<Review of the previous match against Vissel Kobe>
The National man of Tokyo is still going strong.
In the 45+2 minutes of the second half, after entering additional time, the game was tied. Dark clouds gather over Tokyo, which had boasted an unbeaten record at the newly renovated Japan National Stadium.
In the second half, they allocated personnel to the back early on and were closing in with a one-point lead, making it difficult to push forward when trying to score again. There were also moments when a ball aimed for an interception connected with the opponent, leading to counterattacks.
In the midst of an open exchange of quick attacks, it wouldn't be surprising for goals to roll in for both Tokyo and Kobe. That dark cloud was torn apart by a momentary flash of lightning.
After consuming most of the 13 minutes of additional time, in the second half at 45+10 minutes. Adailton receives the ball in a shallow position wide on the left side and immediately begins to carry the ball forward, into the center, and towards the goal.
In front of him stood the double and triple walls of the Kobe defense, but the defenders could not even touch the ball in the face of Adailton, who charged forward with lightning speed. After slipping between the two defenders, a third attacker came in to block, but he struck a powerful shot that pushed the ball into the goal.
Like a thunderbolt cutting through the lush pitch. A lightning-fast go-ahead goal has been born in Tokyo.
The drama did not end here, and as a result, it became a situation where they missed their first victory at the newly renovated Japan National Stadium. However, the strike from the National man left behind a "victory-less National" on a summer night.
Match Preview
Tokyo has experienced frustrating moments in the last two matches, conceding goals during stoppage time in the second half. They narrowly lost 1-2 to Yokohama F.Marinos away, and in the previous match, they were equalized by Vissel Kobe at the Japan National Stadium. Reflecting on the match against Kobe, Kei KOIZUMI said, "We felt we could win but didn't. It was a frustrating draw that left everyone involved with Tokyo feeling unsatisfied. We didn't lose, but it feels like we suffered a loss."
Starting with this league match, we will have three consecutive matches against Avispa Fukuoka. First, we want to secure a victory in the opening match to build momentum for the upcoming Levain Cup Semifinal Round. Player Koizumi stated, "The only way to clear this frustrating feeling is to win. If we can win the first match of the three consecutive games, we can approach the Levain Cup with a good mindset. I want to use the home advantage to win here."
For Tokyo, Fukuoka has been a tough opponent over the last three seasons, facing them seven times with three draws and four losses (including the Levain Cup). This match is crucial to dispel the negative image from those previous encounters. As the season approaches its final stages, Tokyo's fierce battles continue.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Avispa Fukuoka has a poor record against their recent opponent. How will you approach the match?
A, I am not the type of person who looks back, so I am focusing on what will happen today and tomorrow. Of course, I want to respect the Fukuoka coach for doing a good job, and I consider them a tough opponent. I am really looking forward to the match against them. I will give everything I have and take all three points.
Q: Since Coach Hasebe took office, do you have the impression that there has been no significant change in Fukuoka's style?
A, the team's way of fighting is clear. It is a wonderful team that fights efficiently. While respecting the opponent, we want to prepare well and face the match.
Q: We have struggled to break through Fukuoka's solid defense in the recent matches.
A, I think it will be a good challenge for us. We are ready to fight tough to score goals and give our all. Playing three consecutive matches against the same team is a unique situation, but it is important for us to take 3 points in each game and advance to the next stage of the Levain Cup. We are preparing to handle everything so that even if various things happen during these three matches, we can respond to all of them. We will give our all for the fans and supporters to demonstrate Tokyo football.
Q: In the last match against Vissel Kobe, Kuryu MATSUKI returned, and Kei KOIZUMI played as right back, which made me feel the depth of the squad. What are your thoughts on this?
A, the players approach their daily training with a hungry spirit. We want to elevate that feeling throughout the entire team. We have been able to conduct good practice sessions, and I am looking forward to seeing the players demonstrate their abilities in the weekend match.
Q: There were two matches where issues remained with the system changes in the final stages of the game. How will you improve this?
A, in recent matches, we have been changing the number of defenders in the final stages. We need to improve this, and I believe we will continue to evolve from here. Both the evolution of the team and the individual players are important. We want to keep refining this continuously. If we can master the system used in the final stages of the match, we will become an even better team. Defense is important, but it is also crucial to master and evolve in more attacking play and ways to control the game, deepening our shared understanding as a team. Making progress step by step is essential.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q: In the last match, we took the lead during the second half's injury time but ended up drawing 2-2. How do you reflect on that?
