<Review of the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol>
Starting in the lineup for four consecutive league matches. The young center-back, who has been increasing his stability with each game, accomplished the significant feat of scoring his first professional goal in the closing stages of a match while chasing a one-point deficit.
The match against Kashiwa Reysol in Sec. 22 of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League was held away. Right from the start, Soma ANZAI's right cross was powerfully headed in by Diego OLIVEIRA, giving Tokyo the opening goal. After that, the blue-red team continued to attack aggressively, but a series of mistakes allowed them to concede a turnaround before halftime.
Tokyo continues to show aggressive attacks in the second half, chasing a one-point deficit, but time passes without scoring a goal. Then, in the 41st minute of the second half, the long-awaited equalizer finally arrives.
A chance for a free kick on the left side. Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who came on as a substitute, sent a sharp ball with his favored left foot, and Teppei OKA headed it powerfully into the net, saying, "Toku-kun delivered a good ball. It felt just like in practice," successfully shaking the goal net.
"There were various tactics in front of the goal, but in the end, I thought it all comes down to practice. I always stayed after practice the day before a match to work on heading with the coaching staff, so I think that accumulation paid off."
Finally scored my first professional goal. After scoring, I quickly returned to my position aiming to take the lead, and with the feeling of wanting to help the team win, I performed a celebration to energize the fans and supporters behind the goal with both hands raised.
However, the team that aimed for the three points, fully aware of the risks, conceded a go-ahead goal from a scramble in front of the goal during the second half's added time. They missed out on what seemed to be a guaranteed point, resulting in their first consecutive losses of the season.
"Honestly, it felt meaningless if we couldn't win, so I have a stronger feeling of frustration. We got caught off guard because we became too aggressive. I had an image of being able to turn it around, but it didn't go that smoothly. Anyway, we have no choice but to raise our quality. I also think that our team's softness showed at the very end, so we all need to have a serious attitude towards practice, including myself, and we have to raise our standards together."
I feel that I am growing and gaining confidence as a player. Personally, getting used to the J1 League has been a significant achievement. The rapidly developing number 30 said, "There are times when we reflect after winning and times when we reflect after losing. I want to clearly organize the points for improvement. The next game is one we absolutely must win," as he looked ahead, vowing to secure victory in the match against Albirex Niigata at the Japan National Stadium this weekend.
Match Preview
After suffering consecutive losses for the first time in this season's league matches, they also lost 1-2 to JEF United Chiba in the subsequent 3rd Round of the Emperor's Cup JFA 104th All Japan Soccer Championship. In the last two official matches, they took the lead but were unable to maintain it, allowing comebacks. As summer arrives and the physically demanding conditions take their toll, a more delicate approach to the matches is required.
In this difficult situation, Kuryu MATSUKI stated, "I think it's necessary for everyone, not just the players, but also the coach and coaching staff, to have discussions together. I hope that once again, the entire team can tighten their focus and move in the same direction," expressing his sense of responsibility as captain and strong desire for victory.
In an effort to stop the losing streak, this match will see us face Albirex Niigata at the Japan National Stadium. Takahiro KO, who joined this season from Niigata, stated regarding the match against his former club, "Right now, it doesn't matter that the opponent is my former club Niigata, that we are playing at the Japan National Stadium, or whether it's away or home. I have a sense of mission that we must secure three points at all costs." In the previous encounter against Niigata in April, we overwhelmed the opponent away and won 3-1, so we want to regain that momentum. With the strength of the entire team, as emphasized by Matsuki, Tokyo will once again take center stage at the 'National Theatre'.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: What kind of adjustments are necessary from the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round match against JEF United Chiba?
A, going into the match against Chiba, I expected it to be a tough game. I always respect the opponent, but at the same time, I am very frustrated that we couldn't get the result. We had chances to pull away from the opponent while leading 1-0, but we couldn't score an additional goal. In a game like that, we learned once again that we must quickly score another goal and finish the game. I am happy to take all the pressure on myself. The players have given their all, and I am proud of their performance.
