Review of the previous match against Gamba Osaka
In the match against Vissel Kobe two games ago, Tokyo suffered a significant defeat in terms of the quality of soccer played. However, in the last match against Yokohama F.Marinos, despite the loss, they gained a positive sense of progress. This season, the quality of soccer has been unstable, with many ups and downs, which has also reflected in the results.
And the match against Gamba Osaka also turned out to be an experience of wild fluctuations.
In the match against Yokohama FM, there were many gains in both offense and defense. Although we conceded ball possession to a team that excels in that area, by adapting our attacking methods based on the opponent's situation and alternating between quick and slow attacks, many must have found a glimmer of hope for improvement.
However, what Tokyo showed a week later was a different side.
From the start, the development of the game could have gone either way in terms of who would take control. However, they were unable to surpass the opponent in the precision of each play, decision-making speed, and intensity, leading to multiple goals conceded. Even when trying to counterattack, there were noticeable scenes of losing the ball due to simple mistakes, resulting in goals conceded on the counter. This led to a situation where they found themselves in a difficult position.
Unable to launch effective attacks, the team entered stoppage time with a 3-point deficit. Just when it seemed they couldn't fight back, in the 45+2 minute of the second half, Shuhei TOKUMOTO made a move on the left side and delivered a cross into the goal area, which was met by Koki TSUKAGAWA, who had been substituted in during the second half, heading it into the net to finally score a goal in retaliation.
Without a single smile, Tsukakawa responds calmly to his teammates who come to congratulate him. Considering the remaining time, it was a very tough situation to take the lead, but in his eyes, there was an ambition to fight for one more goal, and as long as there was time, to strive for even another.
Facing the harsh reality of three consecutive losses with three goals conceded in each match, the quietly burning ambition of Tsukakawa and the fighting spirit of Tokumoto, who never gives up until the end, were the only glimmers of hope for Tokyo as they head into the second half of the league.
Match Preview
On June 11, Tokyo lost 1-3 to Gamba Osaka in Sec. 17, marking the first league three consecutive losses of the season. On June 14, former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA resigned, and in this match, which is the first game of the second half of the season, the team aims to recover from 12th place under the new coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI. The new coach repeatedly emphasized the phrase "hard work" during his inaugural press conference, stating, "We must work harder than our opponents and win the battles."
For that reason, there are daily practices. Coach Klamovski says, "If we give our all every day and welcome the next day, we can achieve anything if we continue at a high level."
The new coach's first match will be against Nagoya Grampus. Kenta HASEGAWA, who led Tokyo until the middle of the 2021 season, will take charge and is competing for the championship with a style of soccer that emphasizes "hard work." For coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who demands a fighting spirit from the team, this match will be an important opportunity to reaffirm the style of play that Tokyo should aim for.
Coach Klamovski respects Nagoya and says, "For the fans and supporters, we want to give our all for victory." With a full-on challenge, Tokyo takes a new step forward.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: After several days of practice, have you grasped the players' characteristics?
A, of course. I want to improve the quality and precision of this team, which has good players, to make it even better. I believe we are able to train well, and step by step, I want us to move towards the place we desire.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Nagoya Grampus.
A, Nagoya is a very good team, and we have respect for them. Their counter-attacks are very strong, and we need to understand how to respond effectively. Nagoya has highly skilled players, but I believe that adhering to team principles, fighting bravely when we have the ball, and finding open spaces will lead to scoring. Nagoya is also strong in set pieces, including corner kicks. I think we need to respond alertly to that as well. In this week's training, we clarified what we need to improve and refine, and we practiced repeatedly. By continuously enhancing ourselves, I believe we will become the team we dream of.
Q: How long do you think it will take for the fighting style and tactics that Coach Klamovski demands to take root?
It will naturally take time to express a completed form of football. Players are human, so I believe they will make mistakes on the pitch. First of all, we are focusing on the parts that are particularly important for us to compete in during this week's practice. We are especially conscious of clearly conveying this so that the players can execute their play well on the pitch. It is very difficult to develop perfect football, but we are playing in pursuit of perfection. Even if we make mistakes, positive play and a fearless mentality are important. We want to show our fans and supporters a battle that makes them feel pride and excitement.
Q: Please tell us the key points you emphasized for the match against Nagoya.
