Review of the previous match against Gamba Osaka
In the match against Vissel Kobe two games ago, Tokyo suffered a significant defeat in terms of the quality of soccer played. However, in the last match against Yokohama F.Marinos, despite the loss, they gained a positive sense of progress. This season, the quality of soccer has been unstable, with many ups and downs, which has also reflected in the results.
And the match against Gamba Osaka also turned out to be an experience of wild fluctuations.
In the match against Yokohama FM, there were many gains in both offense and defense. Although we conceded ball possession to a team that excels in that area, by adapting our attacking methods based on the opponent's situation and alternating between quick and slow attacks, many must have found a glimmer of hope for improvement.
However, what Tokyo showed a week later was a different side.
From the start, the development of the game could have gone either way in terms of who would take control. However, they were unable to surpass the opponent in the precision of each play, decision-making speed, and intensity, leading to multiple goals conceded. Even when trying to counterattack, there were noticeable scenes of losing the ball due to simple mistakes, resulting in goals conceded on the counter. This led to a situation where they found themselves in a difficult position.
Unable to launch effective attacks, the team entered stoppage time with a 3-point deficit. Just when it seemed they couldn't fight back, in the 45+2 minute of the second half, Shuhei TOKUMOTO made a move on the left side and delivered a cross into the goal area, which was met by Koki TSUKAGAWA, who had been substituted in during the second half, heading it into the net to finally score a goal in retaliation.
Without a single smile, Tsukakawa responds calmly to his teammates who come to congratulate him. Considering the remaining time, it was a very tough situation to take the lead, but in his eyes, there was an ambition to fight for one more goal, and as long as there was time, to strive for even another.
Facing the harsh reality of three consecutive losses with three goals conceded in each match, the quietly burning ambition of Tsukakawa and the fighting spirit of Tokumoto, who never gives up until the end, were the only glimmers of hope for Tokyo as they head into the second half of the league.
Match Preview
On June 11, Tokyo lost 1-3 to Gamba Osaka in Sec. 17, marking the first league three consecutive losses of the season. On June 14, former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA resigned, and in this match, which is the first game of the second half of the season, the team aims to recover from 12th place under the new coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI. The new coach repeatedly emphasized the phrase "hard work" during his inaugural press conference, stating, "We must work harder than our opponents and win the battles."
For that reason, there are daily practices. Coach Klamovski says, "If we give our all every day and welcome the next day, we can achieve anything if we continue at a high level."
The new coach's first match will be against Nagoya Grampus. Kenta HASEGAWA, who led Tokyo until the middle of the 2021 season, will take charge and is competing for the championship with a style of soccer that emphasizes "hard work." For coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who demands a fighting spirit from the team, this match will be an important opportunity to reaffirm the style of play that Tokyo should aim for.
Coach Klamovski respects Nagoya and says, "For the fans and supporters, we want to give our all for victory." With a full-on challenge, Tokyo takes a new step forward.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: After several days of practice, have you grasped the players' characteristics?
A, of course. To make this team, which already has great players, even better, we want to improve the quality and accuracy. I believe we are having good training sessions, and step by step, we want to move forward to reach the place we desire.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Nagoya Grampus.
A, Nagoya is a very good team, and we have respect for them. Their counterattacks are extremely strong, and we need to clearly understand how to respond effectively. Nagoya has highly skilled players, but by strictly following team rules, fighting bravely when in possession of the ball, and accurately finding open spaces, I believe this will lead to scoring goals. Nagoya is also strong in set pieces, including corner kicks. We will need to respond alertly and carefully. In this week's training, we clearly identified areas for improvement and refinement, and practiced diligently. By continuously enhancing ourselves, I believe we will become the team we have dreamed of.
Q: How long do you think it will take for the fighting style and tactics that Coach Klamovski demands to take root?
It naturally takes time to express a complete style of football. Since players are human, they will inevitably make mistakes on the pitch. This week, we are focusing our training on the areas that are particularly important for us to compete effectively. We are especially conscious of clearly instilling these points so that the players can execute their play properly on the pitch. It is very difficult to deliver perfect football, but we play with the pursuit of perfection. Even if mistakes happen, a positive attitude and fearless mentality are essential. We want to show our fans and supporters a performance that fills them with pride and excitement.
Q: Please tell us the key points you emphasized for the match against Nagoya.
