Match Preview
The three-match series against Avispa Fukuoka has begun. In the first match of the J1 League Sec. 26, we lost 1-2 due to two early goals conceded. In the final stages, Naoki KUMATA, who came on as a substitute, scored his first goal in the J1 League, bringing us within one goal, but we struggled against Fukuoka's solid defense until the end. After the match, Keigo HIGASHI expressed his frustration, saying, "Conceding the first goal allowed the opponent to dictate the game. We were encouraging each other at the start, but we needed to be more focused. I want to use this reflection in the Levain Cup."
This match will be an opportunity to clear our frustrations. The first leg of the Levain Cup Quarterfinals comes just two days after our last match. Ideally, we want to take the lead at home and carry that momentum into the second leg. Player Higashi stated, "We must win with our own style of play, not by adapting to the opponent. Whether at home or away, we want to stay focused and aim for the goal."
To overcome the opponent we lost to three days ago, mental strength is required. Tokyo is facing an important match in pursuit of their fourth Levain Cup title in three years (including the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup).
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: With two days until the match against Avispa Fukuoka in the Levain Cup Quarterfinal Round, how will you prepare?
A, it will be consecutive matches against the same opponent. First, it is important to thoroughly review the match results against Fukuoka on the 3rd, confirm and organize what needs to be improved. We expect that no matter who plays, they will properly express our style of football. We want to focus on delivering high performance and achieving results.
Q: The opponent will also face the Levain Cup under the same conditions, but are you considering substituting in fresh players?
A, we are of course considering the use of fresh players as well. We have communicated the situation to the players, and those who could not participate in the match against Fukuoka on the 3rd are training in good condition. The players who played are making sure to recover well during the short period before the next match. We want to carefully decide which members will compete in the Levain Cup.
Q: In the match on the 3rd, Naoki KUMATA scored his first goal in the J1 League. Please reassess the evaluation of KUMATA, who has had a difficult time until now.
A, no matter what kind of player they are, the daily process is very important. This is true even for players with world-class talent. I ask the players to build up their efforts day by day. I believe Kumada has talent. I want to help bring out his high potential and encourage him to become a great player. Since I became the coach of Tokyo, Kumada has consistently worked hard in daily training and continued to play without fail. Although he came on as a substitute in the Fukuoka match, he showed a very good performance. I believe he will show even better things from here on. Regarding his first goal in the J1 League, I want to sincerely congratulate him. I hope he will continue to score more goals throughout his career from here on.
Q: Unfortunately, we lost in the league match. How will you boost the team's morale from here as we prepare for the upcoming matches?
No one is satisfied with losing in the league match, and the frustration remains. However, the important thing is to learn from this defeat and apply it to the next game. We can also view the upcoming rematch against the same opponent in a positive light. We want to approach the match with a strong mentality to make a solid comeback from here.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: The first match of the three-game series against Avispa Fukuoka ended in a disappointing defeat. What are your thoughts on the match?
A, matches against Fukuoka always leave the impression of being tough and challenging. The flow and rhythm of the game were controlled by the opponent. We knew it would be a difficult match going in, but conceding two goals early on made the game even tougher. It's not that we weren't focused, but the early goals conceded highlighted clear issues for the team.
Q: Although we lost in a difficult match, I believe that the late goal will lead to something positive next time.
A, the match content was a complete defeat, and we allowed Fukuoka to play their soccer throughout the 90 minutes. First of all, it is important to increase attacking opportunities, not just set plays. We felt many issues regarding the attacking aspect and challenges against Fukuoka.
Q: How is your motivation towards the Levain Cup, where the possibility of a title remains?
A, this season, this is the tournament with the highest possibility of winning the title, so if the team can secure a victory against Fukuoka, against whom our match record is not good, I believe it will be a turning point where the momentum drastically changes, like turning a crisis into an opportunity. Having the first match at home is also a significant advantage. Considering that away matches against Fukuoka are always difficult, I want to approach the game with that in mind. I believe we cannot get closer to the title without beating a solid team like Fukuoka. It will definitely be a tough opponent, so I want to create a hopeful game flow that leads to the next match, and I want to organize the issues that came up in the match on the 3rd and approach the game accordingly.
<Adailton>
Q: The first match of the three consecutive games against Avispa Fukuoka ended in a disappointing result. Please reflect on the match.
A, it was a very difficult match and ended with a disappointing result. However, instead of dwelling on the past match that is over, we want to make good preparations for the Levain Cup quarterfinal first leg.
Q: In the match against Vissel Kobe and the practice match against Montedio Yamagata, goals were scored in a similar manner. Adailton's good form is evident.
A is in good condition and able to play well, and from here I want to further improve my condition and deliver a good performance in the matches. No matter the form, if I participate in a match, I will always seek results. I will simply express the best possible play I can do for the team. The quarterfinal against Fukuoka will be a consecutive match, and a very difficult game is expected. I want to take the advantage of hosting the first match at home and aim for a victory that leads to the second away match. And I want to advance to the next stage.
Q: Adailton, you must have many good memories of the Levain Cup, right?
In the 2020 season of the Levain Cup, we won the title and have a very good image. First, we want to achieve good results to advance to the Final Round and make our fans and supporters happy.
Q: In the match against Fukuoka on the 3rd, it seemed that Adailton was being closely marked and countermeasures were being taken.
<div>A, not only in the recent match but also against any club we face, we understand that they are taking countermeasures. Even with these countermeasures in place, I believe it is necessary to play in a way that moves towards the goal under good conditions and breaks through the opponent's defense. When I have the ball and play facing the goal, there are many situations where my teammates become free. I am aware of the free players and open spaces, and I want to contribute to victory not only by scoring but also by assisting.