Everyone, including all the players, the fans, supporters, and everyone involved with Tokyo, felt as if we suffered damage as if we had lost — in other words, it was a real waste. It's not about blaming anyone; both as a team and as individuals, there are many issues if you look closely. Speaking personally, just before conceding the goal, I hesitated whether to slide or not, and ended up making a somewhat half-hearted play. For example, if I had boldly slid and cleared the ball out in that moment... of course, that's hindsight, but I want to thoroughly examine these small details. The fact that the team can't close out matches like that is reflected in our current standing. However, we will firmly accept reality and, with 9 league matches remaining and the Levain Cup title at stake, we want to raise our level together.
Q: The match against Yokohama F.Marinos and the match against Vissel Kobe ended in disappointing results, but on the other hand, do you feel that the team is improving?
Q: We played consecutive matches against top teams in the league, but I don't think it's true that we couldn't do anything; we had chances to win both games. However, looking at the results, we didn't win either match. Even against top-ranked opponents, when we can play with high intensity, I believe we can play soccer in our own rhythm, and we want to maintain that in every game. We keenly felt the "small difference" between us and the top teams Yokohama FM and Kobe.
Q: In terms of playing intensity, Koizumi has a strong impression of being very active and fighting fiercely within the team.
Looking at the standings, I am not satisfied with anything. Personally, especially in plays where I try to completely take the ball away. Even if I can aggressively challenge the ball holder, there are times when I can't fully take the ball. I believe it is important to firmly win 1-on-1 situations, not only in defense but also in attack, such as plays that break away from the opponent — the 'individual strength' is crucial. Of course, since it's a team sport, there is also an organizational aspect, but if each person does not lose in terms of individual strength, I think the team won't lose so easily either. I believe it is necessary to further improve each individual. Regarding play intensity and attack as well, I want to firmly direct my focus inward.
Q: After Avispa Fukuoka was promoted to the J1 League in the 2021 season, they have faced each other 7 times with 3 draws and 4 losses. What points do you think are important from Koizumi's perspective?
A. In matches against teams with bad chemistry or image, it is necessary to focus even more on how to start the game. Fukuoka plays with high intensity and sometimes plays with a certain level of decisiveness. They also have many players who can hold the ball and carry it to create attacking opportunities, so winning second balls and aerial battles will be crucial. If we can win those situations firmly and increase the time we have possession, the rhythm will naturally come. If we do not make mistakes in how we start the game, it will definitely be a good match, and we want to connect that to victory.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q: In the last two matches, you faced top teams. What kind of feedback and challenges do you feel you have encountered?
Both matches in Group A were against current league title contenders, so I think they were difficult games. Unfortunately, we could not win, but the content of the matches was by no means something to be pessimistic about. Although not all chances led to goals, we were able to create many opportunities. It is regrettable that we could not win these two matches, but without looking down, including the match against Avispa Fukuoka, we want to move forward to the next game.
Starting from this match, we will have three consecutive matches against Fukuoka, including the league and the Levain Cup. What kind of impression do you have of Fukuoka?
In the league, they are ranked higher than us, and they are a very good team with excellent form, having advanced in both the Emperor's Cup and the Levain Cup. My impression is that matches against Fukuoka are always very tough, but our current team condition is by no means bad, so we want to train well and prepare for the weekend and the upcoming matches.
Q: Is there anything you are conscious of since becoming manager Klamovski?
A, first of all, I am happy that my playing opportunities have increased. On the other hand, I feel a strong sense of responsibility. Of course, moving forward, I want to correct my weak points, strengthen my strong points, and continue to grow. It is important to keep playing in matches to contribute to the team's victory. Tokyo has many excellent players. Since there is no guarantee of match appearances, I will continue to train hard and improve my level.
Q: There are 9 matches left in the league. What kind of performance do you want to show as we head into the final stages?
Unfortunately, the current results and standings are not what we desire, but from here on, we want to win as many matches as possible and aim for a higher position. Also, we want to share the joy with our fans and supporters in as many matches as possible.