A, we particularly emphasized our own style. Football is always connected, so we incorporated the rules of offense and defense, the patterns of play, and what needs to be expressed. If we can express what we have shared, I believe we can compete well against Nagoya, and also demonstrate our attacking moves. I think by refining what the team needs and taking steps forward, we will become a better team.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoma WATANABE＞
Q: Peter CKLAMOVSKI has been appointed as the manager. How do you feel about the change in management?
A, in my career so far, I have experienced a coaching change and thought I would take it as usual. However, this time I had mixed feelings. I believe this shows how much I have come to care about the team, which is a point of personal growth for me. I want to continue to make use of what former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA taught me.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Coach Klamovski.
A, although we have only done a few days of training, the intense practice continues, and it is impressive that there is no relaxed time even between training sessions. I find the sharp contrast very refreshing. I feel that this aspect will come alive in the matches.
Q: How do you feel about the playing style that Coach Klamovski aims for?
A, I get the impression that the emphasis is particularly on the fighting spirit and mentality. Tactics do not take root immediately, so we need to build them up from now on. As for myself, I want to make sure I don't miss even a small word from Coach Klamovski, and fully understand what he is thinking and what kind of football he wants to play.
Q: What kind of play do you want to showcase to Coach Klamovski?
A, I don't know which position I will be used in, but first, as before, I want to show that I don't lose the ball and that I can participate in the attack from anywhere.
Q: I would like to ask about tomorrow's match against Nagoya Grampus. It will be the first match of the second half of the league, but could you share your impressions of Nagoya?
A, Nagoya has a solid defense and quick counterattacks, giving the impression of rapid transitions after gaining possession. By being mindful not to lose the ball poorly and switching between offense and defense more effectively than the opponent, I believe this will lead to victory.
Q: What do you think will be the key points that determine the outcome?
A, I believe the key to winning is scoring the first goal. Probably, as we have longer possession of the ball, scoring early naturally increases our chances. If we only hold the ball without scoring, it plays right into the opponent's hands, and the most dangerous situation is just being forced to hold the ball. I think scoring as early as possible is one of the strategies to break through.
Q: Kensuke NAGAI, who played in Tokyo until the middle of last season, is now with Nagoya.
Player A, Nagai, is skilled at plays that directly lead to goals, so we must be cautious. Even when we have the ball, he quickly seizes any momentary gap to attack the ball, so I want to play while paying attention to Nagai's defensive movements as well.
Q: This season, Ryoma WATANABE is wearing the number 11 jersey that was previously worn by Nagai until last season. Is there anything you are particularly aware of when facing him?
A, This is the first time facing Nagai since my jersey number changed to 11. While enjoying myself on the pitch, although my playing style is different from Nagai's, I would be happy if I can show my own unique version of number 11.
Q: Earlier you mentioned that you have become a player who can think about the team, but don't you also have the awareness of leading the team?
A, gradually, but with age, that awareness has increased. There is always a sense of "for this team."
Q: This will be an important match for Tokyo, especially in terms of making a comeback in the second half of the season. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, it is of course important to show fans and supporters that we are giving our best, but we want to show a team that steadily accumulates points. As the first step, we want to show a changed and stronger team. In the Levain Cup match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., I think we were able to show at least some change and feeling, but to break into the top ranks, the team needs points. From now on, we want to focus on results and fight to accumulate points even in matches where the content is not good.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: How do you want to make a comeback from here with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI's appointment?
A, my position as a young player remains unchanged, so I want to take initiative myself and express confidence through my play. There are many areas I need to improve, but if I get the chance to play, I want to deliver results and showcase my own strengths.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Coach Klamovski.
A coach who particularly emphasizes the concept of "fighting" and conveys it through words. The image of a passionate coach is very strong. To perform well in matches, he constantly communicates the importance of "fighting" starting from practice.
Q: When you get to play in a match, how do you want to contribute to the team?
A, I want to take on challenges with my characteristic dribbling breakthroughs and contribute with goals and assists. I believe that if I can dribble past opposing defenders myself, opportunities will arise, so I want to create many chances. I aim to become a player who can lead the side attacks.
Q: How was your performance in the first half of the league?
Looking back at the first half of the A League season, the defensive intensity was low, and I was unable to make it into the starting lineup. There were opportunities during matches, but I regret not being able to convert them into goals. Including defense, I do feel that things have been gradually improving. However, there are still many areas that need improvement, and I want to continue raising my level.
