<Review of the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol>
In the second match of the new system under coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the blue-red intense pressing did not stop.
Moving people to the ball side one after another, blocking the opponent's advance and immediately switching to attack towards the goal.
In particular, the attack was initiated by Diego OLIVEIRA's post work, with teammates providing solid support to create passing lanes, while players other than the ball holder paved the way for advancing the ball and bringing it to a finish.
The decisive goal of this match was similar. When Diego received the ball, he spread it to the left side to use Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, and while the young talent held the ball with a unique timing to create a chance, Diego smoothly entered the penalty area. Then, with a sharp change of direction, Kota sent in a cross, and Diego headed it in to shake the net.
As the second half began, the opponent focused on a style of play that targeted Tokyo's backline with long balls, increasing their numbers in the forward line, which led to counterattacks against them, resulting in Tokyo spending more time in their own half. On the other hand, instead of retreating towards their goal, they maintained a defensive block while not weakening their press on the ball side, ensuring that the opponent was not given the opportunity to launch a thick attack.
The player who shone with his defensive abilities in the match against his former club was Kei KOIZUMI. His strength in one-on-one situations, sharp reading to attack and intercept the ball by exploiting the opponent's gaps, and exquisite timing that makes it difficult for opponents to break through were evident. Once he wins the ball, he distributes both short and long passes to neutralize the opponent's first defense and becomes the starting point for counterattacks.
With a cool expression, he calmly collected the ball and accurately turned it into an offensive play. The presence of the "big brother" was prominent in both defense and offense during this match.
Match Preview
The away game for Klamovski Tokyo, the first of its kind, is expected to be a sea of red at Saitama Stadium 2002 against Urawa Reds.
This is a matchup since the opening game of this season. At that time, it was a scenario of Tokyo in its second year under Albert PUIG ORTONEDA and Urawa in its first year under the Scorja system, where Tokyo had the upper hand in terms of team completeness, pushing Urawa back in terms of content and winning with a score of 2-0.
However, by the end of the first half of the season, the standings of both teams have changed significantly. Tokyo has struggled to consistently accumulate points, while Urawa, after a difficult start, has improved steadily and achieved results such as winning the AFC Champions League (ACL). Currently sitting in 4th place, they are in a position where they can aim for the ACL spots and even the championship.
Tokyo faced the result of three consecutive losses, which led to a change in management, but in the last two matches under the new system, they have won twice, scoring 3 goals without conceding. The current football, which places the vector "forward," is different from the appearance Tokyo showed in the opening match, and it should be an encounter with the "unknown Tokyo" for Urawa.
Looking ahead, next Wednesday there will be a match against Verdy in the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round, followed by a game against Kashima Antlers over the weekend, entering a series of consecutive matches starting from this match against Urawa. Considering the high intensity of Tokyo soccer, the approach to the 90-minute battle is something to be very concerned about.
However, Coach Klamovski has no concept of energy conservation. He puts all his effort into the current match, giving everything to win. This style will not change in this series of matches. In a corner of the stadium dyed red, Tokyo continues to push forward to shake the area occupied by blue and red with joy.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: How will you break through the solid defense of Urawa Reds?
A. It is important to take the space behind the opponent's defensive line and to express the speed and tempo of movement that we have been building up through training. By doing so, I believe the opponent's defensive formation will gradually break down. It is about expressing awareness forward and making runs behind, and seeing how the opponent's defense responds.
Q: It seems that the build-up from the back is gradually being organized. How do you feel about it?
A, I believe it is necessary to further enhance and improve the quality. The way of coordinating and engaging with the ball differs by position, and the key is how to create space generated by ball circulation. I want to steadily improve step by step the movements that quickly exploit spaces that the opponent dislikes, at a faster tempo.
Q: What kind of things are you trying in terms of offense, and what are you communicating to the players?
A, it is about moving the ball quickly. The coordination and connection between positions seem to be improving. Various things have become clear from practice. Now, I want to encourage the players to demonstrate the plays they can do in practice during the matches. Of course, there were times when we were able to express this in the games against Nagoya Grampus and Kashiwa Reysol. How to extend those periods is important. There is no perfection in football. To put it simply, it is like an arm wrestling contest with tactical maneuvers, and there will be difficult periods when we cannot express our play. Based on hard work and shared understanding, we want to step up further.
Q: After a series of consecutive wins in the league, what have you been able to see?
A, although it was a short period, the players gave their all in the things we worked on as a team during practice. I believe they played in a way that did not give the opponent freedom, making it uncomfortable and difficult for them. I feel that what we have been building up in practice is gradually taking hold. As I have said many times, we still have a lot to improve. We aim to build a team that fans and supporters will love even more. For that, we do not want to waste a single day. We always want to pursue growth.
[Player Interview]
＜Shuto ABE＞
Q: Please tell us what is particularly required for the defensive midfielder position.
A, the most important thing is the high intensity. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI demands winning second balls and defensive dedication. I believe this is especially emphasized in meetings.
Q: Please tell us what is being asked of you in terms of offense and how you express that in your play.
A, when the ball flows to the side players, we midfielders are conscious of making runs forward. The way we move to break free changes depending on the ball's position, but I believe one key moment to aim for is when we are playing in the opponent's half and circulating the ball in advanced positions.
Q: The defense has kept a clean sheet for two consecutive matches. Please let me know if there are any areas in the attack that need improvement.
<div>A, it's not that we haven't been able to score, and I think you can see Diego OLIVEIRA's good form if you watch the match. We want to score focusing on Diego, and we also aim for short counters. Like the second goal in the match against Nagoya Grampus, if both defensive midfielders get involved in the attack, draw out the opposing defenders, and deliver accurate crosses in front of the goal, I believe the number of goals will increase.
Q: Given the poor away win rate so far, the match against Urawa Reds will be an important one.
As Tokyo, Saitama Stadium 2002 is not a very favorable venue for us, but I think we need to firmly overturn that with results. The team is currently playing with confidence, so if we can stay focused from the start of the match, I believe it will lead to victory.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: Has the attacking task changed since Coach Klamovski took office?
A, whether playing as an attacking midfielder or on the sides, I play with an understanding of the necessary positioning during attacks. To contribute to the team's victory, it is essential to deepen my tactical understanding, so I intend to continue doing so.
Q: Your play, which is not confined to a specific position, is impressive. Is there anything you are consciously aware of during the match?
A, to score goals, I always keep in mind playing with the goal in mind. To help the team score, I flexibly consider which position I need to take and where I should provide support, choosing movements flowing to the sides or plays receiving the ball in the center.
Q: Please tell us the factors that allow the team to quickly play towards the opponent's goal.
A, I think the most important thing is being able to play good defense. The team has organized the awareness to win the ball high up the pitch and to press from the front while maintaining a high defensive line. Good defense seems to lead to good offense. I also believe that being able to play with high intensity during practice is a major factor. That intensity is reflected in the matches.
Q: It seems that the number of times Ryoma WATANABE himself is moving towards the goal and creating chances has increased, starting from Diego OLIVEIRA. Please share your thoughts on this.
A, I believe that in the plays I am involved in, the part of creating attacking chances is still insufficient, and I see it as my own challenge. Throughout the season, scoring 10 goals is one of my goals, and to increase my pace, I want to show play aiming for goals in every match.
