<Match Review>
This was the second match under Peter CKLAMOVSKI's management. The opponent is Kashiwa Reysol, who has not won in their last seven league matches. Although they have been far from victory for a while, the coach tightened the reins on the team, stating that this is precisely why they cannot let up.
In the previous match, the team embodied the high-intensity style of play demanded by Coach Klamovski and achieved a 2-0 victory against Nagoya Grampus, who are competing for the top spots. Regardless of the opponent, the style of play remains unchanged. They faced the rainy match aiming for consecutive home wins to carry a good momentum into the second half of the league.
1st HALF - First goal of the season by Diego, scoring the 10th point
Although Tokyo struggled against Kashiwa's sharp defense at the beginning, they persistently moved the ball and pressed the opponent, creating opportunities for set plays in good positions. In the 6th minute of the first half, Kuryu MATSUKI aimed directly at the goal from a free kick opportunity, but was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
By switching from offense to defense without giving the opponent time to move the ball, aggressively chasing the ball from the front line and coordinating the back line to converge on the ball side, we can quickly recover the ball and firmly seize the flow of the match.
The match changed in the 35th minute of the first half. After carefully building up play and entering deep on the left side, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA received the ball in a wide-open position, made a sharp cut to shake off his marker, and delivered a cross. Diego OLIVEIRA, positioned in front of the goal, headed the ball into the right corner of the net, successfully giving Tokyo the lead.
Even if they take the initiative, Tokyo's intensity does not drop. They chase the ball diligently, and by putting their bodies on the line in one-on-one situations, they frequently win the ball back and attack towards the goal without allowing the opponent to focus.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, a large cross was sent in from the right side, and the ball that the defender couldn't clear properly spilled near the penalty area. Player Tawaramizuki, who was present, took a direct shot, but the ball aimed at the bottom right corner of the goal was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper's excellent save.
2nd HALF - Even during the times pressured by the opponent, we maintained a clean sheet
Even in the second half, Tokyo's momentum does not stop. Just two minutes into the second half, Matsuki dribbles the ball and takes a powerful shot from mid-range. The ball, blocked by a defender, changed direction and looped towards the goal, but the opposing goalkeeper managed to clear it from the frame.
As time progresses, scenes can be seen where the team becomes more aggressive and is caught from behind, leading to counterattacks. During periods when they are pushed back by the opponent's momentum, everyone returns to their own half to organize their defensive formation and eliminate space.
Despite having the ball, they did not allow any decisive moments to be created and showed a strong fight in the duels. Towards the end of the match, right after using up all the substitution slots, there was an incident where Masato MORISHIGE got injured during a collision and left the pitch. After receiving treatment, he returned to the pitch, placing Masato MORISHIGE at the forefront and organizing a scramble defense formation to reach the time-up.
Although it was the smallest margin of victory, we held the initiative in both offense and defense for most of the match, securing our second win under Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Kei KOIZUMI/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Shuto ABE/Koki TSUKAGAWA (34th minute of the second half: Reo NOZAWA)
FW Ryo WATANABE (40th minute of the second half: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (40th minute of the second half: Perotti)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (15th minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO/Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
35th minute of the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Kashiwa Reysol>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kenta MATSUMOTO
DF Hiroshi MIMARU/Taiyo KOGA/Yugo TATSUTA/Naoki KAWAGUCHI (39th minute: Takumi TSUCHIYA)
MF Keiya SHIIHASHI (30th minute: Keiya SENTO)/Tomoki TAKAMINE (16th minute: Sachiro TOSHIMA)/Riku OCHIAI (0th minute: Tomoya KOYAMATSU)
FW Mateus SAVIO/Yuki MUTO (0th minute: Float)/Mao HOSOYA
SUBS
GK Tatsuya MORITA
DF Hayato TANAKA
GOAL
―
[Comments from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI at the Press Conference]
Q, please review today's game.
I think we had a really good fight in the first half, and we were able to deliver a very good performance, executing the style of play we anticipated. I am truly proud of the players who fought for 90 minutes. In the second half, there were tough moments for various reasons, but it was a game from which we learned a lot. I believe there were moments when we could have made it 2-0, but the players showed great resilience and fought well while maintaining their discipline. In that sense, the players really delivered a solid performance.
Q: After using all substitution slots in the 40th minute of the second half, there was an incident involving Masato MORISHIGE, and the decision was made to place Kuryu MATSUKI as a center-back. Was this something you had anticipated?
In football, you never know what will happen. What I have learned through this is that the solutions lie in the daily practice we do. Both as a team and as individuals, I believe we were able to fight strongly by building on the foundation we have established so far. Honestly, I think the players fought very well. Matsuki performed solidly as a center-back, and Morishige fought until the end and contributed to the club. The players who came on as substitutes also fought selflessly and did their jobs well. I believe their beliefs and what they have done so far were well reflected in our fight. We have special fans and supporters who pushed us forward, and I think we were able to fight together until the end to secure the three points.
