Match Preview
The Emperor's Cup has reached the Round of 16. Last time, Tokyo had a tough battle against Verdy that went to a penalty shootout, and now they will face Roasso Kumamoto at the opponent's home stadium.
Kumamoto faced Sagan Tosu from the J1 League in the 3rd Round, and despite falling behind by 2 goals in a challenging match, they fought back to a 3-3 draw after 90 minutes and succeeded in turning the game around in extra time, winning 4-3 in a thrilling contest. Last season, they made a strong run to the J1 promotion playoffs, advancing to a match against J1 team Kyoto Sanga F.C., and under the leadership of Takeshi OKI, they have established an attacking style of football and achieved significant progress.
The player to watch out for in Tokyo is none other than Rei HIRAKAWA. He grew up in Tokyo's academy after joining from FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi, and during his first year of high school with FC Tokyo U-18, he garnered attention by playing in the J3 League with the U-23 team. Although his opportunities with the first team were limited, he returned to Tokyo last season after training with Kagoshima United FC and Matsumoto Yamaga FC, but due to limited playing time, he made a complete transfer to Kumamoto in August.
Since joining, he has established himself as a key player in Kumamoto, becoming a driving force behind the team's success mentioned earlier, and he has been entrusted with the captaincy starting this season. His feelings towards the match against his former club are particularly strong, and he must be eager to show his performance.
Kumamoto's style is not unlike the style that PEACE STADIUM Tokyo is working on. It requires high levels of movement and intensity, with fierce pressing and duels for the ball from the front line to the midfield, aiming for quick counters to approach the goal. They value possession and try to advance the game in the opponent's territory. Kumamoto boldly confronts their own style against Tosu and has managed to win the exchanges. Tokyo also wants to challenge head-on while showcasing the difference in strength.
With the league resuming on the 6th after a 3-day break, it is essential to gain momentum in both results and performance in this match. We want to fully demonstrate the style that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI has been working on during the break, and return to Tokyo with a spot in the top 8, showcasing intensity, ball possession, and attacking power.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: I think the style of football that both Tokyo and Roasso Kumamoto aim for is similar.
I think it will be an exciting match. We just need to firmly express what we have to do and score goals. Of course, we have respect for Kumamoto, but mentally, we want to enter the match with a clear mindset and focus. There is no easy match anywhere. We expect Kumamoto to have periods of ball possession. During those times, we need to understand what we should do and how to stop their attacks. For example, if such situations occur on the pitch, counterattacks might be effective, and when we have the ball, we need to quickly find the open spaces on the pitch. We want to create many scoring opportunities to take goals. It will be important to play with the awareness of scoring goals.
Q: It will be a night game, but I think there will also be a battle against the heat.
A, preparation is essential to work hard. We will give everything on the pitch and fight to lift the championship cup. As long as that goal remains with us, we want to improve each other and give our all.
Q: During practice, there were very short breaks between each session, and focused training was observed.
A. The reason for keeping the intervals between each practice compact is to simulate a match situation. There is no time to rest slowly during a game. Of course, there are times when we set aside enough time to prepare properly. Although it’s a small detail, I want the players to firmly adopt this mindset, which also connects to the method of "not stopping during the match." On the pitch, you must not stop thinking. The time between practices is also part of the training, so I want them to always keep their minds switched on. Sometimes I talk to everyone about the term "hard work," but I expect the players to maintain mental focus even during the intervals between practices. The aim is to enable them to make sharp and correct decisions even when they are tired.
Q: Practice was also conducted assuming Kumamoto's formation.
A, it is important to understand what is necessary for the match and play accordingly, regardless of the opponent. Today's practice was conducted to visualize Kumamoto's style. As we face them, I want to share where space will be created and which areas the opponent dislikes. We will prepare for everything.
[Player Interview]
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: As Kosuke SHIRAI from Tokyo, an opportunity has come to participate in an official match.
A, it has been about a month since joining Tokyo, and there were no official matches, so it was a very difficult period, but we were able to make good preparations. Playing in Tokyo feels, in a way, like facing the opening match for me. Having prepared well, I want to fully express myself in the game. I am hungry for matches (laughs).
Q: There were high performances seen in various places during the practice match against Urawa Reds.
A, I think it was a game where issues remained regarding detailed positioning, but there were also minimum performance and plays involved in scoring. I was given a long playing time and was able to coordinate plays with my teammates, so overall, I think it was good.
Q: I got the impression that the offensive side has been organized, especially.
A, the fundamental aspects are influenced by the experience of playing during the Kyoto SANGA F.C. era. Although there are slight differences in the increased frequency of cutting inside and risk management during attacks, the strong competitiveness in one-on-one situations and hard work that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI consistently demands have been utilized based on what has been cultivated so far, giving the impression of playing without discomfort.
Q: What kind of instructions and play requirements have you received from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI?
A, as a team discipline and the plays we must do are the basic premise, I think it is more important whether I myself can fully demonstrate the plus alpha plays and characteristics. I want to show plays that do not lose in running both offensively and defensively, and win in one-on-one plays.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Roasso Kumamoto.
A, Speaking of Kumamoto, I recall the J1 promotion playoff final match last season when we were with Kyoto. We have played many official matches so far, but that game had a unique atmosphere and was very tense, leaving a strong impression on me. I believe the team members have changed since last season when we faced them, but it is certain that they are not an easy opponent. However, as a J1 club, we want to demonstrate the difference in class through our results. We will approach the match expecting it to be a difficult game.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: You played all 6 matches in the group stage of the Levain Cup. How is your current condition?
A is in much better condition. I believe he can play without any major problems.
Q: Good plays were seen in the practice match against Urawa.
A, I was able to play in a way that I personally felt was good. Even though it was a practice match, I believe I was able to show a performance that will boost my confidence going forward.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Roasso Kumamoto, the team you will be facing this time.
We faced Kumamoto in the last two seasons when I was with Iwate Grulla Morioka. They are a team skilled at ball circulation, and starting with the center backs, the players at the back repeatedly pass and move, making their defense very difficult to break down. Above all, I am looking forward to facing Rei HIRAKAWA. Since Tokyo academy seniors such as Rei HIRAKAWA, Makoto OKAZAKI, and Rimu MATSUOKA are on the team, I am excited about it.
Q: I think there are expectations for each play that creates a saving to rescue the team and serves as the starting point for the attack.
Since the Emperor's Cup is a knockout tournament, there are only wins or losses. I believe it challenges how to compete under different regulations than the league matches. I also think the choice of play will change each time accordingly.
Q: Do you want to leverage your experience in the Levain Cup to compete?
Although it is a different competition from the league matches, I believe we can compete well in the Levain Cup. I think I have been able to play confidently without any particular worries during regular practice. During the break period, including mentally, I believe I am in a good state where I have organized what I need to do myself.
