<Review of the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka>
In the early stages of the match, Tokyo had to succumb to the flow of the game that Avispa Fukuoka excels at, as they continuously conceded goals, and time passed by moment by moment.
The gray wall was high and dense, and Tokyo's attack, which had the ball in Fukuoka's territory, was forced to stagnate due to a lack of offensive options. In the midst of struggling to create scenes that could lead to a finish, a ray of hope shone on the pitch, which was shrouded in dark clouds, when Riki HARAKAWA was brought on in the 15th minute of the second half.
Compared to the first half, there were more actions approaching the goal, with an increase in fouls received from battles for the ball, resulting in free kicks, or winning corner kicks by challenging near the goal line. Although the actions during the flow of play did not lead to clear scoring opportunities, the set plays gained from those situations became a lifeline for Tokyo.
What made the breakthrough possible was undoubtedly Harakawa's high-precision kicks. Sharp balls to the near post, large balls to the far side, and high balls floated in front of the goal. By varying the types of kicks, including curves, drops, and straight balls, he creates scenes that threaten the Fukuoka goal.
The goal in the 41st minute of the second half, which became the turning point for the counterattack, was born from Harakawa's corner kick. The sharply curved ball that dropped to the far side was perfectly matched to Naoki KUMATA, who was waiting for it.
Just like a sniper who never misses a distant target, with precision that captures the moment. In times of struggle when one cannot find a way out, a weapon that can take down an opponent in one shot becomes essential. It was the moment I realized I had in my hands a powerful weapon called Riki HARAKAWA.
Match Preview
The second Tamagawa Classico of this season will be faced by both teams in a situation different from what they had anticipated.
The points are the same at "33." The goal difference is just 2 points, and the difference in ranking is only one. On the standings, it will be a match between teams with closely matched records. However, the two teams are not in a high position, with Kawasaki Frontale in 9th and Tokyo in 10th. They are more than 15 points behind the leaders, Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos.
In last season's final match, both teams faced each other as top teams, making their current standings this season a source of frustration. Therefore, in the pursuit of as many victories as possible and aiming for a higher ranking, the Tamagawa Classico will be a very important match for both teams.
In a match where both sides stake their pride, we want to give our all and seize confidence, points, and a rising momentum.
In the first match played in May this season, Tokyo changed the trend of not winning 9 league matches and narrowly won 2-1, achieving victory in the Tamagawa Classico for the first time in 5 years. The Japan National Stadium, filled with a club record of 56,705 fans, was dyed in blue and red, preventing the 3 points from crossing the Tamagawa to the Kawasaki side. The "city that never sleeps" resonated in the National.
For Tokyo, this match comes right after the decision to exit the Levain Cup, with only the league remaining. Can they demonstrate the evolution of Peter Tokyo at the away ground, Todoroki Stadium? To show the team's fighting spirit moving forward, they want to secure 3 points and end the match on the Tokyo side of the Tamagawa River.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Are you able to practice consistently to improve your strength ahead of the match against Kawasaki Frontale?
A, it is about continuing without stopping. As the team grows, the Levain Cup Semifinal Round is part of that process, and while it would have been great to chase the trophy, it is important to continue building what we must do ourselves. Everything is to become the team we dreamed of, and that requires further growth. We want to create a team that can lift not just one trophy but many trophies. And we want to focus on creating a special team. To develop the players' abilities in practice, we want to keep challenging and growing repeatedly. I believe that the frustrations experienced during the growth process become valuable lessons and teachings.
Q: Please tell us what is necessary to win against Kawasaki again after winning in the first half of the league.
A, it is simply about delivering solid team performance. It is the foundation for our own development, ensuring we perform well and connect that to results. By preparing properly and correctly, achieving a season double becomes possible. We will fight towards that goal.
Q: The matches against Kawasaki always become a point of contention in terms of playing intensity and the transition between offense and defense.
