＜Previous Match: Kawasaki FrontaleReview＞
A blow from a filial grandchild.
The 41st Tama River Clasico.
The Tama River Clasico against Kawasaki Frontale took place at the National Stadium. Moreover, it was positioned as a special match to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the J-League. Unlike the usual matches, the stadium's voltage was rising with various tricks, and even though Tokyo had a streak of 7 consecutive losses in the Clasico, there was an atmosphere throughout the stadium that there was no way we would lose at our National Stadium.
That atmosphere spread to the team.
The team has lost the last two games. Moreover, in the previous match, they conceded 5 goals against the strong momentum of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. The predictions are far from positive. However, in order to respond to the love of the fans and supporters who continue to support them even in distant away games, the team has been thoroughly preparing.
Even if it is somewhat forceful, we have faced the challenges and tried to unify the team as a whole. The solidarity that has been heightened through such preparations may have become even stronger due to the atmosphere surrounding the Japan National Stadium.
It is no coincidence that Shuhei Tokumoto, who has always challenged himself positively, achieved results. He always looks forward in any situation. He gives his maximum effort. His positive attitude, brought out by the atmosphere that fills the Japan National Stadium, helped push Tokyo forward and led to that spectacular goal.
The roaring of Tokumoto player's joy should have firmly reached his grandfather in heaven and his grandmother in Okinawa, riding on the momentum of Tokyo.
＜Preview＞
Coincidentally, one week ago, both teams played the same J.League 30th Anniversary Special Match at the same venue, and won.
However, the situations they are in are different. On one hand, Tokyo, who had been in a negative situation with two consecutive losses, managed to defeat Kawasaki Frontale and finally changed the atmosphere to a positive one. On the other hand, Kashima Antlers, who have achieved five consecutive clean sheets, have set a new record for the club's undefeated victory.
鹿島 has an advantage in terms of momentum and confidence. If they have had 5 consecutive clean sheets, there must be a reason for that. Their defense is not easily broken.
A dedicated defense from the front line, quick return to defense, wings that do not hesitate to repeat up and down movements, and a final line that combines height and strength. The strong defensive awareness possessed by the entire team is coordinated, and the organized defense becomes tighter with each game.
In addition, in the attack, the strength of not missing a single chance of set plays and the sharpness of counterattacks have also been honed. It can be said that the winning strength, which had been quiet at the beginning of the season, has been revived in Kashima's traditional style.
How will Tokyo confront such a powerful opponent? First, the common understanding of "starting with defense" that was regained in the previous Kawasaki match will be important. Stabilizing the defense first, gradually increasing the time of ball possession, and using fast and slow attacks depending on the opponent's situation when transitioning to the attack.
It is particularly important to make quick and accurate decisions after gaining possession of the ball in our own half, especially against strong opponents in defense. When, where, and who to attack. The choices made by the players on the pitch can determine the outcome of the match. The construction of attacks that unsettled Kawasaki on the wings was not a fluke. As a solid proof of evolution, we want to create openings in Kashima's strong defense.
[Albert Coach Interview]
Q: We won the high-pressure Tama River Clasico, but should we not be too relieved with this victory?
A, the J1 League has been experiencing highly competitive matches. The current situation is that the rankings can dramatically change with just a small difference in points. The rankings will continue to fluctuate from now on. Of course, there are no players who are relaxing just because of their recent victory. The league matches are like long-distance races in a marathon. I believe that after overcoming difficult times, good times will come.
Q, what kind of game do you want to play against the Kashima Antlers, who have a strong momentum?
For Kashima, it is a home game, and I think it will be a difficult match with high intensity. The opponent's style is clear, and they will surely use their weapons effectively. They also have a strong commitment to winning. However, if we can concentrate from the start of the game, I believe we can have a good match. Above all, I believe in the current situation of the team. I think tomorrow will bring a good game and a good result.
Q, Kashima has a strong defensive impression. Do you want to attack before their defense is set?
A, that part is also an important point. Another point is to quickly move the ball to break their defense. It is also important how we respond when they have the ball.
Q: The impression is that the team has a high winning percentage in matches where they score the first goal. What do you think is the impact of scoring the first goal on the team?
