Match Preview
The minimum requirement for Aoiaka to advance to the prime round is simply a victory within 90 minutes.
In the first leg of the J.League YBC Levain Cup playoff round held last Wednesday, Tokyo faced Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Ajinomoto.
Despite starting aggressively, they allowed the opening goal in the 10th minute, and during the kickoff aimed at a counterattack, they lost the ball to the opponent's press and conceded another goal. A painful consecutive goal conceded in just 2 minutes. In the 25th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA scored a goal to pull one back, but they ended up losing the match 1-2.
However, since the playoff round is decided by the total results of two matches, the game has only finished the "first half." The outcome will be determined in the "second half" to be played away.
Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI also commented in the press conference after the first match, "I told the players, 'It's only halftime. Right now, it's halftime.' Next, we will seize victory away. We created good chances multiple times, and I believe they can do it."
I would like to reconfirm the tournament regulations. In the playoff round, which is held in a home-and-away format, away goals are not given any advantage, and the team with the most victories or the team that advances based on the goal difference over the two matches will be determined. In other words, for Tokyo, which lost the first match 1-2, it is necessary to finish the 90 minutes with at least a one-goal lead. If they win by a margin of two goals or more, they will advance directly; if they win by a one-goal margin, the outcome will be decided through extra time of 15 minutes each for both halves, followed by a penalty shootout.
Since the total score over the two matches is important, the equalizer scored by Diego TABA holds significant meaning for the "second half." If a victory by a margin of two goals or more is required within 90 minutes, the match will become very difficult to manage. Soma ANZAI stated, "Diego got us back on track, and it led to the next opportunity. As long as we win overall, there’s no problem, and there's no point in looking down. We haven't lost yet. Even a one-goal victory will lead to extra time, and as long as we win overall, that’s what matters."
Looking back, the Semifinal Round of the Levain Cup in the 2021 season against Nagoya Grampus. In the first match, we scored one goal back in the additional time of the second half from 0-2, but immediately conceded another goal, making it 3-1. Although we won the second match by one goal, we could not advance. Go HATANO, who was actually on the pitch during that match, reflected on those memories, saying, "After it became 1-2, I thought the next goal would be crucial. In that sense, it was good that we were able to defend. However, since we conceded two goals, I want to prepare properly once again" as he tightens his focus for the next match.
Hiroshima is expected to utilize their strong hard press and solid block interchangeably. How they navigate through that and convert their scoring opportunities will likely determine the outcome of the match.
In the first match, while we created big chances, there were moments when we couldn't shake the net. Teruhito NAKAGAWA said, "If we can't finish our chances, we have no choice but to go for the win. It's about how much we can show our determination to score away from home. I believe we can create even more chances, but the issue is the quality of our finishing. Personally, I want to approach the goal with more intensity." He is fired up for advancing.
And in the first match, Shuhei TOKUMOTO had the opportunity to play again and shone on the pitch. That sentiment is likely the consensus of everyone.
"I have been waiting for my chance, and I believed in the opportunity to play in the Levain Cup. I think I was able to show my strengths. No one is feeling down; everyone is more determined to do their best. We addressed the issues from the second goal in the locker room. Teru-kun (Nakagawa player) firmly said, 'What are we going to do!' in a serious atmosphere, and we have already made the necessary corrections regarding that. If we can win in Hiroshima and advance, we can erase the loss from the first match. I want everyone to tighten up again so that we won't be told, 'There are no national team players.'"
Currently, Tokyo has produced 6 players for the Japan national team (Kashif BANGNAGANDE returned to his country on the 8th due to injury), and one of the features of this season is that they can express soccer without a drop in quality, regardless of who plays. To prove the team's accumulation so far, the lessons from the past, and the overall quality, they must absolutely advance in the playoff round.
The second match away in Hiroshima, facing a one-point deficit. A thrilling conclusion is expected until the end. We hope to approach the cup with an active and bold Tokyo style, without getting impatient or letting our guard down.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: How will you approach the second match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima?
A, we recognize that it is currently halftime. I think it will be an exciting match where the total result of the two games is at stake. We want to continue the positive aspects we showed in the first match. Also, in that game, we allowed the opponent to score two goals in a short time, giving them an opening. Of course, there is frustration, but we also demonstrated performance that created scenes where we scored one goal back, caught up, and overtook them. We will firmly adopt the good parts that emerged during the match and proceed with good preparation and readiness to fight again. We will aim to win the second match.
Q: In the situation of being behind 1-2, it can also be interpreted that the clarity of scoring and going for the win has been established.
A, we are simply going to win. That is true regardless of the outcome of the first match. Our mindset to win, our approach to the game, and our mentality will not change at all. We believe there is no change in thoroughly preparing and giving everything we have. To achieve results, we must fully demonstrate our own strength. That is where our focus lies. If we can properly express our style of play, it will be a threat to Hiroshima.
