<Review of the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
In the away game against Yokohama FC, we wanted to carry the momentum from our consecutive wins in the 25th anniversary match into this match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The team lacked attacking power and lost after conceding a goal on a counterattack in the first half, which we were unable to recover from.
Determined not to repeat past mistakes, the team returned home for the match against Hiroshima, aggressively pushing forward from the start and threatening the goal. While being more offensive left them vulnerable to counterattacks from Hiroshima, it was Taishi Brandon NOZAWA's courageous leaps and big saves that shone in those moments.
Created scenes where the defense line took care of the area behind it to allow the team to focus on the attack, and also thwarted Hiroshima's counterattacks by stepping out of the penalty area.
What was noteworthy in this match was the response to shots from close range. The Hiroshima players pressed into the penalty area and took several shots on goal, but the goalkeeper threw himself at the tricky shots and continued to clear the ball from the goal.
The match result was disappointing, but for a team that made attacking their first choice to win, there was no more reliable player in the backline. Courageous outings, ball control at their feet, sharp reactions, and saving techniques. The results of practicing alongside the best example, Jakub SLOWIK, were clearly expressed on the match pitch.
Match Preview
In the last match, Tokyo won 2-1 against Albirex Niigata. Initially, Niigata, which had been developing a possession-based style of football since their J2 League days, continued their remarkable progress as a promoted team. Tokyo, under former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, also entered their second season focusing on a style that values ball possession, showing a strong determination to express their true worth.
Both teams started the match with an attacking mindset, suggesting an open contest right from the beginning. Tokyo took the lead early in the 8th minute, and with this early goal, their momentum slightly decreased, leading to more time spent on the defensive against Niigata. Shortly after, they conceded an equalizer from a free kick, and the moments where they were pressured by Niigata increased.
In the latter part of the first half, Tokyo took the lead with a spectacular goal from Diego OLIVEIRA. Unlike the beginning, Tokyo began to control the match more. They allowed the opponent to have the ball while drawing them into their own half, eliminating space for finishing, and quickly transitioned to attack after regaining possession, pushing back into the opponent's territory.
Ball possession, counter. Regardless of the choice, the high quality of individual players covers the game management, maintaining the team's reputation as one that continues to compete in the J1 League.
Almost six months have passed since then, and Tokyo is in 11th place, while Niigata is in 10th, putting Tokyo in a position to chase. Niigata, unbeaten in their last six league matches, has Kawasaki Frontale in 9th place within reach, and they are likely to approach the upcoming home match with high motivation.
Tokyo, currently on a losing streak, wants to showcase a fight that does not get overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum while maintaining the attacking style that coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI is trying to build. In this match, they will be missing Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Henrique TREVISAN due to suspension, but they have sent four players to the U-22 Japan national team, which will play a friendly match domestically next week, hoping that the dynamic young players, who are showing remarkable growth, can cover for the absence of key players in both offense and defense.
After 6 seasons, we return to DENKA BIG SWAN STADIUM. Among the orange wave that will fill the stadium, I want to create scenes where the blue and red group resonates with joyful voices many times.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, please tell us your impression of Albirex Niigata, which is led by coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI for the second season.
A, It is difficult to narrow it down to just one thing, but I feel that the team has been continuously growing. I believe we are developing in all aspects, and I know Coach Matsuhashi well. I think the team will continue to move forward.
Q: This match, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Henrique TREVISAN are suspended. What kind of match do you want against Niigata?
A, regardless of the situation, I expect the players to deliver their best performance. They are never fighting alone; we fight as a team, and the players on the pitch need to support each other. I believe that whoever plays will show a good performance and contribute to the victory.
Q, it seems that during the break, a lot of training focused on the offensive aspect was conducted.
A, this is one of the challenges we feel in our style of play and approach. I believe the players have clearly recognized many aspects, and we view these realizations positively. Of course, we must not forget the defensive rules. I believe that continuity leads to improvement. Some players have had individual discussions, and others have reviewed footage in detail. I hope this helps lead to better training.
Q: As Coach Klamovski approaches the halfway point of the season, what are your thoughts on the team's development so far?
A, I believe it is extremely difficult to take command in the middle of the season. Building a team is like building a house, steadily laying bricks to ultimately construct a strong and durable home. Sometimes you can feel growth quickly, and other times the growth curve is slow. Since I took office in Tokyo, I have felt that we are developing in the right direction. I think it is necessary to focus on our own play, deliver results for this club, and maintain consistently high performance in order to become stronger in the future. There are only three matches left this season. It is important to develop the habit of giving everything in daily training to improve our performance and show matches that excite our fans and supporters, and I believe that by challenging ourselves again and again, we can achieve special moments.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, this is a match at DENKA BIG SWAN STADIUM for the first time since the 2017 season. Please share your thoughts about playing at a familiar venue.
A, I was with Albirex Niigata for four seasons. It's been a while since I can play a match in Niigata, but rather than looking forward to it because the opponent is Niigata, I am focused on winning against the opponent in front of me as a Tokyo player. There are only three league matches left, and I am thinking only about winning and returning to Tokyo together with everyone involved with Tokyo. Right now, I believe winning is the most important thing.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Niigata, who has not lost in 6 league matches.
A, there are many young and energetic players, and they give the impression of playing good soccer and steadily accumulating points. As I mentioned earlier, regardless of the opponent, I believe every club will approach the remaining three matches with strong determination and a focused mindset, so we want to show a battle dedicated to victory.
Q, there was also a discussion about "regardless of the opponent," but what specific points are important?
A, I think it’s about detailed communication on the pitch and how united we can be towards victory. We are only thinking about winning and returning from Niigata, and especially for the remaining three matches, we are greedily and strongly seeking only "victory."
Q: You played as a defensive midfielder in the Yokohama FC match and as a full-back in the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match. What challenges did you see in each position?
A, we lost both matches and felt many challenges. A major point of reflection is that I played from the start of the game but could not deliver results. There are many areas to improve, but no matter what position I play, I want to show considerate play that helps my teammates for the team and for victory.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: Please let us know if there were any modifications or improvements made on the offensive side during the break.
A, based on the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we have been focusing on the 'shape' of how to score goals during training.
Q: This match is against Albirex Niigata, who were in the 2018 and 19 seasons.
This is our first time playing against Albirex Niigata at DENKA BIG SWAN STADIUM in the J1 League, so we are very much looking forward to it. We were able to win 2-1 in the home game during the first half of the league, but we want to work hard to secure a win away as well and score goals.
Q: Please tell us your impressions when you faced Niigata in the first half of the league.
Team A builds their attack by connecting passes, so as Tokyo, we want to maintain solid defense while launching attacks that effectively exploit the opponent's defensive weaknesses. Just like in the first half of the league, we aim to play with coordinated defense that makes the opponent "pass the ball" rather than being controlled by their passing.
Q、There are players who are suspended, and changes in matchups and formations are expected.
A, I believe that no matter which position I play, the expectations for my offensive contribution remain the same, and there is no significant change in my mindset. Naturally, the number of times I receive the ball and my movements will vary depending on the position, but as an attacking player, I want to show plays where I can firmly appear in the final phase, and I will do my best to demonstrate plays that lead to goals.
Q: The J1 League has reached the last three matches. How would you like to conclude this season?
I want to grow, even just a little, so that I can show the plays I want to do and the plays I must do for the team.And above all, I don't want to make the fans and supporters who are cheering for us feel frustrated anymore. I want to win.
