<Review of the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol>
In the second match of the new system under coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the blue-red intense pressing did not stop.
Moving people to the ball side one after another, blocking the opponent's advance and immediately switching to attack towards the goal.
In particular, the attack was initiated by Diego OLIVEIRA's post work, with teammates providing solid support to create passing lanes, while players other than the ball holder paved the way for advancing the ball and bringing it to a finish.
The decisive goal of this match was similar. When Diego received the ball, he spread it to the left side to use Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, and while the young talent held the ball with a unique timing to create a chance, Diego smoothly entered the penalty area. Then, with a sharp change of direction, Kota sent in a cross, and Diego headed it in to shake the net.
As the second half began, the opponent focused on a style of play that targeted Tokyo's backline with long balls, increasing their numbers in the forward line, which led to counterattacks against them, resulting in Tokyo spending more time in their own half. On the other hand, instead of retreating towards their goal, they maintained a defensive block while not weakening their press on the ball side, ensuring that the opponent was not given the opportunity to launch a thick attack.
The player who shone with his defensive abilities in the match against his former club was Kei KOIZUMI. His strength in one-on-one situations, sharp reading to attack and intercept the ball by exploiting the opponent's gaps, and exquisite timing that makes it difficult for opponents to break through were evident. Once he wins the ball, he distributes both short and long passes to neutralize the opponent's first defense and becomes the starting point for counterattacks.
With a cool expression, he calmly collected the ball and accurately turned it into an offensive play. The presence of the "big brother" was prominent in both defense and offense during this match.
Match Preview
The away game for Klamovski Tokyo, the first of its kind, is expected to be a sea of red at Saitama Stadium 2002 against Urawa Reds.
This is a matchup since the opening game of this season. At that time, it was a scenario of Tokyo in its second year under Albert PUIG ORTONEDA and Urawa in its first year under the Scorja system, where Tokyo had the upper hand in terms of team completeness, pushing Urawa back in terms of content and winning with a score of 2-0.
However, by the end of the first half of the season, the standings of both teams have changed significantly. Tokyo has struggled to consistently accumulate points, while Urawa, after a difficult start, has improved steadily and achieved results such as winning the AFC Champions League (ACL). Currently sitting in 4th place, they are in a position where they can aim for the ACL spots and even the championship.
Tokyo faced the result of three consecutive losses, which led to a change in management, but in the last two matches under the new system, they have won twice, scoring 3 goals without conceding. The current football, which places the vector "forward," is different from the appearance Tokyo showed in the opening match, and it should be an encounter with the "unknown Tokyo" for Urawa.
Looking ahead, next Wednesday there will be a match against Verdy in the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round, followed by a game against Kashima Antlers over the weekend, entering a series of consecutive matches starting from this match against Urawa. Considering the high intensity of Tokyo soccer, the approach to the 90-minute battle is something to be very concerned about.
However, Coach Klamovski has no concept of energy conservation. He puts all his effort into the current match, giving everything to win. This style will not change in this series of matches. In a corner of the stadium dyed red, Tokyo continues to push forward to shake the area occupied by blue and red with joy.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: How will you break through the solid defense of Urawa Reds?
It is important to take space behind the opponent's defensive line and to express the speed and tempo of movements that we have been building up in training. By doing so, I believe the opponent's defensive structure will gradually break down. I think it is about expressing awareness of moving forward and making runs behind, and how the opponent's defense will respond.
Q: It seems that the build-up from the back is gradually being organized. How do you feel about it?
I believe we need to further enhance and improve our quality. The way we connect and engage with the ball differs by position, and the key is how we can create space by moving the ball. Additionally, I want to gradually increase our movements that exploit spaces at a faster tempo, making it uncomfortable for our opponents.
Q: What kind of things are you trying in terms of offense, and what are you communicating to the players?
A, it is about moving the ball quickly. The coordination and connections between positions have improved, in my impression. Various things have become clear from practice. Now, I want to encourage the players to express the plays we can do in practice during the matches. Of course, there were times when we could express ourselves in the matches against Nagoya Grampus and Kashiwa Reysol. It is important to see how long we can maintain those moments. There is no perfection in football. To put it metaphorically, there are strategic elements like arm wrestling, and there will be difficult moments when we cannot express our play. Based on hard work, I want to step up while having a common understanding.
Q: After a series of consecutive wins in the league, what have you been able to see?
Although it was a short period, the players were able to fully demonstrate what we have been working on as a team during practice. I believe they played in a way that did not give the opponent any freedom, making it uncomfortable for them. I feel that what we have been building up from practice is gradually becoming ingrained. I have said this many times, but we still have a lot to improve. We aim to build a team that will be even more loved by our fans and supporters. To achieve that, we do not want to waste a single day. We always want to pursue growth.
[Player Interview]
＜Shuto ABE＞
Q: Please tell us what is particularly required for the defensive midfielder position.
A, the most important thing is the high intensity. Coach Klamovski demands the recovery of second balls and dedication in defense. I believe this is especially emphasized in meetings.
Q: Please tell us what is being asked of you in terms of offense and how you express that in your play.
When the ball flows to the side players, we central midfielders are conscious of making runs forward. The way we move to break through changes depending on the position of the ball, but I believe that when we are playing in the opponent's territory and circulating the ball at a high position, that is one of the key moments to aim for.
Q: The defense has kept a clean sheet for two consecutive matches. Please let me know if there are any areas in the attack that need improvement.
A, it's not that we haven't been able to score, and I believe you can see Diego OLIVEIRA's good form by watching the matches. We want to score with Diego at the center, and we also want to aim for quick counterattacks. Just like the second goal against Nagoya Grampus, if both defensive midfielders can get involved in the attack, draw out the opposing defenders, and deliver accurate crosses in front of the goal, I think we will increase our scoring.
Q: Given the poor away win rate so far, the match against Urawa Reds will be an important one.
As for Tokyo, Saitama Stadium 2002 doesn't have a very good compatibility, but I believe we need to firmly overturn that with results. The team is currently able to play with confidence, so if we can concentrate from the start of the match, I think it will lead to victory.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: Has the attacking task changed since Coach Klamovski took office?
Regardless of the position, whether as an attacking midfielder or on the side, I play with an understanding of the necessary positioning during attacks. To contribute to the team's victory, it is essential to enhance tactical understanding, so I would like to continue doing so.
Q: Your play, which is not confined to a specific position, is impressive. Is there anything you are consciously aware of during the match?
To score, I am always conscious of plays calculated backward from the goal. In order for the team to score, I flexibly consider what position I need to take and where I should support, choosing movements to flow to the side or plays to receive the ball in the center.
Q: Please tell us the factors that allow the team to quickly play towards the opponent's goal.
I think the most important thing is that we are able to defend well. We have organized our awareness within the team to win the ball high up the pitch and maintain a high defensive line while pressing from the front. I feel that good defense leads to good attack. I also believe that being able to play at a high intensity in practice is a significant factor. I think that intensity carries over into the matches.
Q: It seems that the number of times Ryoma WATANABE himself is moving towards the goal and creating chances has increased, starting from Diego OLIVEIRA. Please share your thoughts on this.
I believe that in the plays I am involved in, the part of creating attacking opportunities is still lacking, and I see it as my own challenge. Throughout the season, I have set a goal of scoring 10 goals, but in order to increase my pace, I want to show plays aiming for a goal in every match.