A, not only us, but also looking at the entire J1 League, it gives the impression that the team that scores the first goal has a high winning percentage. In a match between evenly matched teams, the first goal has a significant impact on the subsequent course of the game. For example, if we score the first goal, the opposing team will naturally aim for a draw or a comeback, become more attacking, and try to dominate the ball. It will be a situation where we can take advantage of the space behind the opponent who has come forward like that. However, as a team, we have not reached the level of dominating the game for the full 90 minutes.
Q, it will be even more important to score the first goal when facing Kashima, who has been continuing their streak of winning without conceding any goals.
The number of 5 consecutive games without conceding a goal is a testament to Kashima's defensive strength and solidity. We believe that we are able to take advantage of our defensive strength and other characteristics to launch attacks and score goals, and we are currently in a good flow. As a team, we have been preparing to score against Kashima's solid defense. And we have complete trust in Tokyo's players. Winning against a highly accomplished and mature Kawasaki Frontale team is a clear indication of our current team situation.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, it will be a match against my former team. Please tell us your thoughts and enthusiasm, including memories from your time at Kashima Antlers.
A, now, it is the most powerful team, and when I look back on the time I was a member, I only have good memories. I immediately understood the reason why Kashima is so strong, and I also realized and noticed things after leaving the team. I have a strong feeling of respect.
Q, please tell me the most important thing you learned during your time at Kashima.
A, this is a story from when I was on the team, but players like Atsuto Uchida and Yasushi Endo were leading the team and bringing a sense of unity. In order for Kashima to win, they prioritized the team even if it meant sacrificing themselves in various ways. We also saw plays where they were willing to give up for the sake of victory, and I believe that the way they are currently fighting is close to the correct answer for Kashima. The idea that results are everything is something I learned during my time at Kashima. I am looking forward to facing the opponent with the most momentum right now.
Q, Tokyo also seems to be in a cycle as you mentioned.
A, in the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale, we really wanted to achieve a victory as a team. In this match as well, we expect situations where we have to compete for the ball and pick up second balls, so we want to securely recover the ball and not lose in battles. If we lose in the ball contests, we will lose the momentum completely. The atmosphere at Kashima Soccer Stadium is also unique, and when goals are scored, the entire venue gives momentum to Kashima, so I think we need to be cautious.
Q, in order for Tokyo to become stronger in the future, it is necessary to overcome many adversities like Kashima multiple times.
Speaking of the Kawasaki match, we can confidently say that we were able to defeat a highly accomplished opponent, and I think it is necessary to build on this game and ride the momentum. If we can continue winning here, we can feel the atmosphere of being able to ride a good flow. I believe that naturally bringing chances and victories closer comes from not losing in the fundamental aspects of football.
Q: Are there any specific areas that player Kei KOIZUMI was careful about in the previous match against Kawasaki?
I had the consciousness to aggressively steal from the front in terms of defense, and I think the opponent was also reluctant. I was able to play with a sense of returning to the basics, such as having strength in stealing the ball and second balls without worrying too much about the back. I think being able to play without hesitation on the pitch also led to goals. I think it was also good to be able to steal the ball in a high position.
Q, is it safe to say that we were able to play compactly overall?
A, yes. Behind, Keigo HIGASHI was standing firmly, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right aggressively went to steal the ball from the front. Each player was able to make plays that were easy to understand as teammates, so I think it was good. In the second half, the opponent became 10 players and we were pushed back, so I wanted to hold the ball a little more and send passes that would lead to attacks. When facing opponents who attack with multiple players, if we easily lose the ball after stealing it, the defensive time naturally becomes longer. I think it would have been better if we could have played a little smarter.
Q: Do you have any thoughts on what Kei KOIZUMI himself is thinking in order for Tokyo to continue winning from here?
I think that good attacks will be born from good defense. If the players on the pitch can play without hesitation, Tokyo has talented players, so if they can play in a relaxed manner, they will undoubtedly become a strong team in a good way. If you think too much about how to defend and how to attack, you will hesitate and give the opponent a chance. It is important for both the team and the individual to play on the pitch without hesitation. If we continue to play with the same intensity as the Kawasaki game, I think the flow will naturally lean towards Tokyo. I think that expressing a high level of intensity in every game against the opponent we fight against will be the basis.
Q, it is also expected that Kashima will have more scenes of allowing Tokyo to have the ball.
