<Match Review>
This was the second match under Peter CKLAMOVSKI's management. The opponent is Kashiwa Reysol, who has not won in their last seven league matches. Although they have been far from victory for a while, the coach tightened the reins on the team, stating that this is precisely why they cannot let up.
In the previous match, the team embodied the high-intensity style of play demanded by Coach Klamovski and achieved a 2-0 victory against Nagoya Grampus, who are competing for the top spots. Regardless of the opponent, the style of play remains unchanged. They faced the rainy match aiming for consecutive home wins to carry a good momentum into the second half of the league.
1st HALF - First goal of the season by Diego, scoring the 10th point
Although Tokyo struggled against Kashiwa's sharp defense at the beginning, they persistently moved the ball and pressed the opponent, creating opportunities for set plays in good positions. In the 6th minute of the first half, Kuryu MATSUKI aimed directly at the goal from a free kick opportunity, but was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
By switching from offense to defense without giving the opponent time to move the ball, aggressively chasing the ball from the front line and coordinating the back line to converge on the ball side, we can quickly recover the ball and firmly seize the flow of the match.
The match changed in the 35th minute of the first half. After carefully building up play and entering deep on the left side, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA received the ball in a wide-open position, made a sharp cut to shake off his marker, and delivered a cross. Diego OLIVEIRA, positioned in front of the goal, headed the ball into the right corner of the net, successfully giving Tokyo the lead.
Even if they take the initiative, Tokyo's intensity does not drop. They chase the ball diligently, and by putting their bodies on the line in one-on-one situations, they frequently win the ball back and attack towards the goal without allowing the opponent to focus.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, a large cross was sent in from the right side, and the ball that the defender couldn't clear properly spilled near the penalty area. Player Tawaramizuki, who was present, took a direct shot, but the ball aimed at the bottom right corner of the goal was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper's excellent save.
2nd HALF - Even during the times pressured by the opponent, we maintained a clean sheet
Even in the second half, Tokyo's momentum does not stop. Just two minutes into the second half, Matsuki dribbles the ball and takes a powerful shot from mid-range. The ball, blocked by a defender, changed direction and looped towards the goal, but the opposing goalkeeper managed to clear it from the frame.
As time progresses, scenes can be seen where the team becomes more aggressive and is caught from behind, leading to counterattacks. During periods when they are pushed back by the opponent's momentum, everyone returns to their own half to organize their defensive formation and eliminate space.
Despite having the ball, they did not allow any decisive moments to be created and showed a strong fight in the duels. Towards the end of the match, right after using up all the substitution slots, there was an incident where Masato MORISHIGE got injured during a collision and left the pitch. After receiving treatment, he returned to the pitch, placing Masato MORISHIGE at the forefront and organizing a scramble defense formation to reach the time-up.
Although it was the smallest margin of victory, we held the initiative in both offense and defense for most of the match, securing our second win under Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Kei KOIZUMI/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Shuto ABE/Koki TSUKAGAWA (34th minute of the second half: Reo NOZAWA)
FW Ryo WATANABE (40th minute of the second half: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (40th minute of the second half: Perotti)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (15th minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO/Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
35th minute of the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Kashiwa Reysol>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kenta MATSUMOTO
DF Hiroshi MIMARU/Taiyo KOGA/Yugo TATSUTA/Naoki KAWAGUCHI (39th minute: Takumi TSUCHIYA)
MF Keiya SHIIHASHI (30th minute: Keiya SENTO)/Tomoki TAKAMINE (16th minute: Sachiro TOSHIMA)/Riku OCHIAI (0th minute: Tomoya KOYAMATSU)
FW Mateus SAVIO/Yuki MUTO (0th minute: Float)/Mao HOSOYA
SUBS
GK Tatsuya MORITA
DF Hayato TANAKA
GOAL
―
[Comments from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI at the Press Conference]
Q, please review today's game.
<div>A, I think we were able to have a very good fight in the first half, and within that, we were able to deliver a very good performance, playing the style we anticipated. I am truly proud of the players who fought for the full 90 minutes. In the second half, there were some tough periods for various reasons, but it was a game from which we learned a lot. I believe there were moments when we could have made it 2-0, but the team fought well with perseverance and disciplined dedication. In that sense as well, the players really showed their true performance.
Q: After using all substitution slots in the 40th minute of the second half, there was an incident involving Masato MORISHIGE, and the decision was made to place Kuryu MATSUKI as a center-back. Was this something you had anticipated?
In football, you never know what will happen. What I have learned through this is that the solution lies in what we do in daily practice. Both as a team and as individuals, I believe we were able to fight strongly by building on the foundation we have established so far. Honestly, I think the players fought very well. Matsuki did a solid job as a center back, and Morishige also fought through to the end and contributed to the club. The substitute players also fought selflessly and carried out their roles thoroughly. I believe this was a battle that truly reflected their beliefs and what they have worked on until now. We have special fans and supporters who have backed us, and I think they pushed us forward so that we could fight together until the very end to earn the three points.