Q: Riki HARAKAWA, who came on in the second half, was expressing plays that added an accent to the attack.
A did a very good job. Of course, we understand that he himself is hungry for playing time and wants to increase his minutes on the field, but he expressed the team's mentality through his play. He set a good example on the pitch with the attitude of "whoever plays will work hard on the pitch."
Q, after practice, it was observed that there was a discussion with Leon NOZAWA.
A, we reviewed the scenes from the second half and discussed how we felt at that time, as well as how to improve and grow from here. We have been making improvements and corrections through practice so far, and I believe we just need to continue doing so. Nozawa is a player who has the ability to sense opportunities and burst forward. Turning those opportunities into goals is a key point that forward players must achieve. In that scene, I believe the entire stadium's attention was focused on Nozawa, and many spectators must have stood up. When faced with such an exciting moment, it is important to remain calm and control your mental state. After that, it’s just a matter of deepening the image of scoring goals through continuous practice to promote growth. And when the shot you take shakes the net, I hope you will unleash your emotions to the fullest, including everything you have been holding back until now. Step by step, I believe you are a player who can grow even more.
[Player Interview]
＜Takahiro KO＞
Q: The first match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima ended in a disappointing defeat.
A, looking back over the entire match, I don't think it was all bad scenes, but the way we started the game, the transitions after restarts, and conceding multiple goals are issues that need to be addressed and corrected. We have shared this awareness throughout the team, and in the match on the 9th, we want to approach it with thorough focus once again.
Q: Please tell us the important things among those.
A, we must go for the win, and we absolutely cannot concede any more goals. To score multiple goals, as midfield players, we want to maintain a balance between offense and defense and encourage plays that increase our intensity.
Q: Tactical maneuvers are also expected.
A, in the first match, we had more time controlling the ball compared to previous games, but overall, I felt there were fewer passes aimed behind the opponent's defense. I believe the key point will be how we can break through their high defensive line. I also think the opponents still have the impression of playing against us, so flexible responses on the pitch will be required.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q: Please tell us about the characteristics and impressions you felt when facing Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the first match.
A, the team as a whole has high quality and a very well-balanced offense and defense. As seen in the league matches with few goals conceded, I felt the solidity and strength of their defense. On the offensive side, caution is needed in the second match against their counterattacks that utilize players with high ability in the front line. In the next game, if we allow the opponent to score first, it will become very difficult to control the match. As a defender, I want to focus on defensive stability and keeping a clean sheet.
The first match at home was a disappointing game, resulting in a tough outcome. The match on the 9th will be a difficult away game, but there is a great chance to advance to the next stage. We want to fight seeking only victory.
Q: As we approach the second match, please tell us the key points regarding defense.
In the first match, we conceded goals easily in a short period of time. It is essential to make corrections, including the transitions and restarts after kickoffs. We want to thoroughly reinforce the team's defensive principles and communication among the defenders, and support from the back line so that the team can score before the opponent.
Q: To advance to the prime round, a victory with multiple goals is required in the second match.
Since we are in a situation where we have no choice but to win, I want to maintain communication so that we can keep a compact formation from the back line to the front line and play aggressively for the full 90 minutes. I myself aim to score from set pieces, and while committing more players to the attack, I want to contribute with resilient defense by not losing easily in one-on-one situations and by physically preventing the opponents from having freedom.
<Teppei OKA>
Q: To advance to the prime round, victory is an absolute requirement. What kind of preparations are you making?
As Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the coach, also said, I think it's just the end of the first half. We will go away and fight the second half, but when we play, I think it is necessary to keep a clean sheet and win. If we don't keep a clean sheet, I don't think the defense will be evaluated highly, and more broadly, the whole team's evaluation won't improve, so I want to proceed with that premise in mind.
Q: You have not lost in the matches you participated in. Are you feeling good about it?
A, I am always able to stay positive within myself, so I intend to play for the team's victory no matter the situation. I have not been able to start in league matches, so I want to make a strong impression and connect that to league matches as well. However, I believe that winning the upcoming match is the most important thing.
Q: I think it is necessary to bring out Teppei OKA's characteristics to lead the team to victory.
A, Sanfrecce Hiroshima uses a three-back system, and I believe that if we can pass behind it, it will create opportunities. We didn't see much of that in the last match, so I want to make effective use of that space. First, I plan to focus on the farthest area to aim for a goal.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the second match.
A, a victory with a clean sheet is the basic expectation for a defensive player. Furthermore, I want to connect my strengths, such as long passes, to scoring goals. I want to prepare well, perform at my best, and contribute to the team's victory.
