<Last Match・Gamba Osaka Review>
In the previous match against Vissel Kobe, Tokyo suffered a significant defeat in terms of soccer performance. However, in the match against Yokohama F.Marinos in the previous round, they gained a positive response despite the loss. This season, their soccer performance has been unstable and fluctuating, which has also been reflected in their results.
And the Gamba Osaka match also ended up experiencing ups and downs.
In the Yokohama FM match, there were many gains in both offense and defense, and although they gave up possession to an opponent who had the upper hand, there should be no shortage of people who found hope in the development of changing attacking methods while observing the opponent's situation and using both quick and slow attacks.
However, what Tokyo showed one week later was a completely different appearance.
The development from the beginning was a content that either side could take the lead. However, we were unable to surpass the opponent in the accuracy, decision speed, and intensity of each play, and we continued to concede goals. Even if we tried to counterattack, scenes where we lost the ball due to simple mistakes were noticeable, resulting in conceding goals on the counter. As a result, we put ourselves in a difficult position.
Unable to launch effective attacks, they entered additional time with a 3-point deficit. In the 45+2 minute of the second half, when it seemed like they couldn't make a comeback, Shuhei TOKUMOTO made a run on the left side and crossed the ball into the goal area. Koki TSUKAGAWA, who was subbed in during the second half, headed the ball into the goal, finally scoring a goal for the comeback.
Without a single smile, player Tsukagawa calmly responds to his teammates who come to congratulate him. Although it was a very difficult situation to take the lead considering the remaining time, his eyes were filled with ambition to keep fighting for another goal, and another, as long as there is time.
For Tokyo, who faced a difficult reality with 3 consecutive losses and 3 goals conceded in 3 games, the quiet burning ambition of player Tsukagawa and the fighting spirit of player Tokumoto, who never gives up until the end, were the only bright spots for the second half of the league.
<Match Preview>
On June 11th, Tokyo suffered their first three consecutive losses of the season with a 1-3 defeat against Gamba Osaka in the J1 Sec. 17 match. On June 14th, former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA resigned and in this match, the first of the second half of the season, new coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI will lead the team in their comeback from 12th place. In his inaugural press conference, the new coach emphasized the word "hard work" repeatedly, stating, "We must work harder than our opponents and win the battle."
For that reason, there is daily practice. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI says, "If we give our all every day and continue at a high level, we can achieve anything."
The new coach's first match will be against Nagoya Grampus. Coach Kenta HASEGAWA, who led Tokyo until the middle of the 2021 season, is now in charge and is leading the team in a "hard-working" style of soccer, competing for the championship. For coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who demands a fighting spirit from his team, this will be an important match to reaffirm the way Tokyo should fight.
Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI says, "We want to give our all for the fans and supporters and win while respecting Nagoya." Tokyo will take a new step forward with an all-out battle.
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q: After several days of practice, have the players' strengths been identified?
A, of course. We want to improve the quality and accuracy of this team, which already has good players. I think we are able to have good training and step by step, we want to move forward to where we want to be.
Q, Please tell me your impression of Nagoya Grampus.
A, Nagoya is a very good team and we have respect for them. They have a strong counter attack and we need to understand how to respond to it. Nagoya has talented players, but they also have a strong team dynamic. We need to be brave when we have the ball and find open spaces to score. Nagoya is also strong in set pieces, including corner kicks. We need to be alert and ready to respond. In this week's training, we focused on improving and polishing our skills. By continuously improving, we believe we can become the team we have always dreamed of.
Q, How long do you think it will take for the fighting style and tactics demanded by Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI to become ingrained?
A, It will naturally take time to express a completed soccer. Players are also human, so they may make mistakes on the pitch. First of all, we are working on the important parts that will be especially important in our fight this week. We are particularly conscious of clearly incorporating it so that the players can perform well on the pitch. It is very difficult to develop perfect football, but we play seeking perfection. Even if we make a mistake, a positive play and a fearless mentality are important. We want to show the fans and supporters a fight that they can be proud of and excited about.
Q, please tell us the points you emphasized for the Nagoya match.
A, we particularly emphasized our own style. Football is always connected, so we incorporated the rules and forms of attack and defense, as well as things that need to be expressed. If we can express what we have shared, I think we can fight against Nagoya firmly and also express the attacking part. I believe that by polishing what is necessary for the team and taking steps, we will become a good team.
