Match Preview
The final match of the group stage of the Levain Cup is a crucial battle for Tokyo to advance to the prime stage and marks a fresh start.
Tokyo, having suffered three consecutive losses in the latter part of the first half of the league, has appointed Peter CKLAMOVSKI as the new head coach. Due to registration issues, he will not be on the bench for the match against SANGA S, and Takayoshi AMMA, the head coach, will temporarily take charge as they aim for advancement to the prime stage.
This match connects to the new commander, but it is also an important phase that directly relates to the title, and results are strongly demanded alongside improvements in the quality of soccer. First and foremost, addressing the defense, which has conceded 9 goals in the last 3 league matches, is urgent. It is not something that can be corrected by simply isolating defensive situations; it is necessary to control the balance of the formation, including the attack, and we want to break the flow that leads to goals from simple mistakes.
In terms of offense, it's not that there are no chances, but the flow that could lead to decisive moments is being interrupted by the simple mistakes mentioned earlier. I want to align the team's direction once again and make small adjustments on the pitch to prevent mistakes in coordination and other areas.
Above all, the team from Kyoto is characterized by its intensity and vertical drive, making it difficult to regain control once they gain momentum. As Kei KOIZUMI mentioned after the last match, "There are many reasons for our defeat, but losing in key moments, such as at the ball, made the match difficult." Before questioning tactics or strategy, the challenge for Tokyo is to fully express their fighting spirit and strong desire for victory.
Although the commander has changed, the club aims for a consistent direction. They will maintain possession of the ball, take the initiative themselves, and win while entertaining viewers with an attacking style of football. While focusing on results, they want to make this match a stepping stone towards a new start in next week's league match, building up the content as much as possible.
[Head Coach Takayoshi AMMA Interview]
Q: Please tell us what you emphasized to the players while temporarily taking charge.
A, first of all, we reviewed the recent match against Gamba Osaka through video. Particularly the second goal conceded. It was a scene where we lost the ball and were countered, resulting in a throw-in after the ball went out of play. Even though Gamba Osaka did not restart quickly, we were given a free cross, and although there were players in front of the goal, there was a misalignment in marking. The continued goals conceded from crosses are a challenge for the team, but we shared the current situation with the players. With Peter CKLAMOVSKI now appointed as the coach, a comeback is essential from here, but first, the players must approach the matches with a high level of intensity in switching between offense and defense, ball challenges, and concentration; otherwise, no matter the coach or tactics, it won't work. I spoke to the players about thoroughly working on the foundational aspects, including the perspective of preparing for the next match this week. From Tuesday's training, we focused on the basics of 'switching, ball challenges, and hard work.' We also discussed how to rev up the team engine by playing with high intensity in switching and ball challenges.
Q: What were the factors that contributed to the weaknesses in the base part?
A, there are various perspectives to consider, but they are certainly doing their best to meet the demands. Of course, there are no players who are joking around or lacking motivation. However, I think there was a weakness in how to maintain motivation. Motivation and drive are finite, and it is necessary to work on raising them ourselves. To win matches, it is essential to elevate motivation and mental state to a minimum level. Unknowingly, even if they are not slacking off, it is human nature for motivation to gradually decline. I reiterated to the players the importance of approaching matches with high motivation.
Q: Please tell us what you shared with the players regarding tactical aspects.
This is a match where advancing to the group stage is at stake, so simply trying hard will not guarantee a win. Therefore, we built a 'system' in terms of attack and build-up. It is very difficult to explain the system verbally, so I first had the players practice it. We shared the design according to the situation on the field, and I believe the players' understanding increased through video and verbal explanations afterward. For some players, I communicated the systematization of positioning in both offense and defense, as well as how to engage with the ball. While we shared the minimum principles for defensive positioning, we also allow for creative rule-breaking based on the situations that arise on the pitch, and we shared the core elements as a whole. This week there was a coaching change, but the players approached practice with a professional attitude. I can feel their enthusiasm to win, and the players' spirits are high.
[Player Interview]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: What points have you organized this week in preparation for the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C.?
A, we have improved our condition for tomorrow's match and confirmed the minimum agreements on both offense and defense. As a fundamental premise, it is important for each player on the pitch to work hard in both offense and defense. When reviewing match footage, I felt that even a slight misalignment or a lapse in focus can lead to conceding goals. I want us to particularly focus on running through the entire match and fighting with all our strength.
Q, this is an important match that could determine our advancement to the group stage.
We prioritize achieving victory above all else, and we want to fight for the fans and supporters who come to our away games. With the change in management, I believe everyone is feeling a bit unsettled. We want to show our fighting spirit and results to those who support us.
Q, Head Coach Takayoshi AMMA will temporarily take charge in the match against Kyoto.
A, AnmaThe head coach has been communicating about the details and nuances of play as we approach the match against Kyoto. We have shared our feelings from practice with Coach Anma, and he shares the final decisions with the players. I believe we have good communication.
Q: Please tell us what the team particularly emphasized during this week's training.
A, it is to work hard as a team in both offense and defense. We reviewed everything, starting with the transition between offense and defense, while watching the footage. What I thought I was doing during the match, when viewed on video, I was able to reconfirm that I was just thinking I was doing it. I emphasized that we were able to share the past plays where we did nothing as a whole, and that we should approach the match against Kyoto with that acknowledgment.
Q: As the season reaches its halfway point, how will you rise up?
A, yesterday, it was announced that Peter CKLAMOVSKI has been appointed as the manager. I believe that expressing the style of football that Manager CKLAMOVSKI aims for will be the catalyst for our rise. We, the players, also feel that we cannot end here, so we want to showcase the strengths of the team and each individual player.
Q: This season, we have faced Kyoto in both the league and the Levain Cup. What kind of battle do you want to have in tomorrow's match?
Coach Anma has provided tactics and instructions for the match, and the players are ready to express that through their play. We want to embody that in tomorrow's match and end with a victory.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: You have participated in all matches of the Levain Cup so far. Please reflect on your performance as an individual.
As we continue to play matches, I feel growth and change, step by step, by reflecting on our play. I have been focused on results since the first match of the Levain Cup, but as we have played more matches, I have also focused on improving the quality of our play, not just the results. Each match may bring only slight changes, but I believe it has been good that we are able to build on those changes and compete.
Q: This will be a match against Kyoto SANGA F.C. where victory is an absolute requirement. Please tell us what you want to be aware of as a goalkeeper.
I believe it is necessary to bring calmness and stability to the team. At the same time, I want to focus on risk management and defensive care while expressing proactive play and boldness in attack as a team. Fighting with a good balance as a team is the most important, but I also want to connect it to boosting morale through plays that protect the goal in critical situations.
Q: In the last Levain Cup match, we won 5-0. Please share your impressions of Kyoto again.
A, Kyoto seems to apply high-intensity pressure from the front. I think it is important for the team to endure the opponent's defense while firmly holding the ball to control the game and to continue challenging. If we can lower the opponent's defensive line even slightly against the aggressive Kyoto, it will become negative for them, and I want to increase our time pushing forward with plays that the opponent dislikes and by not losing in battles for the ball.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match.
This is a match where victory is necessary to advance to the group stage. I want us to come together as a team to build momentum for the match.
