<Review of the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale>
In an unusual and grueling series of three matches against Avispa Fukuoka over eight days, the team's oldest side-back started all three matches on the pitch. He played the full duration of the first two matches and continued to play until the 20th minute of the second half in the third match. His inexhaustible stamina and competitiveness in one-on-one situations show no signs of decline, embodying a silent pressure in his play with the mindset of not allowing anyone to pass behind him on his side.
In the 42nd Tamagawa Classico, the presence of a man who has long been called a veteran was outstanding. He dealt with opponents who surpassed him in physique and speed with exquisite timing, preventing them from getting behind him, and he did not back down even in duels for the ball.
When Tokyo transitioned to attack, they surged up the left side and made their presence felt in the front line, claiming the left side with overwhelming energy. The team created decisive chances in both the first and second halves, but they lamented a one-point difference as they couldn't convert. However, on the pitch, they matched their opponents, who boast four J1 League championships, evenly.
While both teams were evenly matched, the difference in the outcome was determined by individual performances, and Yuto NAGATOMO was clearly one of the players who overwhelmed the opponent individually. Moreover, even after enduring a grueling series of matches, he stood on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes in the fierce battle against Kawasaki.
Their presence serves as a model for young players in Tokyo and a benchmark for professionals. Every move they make is sure to inspire many players, regardless of their position. As the season comes to a close, I want to continue learning from and absorbing knowledge from player Nagatomo, and contribute to the overall improvement and growth of the team.
Match Preview
In the previous match, we lost 0-1 to Kawasaki Frontale in the "Tamagawa Classico," making it four league matches without a win. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI expressed his disappointment at the difficulty of winning a title, stating, "Of course, it's regrettable and frustrating that we can no longer chase the trophy. However, every match has meaning, and we must take pride in representing this club. I want to foster that mentality as a team."
This match will be a home game against Sagan Tosu. In past encounters, Tokyo has suffered 8 consecutive losses, making them a challenging opponent. However, if they can secure a victory in this match, it could change the team's atmosphere entirely. Kuryu MATSUKI stated, "Everyone must believe that Tokyo is a team that cannot afford to lose. If we adopt a mindset that we absolutely must win, then lazy plays will naturally disappear. If we continue to think this way, I believe the upcoming matches will also turn out well."
In conjunction with the club's founding date of October 1, Tokyo will play three home games this season under the banner of the "25th Anniversary Matches." The blue and red spirit is being tested to weave a new history.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: This match, Keigo HIGASHI and Kei KOIZUMI will be suspended.
A, it is unfortunate that they cannot participate, but it means that other players have the opportunity to contribute to the team. Whoever plays just needs to fully understand their role and give their best effort. Players Higashi and Koizumi always embody the hard work that forms the foundation of the team. September had a series of consecutive matches, and there were times when it was difficult for the team to show that every day. In the weekend match against Sagan Tosu, we want to play football with that kind of base and high intensity, creating a game that excites everyone.
Q: What factors do you think are causing the intensity to drop?
A, speaking about recent events, we played 4 matches in 13 days. While carefully considering fatigue in preparing for the matches, naturally, if you participate in all the games, fatigue will set in. We have to manage that well and approach the matches in a fresh condition. Of course, we do not intend to use the consecutive matches as an excuse, and as a team, we had to consider what we must do. Since I took office, I believe we have built a good foundation and are moving in the right direction. From now on, it is necessary to firmly continue what we are doing and sharpen the things that need improvement. That is exactly what leads to the growth of the club.
Q, Coach Kawai, who fought alongside you as a coach during the Montedio Yamagata era, is now leading Tosu.
A, Tosu is a good team, and I was able to have enjoyable times with him while working together. I believe he will continue on an exciting path as a coach in the future. Being able to give my energy to him was also a fortunate time for me. We talked about various things as coaches and shared ideas. I think that by working together, we were able to create something productive and exciting. However, putting that aside for now, we will focus firmly on ourselves. This is by no means a battle between Coach Kawai and me. We will simply work hard for Tokyo's victory.
