＜Previous Match・Hokkaido Consadole SapporoReview＞
The result was very harsh. We were overwhelmed by Sapporo's momentum at the start and conceded the first goal, ending the first half with a score of 0-3. We cannot give up in front of the many fans and supporters who have come all the way from the northern land. We cannot lower our arms that are poised in a fighting stance.
'I will never give up no matter what the situation.'
The man who was sent onto the pitch from the beginning of the second half said so.
Chasing the ball with maximum effort from the start of the second half, even when the overall output of the team did not increase, I chased the ball from the front, pressed back and chased the opponent's ball holder, and if it became my ball, I ran to the front.
Even though they conceded another goal immediately after the start of the second half, the determination in the eyes of the men remained unchanged, like that of a hunter aiming for the goal with keen anticipation, as the deficit widened to four points.
And that's how the goal was born in the 28th minute of the second half. Despite spending a lot of time on defense, player Adailton launched a quick attack, ran a long distance, appeared in front of the goal, and pushed the cross ball to break Sapporo's goal.
From here, the team as a whole stepped up their gear, and opportunities came to the hunter time and time again, but they couldn't capitalize on those chances. However, after scoring a point, the hunter immediately returned the ball to the center circle and showed no joy even when returning to their own territory, saying "The next point is what matters first," and they are the ones entrusted with Tokyo's future counterattack.
＜Preview＞
After winning against Albirex Niigata at home in the 10th round, the team suffered consecutive defeats against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo away. Masato MORISHIGE expressed the current situation of the team, which experienced its first consecutive defeats in the league this season, as "being halfway in both offense and defense." In particular, regarding the Sapporo match where they conceded 5 goals, he stated, "If we want stable performance and results as a team, I feel that defensive adjustments are necessary," emphasizing that improving the defense is an important challenge.
In this match, Kawasaki Frontale will be welcomed to Japan National Stadium to compete in the "Tamagawa Clasico," which marks its 41st edition. The rivals separated by the Tama River have been plagued by injuries in the early stages of the season. Despite a series of difficult matches, they have recently achieved three consecutive victories and have been able to smoothly connect passes in the opponent's territory. For Tokyo, it will be a match that tests how much they can improve their defensive performance, which has been a challenge.
In direct confrontations in the league, Tokyo has lost 7 consecutive matches. However, the stage is the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo boasts a 100 percent winning rate (after renovation). In order to change the current flow and as an opportunity to do so, Tokyo will aim for victory in this crucial match.
[Albert Coach Interview]
Q, please give us a review of the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Kawasaki Frontale.
A, the Sapporo match was a painful defeat for us. We have been encouraging the team to play with confidence in this week's training. First, we need to focus on ourselves and give our all in the upcoming match as a team in the growth stage. In order to cover up the mistakes we made, it is very important to have a fighting spirit and a determination to win. We have been communicating with the players and have made good preparations up to this point. We understand that Kawasaki is a difficult opponent and a mature team. We have also been preparing with confidence for this match. I believe tomorrow will be a great game.
Q: Please tell us the role you expect from Keigo HIGASHI.
I hope you focus on duels in each situation, both in attack and defense.
Q: Is there anything in particular that the coach emphasized this week?
A, I emphasized the importance of regaining confidence. Kawasaki has been playing in the same style for a long time and has a high level of maturity. We have also been working on tactical preparations to effectively neutralize their strengths and have been focusing on training this week to express our style in the game.
Q: I think there are many plays that I want to express in both offense and defense, but I also felt that there were moments where it became half-hearted by trying to do everything.
I emphasized the importance of always having the awareness to move towards the goal. It is important not only to possess the ball, but also to move towards the opponent's goal and create decisive chances. This season, there were games where we were able to create more than 10 decisive chances and games where we couldn't. It will not be tolerated to have unstable games in the future.
Q, please tell us your impression of the Tama River Clasico as felt by the coach.
Last season, we had two good matches against a mature Kawasaki team, but unfortunately, we lost in the crucial moments that could have led to victory. It left a strong impression. In order to surpass Kawasaki, who possess a strong mentality towards winning, we believe it is necessary to show even more determination and a strong commitment to victory. Kawasaki has won many titles and therefore, they are filled with confidence. We believe that facing them requires even greater focus and a strong determination to win.
Q: Please tell us about the position of this round, which comes after two consecutive losses.
A, all matches are important and this league is highly competitive. Every match is a tough battle and it is necessary to accumulate as many points as possible from each match.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, after the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo match, player Morishige commented, "Both the offense and defense are halfway." Is this more of a concern about the unity of the team and the organization rather than the quality of individual plays?
A, it's not easy to say one way or the other. If the team is in a good condition, the individual performance will also improve, and if the individual is good, the team's condition will also improve. I think there are various factors, but I think we played that kind of game because our own actions were not clear and we were hesitant.
Q: What kind of encouragement or awareness did you give to your teammates in order to switch your mindset after consecutive losses?
A, of course there are times when we couldn't do what we wanted to do, but before that, there were parts where we couldn't fulfill the basic requirements such as the desire to win, the fighting spirit, and fighting for the fans and supporters. So we talked about trying to regain that together. That is the tactic and soccer style with that in mind. First, play with the important feelings in playing soccer. That will be conveyed to the viewers and become a threat to the opponent. We reaffirmed that within the team.
