Take the long way round vs Hurry up and wait
To peel or to be eaten――.
It may be a series of thrilling attacks and defenses. It is the "FC Tokyo vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima" match that will be held at Ajinomoto Stadium on Saturday, March 12th. It is a contrasting opponent to Alberto Tokyo. The team's design is significantly different.
Tokyo's haste makes waste.
Hiroshima's haste makes waste.
Their stances are completely opposite. Not only Tokyo, but Hiroshima also appointed a new coach this season and made a major transformation in their game model. Fast. In any case, fast. Both in attack and defense.
The lifeline is the transition that has been polished since the camp. It is a switch from attack to defense, and from defense to attack. Therefore, taking the initiative and planning to quickly finish off the opponent with sharp fast breaks. It is a fighting style that engulfs the enemy with a high-tempo offense and defense.
This new approach is a major trend in modern Germany. It is a high-intensity football style developed by top coaches such as Jürgen Klopp (Liverpool manager) and Professor Ralph Rangnick (Manchester United manager). Michael Skibbe, the German coach leading Hiroshima, is now a faithful follower of this style.
Perhaps the biggest highlight will be Tokyo's skillful possession of connecting passes from the back, and Hiroshima's intense pressing in an attempt to disrupt it. The opening question of whether to peel or be eaten refers to this offensive and defensive battle.
Hiroshima has two dangerous presses. The counter press, which aims to immediately regain the lost ball, and the high press, which invades the enemy's territory and completely disrupts the attacking side's build-up. Regarding the former, would it be easier to understand if we call it "Gegenpressing" in German pronunciation?
For Tokyo, the latter may be more troublesome. Especially, the first 15 minutes of Hiroshima's aggressive start should be taken into account. If the risk calculation is wrong, there is a pitfall of conceding a goal immediately after a ball loss.
The key is the four backs and the pivot (anchor) who control the build-up, but Takuya Aoki, who received a red card (two yellow cards) in the previous match against Cerezo Osaka, where they won their first victory of the season, is suspended. The performance of "Mr. X" who takes on the role of the pivot in his place will be one of the focuses. Without his contribution, it will be difficult to avoid the press.
In other words, depending on how the pivot is handled, Tokyo can gain an advantage. Looking at the previous match against Vissel Kobe, which ended in a 1-1 draw, there are vulnerabilities in Hiroshima's pivot defense. When attempting to press from the front line, it is unclear who will mark the pivot. In fact, there were many instances where the check on Kobe's Sergi Samper was delayed, resulting in a failure to disrupt their build-up play.
However, Hiroshima's press is fast and sharp. Without hesitation, the rear units set up a tight net while coordinating with the movement of the front line. And when they steal the ball, without delay, they launch a high-speed counterattack by sending a vertical pass, leaving no room for carelessness or openings.
The new signboard in Tokyo is focused on positional play, but it takes a considerable amount of time for each player to find the appropriate position. Hiroshima's style is to quickly press and crush before that――. The battle over "location and time" is likely to greatly influence the outcome of this match.
If Hiroshima makes adjustments to seal off the pivot, there is a possibility that they will focus on man-to-man marking from close to the ball and commit to a "same number press". This was the case in the 2nd round (1-1) match against Consadole Sapporo.
In that case, what will Tokyo do? Depending on the situation, utilizing long balls may be the key. The target is behind the defensive line, specifically behind the wingbacks. Kobe creates a base by putting long balls there and takes the lead. They have turned Hiroshima's aggressive approach, which puts pressure forward, to their advantage.
It would be interesting to deliver a diagonal pass from the center back to the wide wings. In the C Osaka match, Yasuki Kimoto, who was at the left wide, made a sharp diagonal pass to Adailton, who was waiting, and there was a scene where they connected to a quick attack. Also, regardless of the position used, Masato Morishige also has the ability to deliver high-quality long balls. With that, Kazuya Konno, who marked the crucial winning goal in the Adailton and C Osaka match, and the speedster Kensuke Nagai, among others, want to make use of the wide receivers (receivers on the outside).
However, excessive use is Hiroshima's desired target. The long ball is not always accurate and does not always reach the teammate. In many cases, including loose balls, it is recovered by the defensive side. With this repetition, Albert Pobor's intended attacking rhythm cannot be created. Is it about connecting or kicking? The judgment of that will be important.
In any case, it is a contrasting pattern between Tokyo, who holds the ball, and Hiroshima, who tries to regain it. However, there is also an important sub-theme in this match. Immediate recovery of the lost ball. Not Hiroshima, but Tokyo.
The approach may be different when switching to attack, but the defensive tactics remain the same. Swiftly transition, fiercely fight for the ball, and pick up loose balls. For Alberto Kyowaan, strong defense is a lifeline.
Press deep into the enemy's territory while connecting passes from behind, and immediately attempt to recover the ball if it is lost, then go on the attack again. The coach Albert's goal is to relentlessly attack without giving the enemy a chance to counterattack. No matter how impressive the attack is, it will not work if the defense is full of holes.
Tokyo is also a group armed with a counter press. Leading the midfield is Shuto ABE, with a line-up of skilled pressers. Kuryu MATSUKI, who has made his name in the starting lineup since the opening match, is reliable as a newcomer who has infiltrated the midfield. His strengths go beyond just technique and attacking sense, as he also excels as a vanguard in the press.
FC Osaka match was like that. Many chances were created from Matsuki's sharp press. Even against a seasoned veteran who is strong in the ball, he firmly takes the ball away, so I am impressed. In this Hiroshima match, he should be a key player for Tokyo, regardless of offense or defense.
On the other hand, Hiroshima also has a main cast in the second row (shadow). Tsukasa Morishima. His movements are unpredictable and he is versatile. As a receiver between the lines who can draw out vertical passes when attacking, and as a vanguard of the press when defending, he moves brilliantly. If this person is given freedom, it could be fatal. The battle between Matsuki and Morishima will be a match that cannot be taken eyes off from their respective performances.
Both teams have just attempted to implement a new game model. It is a clash in the middle of completion. Which color will stand out more? Build-up vs High press, Possession vs Counter, Positional play vs Transitional play, Matsuki vs Morishima... From tactical aspects to the competition among key players, there is no shortage of highlights. Will they peel or be eaten? The fierce battle between contrasting teams is about to begin.
Text by Satoshi Hojo (Soccer Writer)
＜Match Highlights: FC Tokyo vs Cerezo Osaka, Sec. 3＞
＜Matchday 3 Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Vissel Kobe Highlights＞