We particularly emphasized our own style. Football is always connected, so we focused on the rules of offense and defense, the shape of our plays, and what we need to express. If we can express what we have shared, I believe we can compete strongly against Nagoya, and I think we can also express our attacking plays. I believe that by honing what is necessary as a team and taking steps forward, we will become a better team.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoma WATANABE＞
Q: Peter CKLAMOVSKI has been appointed as the manager. How do you feel about the change in management?
A, throughout my career, I have experienced coaching changes and thought I would take it as just another usual occurrence. However, this time I had complex feelings about it. The fact that I can think about the team in this way is a point where I feel personal growth. I want to continue to apply what I learned from former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Coach Klamovski.
A, we have only been training for a few days, but the practices continue to be intense, and it is impressive that there is no time to relax even between training sessions. I feel a refreshing sense of balance in the training. I believe these aspects will come into play during the matches.
Q: How do you feel about the playing style that Coach Klamovski aims for?
I have the impression that the focus is particularly on the mentality of fighting. Tactics are not something that can be established immediately, so we need to build them up from here. Personally, I want to make sure I don't miss any of Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI's little comments and understand what he is thinking and what kind of football he wants to play.
Q: What kind of play do you want to showcase to Coach Klamovski?
A, I don't know which position I will be used in, but for now, I want to show that I can still avoid losing the ball and participate in the attack from anywhere.
Q: I would like to ask about tomorrow's match against Nagoya Grampus. It will be the first match of the second half of the league, but could you share your impressions of Nagoya?
A, Nagoya has a strong defense and quick counterattacks, giving the impression of a fast transition after regaining possession of the ball. By being conscious of not losing the ball in a bad way and ensuring a more solid transition between offense and defense than the opponent, I believe it will lead to victory.
Q: What do you think will be the key points that determine the outcome?
I believe that the key to winning is scoring the first goal. By scoring early, while we have possession of the ball for a longer time, we can naturally create more opportunities. If we just hold onto the ball without scoring, it plays into the opponent's hands, and the situation of just being "made to hold the ball" is the most frightening. I think that scoring as early as possible is one of the strategies for success.
Q: Kensuke NAGAI, who played in Tokyo until the middle of last season, is now with Nagoya.
A, Nagai is skilled at plays that lead directly to goals, so we must be cautious. Even when we have the ball, he will seize any moment of weakness to attack the ball, so I want to play while keeping an eye on Nagai's defensive movements as well.
Q: This season, Ryoma WATANABE is wearing the number 11 jersey that was previously worn by Nagai until last season. Is there anything you are particularly aware of when facing him?
This is the first time I will face Nagai since becoming number 11. I hope to show my own style as number 11 while enjoying myself on the pitch, even though my playing style is different from Nagai's.
Q: Earlier you mentioned that you have become a player who can think about the team, but don't you also have the awareness of leading the team?
A, gradually, I have become more aware of that with age. There is always a sense of “for this team.”
Q: This will be an important match for Tokyo, especially in terms of making a comeback in the second half of the season. Please share your enthusiasm.
Of course, it's important to show our efforts to the fans and supporters, but I want to show a team that is accumulating points. As the first step, I want to show the changed and stronger appearance of the team. In the Levain Cup match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., I believe we were able to show some changes, at least in terms of our mentality, but to break into the top ranks, we need points. From now on, I want to focus on results and fight to accumulate points even in matches where the performance is not good.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: How do you want to make a comeback from here with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI's appointment?
A, my position as a young player hasn't changed, so I want to take action myself and express myself through my play with confidence. There are many areas where I need to improve, but if I get the chance to play, I want to achieve results and showcase my own characteristics.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Coach Klamovski.
A coach who particularly emphasizes the concept of “fighting” and conveys it through words. He has a very strong image as a passionate coach. In order to perform well in matches, he constantly communicates the idea of “fighting” from practice.
Q: When you get to play in a match, how do you want to contribute to the team?
I want to contribute with dribbling breakthroughs, aiming for goals and assists. If I can shake off the opposing defenders with my dribbling, I believe chances will arise, so I want to create many opportunities. I aspire to be a player who can lead side attacks.
Q: How was your performance in the first half of the league?
Looking back at the first half of the league, the intensity of our defense was low, and I was unable to be included in the starting lineup. There were opportunities during the matches, but I regret that we could not convert them into goals. Including our defense, I feel that we are gradually improving, albeit slowly. However, there are still many areas that need improvement, so I want to elevate our performance.
