<Match Review>
The second match under the leadership of Peter CKLAMOVSKI. The opponent is Kashiwa Reysol, who has not won in 7 league matches. Although the opponent has been struggling to win for a while, the commander has tightened the reins of the team, saying that it is precisely because of this that they cannot let their guard down.
In the previous match, the team embodied the high intensity style that coach CKLAMOVSKI demanded on the pitch and achieved a 2-0 victory against Nagoya Grampus, who are competing for the top spot. The way we play won't change even if the opponent changes. We faced the rainy match in order to continue our winning streak at home and progress through the second half of the league in a good flow.
1st HALF - Diego's 10th goal of the season gives us the lead
In the early stages, Tokyo struggled against Kashiwa's sharp defense, but they persisted in moving the ball and pushed their opponents back, creating chances for set plays. In the 6th minute of the first half, Matsuki Kuryu had a direct free kick opportunity, but it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
By quickly transitioning from attack to defense, we do not give the opponent time to move the ball. We aggressively chase the ball from the front line and coordinate with the back line to shift towards the ball side, allowing us to quickly regain possession and take control of the game.
The game changed in the 35th minute of the first half. Tawaratsumida Kota, who had carefully built up the play, received the ball in a wide open position on the left side and made a sharp turn to shake off his marker before crossing the ball. Diego Oliveira, who was positioned in front of the goal, headed the ball and perfectly placed it into the bottom right corner, giving Tokyo the lead.
Even if they take the lead, Tokyo's strength does not diminish. They firmly chase the ball and frequently steal it with their physicality in the battle for the ball, making it difficult for the opponent to defend and heading towards the goal.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, a big cross ball was sent in from the right side, and the ball that the defender couldn't clear fell near the penalty area. Tawara Tsumeta player was there and took a direct shot, but the ball that aimed for the right corner of the goal was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper's great defense.
2ndHALF - Clean sheet without being impatient even when pressed by the opponent
Tokyo's momentum continues even in the second half. Just 2 minutes into the second half, Matsuki dribbles and takes a powerful shot from mid-range. The ball, which was blocked by a defender, changed direction and looped towards the goal, but the opposing goalkeeper cleared it out of the frame.
As time goes by, scenes where the opponent attacks from behind and receives a counterattack become more common. In times when we are pushed back by the opponent's momentum, we respond with a defensive formation where everyone returns to our own half and eliminates space.
Despite not having possession of the ball, Masato MORISHIGE showed a strong presence in the game, preventing any decisive opportunities for the opposing team. However, towards the end of the game, an unfortunate incident occurred when MORISHIGE was injured in a collision just after using up all the substitution slots. After receiving treatment, he returned to the pitch, but with MORISHIGE now leading the front line, the team was able to maintain a solid defensive formation and hold on until the final whistle.
Although it was the smallest point difference, we took control in both offense and defense for most of the game and secured our second victory under the leadership of 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
35' First Half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Kashiwa Reysol＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kentaro MATSUMOTO
DF Hiroki SAMMARU/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 Matheus SAVIO/Yuki MUTO (0th minute: Float)/Mao HOSOYA
SUBS
GK Tatsuya MORITA
DF Hayato TANAKA
GOAL
―
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Director Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review today's game.
A, I think we were able to have a really good fight in the first half, and within that, we were able to put on a really good performance and play the way we expected. I am truly proud of the players who fought for 90 minutes. In the second half, there were tough times for various reasons, but it was a game where we learned a lot. I think there were moments where we could have made it 2-0, but I think the players fought well with perseverance and dedication to maintain discipline. In that sense, the players really gave a solid performance.
Q, After using all the substitution slots in the 40th minute of the second half, there was an accident with Masato MORISHIGE, so we made the decision to put Kuryu MATSUKI in as center back. Did you anticipate something like this happening?
In football, you never know what will happen. What I have learned is that the solution lies in what we do in our daily training. As a team and as individuals, I think we were able to fight strongly by building on the foundation we have created so far. Honestly, I think the players fought well. Matsuki played well as a center back, and Morishige fought until the end and contributed to the club. The substitute players also fought selflessly and did their job well. I think it was a fight that reflected their beliefs and what they have done so far. We have special fans and supporters who have our backs, and I think we were able to fight together until the end to win 3 points.
Q, the speed of switching and the strength of defense were outstanding.
A, it is one of the elements that we are improving and becoming better. As always, it is important to have a high level of physical activity and fight with dedication. And because we are able to make it clear and have a solid positioning, I think the players are able to fight together and help each other. We were able to produce good results in all aspects in the first half of the game, and there were many things we gained from it. I think there were some things we needed to learn in the second half, but what makes me most proud of the players is that even in situations where we have to learn from our mistakes, we were able to secure 3 points by fighting with dedication. However, I believe that in order to become an even better team, we need to take it one step at a time.
