<Review of the previous match against Cerezo Osaka>
Two "firsts" brought victory in blue and red to Osaka.
The league match resumed after about half a month of interruption, and it was an away game where we have only one win this season. Furthermore, we faced Cerezo Osaka, who have already played three matches including the Levain Cup, with one draw and two losses, and have not achieved a victory.
Right after the match started, the first "first" changed the course of the game. In the 8th minute of the first half, after earning a free kick, Yuto NAGATOMO, who assessed the situation on the pitch, quickly started the play by sending the ball deep into the opponent's territory. Diego OLIVEIRA responded by receiving the ball in the penalty area, but lost it after being challenged by an opposing defender. However, Kuryu MATSUKI, who came in to support, picked up the loose ball and struck a shot at an angle across the goal to score the opening goal.
This is Matsuki's first goal in the league this season. After being involved in many scoring opportunities and coming close several times, Matsuki has finally scored, and the team has gained momentum.
It seemed like...
After that, when Diego TABA was substituted in the first half, Kei KOIZUMI was also substituted early in the second half due to an incident. As Cerezo Osaka, trailing in their home game, increased their pressure, the two key players in the center line of the team were substituted, and Tokyo took time to regain their composure.
During that time, Cerezo Osaka repeatedly attacked from the sides, leading to scenes where cross balls were met in front of the goal.
The second "first" that locked the goal for Tokyo was Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. In the match that marked his first appearance in the J1 League, he remained calm and composed even during pressured moments. When it was time to step forward, he rushed out to clear the ball from the penalty area, and when he needed to hold his position, he showcased sharp reactions and footwork to block shots on the ball side.
Additionally, after receiving the ball, he played an important role as a starting point for the build-up by varying the pace during the restart.
The two players from the Paris Olympic generation that Tokyo is proud of achieved their 'first' in Osaka, bringing 3 points to Tokyo.
Match Preview
In the first match of the J1 League restart, the away game against Cerezo Osaka saw Kuryu MATSUKI score his first goal of the season in league play, leading to a 1-0 victory. The key player in the win, Matsuki, expressed relief, saying, "I'm glad we were able to secure 3 points" after achieving victory for the first time in four official matches. However, he also reflected, stating, "Controlling the game is a very necessary job for a defensive midfielder. I believe it was the responsibility of the defensive midfielders that the game turned into a kicking contest." Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI also expressed his expectations for Matsuki's growth, saying, "I am inspired by his mental strength and dedication. There are still many things he can refine to become the player he dreams of being."
This match will see us welcome Kyoto SANGA F.C. to Ajinomoto in pursuit of consecutive victories. Kosuke SHIRAI, who joined from Kyoto this summer, stated before facing his former club, "Knowing the opponent and being known by them makes it difficult," while vowing, "I absolutely do not want to lose this game. I want to go all out." To surpass Kyoto, who excel in intensity and hard work, it is crucial not to lose our fighting spirit. Tokyo will go for the win head-on.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
What kind of feedback do you have regarding the accuracy of the Q build-up?
A, we always want to keep building up and improving. There is more room for growth and more we can do. While developing our style of play, we aim to broaden our range of play. Even under pressure and in tight spaces, players must make quick decisions on the pitch. If we can achieve this, we believe we will be able to effectively utilize the spaces we want to use during matches.
Q: Please tell us about the competition among the goalkeepers, starting with Taishi Brandon NOZAWA.
A, I believe Taishi Nozawa's performance against Cerezo Osaka is the result of the goalkeeper group's daily accumulated practice. It is proof that everyone is striving to bring out their maximum performance every day.
Q: Please tell us again about Daishi Nozawa's strengths and qualities.
A is a wonderful goalkeeper with talent and potential. He has composure when holding the ball and the ability to perform under pressure, making good decisions. He also possesses high skills such as shot-stopping and dealing with crosses. He is a player with a lot of potential.
Q: Please tell us the elements and roles that Coach Klamovski expects from the goalkeeper.
A, it is important to firmly communicate your demands within your own playing area. This applies to both offense and defense. It is crucial to convey the rules about what other players need to do and to insist that they follow them. The goalkeeper is one of the 11 positions on the field. There is no difference from any other position. We expect you to demonstrate leadership and unique qualities there, and to deliver performances that lead the team to victory.
How is Riki HARAKAWA, who joined on a loan transfer, doing?
