Review of the previous match against Nagoya Grampus
Everyone's arrows were all pointing straight "forward."
Will they be able to play with this momentum in the second half as well? Won't they completely run out of steam towards the end of the match?
The Tokyo players ran, ran, and ran so much that it was worrying to watch from outside the pitch.
When the opponent takes the ball, the switch to defense happens immediately, with the first defender applying pressure without hesitation, and pursuing the ball one or two more times. The teammates around also respond by predicting the source of the ball, and the team slides forward in coordination to intercept the ball.
Then, after regaining possession of the ball, they launched a quick counterattack and advanced rapidly towards the goal. 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, Tokyo outperformed Nagoya Grampus.
At the start, the press was loose, and there were moments when we were countered from behind, but once the second half began, the gaps tightened, and the lost balls were quickly recovered. We continued to take the initiative on second balls, maintaining possession of the ball at our feet throughout the match.
Among them, shining was Henrique TREVISAN, who intercepted with sharp reading and crushed Nagoya's attacking opportunities. His judgment on positive transitions after winning the ball was also brilliant, embodying "offensive defense" and adding luster to Peter CKLAMOVSKI's debut as a coach.
Match Preview
In the first match under Peter CKLAMOVSKI's regime, they achieved a 2-0 victory against Nagoya Grampus in the previous round. With only a short preparation period since his appointment, he established detailed rules, and all the players worked hard to secure the win. While praising the players' attitude, the new coach envisions further evolving the team, stating, "To reach the place we dream of, there are things we must do."
One of those is build-up play. In preparation for the match against Kashiwa Reysol, we have started working on building up our play. "(Build-up play) is one area where we can evolve. I believe we can improve there, and I want to think about how to score while having the intention to improve," he said. Additionally, we have spent time confirming throw-ins and have dedicated time to further set pieces as we prepare for this week's match.
Kashiwa's poor performance led to the resignation of coach NELSINHO midway through the season. Even after Masami IHARA took over, the league results continued to struggle with 2 draws and 3 losses. However, coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI remains cautious, stating, "Kashiwa will come to give their all and seize points. We also want to fight aggressively." Tokyo will also strive to secure victory with all their might this match.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Will a sustained effort be the key to victory?
A, preparation for the match is important. It is essential to think about how the team can become stronger without wasting a single day, focusing on building up. This leads to how we prepare and fight against the opposing team we will face next. On the pitch, I am conscious of conveying this as clearly as possible to the players. Within that, we want to enhance our intensity and physical aspects, taking one step forward at a time. Both players and staff are always aware of raising the limits of our performance.
Q: While making hard work a habit, it seems that Coach Klamovski is communicating with each player about their play.
Even when it doesn't clearly show in our play, we are communicating effectively. Especially, a high level of concentration and hard work are essential to express our style of play. These two points must be absolutely represented as a team. Adhering to the team's principles inevitably leads to increased effort and hard work. We aim to create a mentality and build a team that other clubs find difficult to compete against Tokyo.
Q: Please tell us the criteria for evaluating and measuring satisfaction with Coach Klamovski during practice.
A, for me, there are clear rules. The players understand this standard as well. I hope the players can express the movements and plays of their teammates even with their eyes closed. In attack, it is required to quickly aim for the goal and coordinate with teammates, while in defense, it is necessary to create a connected defensive network. We are in the process of instilling what I just mentioned into the players, and I believe what they can express and what they cannot will serve as one standard. I try to incorporate opportunities to overcome challenges into practice. It is natural that there will be things they cannot do 100 percent, but I believe that is also part of the practice. In such cases, it is important for us staff to provide information and support through video confirmation and other means.
Q: Regarding the match against Kashiwa Reysol, please tell us whether continuity is important or if further changes should be made, and what the key points are for competing.
A, Nagoya and Kashiwa will have different styles of play. While there may be similar phenomena, it is important to first fully express our own play. It is about how to express the team's established rules and how to exploit the opponent's weak points. Ultimately, I believe everything connects to hard work. We just need to give our all to earn the 3 points.
[Player Interview]
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q: The match against Nagoya Grampus, which was the first game for the new coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, seemed to be fulfilling, but what changed with the coaching change?
I believe that the return of the fighting spirit, not only in the match against Nagoya but also in the Levain Cup match against SANGA S, is a significant factor. There are certainly tactical changes, but above all, the most notable change is that we have been able to bring our fighting spirit to the forefront.
Q: Henrique TREVISAN's performance seemed to be very good as well. How do you feel when you look back on it?
I feel that my own play was good, but the entire team showed a very good performance. The important thing is to continue to grow from here. I want to maintain this good performance and show more stable matches.
Q: The center-back position in Tokyo has a deep player pool, and the competition for positions is fierce. What mindset do you have when preparing for matches?
Yes, there are certainly many good players, and there is a high level of competition for positions. However, the most important thing is the team's victory, and it is natural for the players in good form to be on the pitch. In that sense, having a tough competition for positions is beneficial for the team, and I believe it is important for teammates to compete while respecting each other to bring good results to the team.
Q: In set-piece situations, you show a passionate header every time. Do you have a desire to further showcase your scoring ability?
A, that's right. I have scored 2 goals in official matches this season, both of which were headers. I take pride in my aerial battles as a strong point. I want to score more goals from here and contribute to the team.