Q. The quick transition and intensity of defense were noticeable.
A, this is one of the elements we are currently improving and getting better at. As I always say, the important thing is the amount of effort and fighting with dedication. And by clarifying that and having solid positioning, I believe the players are able to support each other and fight together. In all aspects, we showed good performance in the first half, and we gained a lot from that. In the second half, there were parts we needed to learn from, but what makes me most proud of the players is that even in situations where we had to learn lessons, we were able to fight with dedication and secure all three points. However, I believe it is necessary to take it step by step to become an even better team.
Q: The first half was one-sided, but the second half became a tough game. What do you think was the reason for that?
A. I think the momentum shifted in the second half because Kashiwa Reysol pushed forward. Despite that, we were able to defend strongly and finishing with a clean sheet is a very positive point for us. The lesson learned is that we need to control the game more ourselves and move the ball a bit more skillfully. We had many chances, and if we had scored the second goal there, I believe the stadium would have been jumping even more during the match.
[Player Interview]]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, please review today's game.
A, it was a very difficult match. Kashiwa Reysol is struggling, but they are a very high-quality team, so it was good to be able to win against them. We also have our struggles, but I think it was good that everyone ran through and fought together today. There will be no easy matches from now on, so I want everyone to overcome them together.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
Player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA is known for his dribbling breakthroughs and is always confident when engaging in tactical plays with opponents near the goal. He delivered a very good cross today, which I believe helped us score. Although I scored and secured the victory today, I think it doesn't matter who scores. What matters most is that the team wins.
Q: This marks three consecutive matches with goals in official competitions.
A, goals are not something that can be easily scored. Currently, the team has a good flow and many opportunities are coming, so we are able to score from among numerous chances.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Urawa Reds.
A, the match against Urawa is expected to be a tough game. The opponent will be playing at home, and Saitama Stadium 2002 has a different atmosphere compared to other stadiums. The opponent is expected to come with momentum, but we want to win at all costs and return to Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, please review the game. It's a home winning streak.
A, we were able to play with high intensity from the start, and at the moment when we wanted a goal, Diego OLIVEIRA scored. I believe that taking the lead was the key factor in finishing the first half in a good way. What was especially good in the first half was that we were able to keep the opponent from taking any shots. That was very significant. In the second half, there were tough moments and some scenes where the opponent took shots, but through committed play, we managed to win a close match. While scoring additional goals and winning by multiple goals is the ideal scenario, being able to stubbornly secure a 1-0 victory in a difficult game was a great achievement for the team.
Q: I particularly felt the tenacity and hard work in the defense during the second half.
It is important not to lose in one-on-one situations. Since the opponent's side attacks were particularly frequent, the way the fullbacks responded was especially crucial. We want to further refine the fundamental aspects, such as not allowing easy crosses and preventing shots. We also aim to improve our defensive spacing, ball-winning ability, and the accuracy of our build-up play.
Q: As a full-back, I feel that your stability has been increasing with each match.
Since coming to Tokyo, I have only played a few times, but at the clubs I belonged to in the past, I also had opportunities to play as a side back. It is one of the positions I have experience in, so I can play smoothly without feeling difficulty. There are still parts where I have not reached a level of play that I am personally satisfied with, and there are many scenes where my teammates help me. I want to play with commitment for the sake of victory.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review today's game.
A, we were able to score early in the first half, and although there were tough moments in the second half, we managed to keep a clean sheet and secure the win. I think it is significant that we kept a clean sheet for two consecutive matches.
Q: I felt a strong desire to score, especially during free kicks and when participating in attacks.
As a defensive midfielder, I was thinking of managing risks while aiming for the space ahead if it opened up. If I can't score in that situation, we can't aim for the top positions, so I want to score next time.
Q: I think the combination of the double pivot was good. What kind of communication do you have with Shuto ABE?
A, we haven't had any particular discussions. We've been playing together since last season and understand each other's strengths, so while it's not exactly a perfect harmony, I think in the last two matches we've been able to establish plays that cover for each other.
Q: Since becoming the manager, Peter CKLAMOVSKI has achieved two consecutive victories. Please tell us how you plan to aim higher from here.
A, I believe it is important not to concede goals. If we don't concede, we can earn points. With players in great form like Diego OLIVEIRA who can score goals, I will also aim for goals while fulfilling my role as a defensive midfielder, so we can secure 3 points. I want to aim for victory in the next match and the match after that as well.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, please review the game.
A, it was good that we were able to achieve a result. I also think it was good for the team to win without conceding any goals.
Q, please review the scoring scene of Diego OLIVEIRA.
A, we have been practicing crosses up to this point, and before the match, I was constantly communicating with Diego TABA, so I think that led to today's goal.
Q: There were some close shooting scenes.
A, I think the part where I can't make the final decisive play is due to a lack of ability. I don't want to be satisfied with just assists; I want to keep a strong desire to improve and be able to score goals. Personally, my defense and physical strength are also insufficient, so I want to work hard to level up properly.
Q: You have started in two consecutive matches.
A, I have been given opportunities and have been able to continue playing in matches, so I believe it has contributed to my growth. I want to keep training every day and achieve results so as not to miss this chance.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Urawa Reds.
A, in the next match, I want to score and help the team win. I hope we can fight as one team and deliver victory to our fans and supporters. Since Sakai is also on the opposing team, I am looking forward to seeing if my dribbling will work, and I want to challenge myself without hesitation.
