.

Q. What is your impression of JEF United Chiba, whom you will face in these circumstances?
A. Chiba have not made the strong start they wanted either, so it will be a match between two teams that both need results. I remember that we lost at Ajinomoto Stadium last season, and it was not a good game for us. We want to approach this match with great focus and claim the victory.

Q: What will be the key to beating Chiba and securing a victory?
A: We need to stick to our style. We need to control the game while playing aggressive, forward-thinking football in both attack and defense. They have clear strengths in counterattacks and winning second balls, so we need to deal with that. We have conceded seven goals in our last two matches, so a high level of concentration will be required.

Q: Please share a message for the fans and supporters coming to MUFG Stadium.
A: Thank you, as always, to everyone coming to watch and support us. We have played well at MUFG National. On matchday, we want to put on a great game and entertain you all. Let’s enjoy it together!

Player Shion Honma

Q: The team has had a string of disappointing results. What mindset will you take into the battles ahead?
A: In our pursuit of the title, we are now in a situation where we absolutely cannot afford to lose. Even though it is still early in the league season, there is a huge difference between going three matches without a win and earning a win in tomorrow's match, in terms of what follows. That is why I see this as an even more important match than before. We will fight with the strong conviction that we simply have to win.

Q: What was discussed within the team and by the coach after the match?
A: Immediately after the Vissel Kobe match, we were told, “There is no need to be swayed by outside opinions. We understand our own problems and the areas we need to improve better than anyone, so let’s focus on ourselves, reset, and move forward.” At the meeting after returning to the Kodaira training ground, we were also given passionate words: “Precisely because this is a difficult situation, everyone needs to dig deep, and players need to step up and inspire the team.” Even without being told, the players understood that we have no choice but to win, but those words raised our intensity even further. I feel that this week we have been able to train with greater quality and intensity than ever before.

Q. What do you see as the key to victory against JEF United Chiba?
A. I think scoring the first goal will be important. In the summer heat, the level of fatigue will vary greatly depending on whether we score first, take control of the game and dictate play, or have to chase the game in a difficult situation. There is no need to panic if we do not score early, but if we can get one goal in the early stages, we should move much closer to victory. Our starts to the last two matches have been very good, and the football we have played has not been bad at all. It is easy to become negative because the results have not come, but we have been scoring goals. It is important that we take to the pitch with confidence in what we have been working on and fight.

Q: I think this will be a match where the result matters more than the performance.
A: Honestly, given the team’s current situation, the most important thing is to win, regardless of whether we play well or poorly. The team’s atmosphere and confidence are completely different when you win and address your issues than when you lose and try to address them. First, we want to secure the three points and win to give the whole team confidence.

Q. In terms of your individual play, what kind of impact do you want to make in attack?
A. If I get too anxious, I cannot show my strengths, so first of all I want to start the match calmly and fully carry out the role I can play. From there, I want to make accurate decisions about when to take players on and when to pass, and choose the best option. Even if there are periods when I cannot play the way I want to, the fundamental thing is to run and fight for the team. I will trust my teammates and fight as one team.

Q: How do you plan to break down the opposition's defense and capitalize on your chances?
A: If we are able to pin them back, we expect them to sit deep in a compact block. Tokyo has a number of talented players who can patiently build play from the back, so we should have the ball for long periods while assessing the opposition's positioning. However, I think it is important not to panic and force things forward too quickly. We want to move them from side to side, exploit the gaps, and make sure we finish our clear chances. Patiently waiting for opportunities and taking our opening goal and additional goals will be key to controlling the match.