Q: Henrique TREVISAN came to Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2021 season. How do you feel about the atmosphere at Ajinomoto Stadium this season, now that vocal cheering has been fully lifted?
A, the match against Urawa Reds, which was the opening game of this season, was impressive. I had been away from the team due to injury in the second half of last season, so the match against Urawa was the first time I experienced the loud cheers since coming to Japan. I was moved by the atmosphere at Ajinomoto, and I realized that the atmosphere in the stadium completely changes when supported by fans and supporters.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the match against Kashiwa Reysol.
A. Right now, Tokyo has come together as a team, and we are able to conduct rigorous and high-quality training, and we are confident that we can show good matches. From here, in order to raise our ranking even slightly, we want to do everything we can to earn 3 points and make our fans and supporters happy.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI has taken office, and the team achieved victory against Nagoya Grampus. Please tell us what has changed as a team and what you have been able to continue doing.
A, with the change of coach, it feels like the players who had been participating and those who had not have been reset, and the competition within the team has started again. There is competition within the team, and each player is able to practice with a sense of urgency and at a high intensity. I also feel a different tension and atmosphere compared to before. I believe we need to continue the good aspects that we have been able to express since the season started, but from the perspective of not winning, I also recognize that there were many areas that were not good. I have been acutely aware in the last few matches that the accumulation of daily training and awareness reflects in the games, and I think I had almost forgotten that point myself. While there were aspects we could do as a team during camp, I feel that some slack has developed as the season started and we played several matches. Right now, I believe each player is reaffirming the essential parts needed for playing and is working on them.
Q: In the match against Nagoya, I felt a strong awareness and pressure towards moving forward. Is it correct to say that the results of being able to express the aim led to the performance, especially since Coach Klamovski has just taken office?
I believe that we conducted high-intensity training over a short period, and the results were reflected in the matches. The strength required in switching between offense and defense, as well as in one-on-one situations, is something the players also felt, but I think it comes down to each individual's awareness rather than the change of coach. In the first half of the league, there were matches like the one against Nagoya where we were able to express ourselves, but consistency is necessary. Winning consecutive matches is now the most important thing. To seriously aim for the championship and a position in the ACL spots, it is essential to accumulate three points. It is us players who have brought about this difficult situation, so we want to show matches that will help us recover from this frustrating feeling.
Q: In the last few matches, you have been playing as a right back, but do you feel that what you need to do hasn't changed much?
Regardless of the position played, a high level of intensity is required. That is the one point I am always conscious of, whether I am playing as a defensive midfielder or a full-back. Each positioning and the way the ball is moved obviously differs depending on the position, so I believe that intelligence in play is necessary.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for this match against your former club.
Although my time here was not very long, I believe there were fans and supporters who cheered for me. Now, as a member of Tokyo, I want to show through my play what I can do to help Tokyo win, without being overly conscious of my former club. No matter what happens, I believe that as long as Tokyo wins in the end, that's what matters. Regardless of the opponent, I think that expressing the plays we need to make for victory will connect to "for Tokyo." I believe that demonstrating good play on the pitch is also a way to repay my former club, so I want to focus on myself and approach the match with that mindset.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: In the last match against Nagoya Grampus, you scored multiple goals. How do you feel about your good form so far?
A, my condition is very good. Last season, there were long periods when I struggled with injuries, but this season I have been able to play without injuries so far, which contributes to my good condition. I am also happy to be scoring goals while being mindful of playing as usual, and I want to further improve my level from here.
Q: It seems that the feelings you have for this season are particularly strong, given the struggles of last season.
I am always aware of contributing by executing the plays we should as a team and scoring goals within that. Last season, I got injured during the pre-season camp and was unable to express good play throughout the season. I have realized that by training hard without injuries, I can perform well in matches, and I want to make sure to prepare well.
Q: You have scored 9 goals so far, but what is your current sense of scoring like?
A, unlike last season, I feel a good flow for scoring goals. Since we are able to consistently build on our goals with a good rhythm, I believe it is important to continue this.
Q: What are your thoughts as you prepare to face Kashiwa Reysol?
There are various clubs in the J.League, but I always have respect for Kashiwa Reysol. This is because, as some of you may know, it is the club that gave me the opportunity to play in Japan. I was able to play in a good environment in Kashiwa, and I still maintain a good relationship with the staff and players I was with at that time. While I play with respect, right now I am only focused on playing for victory in Tokyo.
Q: As a player who symbolizes Tokyo and is loved by fans and supporters, how does Diego TABA feel about it?
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 the opportunity given to me by Kashiwa to play, and there are fans and supporters who continue to cheer for me even after I transferred to Tokyo. I am grateful for the wonderful times I spent both on and off the pitch at Kashiwa. After transferring to Tokyo, I have been able to play for a long time. I believe we professional players need to set an example both on and off the pitch. However, as a soccer player, I must deliver results on the pitch. I think that such efforts are recognized by the fans and supporters. The reason I am who I am now is because of the support from everyone involved with Tokyo. Considering my own age, I do not have a long career ahead of me as a soccer player. It is quite possible that I will end my professional career in Tokyo and return to Brazil. Until that time, I want to show my best performance with all my strength.