Q: How is Morishige's current condition, considering that he had limited playing opportunities due to injuries in the early part of the season?
A, there is no problem. I think I can fight with good motivation and tension. Not only for myself, but also because I have a desire to reflect it in the team's results, I want to make use of my experience and do what I should do for the team firmly, especially at times like this.
Q: I would like to ask about the Tama River Clasico. Kawasaki Frontale has currently lost 7 consecutive matches (league matches) against them and has not been able to win. Are you aware of the poor compatibility?
A, it's not so much about compatibility, but rather that Kawasaki is in a good state. We respect our opponents, as they have been champions for a long time. However, what we need to focus on now is not so much about being aware of Kawasaki, but rather expressing our own feelings. That's what I think.
Q, Japan National Stadium is a home for Tokyo and really gathers a lot of supporters. How do you feel about holding it at the National Stadium?
A, I think many fans and supporters will come to the National Stadium, and it's a chance for us, and playing at the National Stadium is also a good match for us, so I want to approach it with confidence. Also, the parts that will liven up the pre-match production will naturally increase our motivation. It is reassuring to have many supporters on our side.
Q, finally, please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
A, in the past few games, we have been playing disappointing matches, so we will prioritize getting results. However, we also want to show a performance that fans and supporters can understand and feel, and that they would want to support. We will do our best to achieve that. Thank you for your support.
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q: This match will be a special match for the 30th anniversary of the J-League.
I am always more focused and motivated when I can play against Kawasaki Frontale, a high-level team, in the form of the Tama River Clasico at the Japan National Stadium.
Q: In the many scenes that have been created in the Tama River Clasico so far, are there any matches or moments that Yuto NAGATOMO himself remembers?
It is not about focusing on one game, but being able to vividly recall any game. It is difficult to pick out "this game", but each game has become an unforgettable battle throughout.
Q: "What kind of stage is the Japan National Stadium for player Kunitomo SUZUKI?"
As someone who comes from a high school soccer background, it is a sacred place and a dream stage since my high school days. It is a stage that I have admired since my student days, and playing any game (at the Japan National Stadium) does not change that feeling.
Q, how do you want to contribute to the team with your play on the stage of Yumenoshima?
I want to enter the game with a strong emphasis on competitiveness and a defensive style that is also a characteristic of myself. I want to show my ability to not lose in one-on-one situations and play utilizing my strengths.
Q, please tell us what we need to do to break this bad streak as we face this round after suffering two consecutive defeats as a team.
A, of course, everyone feels frustrated. Not only the players and staff, but also the fans and supporters. Especially the players feel a strong sense of frustration, and I think they can express their feelings on the pitch. In tomorrow's Tama River Clasico, I want to firmly express our determination on the pitch.
Keigo HIGASHI
Q, what kind of preparations have you made for the Kawasaki Frontale match?
In the previous match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, we suffered a big defeat and had a meeting among the players. There were difficult aspects such as the schedule, but the players must express themselves on the pitch without making excuses. We reviewed what we should do and worked hard in training this week.
Q: This is a highly anticipated match with the expectation of many fans and supporters attending. What kind of game would you like it to be?
A, it is a pleasure to be able to play in such a wonderful environment as a player, as the motivation naturally increases when many people come to the stadium. Kawasaki Frontale is also improving their condition, so I definitely want to win against such opponents. I want to win on this amazing stage and ride the momentum.
Q, what parts have you particularly emphasized in your play?
A, I think the important parts are the emotional aspect, switching between offense and defense, and strength in duels. We are discussing among the players and approaching practice with the intention of raising our awareness once again. We have experienced a losing streak, and it was definitely not a good atmosphere. I believe we are going through a very tough period. That is why I want to fight fiercely against strong opponents like Kawasaki and win, in order to shake off the nervous atmosphere.
Q, I think the Japan National Stadium is a stadium with good compatibility.
A, I also want to use such jinxes well and create an opportunity for the team to rise.
Q, what kind of play does Player Higashi himself focus on this round?
As an individual, I would like to showcase a good performance among approximately 50,000 spectators, which is not something I can easily experience in my football career.
Q, do you also have the consciousness of wanting to encourage the team by showing a fighting attitude?
A, I think that such feelings can be conveyed within the team, and I myself have felt that the most important thing is the base of strength in the ball and the transition of offense and defense by seeing the figure of Yuto NAGATOMO. Yuto's passionate feelings naturally spread to me and stimulate me. In practice and games, I now want to be the one who conveys.
Q, is it a feeling that the atmosphere of "not being able to draw the same picture completely" on the pitch led to two consecutive losses?
A, I think there are at least some. I think you, the media who are here today, also feel that if you haven't fully drawn the same picture, you have been watching soccer regularly. It is one of the challenges we are currently facing, and we need to share it tactically as a team, but each player has various thoughts and ideas when playing. I think it is important for the players to have a proper conversation among themselves, always make necessary choices, and play.
Q: It is expected that there will be a lot of time when Kawasaki takes the initiative. Will it be a game where the first goal holds the key?
A, I think the first goal is very important. I want to focus on how we can prevent the opponent's chances and score goals ourselves. Even if we give the first goal, it's not the end. Looking at the scene of conceding a goal in the Sapporo match, we had enough numbers in the defensive area. I think it's also important how we defend in difficult times, including the goalkeeper.
