I want to win 3 points with further team unity and motivation

　Sec. 26 of the league, we will play against Kataller Toyama away. Following the Tochigi match, we will face consecutive away matches. In the previous match, we couldn't make the decisive move and lost 2 points due to Tochigi's intense press, resulting in a bitter defeat. However, we were able to retaliate with Suzuki's determined goal towards the end, so it was not a content to look down on. We hope for further unity and motivation from the team, and aim to secure 3 points away.

　Toyama is currently in 19th place with 4 wins, 6 losses, and 11 draws. In the previous match, they applied intense pressure against Chiba and managed to secure a draw. In addition, DF Fukuda joined the team in July, strengthening the defense and set-piece effectiveness. MF Hiraide, who is on loan from Tokyo, will not be playing in the second half of the season. Furthermore, FW Koke is injured and will be absent from the team. As a result, FW Kurobe will lead the attack, with MF Asahi and Onishi playing as the two shadows, and Nishino and Yong Duk SEO on the wings. They will approach the game with a 3-4-2-1 formation.

　Tokyo, in place of the suspended Tanihara due to accumulated warnings, started with Suzuki as the lone striker. Lucas played as an attacking midfielder and placed Hayu as the right midfielder. It is necessary to not lose the ball against the opponent's intense press and to connect the passes securely. Furthermore, the key is how well the attacking unit can create coordinated plays. It would be ideal to exploit Suzuki's movements behind the defense and ensure that Hayu and Tanabe are not constantly chasing the defensive side, by switching positions fluidly.

　Ishikawa said, "It is important to not only create the team's rhythm with speed, but also to fight according to the situation. I want to focus on various movements, such as receiving in the center and allowing the fullbacks to move forward, not just side breakthroughs." He also expressed his hope that Ishikawa can be a game-changer even if the game becomes a stalemate. It is a crucial match where they want to overcome accidents such as injuries and suspensions together, seize victory, and gain momentum. The match started at 18:04 with a kickoff in Tokyo at the Ishikawa Athletics Stadium.

United Team Aims To Dig Deep For The Win

FC Tokyo made the long trip to Toyama to take on Kataller in the 26th game of the season, the second away fixture in a week. In the previous outing, Tokyo had been pressured into ceding possession and conceded twice in a disappointing loss to Tochigi; Suzuki's last gasp goal was some consolation and the overall performance wasn't poor enough to engender panic. The side was united and determined to bounce back to take the three points.
Opponents Toyama lay in 19th place at kick-off with a W4 D6 L11 record. The side, boosted by the July recruitment of defender Fukuda who had added some stability to the back line and threat from set plays, had produced a fierce pressing display to grind out a draw with Chiba in their previous game. Hiraide, on loan from Tokyo, was ineligible and striker Kokeguchi was ruled out through injury. That left Kurobe playing as lone striker, supported by midfielders Asahi and Onishi in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Yazawa's suspension meant a start for Suzuki as Tokyo's main striker, with Lucas lying deeper and Hanyu playing on the right of midfield. Tokyo would need to connect their passes and retain possession to deny their hosts chances on the counter-attack. Suzuki was expected to exploit the available space behind the Toyama defense while Tanabe and Hanyu would need to provide defensive cover on the flanks as Tokyo sought a performance of fluid movement and decisive interplay.
Ishikawa commented, "Of course I'm aiming to use my pace to create a rhythm for the team but responding to the dictates of the game is important as well. Not only attacking down the wings but also receiving the ball in more central positions and bringing the side backs into the game are some of the things I'm aiming to do". Much was also expected of Ishikawa's ability to change the flow of games stuck in a stalemate. Despite the various injuries and suspensions, the Tokyo team was united and determined to overcome the absences by fighting hard for the points.
Tokyo kicked off shortly after 6pm on a cloudy, warm evening on the Japan Sea coast.

