Review of the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos
After the break, we face Yokohama F.Marinos in a match that is part of the championship race, having arrived with consecutive wins in the league. Is the reason for the winning streak momentum, or is it the implementation of the tactics by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI that we have been working on during the break? This match serves as a perfect opponent to gauge the current situation in Tokyo.
The start was immediately overwhelming. Pressured by Yokohama FM's momentum, even when trying to increase pressure on the ball holder, we were stripped by their passing work and continued to be pushed back into our own territory.
Then, in the 12th minute of the first half, they were caught behind by aggressively pushing up the defensive line, creating a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. Although they blocked the opponent's shot twice, they failed to recover the loose ball on the third attempt, allowing the opponent to score first.
However, Tokyo was not relying solely on the momentum of consecutive wins. They thoroughly implemented the commitments made on both offense and defense that had been established during the break. By quickly transitioning between offense and defense to gain rhythm, they launched counterattacks faster than their opponents, causing confusion in Yokohama FM's defense.
And then, we will break through to score in our own style during the first half.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had the ball on the right side, dribbled towards the center of the pitch and sent the ball with an outside kick of his right foot into the vast space that opened up on the left side.
Receiving the ball, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA accelerated without hesitation and carried the ball forward. Observing the situation in front of the goal, he delivered a cross to the near side, where Diego OLIVEIRA controlled the ball amidst a challenge from the opponent and scored the equalizer.
A swift strike from Tokyo, executed by three players: the center forward and both side wingers, launching a rapid attack after gaining possession of the ball.
In the second half, they created two decisive moments that hit the crossbar, showcasing a style of football that was not at all inferior to their higher-ranked opponents. While they certainly want results, the feeling of drawing closer to achieving that was highlighted by the goal in this match for Tokyo.
Match Preview
Tokyo celebrated two consecutive victories after the league resumed, defeating Cerezo Osaka and Kyoto SANGA F.C. They narrowly lost 1-2 against Yokohama F.Marinos, who were in second place at the time. Under the management of Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the team has achieved 4 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in league matches. Despite the scorching heat, the players have improved their condition and have begun to show stable performances.
The oldest player on the team, Yuto NAGATOMO, jokingly said, "I think if I can't move in even one match, it's over for me," and continued, "That's the pride of a veteran. After all, both (Keigo) HIGASHI and Shige (Masato MORISHIGE) are being rewarded for what they do every day. They prepare for practice more than anyone else and train diligently. The standards for what it means to be a professional are high, which is why we can still run at this level. There is a reason we are able to move."
This match will be against Vissel Kobe, who are currently in second place in the league. Kobe has recorded 44 goals, led by their attacking players Yuya OSAKO and Yoshinori MUTO. Under coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Tokyo's solid defense has managed to keep a clean sheet in 5 out of their last 7 league matches, and this match will be a true test of their strength. Of course, Tokyo will win at their sacred ground, the National Stadium.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: In the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, there was a near miss with a shot that hit the crossbar. How much emphasis did you place on shooting awareness in this week's practice?
A, first of all, we must firmly work on creating those shooting opportunities. I want to encourage the players to be able to complete their plays and focus on the final moments. It’s simply about expressing what we have continued to refine, what we have built up, and what we have improved. Shots and scoring are the most important aspects of the game, and we need to enhance them. Not only in those moments, but in the match against Yokohama FM, we had chances to score additional goals. It was a very good atmosphere playing away against last season’s champion team, and there were positive aspects as well. We just need to keep improving continuously.
Q: Please tell us about the characteristics of Vissel Kobe as they quickly head towards the goal.
A, Kobe gives the impression of consistently doing what the team should do. You can feel the strength of the team, and they use not only quick attacks but also long balls, creating scenes where they break through the opponent's goal. It is very unfortunate about Saito's injury, but I believe they are steadily preparing for the weekend match. No matter which team we face, we will challenge ourselves during the game and aim to take all three points. We have nothing to fear. If we can fully execute our own style of play, fight actively and bravely, and focus on each play, I believe we can defeat any team. I am excited to be able to play at Japan National Stadium. I hope everyone in Tokyo will come to the venue. The support and encouragement from fans and supporters give us strength. Please invite your friends and come to the stadium. Let's make it a wonderful night.
Q, is this the first time Coach Klamovski will be in charge at the Japan National Stadium?