A, it is important to expand to the side easily, but I think it is also important to actively send challenging passes to the forward players and send the ball to narrow areas. The movement towards the back was also impressive in the previous Kawasaki game. I think it will be necessary for the midfield players to surpass Diego OLIVEIRA in certain situations. If the number of plays towards the back is low, the team will not function properly, so I would like to be aware of that point.
Shuto ABE
Q, what kind of battle do you want to have with Kashima Antlers, who are on a winning streak?
The opponent is in good form with 5 consecutive wins, but we have confidence as a team to stop their winning streak. I believe this will be a match where winning the ball will be crucial, so I want to win the game without losing to the opponent in front of us.
Q, Is it important to be aggressive in the ball contest from the beginning, like in the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale?
A, considering the opponent's football, it is also possible to simply send long balls to the front line, so I think it is important to recover second balls.
Q: Last season, we played against Kashima twice and won both matches. Does player Abe have a positive impression of those matches?
A, I don't have any negative feelings. I myself scored a goal at Kashima Soccer Stadium last season, so I have a good impression. I also want to aim for a goal tomorrow.
Q: How do you plan to break down Kashima's strong defense?
A, it was communicated by the coach that it is very difficult to break down the opponent's defense when they sit back and defend, so we should actively aim for the opponent's back. I think it is necessary to have the awareness of shooting from the middle or towards the goal while aiming to disrupt the opponent's formation.
Q, the balance between forward thinking and rear risk management is also important.
A, in that regard, Masato MORISHIGE and Keigo HIGASHI, among others, help maintain balance on the pitch. Higashi has even told me, "You can play however you like," so while I leave some parts to him, it's important to execute plays like shooting and attacking. I want to avoid situations where we lose the ball in dangerous areas and get countered or exploited in the midfield.
Q, who picks up the second ball is a big point.
Regarding picking up and controlling the second ball, the coach has been emphasizing it in this week's training. The awareness towards that is very high. I want to make good decisions to create a flow, such as making attacking moves after controlling the ball and playing calmly according to the situation.
Q, including the Kawasaki match in the previous round, there was also an impression that the ball was connecting well.
A, until now, it has been the impression that we lose the ball a lot after stealing it, but in the Kawasaki game, the distance between teammates was good and the play itself was smooth. Immediately after stealing the ball, it is both a chance and a pinch. I think it is important to pass the first pass to the teammate carefully.
Shuhei TOKUMOTO
Q, How was the reaction after the Kawasaki Frontale match?
We received so many messages that we couldn't respond to on the first and second day. We received a lot of messages on LINE and Instagram. I felt a sense of accomplishment, thinking "I was able to perform well."
Q: How do you look back on the Kawasaki match?
A, last season I was on the side watching this match. Since joining this season, as the Tama River Clasico match approaches, I have become more conscious of wanting to play and stand on the national pitch. It is not good to play quietly, so I was able to enter the game by showing my own strengths and playing. I hope to demonstrate a performance greater than the Kawasaki match in future games.
Q, the impression is that you are filled with confidence as you play more games.
In the matches against Avispa Fukuoka and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, I was not able to contribute to the team as much as I would have liked. It is not a given that I will be able to play in every game, and because the presence of Kashif BANGNAGANDE is significant, I feel the need to express myself properly. That is why I believe I am able to grow every day.
Q: Is the presence of player Yoshifu Takamoto very important for player Kashiho?
A, he is a player representing Japan as a left fullback. Since I play together with such a player and practice daily, I intend to steal whatever I can. I want to firmly make his good parts that I stole my own and continue to express them in my play.
Q, Tokumoto's attacking positioning led to a goal in the Kawasaki match.
A, the strength of players like Hotaka NAKAMURA and Kashif BANGNAGANDE is actively showing their faces in high positions, which is a play that I myself have been lacking so far. Although Nakamura was injured and had to leave the game, I didn't want it to be thought that Tokyo's fullbacks lost their attacking momentum. Since Bangnagande was on the bench during the Kawasaki game, I had the feeling that I could go all out and be substituted in the middle, so I think I was able to take a high position and connect with shots and crosses. I think I was able to play by remembering what I have built up so far, and I think it became a high position to show that I am a type of fullback who goes forward.
Q, this week we will be facing the Kashima Antlers, who can be said to be in excellent form. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, I want to forget about the Kawasaki game for now and focus on the match, so that I can be told that I won against Kashima thanks to your performance.
