Review of the previous match against Kashima Antlers
The match against Kashima Antlers in Sec. 24 before the break. With both Ryotaro ARAKI and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA joining the U-23 Japan national team, captain Kuryu MATSUKI left the team to prepare for a potential transfer. The match kicked off under the remaining sunshine and heat.
In the early stages, Tokyo attacked into the opponent's territory from the right side, trying to create chances. However, in the 30th minute of the first half, after Diego OLIVEIRA's chance was blocked, they suffered a sharp counterattack from Kashima and conceded a goal. They found themselves trailing by one goal.
Tokyo aims to counterattack. Here, the incredible trap by number 22 brought the team an equalizer.
In the 41st minute of the first half, while making short passes on the left side to look for an attacking opportunity, Keita ENDO made a sharp dash behind the final line. Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who did not miss this, sent a pinpoint feed forward with his favored left foot.
Endo timed his movement perfectly to the softly coming ball from behind. He showcased an exquisite trap, bringing the ball forward with the inside of his left foot while curling it, and skillfully approached the goal with a flowing play. With a sharp cut, he evaded the opponent's sliding tackle and struck the ball with his right foot, shaking the goal net.
Indeed, it was a perfect "stop". Player Endo showcased a remarkable trap that absorbed the ball's momentum, scoring in consecutive matches following the game against Albirex Niigata at Japan National Stadium, bringing the match back to square one as they headed into halftime.
Tokyo aimed to turn the game around with this momentum, but they allowed a go-ahead goal early in the second half. After that, they focused on trying to equalize with efforts from Endo and substitute Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, but they fell short. They suffered a frustrating defeat and entered the break period.
Match Preview
After a break, the Meiji Yasuda J1 League will resume in away Osaka.
In the midweek J1 Sec. 24 match, Tokyo will visit Gamba Osaka's home ground, Panasonic Stadium Suita. With 10 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses, and 36 points, this is a crucial match for Tokyo, currently in 7th place, to gain momentum for a comeback in the second half of the season.
During the more than two-week break in the league, there were various developments within the team.
First, captain Kuryu MATSUKI has completed a permanent transfer to Southampton FC in England (this season he is on loan playing for Göztepe SK in Turkey). The loan transfer of Jája Silva to Sagan Tosu has also been announced.
And the captain who had been in charge of the three-man system is now Takahiro KO. For Takahiro, his first match as the new captain will be against his former club where he made his professional debut. Being a responsible playmaker, he is likely to show a passionate performance at his former home ground.
There are positive signs as injured players are gradually returning to action. Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA and Kanta DOI, both of whom were expected to be key players in defense and offense during the first half of the season but suffered injuries, participated in the recent practice match, and Tsubasa TERAYAMA and Renta HIGASHI have also joined the training. With the depth of the squad increasing, we hope to enhance the team's strength as competition for positions intensifies once again.
Additionally, both players Ryotaro ARAKI and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who experienced the world as part of the U-23 Japan national team, returned to Japan on the evening of August 4. We hope that the frustrations and valuable experiences they gained in France will benefit their future and the team.
During training on the pitch, head coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI primarily focused on ball possession. With the league resuming and an immediate congested schedule ahead, it is essential to extend the time spent controlling the game in the extreme heat to avoid team fatigue. The team has aimed for a balance between quick attacks and ball possession soccer, but while maintaining the usual high intensity, they have instilled a renewed awareness to become more adept in matches.
The last match against Gamba Osaka was held on May 26 in Sec. 16. Tokyo entered the game with the most goals in the league, while Gamba Osaka had the fewest goals conceded. However, Tokyo failed to capitalize on big chances and allowed the opening goal in the 40th minute of the second half. It seemed that Henrique TREVISAN had scored the equalizer just before the end, but the play was ruled offside, and the goal was disallowed. They suffered a 0-1 defeat against a team known for its solid defense.
Gamba Osaka is riding the momentum from this victory, advancing on a winning streak and rising to second place, five points behind the leader at the time of the break. Takashi USAMI, who has been selected as the Meiji Yasuda J.League KONAMI Monthly MVP for June, will be suspended due to accumulated warnings, but there are many players that Tokyo must absolutely contain, including Ewerton, who possesses strong breakthroughs and speed, and Tokuma SUZUKI, known for his precise passes according to the situation.
