Match Preview
The final match of the group stage of the Levain Cup is a crucial battle for Tokyo to advance to the prime stage and marks a fresh start.
Tokyo, having suffered three consecutive losses in the latter part of the first half of the league, has appointed Peter CKLAMOVSKI as the new head coach. Due to registration issues, he will not be on the bench for the match against SANGA S, and Takayoshi AMMA, the head coach, will temporarily take charge as they aim for advancement to the prime stage.
This match connects to the new commander, but it is also an important phase that directly relates to the title, and results are strongly demanded alongside improvements in the quality of soccer. First and foremost, addressing the defense, which has conceded 9 goals in the last 3 league matches, is urgent. It is not something that can be corrected by simply isolating defensive situations; it is necessary to control the balance of the formation, including the attack, and we want to break the flow that leads to goals from simple mistakes.
In terms of offense, it's not that there are no chances, but the flow that could lead to decisive moments is being interrupted by the simple mistakes mentioned earlier. I want to align the team's direction once again and make small adjustments on the pitch to prevent mistakes in coordination and other areas.
Above all, the team from Kyoto is characterized by its intensity and vertical drive, making it difficult to regain control once they gain momentum. As Kei KOIZUMI mentioned after the last match, "There are many reasons for our defeat, but losing in key moments, such as at the ball, made the match difficult." Before questioning tactics or strategy, the challenge for Tokyo is to fully express their fighting spirit and strong desire for victory.
Although the commander has changed, the club aims for a consistent direction. They will maintain possession of the ball, take the initiative themselves, and win while entertaining viewers with an attacking style of football. While focusing on results, they want to make this match a stepping stone towards a new start in next week's league match, building up the content as much as possible.
[Head Coach Takayoshi AMMA Interview]
Q: Please tell us what you emphasized to the players while temporarily taking charge.
A, first of all, we reviewed the recent match against Gamba Osaka through video. Especially the scene of the second goal conceded. We lost the ball and faced a counterattack, and the ball went out of bounds for a throw-in. Gamba Osaka did not restart quickly, yet they were able to deliver a free cross. Although there were several players in front of the goal, there was a mismatch in marking. Conceding goals from crosses has been a team issue, and we shared the current situation with the players. With Peter CKLAMOVSKI taking over as coach, a comeback from here is essential, but first, the players must approach the game with quick transitions between offense and defense, strong challenges for the ball, and high concentration. Without that, no coach or tactics will work. I told the players that we need to thoroughly work on the basics, including preparing for the next match this week. From Tuesday's training, we focused on the basics of "transition, ball challenges, and hard work." We also discussed that by playing with high intensity in transitions and ball challenges, we will ignite the team's engine.
Q: What were the factors that contributed to the weaknesses in the base part?
A, it can be considered from various perspectives, but they are naturally trying their best to meet the demands. Of course, there are no players who are joking around or unmotivated. However, I believe there was a weakness in how they maintained their motivation. Enthusiasm and motivation are limited, and it is necessary for them to work on raising it themselves. To win matches, it is essential to elevate motivation and mental strength to at least a minimum level. Without realizing it, although they are not slacking off, motivation gradually decreases—that is human nature. I have once again conveyed to the players the importance of approaching matches with high motivation.
Q: Please tell us what you shared with the players regarding tactical aspects.
This is a match where advancing from the group stage is at stake, so simply trying hard is obviously not enough to win. Therefore, we built a "system" for attack and build-up. It is very difficult to explain the system with words alone, so we first ingrained it in the players during practice. We shared the design approach for each situation on the field, and then explained it through video and verbally, which I believe enhanced the players' understanding. For some players, we systematized and communicated their positioning and involvement with the ball in both offense and defense. We also shared the minimum principles for defensive positioning, but we allow creative rule-breaking depending on the situations that occur on the pitch, and we shared the core aspects with the entire team. There was a coaching change this week, but the players approached practice with a professional attitude. I can feel their passion to win, and the players' spirits are high.
[Player Interview]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: What points have you organized this week in preparation for the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C.?
A, we improved our condition for tomorrow's match and confirmed the minimum agreements for offense and defense. As a fundamental premise, it is important that each player on the pitch works hard both offensively and defensively. Watching the review footage of the match, it seemed that small lapses or a lack of focus were the beginning of conceding goals. We want to especially focus on running through together once again and fighting with full effort.
Q, this is an important match that could determine our advancement to the group stage.
A, our top priority is to secure victory, and we want to fight for the fans and supporters who come all the way to away games. With the coaching change and other factors, I think everyone is feeling a bit unsettled. We want to show those who support us our fighting spirit and results.
Q, Head Coach Takayoshi AMMA will temporarily take charge in the match against Kyoto.
A, AnmaThe head coach has been communicating about the details and nuances of play as we approach the match against Kyoto. We have shared our feelings from practice with Coach Anma, and he shares the final decisions with the players. I believe we have good communication.
Q: Please tell us what the team particularly emphasized during this week's training.
A, it is about everyone working hard both offensively and defensively. We reviewed everything while watching the footage, including transitions between offense and defense. Plays that we thought were executed well during the match were re-examined through the video, revealing that sometimes we only thought we were doing them properly. We were able to share past plays where nothing was done well as a team, and emphasized the importance of acknowledging this and approaching the Kyoto match with full focus.
Q: As the season reaches its halfway point, how will you rise up?
A, yesterday it was announced that Peter CKLAMOVSKI will be appointed as the head coach. I believe that fully expressing the style of football that Coach CKLAMOVSKI aims for will be the key to our resurgence. We players also feel that "we can't end up like this," so we want to bring out the best in the team and each individual player.
Q: This season, we have faced Kyoto in both the league and the Levain Cup. What kind of battle do you want to have in tomorrow's match?
We have received tactics and instructions for the match from Head Coach Anma, so the players are ready to express them through their play. We want to fully embody this in tomorrow's game and finish with a victory.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: You have participated in all matches of the Levain Cup so far. Please reflect on your performance as an individual.
A, as we play more matches, we reflect on our performance and, step by step, we feel growth and change. From the first match of the Levain Cup, we focused on achieving results, but as the matches progressed, we also focused on improving the quality of our play, not just the results. Although the changes may be small in each game, I think it has been good that we have been able to build up and compete steadily.
Q: This will be a match against Kyoto SANGA F.C. where victory is an absolute requirement. Please tell us what you want to be aware of as a goalkeeper.
I believe it is necessary to bring calmness and stability to the team. At the same time, while expressing aggressive play and boldness in attack as a team, I want to particularly focus on risk management and defensive care. The best approach is to compete with a good balance as a team, but I also want to boost morale through plays that protect the goal in critical moments.
Q: In the last Levain Cup match, we won 5-0. Please share your impressions of Kyoto again.
<div>A, Kyoto gives the impression of applying high-intensity pressure from the front line. As a team, it will be important to withstand the opponent's defense while firmly controlling the ball and dominating the game, and to continue challenging. Against Kyoto, who aggressively press from the front, if we can push their defensive line back even slightly, it will become negative for them. We want to increase the time we push forward by playing in a way that the opponent dislikes and by winning battles for the ball.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match.
This is a match where a victory is necessary to advance from the group stage. We want to unite as one team and approach the game with momentum.
