<Review of the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale>
The pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, which has not been used since the match against FC Machida Zelvia on April 21. Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA has returned home after overcoming a long rehabilitation.
After returning to action in a practice match during the break, he came on as a substitute in the opening match of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 25 against Gamba Osaka. After the match, he expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "The pitch is definitely the most enjoyable place for me, and it's where I have to do my job. I feel like I've finally come back. With fewer matches left, I want to cherish each game and continue to score more and more goals."
The Tamagawa Classico against Kawasaki Frontale, welcomed with determination at home. However, what awaited number 11 and the blue-red eleven, who approached the match aiming for their first victory after the break, was an incredibly disappointing result.
The team, which became too passive in the match against Gamba Osaka, showcased an aggressive attack centered around the right side from the start, creating several chances and threatening the opponent's goal. However, failing to convert those opportunities, they conceded the opening goal in the 15th minute after a single chance was taken. In the 20th minute, they were precisely matched with a cross ball, quickly falling behind by two goals while trying to maintain an advantage in the match.
Then, in the 25th minute of the second half, the team sent both players, Kobayashi and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, onto the pitch in hopes of a counterattack. However, just after their introduction, in the 28th minute of the second half, they allowed an additional goal from a set piece, making it 0-3. They were forced into a difficult situation when they wanted to strengthen their offensive.
Even so, he was able to showcase plays that hinted at his potential. In the match against Gamba Osaka, player Kogashi demonstrated his ability to shake off defenders, and in this game, he received the ball, controlled it, and made movements to exploit the space behind. The good synergy between Takahiro KO, who creates rhythm from the midfield, and Ryotaro ARAKI, who adds variation to the attack, was clearly evident.
"Taro can face forward and make passes. We communicate during practice, saying 'keep this in mind,' and I think if more players like that increase, they will be able to showcase their strengths even more. That's something we can only build up through practice. I thought Taro would face forward today, so I started moving, and if that continues for a longer time, we should be able to create even more chances. I want to refine that kind of relationship further."
The biggest chance came in the 42nd minute of the second half. Keita ENDO made a sharp right cross, and he smoothly darted in between the opponent's defenders at the near side, skillfully directing a diving header to the far post.
"Keita is good at those kinds of crosses, and I was certain he would deliver. If we increase that kind of collaboration, chances will naturally increase. That was a chance we needed to convert, so we have to work on that as a challenge."
However, the ball just missed the left post. The player wearing number 11 dove in headfirst to check the ball's trajectory, struck the pitch in frustration, and quickly got back up to return to his own half.
"That time period is tough for the opponent, so it's inevitable that chances will come. Whether we can capitalize on those opportunities is important for the team, so we need to reflect on that."
Biting down on the frustration, I immediately look forward. The match ended in a 0-3 defeat, but that attitude will surely bear fruit.
As for himself, he was fired up for the Tamagawa Classico and the consecutive matches against Verdy, so his feelings of reflection and regret are strong. After the Kawasaki match, he emphasized, "(The match against Verdy) is a game we absolutely must win. I don't have a very good image from the last encounter. To repay the debt, I want to respond with a result of scoring a goal."
The striker, hungry for goals, is on the verge of boiling over with pent-up emotions. There is a sense that opportunities to showcase his strengths are increasing. The Tamagawa Classico has become a match that must be seen as a game where both the team and the individual have accumulated a determination for victory heading into the next match.
Match Preview
In the previous match, we lost 0-3 to Kawasaki Frontale in the Tamagawa Classico. The start of the game was not bad at all, but we conceded the first goal due to a slight mistake, followed by consecutive goals. Even in the second half, where we tried to make a comeback, we conceded another goal from a set piece and suffered a complete defeat. Kei KOIZUMI expressed his frustration after the match, saying, "We started strongly in the first 10 minutes, but conceding that goal was painful. From there, we allowed the opponent to play with good rhythm."
