Match Preview
Last week, in Sec. 17 of the J1 League, we achieved a 1-0 victory against Sagan Tosu, marking our first win in five league matches. The player who scored the priceless goal and became the hero of the victory, Yasuki KIMOTO, stated that he was "happier about the clean sheet than his own goal," and proudly mentioned that it was a confidence boost since it was the first clean sheet since the match against Kashima Antlers on April 7.
In this match, Hotaka NAKAMURA took to the pitch from the second half, marking his return since the match against Urawa Reds on April 3. After the match, he stated, "This is where the counterattack of Hotaka NAKAMURA begins," and he is fired up for the competition for a regular spot against rivals such as Kosuke SHIRAI and Yuto NAGATOMO.
This match will be held at Ajinomoto Stadium against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, competing in the J League YBC Levain Cup Playoff Round 1. Tokyo, which has sent a total of six players to various age group national teams, will approach this match with full force. However, there is no hesitation in the words of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI. "I believe in our football. I want to give everything to take one more step forward," says the strong-willed coach, as the team unites to seize victory.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Will you maintain the team's style of play in the Levain Cup and compete in both home and away matches?
A, regarding the recent match against Sagan Tosu and the few games before that, I believe nothing has changed. Moving the ball skillfully and controlling the game are the same. Within that approach, there were periods when we were able to dominate the match. The Sagan Tosu team we faced recently is very good, and I think our defense was truly tested. We were able to respond well and apply pressure efficiently. Good defense also led to good offense at times. We thoroughly adhered to defensive rules and delivered a performance worthy of a clean sheet. We want to continue this good performance in the upcoming match and keep improving.
In terms of offense, we were able to create chances to score a second goal. Perhaps on another day, we could have scored that second goal. However, what matters most is that we were able to secure 3 points in a tough away game. I want to continue building the team with consistency.
Q: This match is the first encounter with Sanfrecce Hiroshima since the home opener.
A, we had a match last Friday, and there were as many as 8 official matches in May. It is normal to feel fatigued. However, even in such circumstances, the entire team worked hard. We aim to use the four-day intervals effectively to restore fresh bodies and prepare thoroughly for the match on Wednesday.
Q: There were scenes where the coach passionately spoke to the players on the field before practice.
A, I told them that this is a chance to take one step closer to winning the trophy. I think it’s a total 180-minute battle, so the home game on Wednesday is the first half, and the away game on the 9th is the second half. We will prepare for everything. I told them that if we organize our minds and hearts and can play our football on the pitch, we can defeat any opponent.
Q, Due to the activities of the Japan national team, several players have withdrawn from team activities.
A, we believe this is a challenge for us. In the past few days, many people have said to us, 'It must be tough to have so many players taken for the national team,' but if that is what has been imposed on us, then no matter the situation, we think 'we will just do what we can here.' I believe in our football and in ourselves. We will give everything to take one more step forward.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q: Please tell us your impression of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A has a solid defense and a front line filled with players who have high scoring ability. They have a good balance between offense and defense, and overall, I think they are a strong opponent.
Q: This is the first match of the home and away series. How do you perceive the importance of the first match?
If we cannot play a good game at home, it is highly likely that the away game will become more difficult. It is important to have the mindset to firmly secure a win in the first home match. The tournament regulations can be considered after the first match is over, so we want to give our all in this game and aim to finish the 90 minutes with a victory. I believe playing at home first will work to our advantage, but I want to focus on winning at home without thinking about there being two matches.
Q: What kind of talk did you receive from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI before practice?
A, we discussed fighting for the next match with the current members. Some players left for Japan national team activities, but I think Hiroshima is the same. Even if players leave, I believe Tokyo has a group of highly skilled players. The confidence gained by uniting and winning with the current members will strengthen the team. Also, good internal competition will arise. Not a single player is guaranteed a position, and if we lose a match, it becomes difficult to play in the next one. Even if we win, if an individual's performance is low, it's the same. I think all players are able to spend the season with that sense of urgency.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, please review the previous Levain Cup match against Sagan Tosu.
A, we couldn't proceed with the game as we wanted in the first half, but we made adjustments at halftime and were able to play well in the second half. We managed to score from a set piece and created chances that could have led to additional goals. Including myself, the defense couldn't hold up, which led to a 120-minute battle and a penalty shootout. I think this match taught us once again the importance of communicating and progressing the game until the very end. Including the penalty shootout, it was a match where we could express what the team had prepared until the day before the game. It was a match where the whole team fought as one.
Q: After a long absence from official matches, was your ability to compete for 120 minutes without being shaken a result of your daily 'preparation'?
A, I was always ready to participate in the match. I also believe that this is the minimum requirement as a professional soccer player. Honestly, playing for 120 minutes was tough at times, but I always played with Tokyo's victory in mind, and I am glad that this feeling was clearly reflected in the result.
Q: This match is against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A is extremely motivated. Regardless of left or right, while the fullbacks have been delivering solid results this season, Hotaka NAKAMURA and I have been able to train with fighting spirit from the start. Hiroshima is a well-balanced team both offensively and defensively with no weaknesses, but if we use our heads properly, communicate with our teammates through our voices, and express our play at 100 percent, I believe it will lead to victory. We want to take on the match with a strong sense of team unity. Although it is a home and away match, winning the first game is an absolute must. When we play the second match on the 9th, it is important to make the opponent think mentally, 'Are we facing Tokyo again?' We want to value every single play and proceed with the match carefully.