[Player Interview]
Ryoma WATANABE
Q, Peter CKLAMOVSKI has been appointed as the new coach. How do you feel about the change in coach?
A, I have experienced a change of coach in my career so far, and I thought I would accept it as usual. However, I had complex feelings about this time. I think that the fact that I am able to think about the team shows my personal growth. I want to continue to use what I learned from former coach Albert.
Q, Please tell us your impression of Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
A, I have only been training for a few days, but the intense training continues and there is no time to relax during breaks. I am impressed by the contrast. I feel that these aspects will come alive in the game.
Q, How do you feel about the playing style that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI aims for at PEACE STADIUM?
A, it seems that the emphasis is particularly on the fighting and mentality aspects. Tactics are not something that can be established immediately, so we need to build them up from now on. Personally, I want to make sure to not miss any of Coach Klomovski's words and understand what he is thinking and what kind of soccer he wants to play.
Q, What kind of play do you want to appeal to Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI?
A, I'm not sure which position I will be used in, but first of all, I want to show that I can keep the ball and join the attack from anywhere as I have done before.
Q, I would like to ask about tomorrow's Nagoya Grampus match. It will be the first match of the second half of the league, so please tell us your impression of Nagoya.
A, Nagoya has a strong defense and quick counterattack, giving the impression of a fast transition after stealing the ball. By being conscious of not being stolen in a bad way and doing a better job of switching between offense and defense than the opponent, I think it will lead to victory.
Q, where do you think the deciding point will be for the victory or defeat?
A, I think the key to winning is to score the first goal. Perhaps, by scoring early in the game when we have possession of the ball for a longer period of time, our chances will naturally increase. It is dangerous to only have possession of the ball without scoring, as it plays into the opponent's hands. The scariest situation is when we are just "holding onto the ball" without being able to score. I believe that scoring as early as possible is one of the strategies for success.
Q, There is Kensuke NAGAI, who played in Tokyo until the middle of last season, in Nagoya.
Player A, Nagai, is skilled at making plays that lead directly to goals, so we must be cautious. Even when we have the ball, he will quickly attack and try to take the ball, so we must also pay attention to Nagai's defensive movements and play accordingly.
Q, Last season, player Nagai wore the number 11, but this season, player Ryoma WATANABE is wearing it. Do you have any specific thoughts about facing him in a match?
A, this will be my first time facing player Nagai since I became number 11. I'm looking forward to playing on the pitch and although our playing styles may be different, I would be happy if I could show my true self as number 11.
Q, Earlier you mentioned that you have become a player who can think about the team. Do you also have the consciousness of leading the team?
A, gradually, but as I get older, I become more aware of it. There is always a consciousness of "for this team".
Q, This will be an important match for Tokyo, not only in terms of making a comeback in the second half of the season, but also in terms of motivation. Please give us your thoughts.
A, Of course, it is important to show the fans and supporters that we are working hard, but I also want to show a team that is accumulating points. As a first step, I want to show a team that has changed and become stronger. In the Levain Cup match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., I think we were able to show a slightly different and emotional side, but in order for the team to break into the top, we need to earn points. From now on, I want to focus on results and fight to accumulate points even in games where the performance is not good.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, How do you want to turn things around now that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI has taken over?
A, there is no change in my position as a young player, so I want to take action and express myself with confidence. There are many areas where I am lacking, but if I have the chance to play, I want to leave a result and express my own strengths.
Q, Please tell us your impression of Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
He is a coach who particularly emphasizes the concept of "fighting" and conveys it through words. He has a strong image of being a passionate coach. In order to perform well in games, he always emphasizes the importance of "fighting" in practice.
Q, What kind of play do you want to contribute to the team when you play in a game?
A, I want to contribute with dribble breakthroughs and goals or assists as my strengths. If I can strip the opponent defender with my dribbling, I think chances will also be created, so I want to create many chances. I want to become a player who can lead side attacks.
Q: How was your performance during the first half of the league?
A, Looking back at the first half of the league, our defense was weak and I couldn't even make it into the starting lineup. We had chances during the game, but not being able to convert them into goals is something we need to reflect on. I do feel that our defense is gradually improving, but there are still areas that need to be improved, and I hope to continue to raise our level.