Unable to grasp the rhythm of the attack, trailing by one point at the end of the first half

　In the opening minutes, Suzuki and Hanyu tried to lower the defensive line and created opportunities by getting behind the opponents. In the 5th minute, Hanyu dribbled past the opponent's defender on the left side and took a shot after receiving a clearance ball from Nakamura. However, the shot went wide, and gradually they started to struggle against Toyama's pressing. In the 13th minute, starting from Nakamura on the left side, Hanyu and Suzuki exchanged passes and Lucas took a shot from the middle, but it resulted in a corner kick.

　In the 17th minute, Lucas passed to the right side and Tokunaga crossed between the opponent's goalkeeper and defender. Hayu jumped out and tried to connect with his foot, but couldn't finish it... As both teams tried to move forward, they continued to fight for possession, and Tokyo couldn't find their rhythm as time passed. Then, in the 34th minute, Toyama connected from their own half, and Kurobe passed to Onishi in the forward line. Onishi sent a through pass aiming between Tokyo's defenders, and Kurobe broke through. Tokunaga chased after him, but he was skillfully beaten by a ground shot and conceded the first goal...

　Tokyo wanted to counterattack, but they couldn't find their rhythm against the opponent's tough press. However, towards the end when the opponent's pace slowed down, Tokyo started to connect passes, but they couldn't quite switch on. In stoppage time, Tokunaga dropped a right cross from the right, and Tanabe in the center took a left-footed shot... but it was blocked by the left post. They couldn't bring it to a draw and ended the first half.

Tokyo Struggle With Rhythm, Fall Behind

In the opening minutes Tokyo forced the Toyama defensive line deeper as Suzuki and Hanyu both attempted to exploit the space available. In the 5th minute Hanyu latched onto Nakamura's clearance, darted past a defender and shot. Hanyu dragged his effort wide and from that point onwards Toyama slowly began to restrict Tokyo with some fierce pressing. In the 13th minute Nakamura started a move that saw Hanyu and Suzuki exchange passes before a Lucas drive from middle-range earned a corner.
In the 17th minute Lucas found Tokunaga pushing forward down the right and his cross neatly bisected the Toyama defence and goalkeeper but narrowly evaded Hanyu's flying lunge. Despite attacking intentions neither side were able to retain possession for long and amid the flurry Tokyo struggled to find a rhythm. Then, in the 34th minute, Toyama broke forward from their own half and midfielder Onishi rolled a pass through to striker Kurobe; despite the attentions of Tokunaga, Kurobe was able to stroke a low shot past Shiota to give his side the lead.
Tokyo attempted to fight back but were stymied by Toyama's pressure on the ball and failed to settle into a rhythm. As half time approached Toyama began to run out of steam allowing Tokyo to string passes together but the visitors still failed to find a way through. In first half additional time Tokunaga crossed from the right, Lucas knocked the ball down and Tanabe thumped a shot against the post from the edge of the penalty area. The width of the post had denied Tokyo an equalising goal to take into the half time break.

Unable to score until the end and suffer consecutive defeats

　Ishikawa was substituted in from the second half. Hayu changed his position to attacking midfielder. Despite being troubled by Toyama's press, the attack gradually gained speed. In the 51st minute, Ishikawa moved further inside from Tokunaga, who went up the right side, and bravely took a shot despite being surrounded by defenders, but it went wide. In the 54th minute, Kajiyama carried the ball up the center and passed it to Nao near the right area. The well-aimed shot from there was saved by the goalkeeper. Hayu and Lucas tried to follow up on the rebound, but it was defended.

　Despite continuing to attack without letting up, there were several instances where Toyama's defensive awareness was high and they were unable to break through even when they brought the ball up to the front line. In the 66th minute, they created an opportunity on the left side and passed it to Lucas in the center from Tanabe. Lucas trapped the ball while carrying a defender on his back. He quickly turned around and attempted a jumping volley, but it was saved by the goalkeeper... In the 70th minute, Ishikawa broke free on the left area from a long ball sent by Imano, but his shot missed the target as he lost his balance.

　Immediately after that, Sakata, who made his first appearance after transferring, was substituted for Hanyu. In the 78th minute, Tanabe brought the ball in from the left and took a shot, but it was saved by the goalkeeper. In the 78th minute, Nagasato, who also made his first appearance, was substituted after Sakata. They put pressure on the goal and attacked. However, Toyama pulled back and formed a defensive block, making it difficult to break through until the end... It was the fifth defeat of the season. Despite barely holding onto the top spot due to the results of other matches, they suffered their first consecutive loss.

