[Analytical Cuisine]”Now run, Pride of Niigata” Is it necessary to run at full speed and increase sprints on both offensive and defensive sides – Analytical Cuisine – Soccer Column: Daily Sports

J1 Albirex Niigata lost 0-4 at home on the 29th to FC Machida Zelvia. The team lacked energy, conceded four worst runs this season, marking their first three consecutive losses of the season. Temperature: 26.9 degrees, humidity: 83%, windless. Despite the tough conditions, the number of sprints that ran for more than 25 km/h at a speed of more than 98 were only 98, down below the opponent's 115 innings. There were also many cases where the response to loose balls was slow.

The match against Fukuoka on the 21st (2-3) was 85 times, and the match against Kawasaki F on the 25th (1-3) was 91 times, with three consecutive losses in under 100 innings. This means that they have not won seven games with just under 100 matches this season, with a total of two draws and five losses. The match against Yokohama on the 15th, where he won 1-0, was 113 times (Yokohama 84), so it seems that he will need to keep sprinting on both offensive and defensive terms to remain in J1.

The total mileage was 114km in Niigata and 116km in Machida. Still, it seems that Niigata didn't have that attitude, whereas Machida would have gone full-powered after the ball was taken away. Immediate recapture should be the lifeblood of Niigata. If they make a mistake, the whole team will return to cover it, and at the very end, the goalkeeper will need to be encouraged.

After the match, Machida's defender Nakayama Yuta kept dashing. The Japanese national team player played in the 32nd minute of the second half, but perhaps he didn't run enough, so despite the fact that he was still running, he was able to run at full speed on the pitch. “Now, start running, Pride of Niigata.” We would like to respond to the cheers of our enthusiastic supporters to remain in J1.[Ishikawa Hidekazu](Nickan Sports.com/Soccer Column “Analytical Cooking”)