Review of the previous match against Kashima Antlers
The challenge faced during the long consecutive holidays. Overcoming that, it was the Tama River Clasico. In that flow, the match against Kashima Antlers, who are on a winning streak of 5 consecutive victories without conceding a goal, was awaited.
5 consecutive games without conceding a goal.
Kashima's defensive intimidation was consistent with their record. Their ability to close down the ball, the speed of their retreat after losing possession, and their strength and height in front of the goal. From the kickoff, they were pushed to the forefront with their strong points and built an impenetrable defense.
A fortress-like impregnability that leaves no room for attack.
By allowing Kashima to take the lead, their defense only became stronger. In a situation that required precise passes and coordination like threading a needle, there was a man who never missed a momentary opening.
Diego Oliveira, who had been engaging in a battle of wits with the opponent's center-back from the beginning of the match. In the 25th minute of the first half, he positioned his body towards the goal and switched with the opponent's center-back, and was fouled from behind, earning a penalty kick.
Shuto ABE's loop pass, which didn't miss the start of the movement, was also splendid, but Diego's player positioning, which slid his body between the opponent defender and the goal in response, opened the fortress door.
After catching up to the tie, both teams repeated intense battles and rapid exchanges of offense and defense without reducing the intensity until the end of the game. If they had entered the second half while protecting a one-point lead, there was also a possibility that Kashima's strength in the game could have been demonstrated and they could have escaped. The brilliant turn of the ace player who pulled the opponent into a fifty-fifty match became the key point of this battle.
Tokyo, who faced Kashima Antlers, a team that had won 5 consecutive away games in the previous round, played their second game of the three-game series against top-ranked teams. Diego OLIVEIRA, a player for Tokyo, scored a penalty kick he earned himself, stopping the opponent's clean sheet record. Furthermore, throughout the entire match, Tokyo maintained their intensity and showed a strong performance, pushing the opponent back.
This match will be against Vissel Kobe, who are currently leading the league. They have the second highest number of goals and also have the best defensive record, making them a well-balanced team in both attack and defense.
Furthermore, this game is taking place immediately after Iniesta, who joined the team in the 2018 season, announced his departure. Being a home game, the stadium is expected to be filled with a fervent farewell atmosphere for Iniesta. As a team, they will surely gear up even more than usual and approach this match with the intention of not wasting the remaining limited time to play with a global legend.
As for Tokyo, we want to stick to our own style without being overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the stadium or pressured by Kobe's momentum. In particular, we need to be extremely cautious of the powerful attacking lineup centered around player Osako, who is currently leading the league's scoring rankings, and player Muto, a former blue and red warrior who has scored 4 goals this season, more than any other game so far.
After a series of losses during the long holiday, the team has created a flow of gradually taking control by increasing the intensity in ball contests through organized defense, with the common understanding of "first, solidify the defense", and increasing opportunities to regain possession of the ball, followed by short counters and ball retention.
There are countless factors to consider, such as being in first place, Iniesta, Osako, and Muto... Of course, it is important to know the opponent and plan accordingly, but it is also important to surpass the opponent with our own style, direct the momentum towards ourselves, and gain points to return to Tokyo.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, it will be a match against Vissel Kobe, which has a high-scoring attacking lineup.
A, compared to last season, Kobe has changed into a team with a very high intensity. It seems that they have transformed into a team that has a high awareness of attacking towards the goal and skillfully weaves direct plays into their attacks. They work hard for the full 90 minutes, and they have many dangerous players in the front line. I think the team composition allows the individuality of the front line players to shine.
Q: What kind of approach is important when playing against Kobe, who plays with high intensity?
First of all, it is important for us to express at least the same intensity and win duels in all situations, starting with one-on-one situations. It is also important to maximize the qualities our players possess. Kobe will likely apply intense pressure from the front line. It is important for us to compete with equal or higher level of play. As I always mention, the J1 League is highly competitive. The first goal in a closely contested match has a significant impact on the flow of the game. That is why it is necessary to approach the game with concentration from the beginning.
Q: How do you see the players' condition from the coach's perspective during consecutive matches?
A, this week we will face the Kobe match with only 2 days of rest, but I remember that the league matches held during the previous corona crisis had an even more congested schedule. In tomorrow's Kobe match, which is a 3-match series and only 2 days of rest, there is a high possibility that players will clearly show signs of fatigue after the 20th minute of the second half. However, there are also multiple players who did not participate in the Levain Cup on Wednesday and players who were able to control their playing time, so I believe that it will be clear through player substitutions and other management.
Q: In Kobe, Andres INIESTA, who announced his departure yesterday, is a member. Please tell us your impression of player INIESTA from the perspective of the coach.
A, in the history of the soccer world so far, he is undoubtedly a great player who ranks among the top 20 in the world. And, by coming to Japan, he has greatly increased the global recognition of the J-League. Everyone knows how amazing of a player Andres INIESTA is.
Q, do you think Iniesta will play in tomorrow's match? What kind of game development do you expect?
Everyone knows the high quality of player A, Andres INIESTA. If he were to step onto the pitch, it is conceivable that he could dramatically change the game with one play. After all, he is a world-class player.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, if you participate in tomorrow's Vissel Kobe match, it will be your 450th appearance in the J1 League.
A, it was a blink of an eye and it feels like I just recently achieved 400 appearances. As I get older, it feels like time is passing by even faster.
Q: How do you look back on your career so far?
I have never had an easy and smooth season, and there have been difficult times. I play every season while feeling the difficulties of professional life.
Q, what has been the driving force behind your long playing career?
The desire to win and the sense of responsibility that comes from playing in Tokyo for a long time are the driving forces.
Q, I got the impression that the defense has been getting organized since the Kawasaki Frontale match the other day.
A, we still lack the ability to fix and solve problems among the players. I believe we can discuss and make corrections during halftime or after the game as much as we want. During the game, I think it is necessary for the players who are on the field to think carefully and play their part.
Q, there are scenes where you can see a sense of security in their play when players Masato MORISHIGE and Shuhei TOKUMOTO are in possession of the ball.
There are moments in the game where it is difficult to maintain balance in the final line. In the past few matches, we have been playing in a way that quickly sends the ball to the front line and have been accumulating points. It is important to quickly send the ball to the front line, make solid decisions to connect from our own territory, and find a balance in how to utilize the strengths of each member of the team.
Q: Please tell us about your current feelings as you prepare to face Mutoh again.
Both as a team and as a player, we feel that Muto is in good form. Even in the past few matches, his physicality and goal-scoring ability have been excellent. We understand his strengths and of course, Muto himself knows a lot about me as well. In that regard, we want to have a good fight.
Q: The player who will form a partnership with Muto is Rui Osako. How do you plan to contain the high-powered attacking lineup?
A, I also confirmed it in the video, but he comes behind the defense with some movements and tactics in front of the goal. I feel his skillfulness and I want to play with extra caution in front of the goal.
Q, I think that a victory over the leading Kobe will bring a good momentum.
If we can win against the top team in a series of matches including the Levain Cup, I think it will create a good momentum for the team, and we want to approach the upcoming Yokohama F.Marinos match and other matches against top teams with focus.
