Bond of Passion | FC TOKYO FANZONE

My impression of FC Machida Zelvia is that they have a solid defense and are a team that does not concede multiple goals. I think their strength lies in their tenacious defense, such as putting their bodies on the line until the very end.

So far, we have faced them three times in league matches. There were times when we played well, and there was also the match last season at the Japan National Stadium where we fell completely into their trap and suffered a thorough defeat.

One of the opponent’s characteristics is that their attacks from long throws and crosses often lead to goals. Their wing-backs and attacking midfielders encourage attacks from the flanks, and we need to be cautious about the chances they create from good crosses. We have faced teams like Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Fagiano Okayama, which are based on a three-back system, and I believe we have been able to work on this consistently from our training sessions.

I also feel a sense of confidence from what we have built up through practice and matches, and the number of goals conceded from crosses, which was a challenge, has been decreasing. However, in the Okayama match, we were caught up to a draw from a set piece, and speaking specifically about Machida, they have many options for set pieces. I believe vigilance and countermeasures are especially necessary.

As was the case in the Okayama match, the system uses five defenders when defending, and once they form a block, breaking it down is not easy. Since scoring goals won’t come easily, we want to focus on playing without rushing.

We will face Machida in quick succession, first in the league match on the 9th and then in next week’s Emperor’s Cup Semifinal Round. Of course, both matches are important. Unless we show an attitude of going for the win on the pitch in both games, I don’t think the fans and supporters will be satisfied. By winning against Machida, whom we have not been able to beat so far, we want to instill a “winning habit” in the team and also connect it to the mentality when facing Machida from next season onward.

Regarding the Emperor’s Cup Semifinal Round, there is a chance to win the title. It’s a one-shot match, and there is an exhilarating feeling of being able to compete at the Japan National Stadium. Considering that we have all come this far (to the Semifinal Round) by working together, we absolutely do not want to lose. With the chance to earn a “ticket to the Final Round” right in front of us, we do not want to miss this long-awaited opportunity.

Of course, it is important for all of Tokyo to unite, and the passion and support from our fans and supporters give us a boost. We want you to bring your peak energy to us starting from the league match on the 9th, and by winning that league match, let’s double the passion that the team and everyone puts into the games and unleash it on the stage of the Emperor’s Cup Semifinal Round.

I believe that without the whole team and the fans and supporters united in the determination to defeat Machida, they are not an opponent that can be easily beaten. We players will also give it our all and show our fighting spirit and play on the pitch to seize the “ticket to the Final Round.”