A, I have passed by several times while driving (laughs). I thought it was a very beautiful stadium. This is my first time leading the team and entering the stadium. I believe it will be a very special match, a special night. I hope everyone comes to watch this exciting game. Kobe is a very strong team, and toughness is required. As Tokyo faces Kobe, who are running at the top, let's fight together with the fans and supporters and seize victory.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q: In the last match against Yokohama F.Marinos, we maintained focused defense but suffered a disappointing defeat.
A, I think everyone was able to fight patiently together. After that, we must continue to pursue how the entire team, including individual defense in one-on-one situations and players coming onto the pitch as substitutes, fights together. Otherwise, we experienced the frustration of not being able to take points from a highly experienced team like Yokohama FM.
Q: Vissel Kobe is a team with very high attacking power this match week, but please tell us what you are focusing on in terms of defensive organization.
As I mentioned earlier, I believe that defensive strength as a whole team and individual defensive ability in critical moments are required, and these aspects can determine the outcome of the match. As a defensive player, I focus first on not losing by not giving the opposing players freedom, and regarding organized defense, I think there is no problem as long as we understand and play according to the team's agreed principles as we have done so far.
Q: How does player Morishige analyze the attacking power of Kobe?
A, Kobe's strength lies in the attacking power of players Osako and Muto. Including these two players, I believe the most important thing is to not give the opposing attackers any freedom and to not lose in key moments.
Q: Since Coach Klamovski took office, is there anything that player Morishige is being asked to do defensively?
A, I don't intend to do anything particularly difficult, and I believe that by doing the basics in defense and keeping the team's agreed-upon rules, we can build a solid defense without gaps. While showing what needs to be done through play, I think the team will become even better by bringing out each player's strengths and characteristics as a plus alpha.
Q: This week's home game will take place at the Japan National Stadium, which is filled with many memories for player Morishige.
Looking back at the match at Japan National Stadium, I have nothing but good impressions. We lost 2-3 to Kobe in the first half of the league, so I think this is the perfect stage for revenge.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: Please tell us the factors that prevented us from winning against Yokohama F.Marinos and your impressions of the match.
A, it was a match where we felt the difference in maturity. In the build-up, positioning, and coordinated cover movements, these are small details, but we felt the difference between Yokohama FM and Tokyo on the pitch. However, I do not feel that we lost in terms of player ability or quality, and I believe Tokyo has players capable of competing for the championship like Yokohama FM. Looking back calmly at the match, in the chance scenes for both teams, Yokohama FM had more instances of bringing the ball to a shot as a team rather than relying on individual ability. Although we also created many chances in the match, the scenes where we broke through tended to stand out as relying on individual ability. Because of their "maturity," they circulated the ball, which wore us down like a body blow.
Q, is it important for the team's maturity to raise our ranking even by one position?
A, I think it is very important. The individual abilities of the players are at the top level, capable of competing for the championship in the J1 League. I believe it is necessary to refine the finer details in both offense and defense, coordinate effectively, and improve decision-making skills.
Q: It seems that Nagatomo's performance has been improving with each match.
A, I have been able to train with intensity in my daily practice. This applies not only to team training but also to repeatedly practicing to enhance my strengths. Until now, due to the hot and humid summer, I focused on recovery. Now, of course, I still focus on recovery, but I have increased the number of training sessions aimed at improving my strengths. For example, there was a time when age-related factors led me in a negative direction, such as when fatigue became harder to recover from, and focusing too much on recovery to relieve fatigue prevented my physical condition from improving. I believe that shifting the balance within myself toward increasing training intensity is what has led to my current performance.
Q: This match is against Vissel Kobe, where my comrades Osako and Muto play. Please tell us your enthusiasm for this match.
<div>A, my own condition is also in good shape, and within that, I am very much looking forward to facing Kobe's strong players such as Muto, Osako, and Sakai. I am really excited about the matchups with them, and I want to deliver a victory to Tokyo in a fiercely intense and heated game that feels like watching an overseas match. The first half of the league match was a very frustrating game. The burning passion inside my heart is what drives me forward.
Q: Do you want to regain the 'strong Tokyo' at the Japan National Stadium, where you have not lost so far?
A, I feel an atmosphere at Japan National Stadium that makes me feel like we can't lose, and it also boosts my motivation. I am very excited to be able to compete against Kobe, who are currently in good form, at Japan National Stadium, and since we are at home, we want to approach this match with a strong desire to deliver a victory.