As Tokyo aims to rejoin the battle for the top positions, they want to secure a victory in the opening match after the restart and gain momentum for the crucial "mid-summer consecutive matches" that follow. This match is scheduled for August 7 (Wednesday) at 19:00 kickoff. The second half of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League will see the blue-red army's fierce counterattack starting from away in Osaka.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: The J1 League will resume. Please tell us what you have been focusing on during the break.
A, we have improved the physical aspect. Given the very high temperatures, it has been a difficult situation, but it was a period where we were able to build good things to fight strongly in the season after the restart. It is important to always take the initiative ourselves and continue to grow, including elements of game management. High pressing and intensity in defense. Winning the ball in targeted positions and quickly transitioning to attack. We have been able to improve defensive awareness in the middle third, the tempo to control the game, and the precision needed to fight. What is necessary to play offensively, exploiting dangerous spaces that the opponent dislikes, and scoring many goals against the opponent's net are things we continue to demand from the players this season. During the approximately two-week suspension period, we focused on the points I just mentioned. We want to fight stronger than any opponent and finish the season well.
Q: Communication among players was actively conducted to build an organized defense.
A, it is a very good and important thing. Within our game model, there are various rules. Communication is essential to express them on the pitch. By further enhancing coordination among players, I believe good defense will be built.
Q: I believe that this match against Gamba Osaka will be a very important game in aiming for the top.
A, every match is important, and there are many crucial games remaining. We are focused solely on earning 3 points in every match, and we will fight through this season with that goal in mind. Gamba Osaka is
They are a very good team, and I think it will be a tough away game. They are a formidable opponent, but expressing our own style of football is the most important thing. We will hold strong beliefs and strive to see it through. Winning in various situations that may occur on the pitch, and fighting without fear against a team in good form, I believe this will lead to earning 3 points.
[Player Interview]
＜Keita ENDO＞
Q: The league matches that were suspended will resume.
A, I had scored goals in two consecutive matches and was in good form, so I want to continue this positive momentum during this break instead of letting it stop. I was able to deliver results with the chances I received, and I want to keep producing results and continue playing in matches. I want to score as many goals as I can, but I intend to aim humbly without being greedy.
Q: Have there been any instances of scoring in three consecutive matches in the past?
A, I don't think so, probably not. In the first half of the league, I couldn't contribute much to the team and caused trouble including due to injury, so I want to score as many goals as possible. However, the team's victory is the most important, and while maintaining a balance between goals and the team's win, I want to go for the finish. I believe that scoring goals is the best way to help the team.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka, the team we will be facing this match.
A, goalkeeper Jun ICHIMORI gives the impression of being a player very skilled in build-up play. I think he is a player who can change the flow of the game with big saves, and as a forward, I truly see him as a significant and troublesome presence. The match against Kashima Antlers before the break was also a very important game, but we were unable to take any points. The rankings are tight, and I believe there is still a chance to aim for the top positions, but we want to pursue games with substance and victories.
<Takahiro KO>
Q: What did the team work on during the J1 League break?
A, we continued to work on the good scenes from the match as a team, and with Peter CKLAMOVSKI as the coach, we were able to communicate with the players to thoroughly reinforce what we have built up so far once again. I believe this period allowed us to organize how the team aims to use the attacking third and how to penetrate and add depth effectively.
Q: You were appointed as captain during the break. How do you feel about it?
A. Since there are players like Masato MORISHIGE and Kei KOIZUMI, I’m not sure if I will actually wear the captain's armband as the game captain, but personally, I don’t intend to make any major changes. To help the team win and to push myself further as an individual, I want to value my daily efforts. I want to keep communicating from the center of the pitch for the sake of earning 3 points, and since I have been given a responsible role, I want to improve by paying attention to details and gaining the cooperation of other players.
Q: In the first half of the league, we suffered a 0-1 defeat against Gamba Osaka after a tightly contested match.
A. As the background of the game, if we had been able to take points in that match, I think we could have closed the gap in points with the top teams. Losing points at such a crucial moment was painful, and the match progressed with a 0-0 score until we conceded a goal at the end. From this round after the break, we cannot afford to drop any points. It will be a difficult away match, but we want to score the first goal and bring back 3 points.
