As the Tokyo Verdy team prepares for their crucial match against AC Nagano Parceiro in the J.League YBC Levain Cup on March 20, 2025, the atmosphere is filled with anticipation and determination. The match will take place at Nagano U Stadium and involves a first round grouping that the team is keen to approach with the goal of advancing further in the tournament.
Tokyo Verdy is riding a wave of confidence after their recent triumph over Nagoya Grampus, where they executed a stellar comeback to secure a 2-1 victory during the J1 League match on the weekend preceding this upcoming cup clash. This win marked both their inaugural victory at home in the current season and their second league win, paving the way for high spirits as they head into the tournament amidst the international match week break.
Manager Hiroshi Jofuku, in his fourth year at the helm, emphasized the importance of this cup match. His vision for the season sets ambitious goals, including not just participating but also contending for the title. "Winning a title isn’t something that comes easy, especially in a cup tournament where player depth plays a crucial role. Each game contributes to our growth as a team, and we want to create as many thrilling matches as possible to ensure our development," Jofuku shared as he prepares his squad for the upcoming challenges.
Having recently highlighted the need for a stressed forward momentum in training—a response to criticisms from their previous performances—Jofuku pointed out, "We need to shift our focus towards the goal more effectively. We must support each other up front and look to create opportunities directly, ensuring that we embody our team’s identity in each game we play." This focus on aggressive play styles symbolizes the team’s aspiration to perform at their best against all competitors.
In anticipation of the Levain Cup match, Jofuku’s tactics have incorporated strategic adjustments based on their last match against Nagoya. New players Hirakawa Rei and Suzuki Miku are both eager for a chance to showcase their abilities. Hirakawa, who found his footing during the match against Nagoya after stepping in due to an injury to fellow player Morita Akihito, illustrated a critical moment for himself and aims to build on this foundation. “I need to make the most of my opportunities. The previous match was definitely a turning point for me," he expressed.
Suzuki, who participated in last year's Paris Olympics, is determined to prove his worth to Verdy while competing for playing time in a highly competitive squad. He stated, "It’s been tough not getting to play, but the atmosphere during training has been fantastic, and I feel we all push each other to improve. I’m ready to show what I can do on the pitch." Both players see this match as a crucial stepping stone in their journey with the club, as they work to establish their place in the team.
The upcoming match is particularly critical for Verdy, given that their opposition, AC Nagano Parceiro, will have a new manager and will most likely employ gameplay influenced by former coach Ōki Takeshi of Roasso Kumamoto. This shift represents yet another challenge for Verdy as they face a team that seeks to establish its own identity while integrating previous strategies. "We will have to be cautious; adapting quickly to their new style will be necessary," Jofuku commented.
Taking a look at their performance, Tokyo Verdy engaged in a tactical battle against Nagoya where they were down 1-0 at halftime, with poor shooting statistics—just two shots, neither on target. However, after tactical adjustments during halftime including video analysis revealing key play scenarios, they came out re-energized for the second half, successfully reclaiming the dominance that was missing early on.
One of the change agents against Nagoya was Daisuke Yamami, whose key contributions affirmed his importance and earned him a spot in the starting lineup for the upcoming cup match alongside players like Hirakawa and Suzuki. The upcoming game thus carries a double weight for these emerging players, as they have the opportunity to solidify their positions while contributing to the team’s potential success in the cup.
Reflecting on their J1 League performance and lessons learned, Jofuku has affirmed that despite having secured a victory, there remain areas for improvement. “While our comeback was promising, we must avoid becoming complacent,” he emphasized. His challenges to the team are not just to win, but also to elevate their playing standard to compete at the highest levels.
For the upcoming encounter against AC Nagano, coach Jofuku has one goal in mind: to secure a decisive victory that would not only serve as a morale booster for his squad but also solidify their ambitious aspirations for the cup. The spotlight, thus, lies on the players to deliver thrilling performances and maximize every opportunity presented.”