　【Player Comment】《Imano》"Every opposing team, regardless of who they are, initially comes forward to take the ball from us. If we can't handle it, they continue to attack, and if we can't stop them, we retreat. We couldn't score first. I wonder if we still lack power. After conceding a goal, our passing may have improved, but there were fewer adjustments in positioning due to impatience, and there were fewer gentle passes that make it easier for the next player to play. We attacked towards the end, but ultimately couldn't score... Substitute players naturally have power, but just telling them to 'do their best' is not enough. We need to make use of their strengths and bring them out. We need to fight as an organized team."

　"Nakamura: 'I want to increase the methods and patterns of build-up a little more. At the beginning of today's match, I couldn't turn around because I was pressed in the center. During the game, Mori and I were discussing, 'We can take off the two center-backs, so let's go a little further out.' I was thinking about going through the space between the side halves and taking the back, but... Maybe because the opponent was able to man-mark, it seemed like I was also marked by the side-back from the center position. Still, I was able to get the ball, but it was very slow and I couldn't speed up. Even when we can't play our own soccer, I want to increase the variations so that we can fight.'"

　[Summary of Coach Okuma's Press Conference] "I don't think the opponents had many chances, but when they score the first goal, they start defending with more players. In that situation, it becomes difficult for us to find openings while passing the ball. I felt that simplicity is necessary in a way. We need to be patient and switch gears, and I think it's important to do well in the next game. (Couldn't you steal the ball as you wanted?) The opponents were good at passing the ball, but there were times when we were slow in pushing forward and a bit behind in ball circulation."

　Just changing the position of Hanyu in the middle and changing the distance between offense and defense, I didn't care so much about stealing the ball. I think that the distance between offense and defense did not work well at the beginning, and the compactness did not come out as pointed out now. From now on, we need to pursue the threat and fear after conceding a goal. Since the members have changed, I felt that simplicity and ideas are necessary. (Wasn't our soccer not good today compared to the opponent?) We need to do things without being afraid. Tatsuya should come back a little more and show his face on the ball side, or aim for the back a little more with good timing. I think it's about Tabei coming back and creating rhythm or creating a numerical advantage. As I mentioned earlier, I think we need to build up threats and simplicity."

　[Summary of Coach Toyama's Press Conference] "First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who came to the match. It was truly empowering to have your support before facing such a wonderful opponent. Although we are still a small club within the J-League, I hope that you will continue to come and support us without being discouraged. I believe that the players were really proactive in the game. As evidence, FC Tokyo has been a team that has focused on connecting even on a rough ground in the previous match against Tochigi. Making the opponent choose to kick the ball at the start of the game is the biggest proof. In that process, we were able to break through and score by moving the ball as we practice regularly. I think it was a really good first half."

　Entering the second half, of course there is a difference in strength, so it's time to endure. During that time, I think it was good that I was able to hold key points while understanding my position and role for 25 minutes, so as not to let the opponent take advantage of the back. As for today's members, they are players who were forced to play in the matches during the period when we couldn't win 10 games, and they were able to play against today's opponents after accumulating solid training, which makes me happier than anything and I think it has raised the level of the team. I truly appreciate the club, sponsors, supporters, and volunteers who created such an atmosphere, and I hope to continue to build on it in the future."

