Review of the previous match against Nagoya Grampus
Everyone's arrows were all pointing straight "forward."
Will they be able to play with this momentum in the second half as well? Won't they completely run out of steam towards the end of the match?
The Tokyo players ran, ran, and ran so much that it was worrying to watch from outside the pitch.
When the opponent takes the ball, the switch to defense happens immediately, with the first defender applying pressure without hesitation, and pursuing the ball one or two more times. The teammates around also respond by predicting the source of the ball, and the team slides forward in coordination to intercept the ball.
Then, after regaining possession of the ball, they launched a quick counterattack and advanced rapidly towards the goal. In both positive transitions, which refer to the switch from defense to attack, and negative transitions, which refer to the switch from attack to defense, Tokyo outperformed Nagoya Grampus.
At the start, the press was loose, and there were moments when we were countered from behind, but once the second half began, the gaps tightened, and the lost balls were quickly recovered. We continued to take the initiative on second balls, maintaining possession of the ball at our feet throughout the match.
Among them, shining was Henrique TREVISAN, who intercepted with sharp reading and crushed Nagoya's attacking opportunities. His judgment on positive transitions after winning the ball was also brilliant, embodying "offensive defense" and adding luster to Peter CKLAMOVSKI's debut as a coach.
Match Preview
In the first match under Peter CKLAMOVSKI's regime, they achieved a 2-0 victory against Nagoya Grampus in the previous round. With only a short preparation period since his appointment, he established detailed rules, and all the players worked hard to secure the win. While praising the players' attitude, the new coach envisions further evolving the team, stating, "To reach the place we dream of, there are things we must do."
One of those is build-up play. In preparation for the match against Kashiwa Reysol, we have started working on building up our play. "(Build-up play) is one area where we can evolve. I believe we can improve there, and I want to think about how to score while having the intention to improve," he said. Additionally, we have spent time confirming throw-ins and have dedicated time to further set pieces as we prepare for this week's match.
Kashiwa's poor performance led to the resignation of coach NELSINHO midway through the season. Even after Masami IHARA took over, the league results continued to struggle with 2 draws and 3 losses. However, coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI remains cautious, stating, "Kashiwa will come to give their all and seize points. We also want to fight aggressively." Tokyo will also strive to secure victory with all their might this match.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Will a sustained effort be the key to victory?
A, preparation for the match is important. It is essential to think about how to strengthen the team without wasting a single day, focusing and building up steadily. This also leads to how we approach and prepare for the next opponent. On the pitch, we aim to communicate clearly to the players as much as possible. Within that, we want to enhance our intensity and physical aspects, progressing step by step. Players and staff are always conscious of raising their limits and are committed to this effort.
Q: While making hard work a habit, it seems that Coach Klamovski is communicating with each player about their play.
A, we communicate even when it doesn't clearly show in our play. Especially, at the foundation of expressing our play lies high concentration and hard work, which are indispensable. These two points must absolutely be demonstrated as a team. Following the team's rules naturally leads to increased activity and hard work. We focus on building that mentality and aim to create a team that other clubs find difficult to compete against in Tokyo.
Q: Please tell us the criteria for evaluating and measuring satisfaction with Coach Klamovski during practice.
A, for me, there are clear rules. The players also understand these standards. I want the players to be able to express the movements and plays of their teammates even with their eyes closed. In attack, it is required to quickly aim for the goal and coordinate with teammates, and in defense, to build a coordinated defensive network. We are currently in the process of instilling what I just mentioned into the players, but being able or unable to express these things will serve as one standard. In practice, we try to include opportunities to overcome challenges and take on new challenges. Naturally, there will be things that cannot be done 100%, but I believe practice is also for that purpose. In such cases, it is important for us staff to provide information and support by reviewing footage, among other things.
Q: Regarding the match against Kashiwa Reysol, please tell us whether continuity is important or if further changes should be made, and what the key points are for competing.
A, Nagoya and Kashiwa have different styles of play. Although there are some similar phenomena, first and foremost, it is important to fully express our own style of play. It is about expressing the team's rules and how well we can exploit the opponent's weak points. Ultimately, I believe everything leads to hard work. To earn 3 points, we just have to give it our all.
[Player Interview]
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q: The match against Nagoya Grampus, which was the first game for the new coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, seemed to be fulfilling, but what changed with the coaching change?
I believe the biggest factor is that the fighting spirit has returned, not only in the match against Nagoya but also including the Levain Cup match against Kyoto SANGA S F.C. There have been tactical changes, of course, but above all, the biggest change is that the fighting spirit can now be fully displayed.
Q: Henrique TREVISAN's performance seemed to be very good as well. How do you feel when you look back on it?
A, I feel that my own play was good, but the entire team showed a very strong performance. The important thing is to continue growing from here. We want to maintain this good performance and show more consistent matches.
Q: The center-back position in Tokyo has a deep player pool, and the competition for positions is fierce. What mindset do you have when preparing for matches?
A, certainly, there are many good players, and the competition for positions is at a high level. However, the most important thing is the team's victory, and it is natural that the players in good form take the field. In that sense, having tough competition for positions is a good thing for the team, and I believe it is important for teammates to compete while respecting each other, bringing good results to the team.
Q: In set-piece situations, you show a passionate header every time. Do you have a desire to further showcase your scoring ability?
