<Last Match Review: Nagoya Grampus>
All arrows were pointing straight ahead.
Will they be able to play in the second half with the same momentum? Will their legs completely stop in the final stages of the game?
The Tokyo players ran and ran so much that it made me worry watching from outside the pitch.
When the ball is taken by the opponent, immediately switch to defense, with the first defender applying pressure without delay, chasing the ball two or three times. The surrounding teammates also anticipate the ball's movement, sliding forward in coordination with the team and going to intercept the ball.
And then, once they regained possession of the ball, they launched a short counterattack and quickly approached the goal. Tokyo surpassed Nagoya Grampus in both positive transitions, which refer to the switch from defense to attack, and negative transitions, which refer to the switch from attack to defense.
Although there were scenes where the pressing was not effective and they were caught on the counterattack, in the second half, the pressing became tighter and they quickly recovered the ball when it was lost. They also consistently reacted faster to second balls and were able to keep the ball at their feet throughout the match.
One standout player was Henrique Trevisan, who intercepted Nagoya's attack with sharp reading. His decision-making in positive transitions after winning the ball was also impressive, embodying a "defensive attack" and adding a touch of brilliance to Peter Cklamovski's debut as coach.
<Match Preview>
Peter CKLAMOVSKI's first game as manager was a 2-0 victory against Nagoya Grampus in the previous round. Despite having a short preparation period, the new manager was able to fine-tune the team's tactics and all players worked hard to secure the win. While praising the players' attitude, the new manager also has a vision to further evolve the team, stating "In order to reach the place we dream of, there are things we must do."
One of those is the build-up. In preparation for the Kashiwa Reysol match, we have started building up our build-up. "(Build-up) is one of the areas that can evolve. I believe we can improve there, and I want to think about how to score while having the intention to improve." In addition, we have spent time on confirming throw-ins and other rules, and have been preparing for this match by dedicating time to further regulations.
Kashiwa's coach NELSINHO resigned in the middle of the season due to poor performance. After Masami IHARA took over as coach, the team continued to struggle with 2 draws and 3 losses in the league. However, coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI remains cautious, saying "Kashiwa will come to take all the points. We also want to play aggressively." Tokyo will also do their best to grab a victory this round.
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, will a sustained fight be the key to victory?
A, preparation for the game is important. It is important to think about how the team can become stronger without wasting a single day, and to focus and build on that. This will also lead to how we will face and prepare for the next opponent team. We are conscious of clearly conveying this to the players on the pitch. In doing so, we want to increase our intensity and physicality and take one step forward at a time. The players and staff are always conscious of raising the limit values.
Q, while making hard work a habit, it seems that coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI is communicating with each player about their play.
A, even when PREMIST is not clearly expressed in our play, we are communicating. In particular, for the foundation of expressing our play, high concentration and hard work are essential. These two points are absolutely necessary to express as a team. Following the team's rules will inevitably lead to physical activity and hard work. We are basing our team building on creating that mentality and making it difficult for other clubs to fight against Tokyo.
Q, Please tell us the criteria for evaluating and satisfaction of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI in practice.
A, for me, there are clear rules. The players also understand these standards. I want the players to be able to express their teammates' movements and plays even if they close their eyes. In attack, they are required to quickly aim for the goal, cooperate with their teammates, and in defense, they must create a coordinated defensive network. We are currently trying to instill these ideas in the players, and I think whether they can express them or not will be one of the criteria. In practice, we incorporate opportunities to overcome something or challenge ourselves. Of course, there will be things that cannot be done 100%, but I think that is also part of the practice. In such cases, it is important for us as staff to provide information and support, such as checking with videos.
Q, What are the key points for the upcoming match against Kashiwa Reysol? Is continuity important or will there be further changes?
A, Nagoya and Kashiwa will have different ways of playing. There may be similar phenomena, but first and foremost, it is important to show our own play. Expressing the team's rules and how to exploit the opponent's weak points. Ultimately, I believe it will all lead to hard work. To get 3 points, we just have to give it our all.
[Player Interview]
＜Henrique TREVISAN＞
Q, What changed with the change of coach in the first match of Nagoya Grampus against Peter CKLAMOVSKI?
A, not only the Nagoya game, but also the Kyoto Sanga F.C. game in the Levain Cup, I think the big factor is that the fighting attitude has returned. There are also tactical changes, but the biggest change is that we are able to show our fighting spirit and fighting spirit.
Q, How was it looking back on Henrique Trevisan's own performance, which seemed to be very good?
A, I also feel that my own play was good, but the whole team showed a very good performance. The important thing is to continue to grow from here. I want to continue this good performance and show more stable games.
Q, Tokyo's center back has a deep roster and fierce competition for positions, but how do you prepare for the game with that in mind?
A, certainly, there are many good players and a high level of competition for positions. However, the most important thing is the team's victory, and it is natural for players in good form to take the pitch. In that sense, having a tough competition for positions is a good thing for the team, and it is important for teammates to compete with respect and bring good results for the team.
Q, Do you have a desire to further showcase your scoring ability by displaying a passionate header every time during set plays?
A, yes. I have scored 2 goals in official matches this season, both of them were headers. I am confident in my aerial battles. I want to score more goals and contribute to the team from here on.