Q: There will be a break in the league matches in October. How do you want to motivate the team during this period?
A, the current situation is everything. It is unfortunate and frustrating that we can no longer chase the trophy. However, as Tokyo, we fight every match with meaning. We take pride in representing this club, and as we approach the end of the season, we want to embody strength and develop a strong mentality as a team.
[Player Interview]
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q: Please tell us the key points needed to recover as a team and achieve victory from here.
When the team is not performing well, it is common to focus on the whole team, but I think it is necessary to first focus on each player's individual play and approach to the game. I believe each player needs to concentrate on delivering a good performance.
Q: Starting with the last match against Kawasaki Frontale, you are gradually securing more playing time. How do you feel about your performance?
A, the time I am involved in matches has been increasing, but I want to play with more focus on the quality of my play. I also feel that I could have played better in the Kawasaki match. The way the team fights is well organized by Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and the staff, so I want to focus on myself and express high-quality play on the field.
Q, what challenges and responses have you experienced so far in the "individual" aspect?
A. Regarding defense, I want to increase the number of times I win the ball from my position. As for the attack, my individual mistakes stood out in the Kawasaki match. I played as a defensive midfielder against Avispa Fukuoka, but in the Kawasaki match, I was part of a double pivot, so I believe I was expected to play more forward. The partner I pair with as a defensive midfielder changes with each match, but I don't overthink or get caught up in anything. I think it's best to read the flow of the game, communicate, and play accordingly.
Q: A match against my former club, Sagan Tosu, is coming up this weekend.
A, most of the players I played with at the time are no longer around, but I am looking forward to the match. When I was with Tosu, I had a strong impression that we matched up well against Tokyo. I have heard that Tokyo does not have a good record against clubs from Kyushu, so I want to make this a game that overturns that image.
Q: It has been some time since the season when Harakawa was with us, but how do you view the style of Tosu?
Team A seems to have largely remained the same, and they are a team that thoroughly analyzes their opponents and fights tactically. Tosu is a team that changes their style of play depending on the opponent, so we want to firmly grasp the atmosphere within the first 10 to 15 minutes of the match. We expect an aggressive battle and some tough periods where we might be pressed, so we aim to manage the entire 90 minutes of the game and lead it to victory.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: You have been charging through your rookie year so far, what kind of response are you feeling?
A, I am gradually gaining confidence in my dribbling attempts and breakthroughs, but so far I have only managed one assist and have not been able to score any goals. I want to increase the number of dribbling attempts that directly lead to goals. I believe there is still a long way to go. During my academy days, many of the shots I created through dribbling resulted in goals, but since turning professional, the abilities of opposing players are on a completely different level. Witnessing their strength and skill firsthand has made me keenly aware of the high standards in the professional world.
Q: I entered the pitch midway through the match against Kawasaki Frontale in the last round.
A, I felt the difficulty of entering the game midway. I tried to organize in my mind the intensity of the players starting the match, and the somewhat open development in both offense and defense, and I felt the difficulty of expressing the team's work and my individual initiatives from the middle of the game. I want to make use of the experience gained from the Kawasaki match going forward.
Q: How do you feel about the factors that have kept you away from victory?
A, I think it's the mental aspect. Speaking personally, in the previous match against Kawasaki, I came on as a substitute, but I wanted to express plays that would ignite my teammates more. I believe it is important for everyone to share the same direction and give more than 100% in both matches and training. Increasing each player's fighting spirit and the team's unity will lead to victory. If young players like myself can achieve visible results such as goals and assists, it will naturally inspire the other players as well, and I want to grow into a player who can do that.
Q: After a series of away games, we have returned to Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time in a while. Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Sagan Tosu.
A, I want to firmly express my own play and definitely win. As someone who has admired playing as a Tokyo player since my academy days, I want to score my first professional goal at home and contribute to the victory.