Q, the first half was a one-sided game, but the second half became a tough game. What do you think was the cause of that?
A, the flow changed in the second half because Kashiwa Reysol came out. We were able to defend strongly and finish with a clean sheet, which is a very good point for us. The lesson learned is that we need to control the game more and move the ball better. We had many chances and if we had scored a second goal, it would have been a more exciting game where the stadium would have been jumping.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, please review today's game.
A, it was a very difficult game. Kashiwa Reysol was struggling, but they were a very high-quality team, so it was good to be able to win against them. We also have our own struggles, but I think it was good that we were able to fight together and run through the game today. From now on, there will be no easy games, so we want to overcome them together.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
Player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA is known for his dribbling skills and always engages in a battle with opposing players in front of the goal. Thanks to his excellent cross today, we were able to score. Although I scored the winning goal today, I believe anyone on the team can score. The most important thing is for the team to win.
Q, this is the third consecutive game in which we have scored in an official match.
A, scoring a goal is not an easy task. Right now, our team has a good momentum and we are getting many chances, so we are able to score from among the numerous opportunities.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the next match against Urawa Reds.
A, the Urawa match 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 expected that the opponent will come with momentum, but we want to win and return to Ajinomoto Stadium no matter what.
＜Kei KOIZUMI player＞
Q, this is our second consecutive home win. Please review the game.
We were able to play at a high intensity from the start, and Diego OLIVEIRA scored a goal at the timing when we wanted to score. I think that taking the lead was the key factor in ending the first half in a good shape. In the first half, the most impressive thing was that we were able to keep the opponent from taking any shots. I think that was a huge factor. In the second half, there were some tough moments and scenes where we were shot at, but we were able to win the close game with determined plays. It would have been ideal to score more goals and win by multiple points, but in a difficult game of 1-0, I think it was a big achievement for the team to win persistently.
Q, I especially felt the tenacity and hard work in the defense in the second half.
It is important not to lose in a 1v1 situation. As the opponent's side attacks were particularly frequent, it was important to focus on how to defend against them, especially as a side back. We want to further improve our ability to prevent easy crosses and shots, and also work on our defensive positioning, ball recovery, and build-up precision.
Q, as a side back, I feel like your stability is increasing with each game.
A, since coming to Tokyo, I have only played a few times, but I have also had the opportunity to play as a side back for clubs I have belonged to in the past. It is one of the positions I have experience in, so I am able to play smoothly without feeling any difficulty. There are still areas where I have not reached the level of satisfaction as an individual, and there are many scenes where I am helped by my teammates. I want to play with determination for the sake of victory.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review today's game.
A, we were able to score early in the first half, and although there were some difficult moments in the second half, we managed to keep a clean sheet and win. I think it's a big deal that we were able to keep a clean sheet for two consecutive games.
Q, I felt a strong desire to score, especially through free kicks and attacking participation.
A, as a defensive midfielder, I was thinking of aiming for the space in front while managing risks. If I can't score in that situation, 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 volante was good, but what kind of communication do you have with Shuto ABE?
A, We haven't had any particular discussions. We've been playing together since last season, so we know each other's strengths. It's not quite in sync, but I think we've been able to establish plays to cover each other in the past two games.
Q, After becoming coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, we have won two consecutive victories, but please tell us how we will aim higher from here.
It is important not to concede. If we don't concede, we can earn points. That's why we have players like Diego OLIVEIRA who can score goals and are in great form. If I can also play my role as a defensive midfielder and aim for goals, we can secure 3 points. I want to aim for victory in the next game and the game after that.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, please review the game.
A, It was good to have one result. I think it was good for the team to win without conceding a goal.
Q, please review Diego OLIVEIRA's goal scene.
I have been practicing crosses up until now, and I think today's goal was a result of constantly communicating with Diego TABA before the game.
Q, there were also some close shooting scenes.
A, I think the part where we can't make the final decision is due to lack of strength. I want to continue to have a desire to improve and score, not just be satisfied with assists. Personally, I also need to improve my defense and physical strength, so I want to work hard to level up.
Q, this is my second consecutive start in two games.
I believe that I am able to continue playing in games because I have been given the chance, and it is contributing to my growth. I want to make the most of this opportunity and continue training every day to achieve results.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the next match against Urawa Reds.
A, In the next game, I want to score and lead the team to victory. I hope we can fight together as one team and deliver a win to our fans and supporters. I'm looking forward to see if my dribbling will work against the opponent, including player Sakai. I want to challenge without hesitation.