Q, Henrique TREVISAN joined the 2021 season in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. How do you feel about the atmosphere at Ajinomoto Stadium this season, where vocal support has been fully allowed?
A, The opening match of this season against Urawa Reds was impressive. Since I was away from the team due to injury in the second half of last season, the Urawa match was the first time I experienced a loud cheering since coming to Japan. I was moved by the atmosphere of Ajinomoto Stadium, and I realized that the atmosphere of the stadium completely changes when supported by fans and supporters.
Q, Please give us your enthusiasm for the Kashiwa Reysol match.
A, Tokyo has now come together as a team and we are able to have intense and high-quality training. We have confidence that we can show a good game. In order to improve our ranking even a little, we are determined to earn 3 points and make our fans and supporters happy.
＜Kei KOIZUMI player＞
Q, Coach CKLAMOVSKI took office and won against Nagoya Grampus. Please tell us what has changed for the team and what they have been able to continue doing.
A, with the change of coach, the players who had been playing and the players who were unable to play have been reset, and the competition within the team has started again. The competition within the team has created a sense of tension, and each player is able to train with a high intensity while feeling a sense of crisis. I also feel a different sense of tension and atmosphere than before. While I think it is necessary to continue the good parts that we have been able to express since the start of the season, if we look at it from the perspective of not being able to win, I also see that there were many things that were not good. I have realized in the past few games that the accumulation of daily training and awareness will show in the game, and I also feel that I myself had almost forgotten about that. Even though we were able to do it as a team during the camp, as the season started and we played a few games, I also feel that there was some slack. Right now, I think each player is reconfirming the necessary aspects as a prerequisite for playing and working on them.
Q, Did you feel a high level of intensity in terms of awareness and pressure towards moving forward in the Nagoya game? Is it safe to say that the results of being able to express your intentions, despite Peter CKLAMOVSKI's recent appointment as coach, led to your performance?
A, I think that the strong training we did in a short period of time was reflected in the game. I think the players also felt the strength required in switching between offense and defense and in the ball contest, but it was not because the coach changed, but because of each individual's consciousness. In the first half of the league, there were also games like the Nagoya game where we were able to express ourselves, but continuity is necessary. Winning streaks will be the most important thing from here on out. In order to seriously aim for the championship or a place in the ACL, it is essential to accumulate 3 points. We, the players, are the ones who have caused this difficult situation, so we want to show a game where we can take back this frustrating feeling ourselves.
Q, In the past few games, you have been playing as a right back, but is your stance that there isn't much change in what you should be doing, Koizumi?
A, no matter which position you play, a high intensity is required. That is the only thing I am always aware of, whether I am playing as a defensive midfielder or a full-back. The positioning and movement of the ball are naturally different depending on the position, so I believe that intelligence in playing is required.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for this week's match against your former team.
A, although it was not a very long period in terms of years of service, I think there were fans and supporters who supported me. Now, as a member of Tokyo, I want to play to the maximum to help Tokyo win without being too conscious of my old team. I believe that as long as Tokyo wins in the end, anything is fine, so regardless of the opponent, if we express the plays we need to do for victory, it will lead to "for Tokyo". I also believe that showing good plays on the pitch will also be a way to repay my old team, so first of all, I want to focus on myself and approach the game with determination.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, How do you feel about the good form you have shown so far, with goals also coming in the previous match against Nagoya Grampus?
A, My condition is very good. Last season, I suffered from injuries for a long time, but this season, I have been able to play without any injuries, which has contributed to my good condition. I am happy to be able to score goals while playing as usual, and I want to continue to improve from here.
Q, it seems that the feelings put into this season are even stronger than usual, due to the struggles of last season.
I am always conscious of performing the plays that the team should do and contributing by scoring goals. Last season, I got injured during the pre-season camp and was unable to express good plays throughout the season. I realized that by practicing without getting injured, I can show a good performance in the game, and I want to make sure to prepare well.
Q, You have scored 9 goals so far, but how do you feel about your scoring sense right now?
A, Unlike last season, I feel a good flow for scoring. We have been able to score goals in a good rhythm, so I think it is important to continue this.
Q, What are your feelings as you prepare to face Kashiwa Reysol?
There are various clubs in the J-League, but there is always respect for Kashiwa Reysol. This is because, as some of you may know, it is the club that gave me the chance to play in Japan. I was able to play in a good environment in Kashiwa, and even now, I have a good relationship with the staff and players who were there at the time. I will play with respect, but now I am only focused on playing for Tokyo's victory.
Q, As a player who symbolizes Tokyo and is loved by fans and supporters, how does Diego Taba feel about himself?
A, I was 25 years old when I first came to Japan. I think it was a very good timing in terms of age. I owe my current self to Kashiwa for giving me the opportunity to play, and there are also fans and supporters who continue to support me even after I transferred to Tokyo. I am grateful for the wonderful time I spent on and off the pitch in Kashiwa. I have been playing for a long time since I transferred to Tokyo. As professional players, I believe we need to be role models on and off the pitch. However, as soccer players, we must produce results on the pitch. I think that is why the fans and supporters recognize us. I am where I am today because of the support from everyone involved in Tokyo. Considering my own age, I am not a soccer player for a long time. It is also possible for me to finish my career as a professional player in Tokyo and return to Brazil. Until then, I want to show my best performance as much as possible.
