Truly a diverse group of talents. In addition to the players who were with us until last season, we have added players with solid abilities in each position. With a lineup so rich that we could form two teams at a high level, the blue-red squad led by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI will take on the 2024 season.
First, the focus is on the captain, who will be implementing a three-person system. Masato MORISHIGE, who served until last season, Kei KOIZUMI, who excels in multiple positions such as defensive midfielder and right back, and Kuryu MATSUKI, who is growing into a key player in the midfield, have been appointed by the coach. What they all have in common is that they have strongly expressed their desire for the team's victory and title acquisition.
However, the commander has appointed these three as captains, but what he demands from the team is nothing less than the improvement of everyone's awareness. He also asks that "all 11 players on the pitch should fight with the feeling that they are all captains." In order to reach the league title, each player must fight for the team, support each other, and grow together. To lift the trophy with smiles at the end of the season, the 35 players are preparing for a season of determination while striving to level up.
Match Preview
Cerezo Osaka, who will compete in the opening match of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League on Saturday, February 24, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this season. They are also eager to achieve their first J1 League championship in this milestone season.
Under the leadership of Akio KOGIKU, who is entering his fourth season as head coach, the team has embraced an aggressive style of soccer. Experienced veterans like Shinji KAGAWA and Hiroshi KIYOTAKE support the team, while foreign players in the forward positions boast high scoring ability.
Among them, the player to watch out for is right back Seiya MAIKUMA. He established himself as a starter during the AFC Asian Cup this January, where he participated as a member of the Japan national team, showcasing exceptional attacking sense. With his unpredictable runs, he poses a threat by getting close to the opponent's goal and being involved in finishes, so how to contain his movements may hold the key to the match.
It seems that the player who will face every bear here is Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who is expected to be used as a left side back. He is also armed with active participation in attacks and accurate crosses, so the key point will be which player can take control on the side and showcase their strengths. Additionally, for Riki HARAKAWA, this match is against his former club, where he was until midway through last season. He is also expected to shine as a "midfield conductor" in Tokyo, and as a player who knows the opponent well, he is likely to be a key player in the opening match.
Against Cerezo Osaka, we have a good record of 6 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in the last 9 matches. If we focus on away games, we are unbeaten in the last 4 matches. In the 2023 season, we struggled with 3 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses in 18 away games, but we want to build momentum for the entire season by securing a solid victory in the opening match this season. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI expressed confidence, stating, "After the preseason camp and training, the team is growing in a positive direction. Cerezo Osaka is a good opponent, and we expect a tough away game, but if we do what we need to do, we will definitely win."
Peter Tokyo fights together as a team aiming for the top. To carve a new page in the club's history, they set sail for a long season at the away ground, YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: The opening match is against Cerezo Osaka. What kind of strategy are you aiming for?
A, I am really looking forward to it, and Cerezo Osaka is a very strong and capable team. I think it will be a tough away game. While expecting a difficult match, I am excited to see how much the team can challenge itself. I believe it will be an opportunity to advance our football and build something good. I want to make it a battle that everyone can be proud of Tokyo football.
Q: What is the significance of the league opening match for Coach Klamovski?
A, of course, it is a special match, but it is not more important than Sec. 2 or Sec. 3. I think there are many aspects we can try against a good opponent, Cerezo Osaka, who is a team we should respect. It is a perfect opportunity to make our impact.
Q: Last season, we were unable to accumulate victories in away games.
A, the opportunity to change such a past and to show what kind of team we want to become is the opening match. We want to give everything we have and play our game to the fullest. We will take the three points and come back here again.
Q: What have you built upon from last season?
A, I want to show a brave fight while holding the ball. With an attacking mindset, I want to score by playing with good tempo and skillfully using the opponent's behind and space. I believe the style of football we aim for is gradually developing. It is important for us to control the game well. When fans and supporters watch our play, we want to build football that they can enjoy and believe in. Throughout the season, we want to steadily build up step by step.
[Player Interview]
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q: After the January camp and the February practice matches, how do you feel about your current progress?
Regarding the results and feedback from the camp, I consider it within the broader context of the preseason, and personally, I don't think the outcomes of the practice matches held during the camp period significantly affect the season. From the perspective of improving conditioning, it was a fruitful period, and it seems we will be able to start the season in good shape. I believe the 90 minutes of a practice match and the 90 minutes of an official match are completely different. Until you step onto the pitch for the opening game, you can't know anything.
Q: With the depth of midfield players increased this season, how do you plan to utilize Harakawa's strengths to secure a regular position?
A, I believe my strength lies in making a difference in attack, and I want to clearly demonstrate that on the pitch. On the other hand, I want to learn defensive skills and play from Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI. I want to improve together with players in the same position.
Q: How do you adjust your style and positioning based on the players you partner with in a double pivot, and what kind of collaboration or plays are you conscious of?
A, the overall framework remains unchanged, but we try to understand the playing style and intentions of the players forming the defensive midfield. For players who are conscious of their positioning, they will show themselves in places where it is easy to receive the ball, and for players with a wide range of movement both vertically and horizontally, we focus on coordinated movements that do not disrupt balance. I believe that if each player's unique style can be expressed on the pitch, it will lead to positive progress.
Q: The season opener is a match against Cerezo Osaka. Last season, I couldn't participate due to a loan transfer, but do you have any thoughts about facing your former club?
A, I am not particularly conscious of it. I focus and enter the match with the aim of playing as usual. Since it is the opening game, I don't pay special attention to anything, but as it is the first league match in a while, it is important to get used to the unique atmosphere of the venue and official matches. I believe good preparation is everything, and I want to face my body properly and approach the match with that mindset.
Q: This week's practice included content focused on Cerezo Osaka. What kind of measures will be necessary?
A, there are many players with high crossing accuracy, and also many players who can skillfully connect those balls in front of the goal. Cerezo Osaka tends to launch attacks from the sides, so I believe strong defensive intensity is required. If we can thoroughly maintain high-intensity defense and express the style of play we have built, I think it will lead to good results.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: Please tell us about your impressions so far after the camp and practice matches.
A, I feel that overall things are getting better. We have highly skilled players in the wing positions, and speaking of players on the same side, Keita ENDO and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA are very good players, each with different strengths. The plays required of me change depending on the players I pair with vertically, and I spent a lot of time during the camp period adjusting to that. We have been communicating and coordinating well, so although it is not yet the final form, after practice matches against Yokohama FC and Urawa Reds, I feel that we are improving and able to express our attacking breakdowns. Even after the league matches start, corrections and improvements will be necessary, but I have the confidence to play with a good sense of assurance.
Q, a matchup with Japan national team player Seiya MAIKUMA is expected.
A, I think it will be a matchup against Maikuma, who has strong attacking ability, but no matter what kind of player the opponent is, the key point is how we can strategize as a team to take their goal. Including the players on the left side, I don't know who I will be paired with, but I want to properly coordinate and express the results we have built up since the camp. Of course, Maikuma is undoubtedly a good player who has been selected for the Japan national team, but more than individual skills, I believe that a group that can perform well as a team is the one that can aim for the championship. We will break down the opponent's defense with our style of soccer.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the fans and supporters who are looking forward to the opening of this season.
A, this season, our team aims to win the J1 League, and after watching the match against Cerezo Osaka, we want to play a game that makes people believe we are a team capable of winning the championship. It will be an away match, but we appreciate your support.