Tokyo Battle To The Bitter End

Ishikawa replaced Suzuki for the second half with Hanyu moving into a central position behind Lucas. Toyama's pressure continued to hamper Tokyo's efforts but the visitors slowly began to inject some extra pace into their attacks. In the 51st minute, Tokunaga pushed forward down the right and found Ishikawa in a central position; Ishikawa twisted and turned, eventually getting off a shot under pressure. In the 54th minute, Kajiyama burst forward down the center of the pitch before picking out Ishikawa on the right; Ishikawa struck firmly, drawing a save from Iida in the Toyama goal. The ball ran loose but neither Hanyu nor Lucas were able to pounce, the Toyama defense eventually clearing the danger.
Tokyo continued to attack yet failed to breach the increasingly resolute Toyama defense. Tokyo constructed a move down the left in the 66th minute, Tanabe finally playing the ball infield to Lucas. Lucas took the ball down succinctly under pressure from a defender then spun and cracked a jumping volley goalwards, drawing a save from Iida. A long ball played out of defense by Konno reached Ishikawa on the left of the Toyama area in the 70th minute. Ishikawa slipped as he shot, his effort flying wide of the post.
Sakata then made his debut for Tokyo, replacing Hanyu in the 70th minute. In the 78th minute, Tanabe raced down the left, cut inside and shot, but his drive flew straight at Iida. Nagasato also made his Tokyo debut in the game, as a replacement for Tanabe in the 78th minute.
Tokyo had strengthened the attack and poured forward in waves but Toyama, with all hands defending in blocks, continued to frustrate the visitors. The final whistle blew on a 1-0 defeat, Tokyo's 5th of the season and the first back-to-back losses of the year. Despite the defeat, results elsewhere meant that Tokyo retained their place at the top of the table.


Players' comments
Konno
"Whatever the opposition they come at us straight from the off and if we can't mount a response we struggle, or they then defend deeply. We couldn't score the first goal and I feel we're still lacking in power. After we fell behind we were attempting to play the ball around but were impatient which prevented us from correcting our positioning and led to awkward passes being played to people who weren't in a good position to receive the ball. We attacked a lot towards the end of the game but the result shows we failed to score. The substitutes who came on naturally have quality but simply encouraging them to "Fight" isn't enough. We have to make use of their individual strengths in a more systematic approach".


Nakamura
"We need to increase the ways we build up and the variety of our patterns. From the start today we couldn't throw off their pressing in midfield so I told Morishige I'd play wider to put pressure on their centre backs. I was trying to get beyond their side half and then behind the defence. They were man-marking us, from the centre to the side halves. When we got the ball we were too slow and couldn't speed the play up. If we're having trouble executing our game then we need more variations in our play".


FC Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma
"I didn't feel the opposition created all that many chances during the game but now we're in a situation where if they score first they defend in numbers. Although we moved the ball around a lot we couldn't find the means to open them up. I felt we needed to play it more simply. Now we need to be patient and bounce back; doing what needs to be done in the next game is important.
Did we find it difficult to regain possession? Well, the opposition certainly moved the ball around skillfully but I felt the timing of our forward runs was slow and we lost some of the initiative in retaining possession.
During the game we altered Hanyu's positioning and reduced the distance needed to move the ball from defence to attack; I wasn't too concerned about where we actually won the ball. We didn't make the best use of that distance and couldn't create a compact shape out there. We have to increase the threat we carry when we fall a goal behind in the future. The line up is changing so we need to keep it simple and generate more ideas. We have to play without fear. Suzuki could have played a little deeper, could have received the ball in front of the defender and improved the timing of his runs a little more. Tanabe could drop a little deeper to create a rhythm and we could get more bodies forward into attacking positions. Basically, I think we have to keep it simple and carry more of a threat".

Toyama manager Takayoshi Amma
"Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone who came today; they gave us the strength to take on such a strong opponent. I thought the players started the game in an extremely positive manner. One thing about FC Tokyo is that they always try to play a passing game, even on a terrible pitch like the one for the Tochigi game last week. Their constant forward movement forces opponents to boot the ball. Despite that we utilised what we had worked on in training, opened them up and scored. I thought we played very well in the first half.
In the second half there was a difference in strength between the teams and we had to grit our teeth at times. For about 25 minutes the players had to appreciate their positions and their roles within the team and work to plug the gaps at the back and I thought they fulfilled their roles very well. These are the same players we fielded when we failed to win for ten straight games; we trained steadily and learned and, more than anything, I'm pleased with the disciplined performance they produced today, which has surely raised the level of the team. I'd like to thank the club sponsors, the supporters and the volunteers for creating such a special atmosphere today and hope that this will lead to greater things in the next game"