A, that's right. I have scored 2 goals in official matches this season, both of which were headers. I take pride in aerial battles being my strong point. From here on, I want to score more goals and contribute to the team.
Q: Henrique TREVISAN came to Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2021 season. How do you feel about the atmosphere at Ajinomoto Stadium this season, now that vocal cheering has been fully lifted?
A, the opening match of this season against Urawa Reds was impressive. Since I was away from the team due to injury in the latter half of last season, the Urawa match was the first game since coming to Japan where I experienced loud cheers. I was moved by the atmosphere at Ajinomoto, and I truly felt how the atmosphere in the stadium completely changes when fans and supporters cheer.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Kashiwa Reysol.
A, Tokyo has now developed unity as a team, allowing us to conduct rigorous and high-quality training, and we are confident that we can show you good matches. From here, in order to improve our ranking even a little, we absolutely want to earn 3 points and make our fans and supporters happy.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI has taken office, and the team achieved victory against Nagoya Grampus. Please tell us what has changed as a team and what you have been able to continue doing.
A, with the change of the coach, the players who had been participating and those who had not been able to play were reset, and the competition within the team strongly feels like it has started again. Competition has arisen within the team, and each player is able to practice with a high intensity driven by a sense of urgency. I also feel a different tension and atmosphere compared to before. I believe it is necessary to continue the good aspects that have been expressed since the start of the season, but from the perspective of not having won, I also see that there were many parts that were not good. I have keenly felt over the past few matches that the accumulation of daily training and awareness shows up in the games, and I think I myself had almost forgotten that point. Even the things the team was able to do during camp seemed to have loosened as the season started and several matches passed. Now, I believe each player is reaffirming and working on the fundamental parts necessary for playing as a premise.
Q: In the match against Nagoya, I felt a strong awareness and pressure towards moving forward. Is it correct to say that the results of being able to express the aim led to the performance, especially since Coach Klamovski has just taken office?
A, we conducted high-intensity training over a short period, and I believe the results were demonstrated in the matches. I think the players also felt the strength required in transitions between offense and defense and in ball contests, but this is due to each individual's awareness, not because the coach changed. Even in the first half of the league, there were matches where we could express this, like the game against Nagoya, but continuity is necessary. Winning streaks are what we need most from here on. To seriously aim for the championship or a position within the ACL zone, accumulating 3 points per match is essential. Since it is us players who have caused this difficult situation, we want to show matches where we make up for this frustrating feeling ourselves.
Q: In the last few matches, you have been playing as a right back, but do you feel that what you need to do hasn't changed much?
A, no matter which position you play, a high level of intensity is required. That is the one point I am always conscious of, whether playing as a defensive midfielder or a fullback. Naturally, the positioning and ball movement differ depending on the position, so I believe smart play is essential.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for this match against your former club.
Although my tenure was not very long, I believe there were fans and supporters who cheered for me. Now, as a member of Tokyo, without being overly conscious of my former club, I want to show through my play everything I can do to help Tokyo win. No matter what happens, I believe that as long as Tokyo wins in the end, it’s all good. Regardless of the opponent, if we express the kind of play necessary for victory, it will connect to "for Tokyo." I believe that demonstrating good play on the pitch is also a way to repay my former club, so first, I want to focus firmly on myself and approach the match with that mindset.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: In the last match against Nagoya Grampus, you scored multiple goals. How do you feel about your good form so far?
A, my condition is very good. Last season, I had a long period struggling with injuries, but this season I have been able to play without injury so far, which contributes to my good condition. I am also happy to have scored goals while focusing on playing as usual, and I want to further level up from here.
Q: It seems that the feelings you have for this season are particularly strong, given the struggles of last season.
A, I always focus on contributing by executing the plays the team needs to perform and scoring goals in the process. Last season, I got injured during the pre-season camp and was unable to show good performance throughout the season. I realized once again that by training hard without getting injured, I can deliver good performances in matches, and I want to continue making solid preparations.
Q: You have scored 9 goals so far, but what is your current sense of scoring like?
A, unlike last season, I feel a good flow to score goals. Since we have been able to accumulate goals with a good rhythm, I think it is important to continue this.
Q: What are your thoughts as you prepare to face Kashiwa Reysol?
There are various clubs in the J.League, but I always have a feeling of respect for Kashiwa Reysol. This is because, as some of you may know, they are the club that gave me the opportunity to play in Japan. I was able to play in a good environment at Kashiwa, and I still maintain good relationships with the staff and players who were there at the time. I play with respect, but now I am focused solely on playing for Tokyo's victory.
Q: As a player who symbolizes Tokyo and is loved by fans and supporters, how does Diego TABA feel about it?
A, I was 25 years old when I first came to Japan. I think it was a very good timing in terms of age. I am who I am now because Kashiwa gave me the opportunity to play, and even after transferring to Tokyo, there are fans and supporters who continue to cheer for me. I am grateful for the wonderful times both on and off the pitch that I spent at Kashiwa. After transferring to Tokyo, I have been allowed to play for a long time. We professional players need to act as role models both on and off the pitch, I believe. However, since we are football players, we must deliver results on the pitch. I think that kind of accumulation is what earns recognition from the fans and supporters. The reason I am who I am now is because of the support from everyone involved with Tokyo. Considering my own age, I do not have a long future as a football player. It is quite possible that I will conclude my professional career in Tokyo and return to Brazil. Until then, I want to show my best performance with all my strength.
