Review of the previous match against Kashima Antlers
In recent years, it has been a symbolic presence for Tokyo, representing the academy's alumni.
Like many companions adorned in blue and red, I have faced soccer with determination, aiming for promotion to the top team. However, what was announced was the postponement of promotion. The young man, harboring his frustration, makes a leap at university. Thus, he returned to the blue and red once again after having left.
Although not considered large in the professional world, he fearlessly confronts opponents at the ball and quickly gets back up and runs again even after being knocked down. He embodies the indomitable spirit of blue and red. With his innate sense for scoring in crucial moments, he has stirred the hearts of Tokyo fans.
Even such a man, while being molded in blue and red, was harboring a new dream. It was the time to support the realization of that dream. We want to win and send off Shuto ABE -- the entire team was filled with that feeling. This led to the opening goal in the 9th minute. However, in the end, it did not come to fruition.
While feeling the emotions of his teammates, he also seemed to regret parting with the Ajinomoto pitch, running around the pitch with more effort than usual, showcasing his dynamism by being involved in both offense and defense.
The face of the man who gave his all at Ajinomoto was refreshing. During the ceremony, he made a few jokes, shed tears of gratitude for his parents, and concluded with a cheerful "I love you, Tokyo."
When we meet next time, let's grow together and continue to elevate the J-League together. Until then, a brief farewell. Both the shoot and Tokyo are still in their growth phase. It was a night where we vowed to strive for excellence together.
Match Preview
The league matches will resume after about half a month.
Cerezo Osaka will be challenging at the opponent's home stadium. They are in the same group in the group stage of the Levain Cup, making this the fourth match between the two teams this season. In the Levain Cup, they have one draw and one loss, and they lost 1-2 in the first half of the league at home. They have yet to secure a victory this season. For Tokyo, who wants to break free from the mid-table and compete at the top, Cerezo Osaka, currently in 5th place, is a team they must defeat at all costs.
Both teams faced each other in the Round of 16 of the Emperor's Cup on August 2, and both were defeated. The restart of the league with a fresh start is expected to be a fierce clash.
Tokyo did not schedule friendly matches with overseas teams during the break, instead dedicating time to instill the style of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI. Training in the extreme heat had many limitations, but on the other hand, the team was able to work on reforming their mindset in a practical manner, maintaining a good tempo in training with the matches in mind.
In the Emperor's Cup, we were repeatedly put in dangerous situations by being exploited behind a high defensive line, but when fighting with a compact formation, it is necessary to take risks. If we can eliminate simple mistakes and misalignments, we can push the opponent back, take control, and develop an attacking style of football.
Against Cerezo Osaka, who excel in quick transitions and counterattacks after regaining possession of the ball, Tokyo will create vast spaces. Therefore, we want to maintain possession of the ball firmly and increase the time spent pushing the opponent back, continuing the idea that "attack is the best defense." Although we couldn't score in the Emperor's Cup, we were definitely able to create clear chances. We want to patiently maintain a high defensive line and a compact formation, carefully creating pathways to the goal.
Peter Tokyo's 5th match in the J-League. We hope to see the fruition of attacking football.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Are you considering the use of players who were unable to participate in the match against Roasso Kumamoto this round?
A, we want to proceed while checking each player's physical condition, conditioning, and status. As a team, injured players are gradually returning, and I believe we are in good shape. I think competition will increase further in each position going forward, and by improving the quality of their play and competing to seize playing opportunities, the team’s growth will be promoted. We want to carefully prepare by considering how to bring the team to the best possible condition from various perspectives.
Q: After the match against Kumamoto, what did you say to the players?
A, I have been continuously communicating with the players. Of course, the players and staff feel the pain of defeat and have feelings of frustration. In the match, I could sense their determination to catch up and surpass, but we were unable to reach that level. We need to learn from various factors moving forward. Right now, we are fully focused on the Cerezo Osaka match. We are only thinking about delivering a good performance and coming back with 3 points.