Q: Albirex Niigata, who we will face this round, won the last match 3-1. Do you have a good impression of them?
A, I always have the mindset of moving forward to the next game. Rather than focusing on the previous results, I prepare for the next one and aim to deliver a performance that achieves good results. In matches, various situations and challenges arise. I want us to be able to overcome those moments and secure victory.
Q: Is there anything you want to express mentally after the defeat in the Emperor's Cup?
A, of course it was a frustrating defeat, but we cannot run away from it now. Losing is unpleasant for everyone. I believe everyone wants to find a way to overcome this situation. The most important thing is how we respond from here. We have experienced more difficult situations before. By firmly overcoming this period, I believe we will achieve important growth for ourselves. We will overcome this together as a team.
[Player Interview]
＜Takahiro KO＞
Q: The Emperor's Cup was a frustrating defeat for the team.
A, while watching the match, I want to seek more connection between players both offensively and defensively. Additionally, each player must run more. I felt once again that everyone should take personal responsibility to firmly focus on the basics, such as aggressively winning duels and battles for the ball.
Q: It's frustrating to have three consecutive losses in official matches. What are the key points for recovery?
As for me personally, I want to show a stronger presence both offensively and defensively. When the team is performing well, we run more than our opponents and show dynamism in attack and defense. Aggressiveness is one of Tokyo's strengths, so I want everyone to reflect on that and make adjustments. In attack, I need to get more involved with the ball and create a presence that makes people say, 'We can win because he's here, he's reliable.' By improving our ability to win the ball back and recover second balls on defense, I believe we can demonstrate play and overwhelming presence that represent not only our team but the entire league, which will naturally help the team climb higher in the standings.
Q: This week's match against Albirex Niigata is a clash with my former club at the Japan National Stadium.
A: Since the opponent is Niigata and the venue is Japan National Stadium, none of that matters; first and foremost, we have to win. With the background of playing at the National Stadium and facing my former team, I am highly motivated. In the previous match at Big Swan, I approached it with special feelings, so the team is currently in a situation where we must somehow break through. I definitely want to win this match as a turning point so that both the team and individuals can move forward.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: In the 3rd Round of the Emperor's Cup against JEF United Chiba, there was a goal by Kuryu MATSUKI, but it ended in a disappointing defeat. What do you think was the reason for not being able to secure the win?
A, it was good that I was able to score as an individual, but there were many other chances including for myself. As an attacking player, not being able to convert those chances into additional goals made the match difficult. If we had been able to score an additional goal during the good flow and the period when the attack was gaining momentum after the goal, I believe we could have finished the match in a good way. I want to connect this experience and reflection to the match against Albirex Niigata.
We are in a difficult situation where we have been losing official matches as a team, but I believe that it is precisely at times like this that team unity is required. I think it is important to connect our challenges and reflections to the next steps, and to fight as fiercely as possible for victory.
Q: We have suffered three consecutive losses in official matches, what is needed to change the flow?
A, this season, after the league matches started, there was a period when we were away from victory for several games. I believe we must make use of the lessons learned at that time and what each player felt. The current situation the team is in is understood by each player, and everyone is heading into the Niigata match with a sense of urgency. As the captain, I want to move things in a positive direction while communicating with many players.
Q: This week's match against Niigata will be held at Japan National Stadium. We have achieved good victories against Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers at National in April.
As a team, we have never lost a match at Japan National Stadium, and in order to express good football as a team, we want to thoroughly rebuild and approach the match. Once again, to demonstrate the football we aim for as a team on the pitch, we want to share and communicate as a whole.
I hear that many people, including the fans and supporters who always cheer for us, will be attending. Personally, I want to seek visible results that lead to the team's victory. I want to deliver exciting plays that make everyone who gathered at the Japan National Stadium feel it was worth coming and results that make them happy. I want to approach the match with only winning in mind.