Q. The quick transition and intensity of defense were noticeable.
A, we are currently improving, and this is one of the elements that is making us better. As I always say, what is important is the amount of effort and fighting with dedication. I believe that by clarifying this and having solid positioning, the players are able to help each other in battle. We were able to show good performance in the first half in all aspects, and we gained a lot from that. In the second half, I think there were parts we needed to learn from, but what makes me the proudest of the players is that even in situations where we had to learn lessons, we were able to fight with dedication and secure the three points. However, I believe it is necessary to take one step at a time to become a better team.
Q: The first half was one-sided, but the second half became a tough game. What do you think was the reason for that?
I think the flow changed in the second half because Kashiwa Reysol stepped up. We were able to defend strongly, and finishing with a clean sheet is a very good point for us. The lesson learned is that we need to control the game more ourselves and improve how we move the ball. There were many chances, and if we had scored the second goal, I believe it would have been a match that made the stadium bounce even more.
[Player Interview]]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, please review today's game.
A, it was a very difficult match. Kashiwa Reysol is struggling, but they were a very high-quality team, so it was good to achieve victory against them. We also have our struggles, but I think it was good that everyone fought hard and ran through the match today. There will be no easy matches from now on, so I hope we can overcome them together.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
A, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA is a player known for his ability to break through with dribbling, and he always engages in tactics with opposing players in front of the goal. Today, he delivered a very good cross, which I believe allowed us to score. Although I scored today and we won, I think it could be anyone who scores. I believe that the most important thing is for the team to win.
Q: This marks three consecutive matches with goals in official competitions.
A, scoring a goal is not something that can be done easily. Right now, the team has a good flow and is getting many chances, so we are able to score from the numerous opportunities.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Urawa Reds.
The match against Urawa is expected to be a tough game. The opponent will be playing at home, and Saitama Stadium 2002 has a different atmosphere compared to other stadiums. It is anticipated that the opponent will come with momentum, but we will do everything we can to win and return to Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, please review the game. It's a home winning streak.
We were able to play with high intensity from the start, and at the moment we wanted to score, Diego OLIVEIRA found the net. I believe that being able to take the lead was a key factor in finishing the first half well. In the first half, what was particularly good was that we kept the opponent's shots to zero. I think that was very significant. In the second half, there were tough moments, and there were scenes where we were shot at, but we managed to win the close match with solid play. While it is ideal to score additional goals and win by multiple goals, I think achieving a tough victory with a score of 1-0 was a significant gain for the team.
Q: I particularly felt the tenacity and hard work in the defense during the second half.
It is important not to lose in one-on-one situations. Since the opponent's side attacks were particularly frequent, how the full-backs responded became crucial. I want to further refine the fundamental aspects of not allowing easy crosses or shots. I also want to improve the timing of our defense, the ability to win the ball back, and the accuracy of our build-up play.
Q: As a full-back, I feel that your stability has been increasing with each match.
Since coming to Tokyo, I have only had a few opportunities, but I have played as a side back at clubs I belonged to in the past. It is one of the positions I have experience in, so I can play smoothly without feeling any difficulty. There are still aspects where I have not reached a level of play that satisfies me personally, and there are many scenes where I am helped by my teammates. For the sake of victory, I want to play with a strong commitment.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review today's game.
A, we were able to score early in the first half, and although there were tough moments in the second half, we managed to keep the score at zero and secure the win. I think it's significant that we have kept a clean sheet for two consecutive matches.
Q: I felt a strong desire to score, especially during free kicks and when participating in attacks.
As a defensive midfielder, I was thinking of managing risks while aiming for the open space in front. If I can't score in situations like that, I won't be able to aim for the top, so I want to score next time.
Q: I think the combination of the double pivot was good. What kind of communication do you have with Shuto ABE?
A, we haven't particularly discussed it. We've been playing together since last season and understand each other's strengths, so while it's not exactly a perfect synergy, I believe we've established a play where we cover for each other in the last two matches.
Q: Since becoming the manager, Peter CKLAMOVSKI has achieved two consecutive victories. Please tell us how you plan to aim higher from here.
I believe that not conceding goals is important. If we don't concede goals, we can earn points. With players like Diego OLIVEIRA, who are in great form and can score, I will also aim for goals while fulfilling my role as a defensive midfielder, which can lead us to three points. I want to aim for victory in the next match and the match after that as well.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, please review the game.
A, it was good to have achieved a result. I think it was also good for the team to win without conceding any goals.
Q, please review the scoring scene of Diego OLIVEIRA.
A, we have been practicing crosses up to this point, and I was always communicating with Diego TABA before the match, so I believe it led to today's goal.
Q: There were some close shooting scenes.
I think the part where we can't finalize is due to a lack of strength. I want to continue to have a desire to improve and be able to score, rather than being satisfied with assists. Personally, I also feel that my defensive skills and physical strength are lacking, so I want to make sure I can level up properly.
Q: You have started in two consecutive matches.
I believe that being given the chance to continue playing in matches is contributing to my growth. I want to make sure I don't miss this opportunity, so I will train daily and aim to achieve results.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Urawa Reds.
A. In the next match, I want to score and help the team win. I hope we can fight as one and deliver a victory to our fans and supporters. Since we have player Sakai on the opposing team, I'm excited to see if my dribbling will work, and I want to challenge myself without hesitation.