A, I think it will be an exciting match. Kawasaki is a club that has built something great and has won trophies many times. We want to put all our energy into taking 3 points from them. I truly believe it will be exciting football, so I am looking forward to it.
Q: In the league matches, we have been away from victory for the last few games. What kind of matches do you want to show from here on?
Whether the results follow depends on whether we have established our game model and rules. Otherwise, we leave openings for the opponent. It is important to play with focus on ourselves without losing concentration. In the second leg of the Levain Cup quarterfinals, we allowed two goals just before halftime due to a lapse. Following the rules and maintaining concentration leads to clean sheets and good results. A sharp mentality is essential, and we must keep our minds sharp as well. There is no easy match in the J.League; we must always maintain focus throughout the game. By doing so, I believe positive results will come.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: In the three consecutive matches against Avispa Fukuoka, you started in all three games. What challenges did you feel you faced?
A, I think we were completely defeated both in result and content. It was a match that made us painfully aware of our own weaknesses.
Q: What kind of motivation do you have right now for the Tamagawa Classico coming up on Friday?
Not only the match against Kawasaki Frontale on Friday, but also how we approach the remaining 8 games with our motivation is crucial. At this current ranking, I believe the pride of each player fighting under this club and this emblem will become even clearer. The passion we put into each game from here on, the determination to fight representing Tokyo, will reveal who is the strongest and who can truly demonstrate the greatest value in the remaining matches. If there are any players without this strong feeling, they should not be fighting as members of Tokyo. Only players with passionate feelings and pride in fighting for Tokyo should compete for this club, and I believe various things will become apparent in the remaining 8 games, including the Tamagawa Clasico.
Q, I am also looking forward to reuniting with player Gomis, who belongs to Kawasaki.
I was teammates with player Gomis at Galatasaray SK. He is a kind player and we got along well. He has a big physique and distinctive dreadlocks, and often performed a lion celebration after scoring. Although his appearance is very flashy, he is very kind-hearted, considerate, and a player loved by everyone. I personally like him a lot, and during our time at Galatasaray, he showed overwhelming scoring ability, recording 29 goals in one season, which is truly remarkable as a player. I look forward to facing Gomis, but since he is also a dangerous player, I want to focus on how to stop him while playing.
Q: It seems that there will be intense matchups with player Gomis during the game's phases.
I am the one who understands Gomez's strong points the best, and since I have played with him, I have a lot of information, so it is easier to face him as a defender. Of course, I want to share the information I have and approach the match, and on the pitch, I want to fight fiercely and passionately.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: After finishing the three consecutive matches against Avispa Fukuoka, please share any challenges or insights that player Morishige felt as a team.
A, I think it is important to recognize and accept our weaknesses, and to change or review our approach to matches. Our failure to advance to the Semifinal Round of the Levain Cup reflects our true ability. Continuing to do the same things as before is meaningless. We must firmly accept reality, have each player turn the focus inward, and move forward from here; otherwise, we will not grow into a "winning team." It’s not about tactics; there were many moments where individuals lost in key battles or situations. I believe a thorough review is necessary.
Q: This weekend is the Tamagawa Classico against Kawasaki Frontale.
In the Levain Cup, we have been eliminated in the quarterfinals, and we have not been able to win in the recent league matches. We want this game to be a fresh start, showing our determination to rise again from here.
Q: In the recent matches, we are challenging various formations such as 4-back and 3-back.
Although the team's tasks change somewhat with the change in formation, what each player needs to do remains the same. In defense, thorough challenge and cover, anticipating the opponent's play, situational play, and quick decision-making are required. It is not about the formation, but first about improving the accuracy of play.
Q, please tell us the key points that will be important in the match against Kawasaki, which is characterized by its high attacking power.
A, you must fight aggressively in both offense and defense, show plays that surpass the opponent, and demonstrate a difference from before in order to score. I believe that winning in each phase of offense and defense will lead to the team's victory.
