<Last Match Review: Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
In the 25th anniversary commemorative match, we wanted to continue our good momentum in this away game against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. However, our team lacked attacking power and we were unable to defend against a counter attack in the first half, resulting in a defeat.
Hiroshima's game at home, where they returned with the determination not to make the same mistake twice, was aggressive from the beginning, pushing for a goal. While they were pushing forward, there were also scenes where they were exposed to Hiroshima's counterattacks, but what shone there was Taishi Brandon NOZAWA's brave charge and big save.
The team created scenes where they could focus on attacking by guarding behind the defense line and preventing Hiroshima's counterattacks by jumping out of the penalty area.
What was remarkable about this match was the response to shots from close range. Despite being pushed into the penalty area and having Hiroshima players repeatedly take shots at the goal, they threw themselves at the ball and continued to clear it from the goal with close-range shots.
The game result was disappointing, but for the team that chose to attack first in order to win, there was no more reliable player in the back. With courageous runs, ball control at his feet, sharp reactions and saving techniques, Jakub SLOWIK, the best role model, has been training and his results were clearly shown on the pitch during the game.
In the previous match, Tokyo defeated Albirex Niigata 2-1. Initially, Niigata continued their impressive performance as a promoted team with their possession-based football that they had cultivated since their time in the J2 League. Under former coach Albert Puig Ortoneda, Tokyo also entered their second season with a strong determination to showcase their true value by committing to a style of play that prioritizes ball possession.
The start of the game was characterized by both teams attacking aggressively, with an open exchange of blows from the very beginning. Tokyo took the lead in the 8th minute, which gave them a slight advantage and allowed them to push New Niigata back. However, they quickly conceded an equalizer from a free kick, and the momentum shifted in favor of New Niigata.
In the latter part of the first half, Tokyo took the lead with a spectacular goal by Diego OLIVEIRA, and unlike the beginning, they were able to control the game for a longer period of time. They allowed the opponent to have possession of the ball, but pulled them back into their own half, eliminating space for a finish. After regaining possession of the ball, they quickly turned to attack and pushed back into the opponent's territory.
Ball possession, counter. Regardless of which one is chosen, the team has maintained its dignity as a team that continues to fight in the J1 league by covering with high individual quality.
It has been almost six months since then, and Tokyo is in 11th place, with Niigata in 10th place, putting Tokyo in a chasing position. Niigata, who has not lost in 6 league matches, is also within reach of Kawasaki Frontale, who is currently in 9th place. They should come into the home game with high motivation.
Tokyo, who is currently on a losing streak, wants to show their commitment to the attacking style that coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI is trying to build and not be overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum. In this match, they will be without Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Henrique TREVISAN, who are suspended, but they have sent four players to the U-22 Japan national team for a friendly match next week, hoping to cover the absence of key players in both offense and defense with the dynamic performance of their promising young players.
DENKA BIG SWAN STADIUM, which we will ride for the first time in 6 seasons. We want to create many scenes where the blue and red team will make their voices of joy resound in the midst of the orange wave that will fill the stadium.
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, Please tell us your impression of Albirex Niigata, where coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI has been in charge for two seasons.
A, It is difficult to narrow down to one thing, but I feel that the team is continuing to grow. I think we are developing in all aspects, and I am familiar with Coach Matsubashi. I think it is a team that will continue to move forward.
Q, This round, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Henrique TREVISAN will be suspended. What kind of game do you want to have against Niigata?
A, no matter what the situation, we expect our players to give their best performance. We are not fighting alone, we must fight as a team and support each other on the pitch. We believe that whoever plays will show a good performance and contribute to our victory.
Q, During the break, it seemed that there were many trainings focused on the offensive side.
A, one of the challenges we feel in our way of fighting and playing. I think there were many parts that the players could clearly see, and we are taking that realization positively. Of course, we must not forget the rules of defense. I think that continuity leads to evolution. Some players have had individual conversations, and some have checked the footage in detail. I hope that this will help us have a good practice.
Q, Please tell us about the progress of the team building so far as we approach the halfway point of the season under the leadership of Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
A, I think it is very difficult to take command in the middle of the season. Building a team is like building a house, stacking bricks little by little, and eventually building a strong and sturdy house. Sometimes you feel growth quickly, and sometimes you draw a slow growth curve. Since I took office in Tokyo, I have a feeling that it is developing in the right direction. I think it is necessary for us to focus on our play, bring results to this club, and continue to perform at a high level in order to become stronger in the future. We have three more games left this season. It is important to develop the habit of giving everything from daily training in order to improve our performance and show exciting games for the fans and supporters, and I believe that we can achieve special moments by challenging ourselves over and over again.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q: This is the first game at DENKA BIG SWAN STADIUM since the 2017 season. Please share your thoughts on playing at this familiar venue.
I spent 4 seasons at Albirex Niigata. It's been a while since I played a game in Niigata, but rather than being excited to face Niigata, I am focused on winning against the opponent in front of me as a Tokyo player. With only 3 games left in the league, I am determined to unite with everyone involved with Tokyo and win, with the sole goal of returning to Tokyo. Right now, I believe that winning is the most important thing.
Q, please tell us your impression of Niigata, who has not lost in 6 league matches.
A, there are many young and energetic players, and the impression is that they are playing good soccer and accumulating points. As I mentioned earlier, regardless of the opponent, we expect every club to come out with a strong determination and a decisive way of playing in the remaining three matches, so we want to show a fight focused on victory.
Q: There was also talk of "regardless of the opponent," but what specific points will become important?
A, I think it's all about the small communication on the pitch and how we can come together as one for victory. We are only thinking about winning and returning from Niigata, and especially in the remaining three matches, we are eagerly seeking only "victory".
Q, I played as a defensive midfielder in the match against Yokohama FC and as a full-back in the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Please tell me the challenges you saw in each position.
A, I felt many challenges as I lost both games. It was a big reflection point that I couldn't produce results from the beginning of the game. There are many areas to improve, but no matter which position I play, I want to show plays that can help my team, contribute to victory, and support my teammates.
＜Ryoma WATANABE player＞
Q, Please let us know if there are any modifications or improvements made on the offensive side during the break period.
A, We have been conscious of the "form" of how to score goals in training, based on the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Q, this week's match is against Albirex Niigata, who was on the team during the 2018-19 season.
It will be my first time playing against Albirex Niigata at the DENKA BIG SWAN STADIUM on the stage of the J1 League, so I am very excited. We were able to win 2-1 in the home game of the first half of the league, but I want to work hard to score goals and win away games as well.
Q, please tell us your impression when you played against Niigata in the first half of the league.
A, as a team that connects the ball and builds up attacks, we want to solidly defend as Tokyo and effectively attack the weaknesses of the opponent's defense. As in the first half of the league, we want to fight not by passing the ball, but by "making them pass" with coordinated defense.
Q, There are also suspended players, so changes in combinations and arrangements are expected.
A, regardless of which position I play, I believe that the expectations on the offensive end will not change and there will not be a significant change in my mindset. Depending on the position, the number of touches and movements may vary, but I want to show that I can make a strong impact in the final stages as an attacking player and do my best to create scoring opportunities.
Q, the last 3 games of the J1 League are coming up. How do you want to finish this season?
A, I want to show that I can do what I want to do and play for the team, and I want to grow even a little bit.And above all, I don't want to make the fans and supporters who support me feel frustrated. I want to win.