Q: Please tell me the key points of the match against Cerezo Osaka.
A, it is important to firmly demonstrate our own performance and surpass the opponent in all aspects. Including the mental aspect, it all comes down to giving everything in our play. What I just talked about forms the foundation for us to deliver a good performance. By doing so, I believe the results will naturally follow.
Q: Is it necessary to enhance the judgment of both the team and individual players to dominate the match?
A, both are important, and the connection of play is crucial. The match against Kumamoto developed at a fast pace in both offense and defense. I believe we could see from the game how we should bring out our strengths, where the opponent would attack, and what their target was. Moving forward, it will be important for us to control how we move the ball while holding the initiative and how we shake the opponent. There were also moments when the players showed intention and expressed it through their play. Based on the lessons from the Kumamoto match, I expect us to improve going forward.
[Player Interview]
＜Kota TAWARATSUMIDA＞
Q: After the match against Roasso Kumamoto, please tell us if there were any issues you noticed in your play.
In the match against Kumamoto, there were scenes where we could have connected to a goal, but we couldn't finish it. I want to become a player who can firmly score in decisive moments.
Q: Do you feel more confident in your dribbling to break through situations and in one-on-one battles as you play more matches?
A, I have gradually gotten used to the pace of play. In one-on-one situations near the sidelines, I want to take an aggressive approach while keeping an eye on the number of defenders. I aim to improve my dribbling breakthroughs and win rate in these situations to nearly 100 percent.
Q: Having participated in so many matches so far, what aspects of your performance and growth do you feel are significant, Tawaratsukida?
A, I think it is the visible range, the field of vision. When I first joined, I was inevitably nervous and felt that just trying to dribble was all I could manage. Gradually, I started to see my surroundings better, and I believe my options in play increased, such as choosing through passes instead of just dribbling.
Q: After the Kumamoto match, how do you want to contribute in the match against Cerezo Osaka?
A, I believe the quality of the final phase is important. As an individual, since the results are not connected, I want to clearly demonstrate results and contribute to the team with high-intensity defense and dribbling attacks.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q: It has been about two months since Coach Klamovski took office. How does the play feel?
A, the expectations are clear, so I think the team has been able to play in response to that. In the match against Roasso Kumamoto, we conceded a goal early on, which gave the opponent confidence and disrupted our plan. When pressing from the front, we were skillfully bypassed, and there were noticeable moments when they broke through behind us. However, it is important for the team to continue moving forward. I believe there is still a long way to go, so we want to think more about what is expected of us and play accordingly.
Q: How many attacking rules are there?
A, I think I am very particular about making runs behind the opponent, and the quality of passes sent to teammates who have broken through is also demanded. Whether it is a quick pass at the feet or a pass into space. Also, when breaking down the side, whether to send a cross to the far side or to thread a vertical pass to the center again, I want to have many options and further improve the quality of play.
Q: Please tell us about the role of a playmaker that is expected from Tsukagawa.
A, I think there are various images of the attacking midfielder position, but my biggest characteristic is moving to create space for my teammates. I prioritize plays that help my teammates as much as possible and value the connection of plays. In the scoring opportunity against Kumamoto, the pass I made to Ryoma WATANABE with the third-man run created that situation. I want to further promote the importance of connection.
Q: Please tell us what is necessary for the team to enhance its offensive power.
A, it is important how quickly we can get to the goal when we win the ball in an advanced position, and there has been an impression that many goals have come from short counters so far. I believe that by placing the first pass not in front but further ahead, the play can accelerate. Whether we can deliver the first pass after winning the ball to a difficult spot, and not directing all vectors toward the goal but also making plays that create our own time when we cannot head toward the goal, are also important. What is required of us now is the intensity of play. Not only pressing from the front but also controlling the game ourselves, including that, we want to skillfully switch between these approaches.
