<Match Preview>
The final match of the Levain Cup group stage is a crucial game for Tokyo, as it will determine their advancement to the prime stage and serve as a fresh start.
Tokyo, who suffered three consecutive defeats in the latter half of the league season, has invited Mr. Peter Cklamovski as their new commander. Due to registration issues, he will not be able to sit on the bench for the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match, and Takayoshi Amma, the head coach, will temporarily take command in order to advance to the prime stage.
Although it is a match that connects to the new commander, it is also a crucial moment that directly affects the title, and a strong result is strongly demanded along with the improvement of the soccer content. First of all, it is urgent to make adjustments to the defense, which has conceded 9 goals in the last 3 league matches. It is not something that can be fixed by simply focusing on defensive situations, but it is necessary to control the balance of the formation, including the attack, and to break the flow that leads to conceding goals from simple mistakes.
In terms of attack, it's not that there are no chances at all, but rather that a simple mistake can disrupt the flow and lead to decisive situations. We want to realign the team's direction and make small adjustments on the pitch to ensure that there are no mistakes in coordination and other aspects.
And above all, the team of Kyoto has a strength and a driving force towards the vertical, and it becomes difficult to take the initiative when they are on a roll and fall behind. As Kei KOIZUMI said after the previous match, "There are many reasons for the loss, but losing in situations such as ball contests made the game difficult." Before questioning tactics and strategies, it is Tokyo's challenge to show a strong attitude and desire for victory.
Although the commander has changed, the club aims to maintain a certain direction. They want to possess the ball, take the initiative themselves, and entertain the viewers with an attacking style of soccer while winning. While focusing on the results, they want to make the upcoming league match next week a battle where they can build up their content as much as possible for a new start.
[Interview with Head Coach Takayoshi Amma]
Q, please tell us what you emphasized to the players while temporarily taking command.
First, we reviewed the Gamba Osaka match the other day on video. In particular, the second goal. We were caught on the counter and the ball went out of bounds for a throw-in. Even though Gamba Osaka didn't restart quickly, they were able to supply a cross to a free player, and there was a gap in our marking despite having players in the box. While conceding goals from crosses is a team issue, we shared the current situation with the players. With Peter Cklamovski taking over as coach, it is essential to turn things around from here, but first and foremost, the players need to approach the game with a focus on transitioning between offense and defense, winning duels, and maintaining a high level of concentration. We also talked to the players about thoroughly focusing on the basics, including preparing for the next game this week. We have been working on the basics of transitioning, duels, and hard work since Tuesday's training. We also discussed the importance of playing with high intensity in transitions and duels to get the team's engine running.
Q, please tell us the factors that caused weakness in the base.
A, There are various perspectives, but they are naturally doing their best to meet the demands. Of course, there are no players who are fooling around or have no motivation. However, I think there was a weakness in how to maintain motivation. Motivation and enthusiasm are limited, and it is necessary to raise them to at least the minimum level in order to win the game. It is human nature for motivation to gradually decrease without realizing it, even if they are not slacking off. I have once again conveyed to the players the importance of approaching the game with high motivation.
Q, Please tell us about the tactical aspects you shared with the players.
This was a crucial match for advancing to the group stage, so we couldn't just rely on hard work to win. Therefore, we built a "system" for our attacks and build-ups. It's difficult to explain the system just by talking, so we first incorporated it into our practices. We shared how to design for different situations on the field, and then explained it further through videos and verbal communication, which helped the players understand better. For some players, we systematized their positioning and involvement in both offense and defense. We shared the basic principles for defensive positioning, but we also allow for creative deviations in situations that arise on the pitch, while still maintaining a shared foundation. We had a change in coaches this week, but the players approached practice with a professional attitude. I can feel their passion to win, and their faces are showing it too.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, What points did you organize this week in preparation for the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match?
A, We have confirmed the minimum promises in terms of offense and defense and have raised our own condition for tomorrow's game. As a basic premise, it is important for each player on the pitch to work hard in both offense and defense. When we look back at the game footage, we feel that even a slight deviation or relaxation in our mindset can lead to conceding a goal. We want to once again run with all our might and be especially conscious of giving our all in the game.
Q, this is an important match that will determine whether we advance to the group stage.
A, our top priority is to achieve victory and we want to fight for the fans and supporters who come to support us even away from home. There have been changes in management and I think everyone is feeling frustrated. We want to show our fighting spirit and results to those who support us.
Q, Takayoshi AMMA will temporarily take command as head coach in the Kyoto match.
A, YasumaAs we approach the Kyoto match, we have been communicating about the finer details and nuances of our play with Head Coach Yasuma. We have been able to share our thoughts from practice with him and he has shared his final decisions with the players. I believe we have good communication.
Q, Please tell us what the team emphasized during this week's training.
A, the key is for everyone to work hard on both offense and defense. We reviewed everything, including switching between offense and defense, while watching the footage. When we watched the footage, we were able to confirm plays that we thought we had done during the game, but actually hadn't. We emphasized the fact that we were able to share and acknowledge past plays where we weren't able to do anything, and that we will face the Kyoto game with determination.
Q, How will you start as the season reaches its halfway point?
A, Yesterday, it was announced that Peter CKLAMOVSKI will be appointed as the coach. I believe that expressing the soccer that Coach CKLAMOVSKI aims for to the maximum will be the trigger for our rise. As players, we also think "we can't end it here" so we want to demonstrate the strengths of the team and each player.
Q, This season, we are playing against Kyoto in both the league and Levain Cup. What kind of game do you want to play tomorrow?
The players are ready to express their play according to the tactics and instructions given by Coach A Yasuma for the upcoming match. We hope to embody this in tomorrow's game and end with a victory.
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA player＞
Q, I have played in every game of the Levain Cup so far. Can you reflect on your performance as an individual?
A, After each game, I reflect on my play and feel the growth and change step by step. In the first game of the Levain Cup, I was focused on the result, but as the games went on, I also focused on improving the quality of my play, not just the result. Each game, there may have been small changes, but I think it was good that we were able to build on them and fight.
Q, please tell us what you want to be aware of as a goalkeeper in the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match, where victory is an absolute condition.
I believe it is necessary to bring stability and a sense of calm to the team. In addition, I want to focus on risk management and defensive care while expressing the team's aggressive play and boldness in attack. It is important to fight as a team with a good balance, but I also want to use plays that defend the goal in critical situations to boost morale.
Q, We won 5-0 in the previous Levain Cup match. Please tell us your impression of Kyoto again.
A, Kyoto seems to put pressure on the front line with high intensity. I think it is important for us to dominate the game by firmly holding the ball while enduring the opponent's defense and continuing to challenge. If we can lower the opponent's defensive line even a little against the aggressive Kyoto, I think it will become negative for them and we want to increase the time for us to push forward by not losing in plays that the opponent dislikes or in battles for the ball.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the game.
This is a crucial match for advancing to the group stage. We hope to come together as a team and approach the game with momentum.