For Tokyo, who has gone three league matches without a win, this match is a must-win. In the previous encounter with Verdy, the match ended in a 2-2 draw, and the fans and supporters are eagerly hoping for a victory this time. On the practice open day on August 14, about 300 fans and supporters gathered at Kodaira Ground, raising banners to create excitement for this match. Player Koizumi stated, "While playing for the fans, supporters, and the team is a given, the most important thing is to give my best. I can only do my utmost. If I focus on that, it will ultimately lead to victory. It's not just talk; I want to firmly direct my efforts towards that."
Everyone understands the significance of this match. To respond to the feelings of the fans and supporters, Tokyo will unite as a team to strive for victory.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: An intense match is scheduled for the 17th.
A, that's right. We are steadily preparing for the match. The 17th is an important game for the fans, supporters, and the Tokyo club. We want to fully prepare to express our true style and enjoy this match.
Q: There seem to be changes in the opponent's formation and members since the last match in April.
In training, we have been able to thoroughly share information with the players, including the characteristics of the opponent. We are preparing so that we can approach the match with a positive image. In the match against Verdy, just like the previous encounter, we must be ready for various scenarios. I also think it will be a match where emotions clash. Sometimes things can get crazy. We want to be prepared to handle whatever happens.
Q: Please tell us the key points in the match against Tokyo V.
A, first of all, it is important to firmly control your emotions and turn the feelings each of us has into our strength. And never lose concentration. In terms of the game, we want to win the physical battle and focus on our style of play.
Q: In games where only victory is required, a strong mindset is important, but calmness is also essential, isn't it?
A, that is exactly what football is, and it is especially demanded in big games. It is important to skillfully combine both aspects you just mentioned. Without a doubt, this is a special match. Let's enjoy this moment.
[Player Interview]
＜Diego OLIVEIRA＞
Q: This match is against Verdy.
A, as a team, we have gone through frustrating and difficult times without winning in three matches, but the next game against Tokyo V is a match we absolutely cannot lose. I think it will be a game with a slightly different atmosphere than usual, and we want to pour all our strength into it and seize victory.
Q: Please tell us what is necessary to win in a unique atmosphere and in a tough, difficult match.
A, I believe there will be many intense matches where both sides are emotionally engaged, with fierce battles for the ball. In such situations, it is important to maintain focus from the start until the final whistle. Even a momentary lapse or a slight difference can affect the outcome of the game. When an opportunity arises, we want to decisively score and sharpen our concentration to ensure a game without regrets.
Q: Fans and supporters are looking forward to Diego OLIVEIRA's goals.
A, the entire team is focused solely on winning this match, and within that, I myself am aiming to score. The ideal is that the goal leads to victory. I am truly grateful for the support we receive from our fans and supporters. For the fans, the supporters, and for Tokyo, we want to win no matter what.
<Kanta DOI>
Q: Please tell us again the key points from the previous match against Verdy.
A, I believe that the match against Tokyo V is all about the result rather than the content. I want to focus primarily on playing with a strong commitment to the outcome.
Q: After the last match, please tell us about the tactics and players of the opponent that we should be aware of.
Player Kimura, who is likely to be matched up frequently, and player Someya, who scored in the previous match, are highly skilled players, so we want to respond properly and finish the game without conceding any goals.
Q: The last match ended in a disappointing result of 0-3. How do you plan to make adjustments and approach the next game?
A, we have addressed the issues in this week's training. The solid physical defense in front of the goal that we felt in the match against Kawasaki Frontale is an important aspect that will be demanded even more in this week's match against Tokyo V. Even when the opponent attacks, if we respond calmly and physically block to prevent goals, I believe chances will come to us as well. I want to focus on finishing chances to win and maintaining a solid defensive block.
Q: How do you want to proceed with the match considering the unique atmosphere and intensity of the stadium affecting the game?
A, I believe that confident play is required in tough matches. Instead of just passing back, I want to express from kickoff an active defense that aggressively tries to win the ball, with an overall forward mindset including supplying the ball to the front line and not being too passive defensively.
