After finishing the three consecutive matches against AFC Champions League (ACL) participating clubs, Tokyo is in the midst of a congested schedule, playing seven matches in just two to three days. Following the league match against Urawa Reds with only two days of rest, they will face Shonan Bellmare away in the fourth match of the Levain Cup group stage.
After three matches, Tokyo is in second place in Group with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Shonan, who we will be facing this time, is in first place with 2 wins. In the previous match, Tokyo won 2-1 at home at Ajinomoto Stadium, securing their first victory of the season in the Levain Cup. It was a game where we gained a great sense of accomplishment in terms of performance and felt the growth of the team.
Click here for details of the 3rd match against Shonan!
Due to the fact that there are only 2 days between league matches, it is expected that the lineup for this match will mainly consist of players who have had fewer opportunities to play in the league. In the Levain Cup, goalkeeper Go Hatano, who has had playing time in the matches against Júbilo Iwata and Shonan, has shown stable saving and has also contributed to the build-up.
Even if the composition of the members changes, Alberto Tokyo's style remains unshakable. Utilizing the advantage of their position, they dominate the ball and the game, creating many opportunities and seizing victory. For young players, who have had limited playing time in league matches, this is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how they can contribute to the team's tactics while showcasing their own abilities. They are hungry for game time, hungry for victory, and hungry to secure a regular position in the future. I want them to bring that strong determination to the pitch.
As a team, we are still in the stage of continuous improvement, as acknowledged by Coach Albert, despite showing rapid growth. We still have areas for improvement in each game, and we continue to work on addressing those points. Since we no longer have the same unit playing together for long periods in official matches, there may be difficulties in coordination and other aspects. However, as we pursue the same style of play in our daily training, even if there are times when things don't go well, I want the players to actively communicate on the pitch and make adjustments throughout the 90 minutes.
Please pay attention to the intense battle that Albert Pobor has put all his efforts into, amidst a tough schedule with games continuing every other day in Tokyo.