A, we are playing while learning the team's rules, and I hope they can show that performance during the game. I believe they are preparing well to contribute to the team.
Q: This week's match against SANGA S will be the first home game after the break.
A, we just need to seize victory for our fans and supporters. We want to take all three points for the club and show our growth as a team and our high performance. I think Kyoto will come aggressively, but we are also ready to fight aggressively. Kyoto is a good team and one that battles in key moments, so I believe various challenges will arise. Even in such situations, we want to find solutions ourselves, not rely on one person, and give everything as a team to win.
[Player Interview]
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: It has been exactly one month since I transferred from Kyoto SANGA F.C. to Tokyo. Have you gotten used to the new environment?
A, mid-season transfers are difficult, and it was tough at first. There are many kind players in Tokyo, and they helped create a good atmosphere, so I gradually got used to the environment. Tokyo is the sixth team in my career, but since I am naturally shy, I still don't know the trick to fitting into a new team (laughs).
Q: In the Emperor's Cup match against Roasso Kumamoto and the recent match against Cerezo Osaka, you played in two games. How do you feel about your performance on the pitch?
A, to be honest, if I were to say whether I am able to show 100% of my strengths, I am not fully able to do so. I believe I can show more of my good points from now on. My own strengths are sprinting ability and one-on-one play on both offense and defense. I want people to primarily watch how I get involved in the attack with my sprints, shake off opponents, and deliver crosses.
Q: What kind of play is expected from you by Coach Klamovski?
A, I am required to play with high intensity, sprinting forward and back in both offense and defense. I think I have been able to show my strengths there, but as a side back, I want to further develop in training the aspects I have not experienced before, such as playing by taking the inside. Especially my positioning, I believe it can improve more. I want to actively engage in offensive plays, but since there are defensive rules, I want to manage risks properly and grow in both offense and defense.
Q: There are side backs like Yuto NAGATOMO and Kashif BANGNAGANDE.
A, Tokyo's fullbacks each have their own strengths and characteristics, and there are many high-quality players. Since I have little experience as a fullback myself, there is a lot for me to learn. I believe I have come to a good environment to grow as a fullback.
Q: This match is against my former club, Kyoto. Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
Matches against my former team are always on my mind, and it's a mix of difficulty and enjoyment, so it's complicated. Kyoto definitely plays a style where they press from the front, so I want to skillfully get behind their defense and break their formation. If I can successfully evade their press, it will create opportunities to break down the opponent, so I want to play with that in mind. Not just in this match against Kyoto, but moving forward, I want to maximize my strengths and contribute to the team. Please support Kosuke SHIRAI.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: You played as a starter in the last match against Cerezo Osaka. Please reflect on the game.
A, Kuryu MATSUKI scored the opening goal at a good time. Although the opponent created many scoring chances, I think it was good that we finished without conceding any goals and were able to take home 3 points.
Q: In the second half of the match against Cerezo Osaka, there was a longer period of being pressured. How did you feel about the factors contributing to that on the pitch?
A, I think there were various factors, but after scoring, we became too defensive. I believe it would have been better if we could have played a more attacking style of soccer.
Q, please tell us if there are any commitments or things that you, player Higashi, are conscious of when playing in the midfield position.
A, there are no major commitments, but as a base, I am conscious of plays that switch between offense and defense and activate defensive switches. In the attacking midfielder position, the play of chasing the opponent's ball holder from the front line naturally increases, so I think it has become one of my roles.
Q: Before the league suspension, in the match against Urawa Reds and the recent match against Cerezo Osaka, I felt that player Higashi's defensive contributions were very high.
A, in the early part of the season, I had many opportunities to play in a deeper position in the midfield. Even as a forward player, modern football demands defensive contributions, and when I played as a defensive midfielder, I imagined how applying pressure on the opponent could help the players behind me. I believe there is still a lot more I can do.
Q: Does your experience playing as an anchor since last season contribute to your current performance?
A, last season you played more often in a deeper midfield position. I believe there were sensations that could only be gained from playing in that position.
Q: We are about to face Kyoto SANGA F.C., what are your impressions of the opponent?
Including the Levain Cup, the official match record stands at 2 wins and 1 loss, so the impression is not that bad. It is a team where everyone works hard and fights, and in the away games during the first half of the league, we were unable to outperform the opponent and ended up losing. We want to firmly surpass Kyoto in the fundamental aspects.
