Match Preview
An opportunity to take a step towards the cup. We want to play our football and choose the players who can win.
Another battle aiming for the top is about to resume. As matches are held in a packed schedule, coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI is also igniting his desire for victory.
The J.League YBC Levain Cup 1st Round 3rd Round is set to take place in the away match against Tosu. This tournament, which has changed its format to a knockout system starting this season, will determine the victor in this single-elimination 1st Round. First, we want to secure a solid victory here and advance to the playoff round, which will be held in a home-and-away format.
In the 2nd Round, Tokyo faced Y.S.C.C. Yokohama away, and opened the scoring in the 13th minute of the first half with Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA's first goal in blue and red. They added to their lead with a right-footed shot from Riki HARAKAWA and an accurate shot from Keita ENDO. Goalkeeper Tsuyoshi KODAMA, making his season debut, showcased his foot skills by participating in the build-up, displaying an attacking style. Although they faced some dangerous counterattacks, the defense held strong and prevented any goals. In the second half's stoppage time, Jaja SILVA sliced through the center of the pitch with a powerful dribble and struck a magnificent right-footed shot, sealing a 4-0 victory and advancing to the 3rd Round.
Although they have not won in the last three league matches and are far from victory, it is also true that they have become capable of making adjustments during the game and breaking down situations. The winning streak during the Golden Week has come to an end, and they have been unable to secure victories in recent matches, but the individual performances are not bad. While it is expected that player usage will be determined by checking the recovery status during consecutive matches, this season's Tokyo can combine the strengths of whoever steps onto the pitch. The dynamic play of the players who have gained opportunities to participate is anticipated.
Sagan Tosu, who suffered a shutout defeat against Nagoya Grampus in the previous league match, achieved a significant victory with a 3-0 win against Júbilo Iwata in Sec. 13 and a 5-2 win against Kawasaki Frontale in Sec. 14. Despite struggling in 17th place in the league, they have shown high scoring ability in recent matches, which requires caution. Additionally, Kenta KAWAI, the coach of Tosu, has experience serving as an assistant coach to Coach Kramovski at Montedio Yamagata. Attention should also be paid to the tactics of a coach who once fought alongside and shared a football philosophy.
For Tokyo, away matches against Tosu have been unfavorable, with five consecutive official match losses since October of the 2019 season. This season, having already overcome traditional "difficult matches" against Fukuoka and Sapporo, they want to break the past trend here as well and get closer to winning the cup.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: It will be a series of consecutive matches, but what are your thoughts on the team composition?
A, we will make a decision while monitoring the recovery. On Tuesday morning, after receiving updates, we will finalize the members and then head out after practice. However, the important thing is that this is a League Cup match and an opportunity for us to get closer to the cup, so I will select a team that can perform well and win.
Q, the coach of Sagan Tosu is Kenta KAWAI, who worked together during the Montedio Yamagata era.
A, he is a good leader and does a great job, and Tosu is also a good team. We want to perform to the best of our ability. It will be a tough away game, but we will prepare well and aim to compete in every aspect.
Q: On Friday, May 31st, we will face Tosu again at the same venue in the league match. Do you consider anything about playing the same team in a short period of time?
A, I am focusing on one match at a time right in front of us. The current situation reflects the team's present condition. I don't think anything will change just because there is a match. Our mentality is simply to continue our style of football while growing. And to keep improving. We will fight to overcome the match against Tosu and move on to the next. Next, we have the league match against Gamba Osaka, so we will prepare in the same way, and then prepare for the league match against Tosu... It is important to prepare for each match like this. That is what we value the most.
Q: You haven't won in the last three matches, but how do you feel about the content of those games?
A, I believe the content is the most important. Some may say, "We haven't won in three matches." In one of those three matches, we had to play for a long time with one player less. What I need to do is focus on what we must continue to improve and develop. We are concentrating on the steps we need to take to reach the place we want to go. The performance is the same. I believe we have shown significant evidence that we are heading in the right direction and moving toward success. However, there are still areas we need to improve. Regarding these three matches, I think the proof that we are moving in the right direction and growing was present in the games.
Q, the match against Yokohama F.Marinos was a game where Tokyo's determination to aim for the next point was clearly evident.
A, it was a match where we gained a lot. The opponent was also a very good team, and it was an opportunity to show how much we could do against such a team. There were times when we had to fight through difficulties depending on the period. However, from the end of the first half, we were able to play football that the opponent couldn't stop, and although we didn't win there, I believe we created enough chances to win. This was because both teams fought aggressively. It was very disappointing that we didn't get the result, but we were able to create scenes worthy of victory. With this one point, we want to further pursue what is important to become the team we dream of. This match showed the great potential and what we can do. Also, there are still areas that need improvement. Having gained a lot to move forward, we want to head into the next match.
[Player Interview]
＜Jája Silva＞
Q: In the last match of the Levain Cup, you scored your first goal since joining.
A, in the previous match against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama, I was able to score my first goal in Tokyo, and my motivation is very high as we approach the Levain Cup. Since it is a tournament-style competition, we absolutely cannot afford to lose. I definitely want to win and advance to the next stage, and I want to contribute to the team with plays that involve scoring.
Q: Depending on the position you play, you may often be required to have a high level of defensive intensity.
In modern football, even forwards are expected to have defensive intensity and tactical understanding. I want to contribute firmly not only to the attack but also to the defensive aspects that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI demands and that the team must express on the pitch.
Q: You play in various positions such as central and side depending on the match, how do you want to activate the attack?
A, I am most skilled at playing in the left wing position, but if the team needs me, I have no problem playing in the center or right positions. I believe that contributing to victory through goals and assists is the most important thing when playing in an attacking position.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: What kind of performance do you want to show in the match against Sagan Tosu?
A, unlike the league matches, the Levain Cup is a tournament format, so I focus primarily on the result of winning rather than the content. Within that, I want to utilize my strength in sprinting ability and work hard both offensively and defensively.
Q: Yuto NAGATOMO had a great performance in the match against Yokohama F.Marinos. What kind of inspiration did you receive?
A, Nagatomo's goal and performance have been very inspiring to me as a player in the same position, and it has also fueled my own ambition. Personally, I believe I have been able to maintain good form, and by competing with Nagatomo, I feel we are both in a good state where either of us can deliver our best performance on the pitch. I want to continue this current situation.
Q: In the match against Nagoya Grampus and Yokohama FM, you played as a right winger in the second half. Please tell us what you focus on when playing in the position just ahead.
As an attacking position, I focus on actively taking the space behind the opponent, and when the build-up happens on the opposite side or crosses come from the opposite side, I make sure to rush into the goal area. This season, our team has been able to score through breaking down defenses and utilizing combination plays, so I want to aim for goals and assists by matching those movements.
