<Match Preview>
The official match will be the first meeting in 12 seasons since the 2011 season.
Football matches involve opponents, differences in the categories they belong to, the lineup of players they belong to, the style of football they play, and various other factors, all of which contribute to various strategies and tactics.
During the 11 seasons, both teams have gained various experiences on their respective paths. The situation they face now is completely different from back then.
However, there is no strategy in this match. We will paint the stadium in blue and red, dominate the opposing team on and off the pitch, and make the "city that never sleeps" resonate.
After Peter CKLAMOVSKI took over as coach, Tokyo has shown a strong defense with 3 consecutive games without conceding a goal. However, the true strength lies in the attacking mindset that the team has shifted towards. Combining individual skills with high intensity and momentum, they relentlessly push towards the opponent's goal.
If you have the leeway to play mind games, go all out. Seeking only victory, we face the fourth match of Peter CKLAMOVSKI Tokyo.
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, What kind of approach do you take with the players to advance in the Emperor's Cup?
A, it is important to focus on the upcoming match and take one step at a time. Of course, I understand the importance of the match against Verdy. On the other hand, I want my players to understand the significance and importance of representing this beautiful club in blue and red, no matter who we are playing against, and to always maintain this motivation and mentality. I cannot stress enough how important tomorrow's match against Verdy is, and it is a game that we absolutely must win. However, for me, every match we play as Tokyo is important. I believe that having a strong mentality at all times is essential in becoming a strong club.
Q, please tell me your impression of Verdy.
I believe they are a strong club that ranks high in the J2 League. We have respect for them as opponents, but this will also be a very important battle for us. I understand how important the match against Verdy is for the fans and supporters. I believe that the club, players, and all those involved understand the importance of this match. In order to take a step forward towards winning the Emperor's Cup, victory in this match is an absolute requirement. We will prepare for the game and go for the win.
Q, how do you perceive tomorrow's match in this unique atmosphere?
A, I understand how important tomorrow's match is. I may not have a genius brain like Einstein, but I know how crucial this match is. I want to win this important match, show our strength so that we don't have to face Tokyo, and accelerate our growth to become a club that Tokyo admires. I promise to fight with the understanding of how meaningful tomorrow's match is for our fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q, We will be facing Verdy in the Emperor's Cup tournament. What is your motivation for tomorrow's match?
A, motivation is, needless to say, at a high level. As an individual, I remember vividly the match since the 2008 season, and it was such a memorable and intense game. There are many rivalries in Japan, but I feel the passion for this match is unmatched.
Q, Have you also experienced the Milan Derby during your time in Italy? Is there a special atmosphere or feeling towards the Verdy match?
When I was with Inter Milan, I experienced the Milan Derby against AC Milan and the Italian Derby against Juventus. I felt the atmosphere of the city changing from a week before, not just in the soccer world but the entire city preparing for the match. That's why I want tomorrow's game to be even more exciting, not just for the Japanese soccer world but for the entire city of Tokyo. I want to represent Tokyo's pride as the "blue and red Tokyo" and fight with all my heart.
Q, How is player Nagatomo's own condition during the continued game?
A, the condition is definitely improving. It's not easy to play consecutive games during the hot season, but I think we need to approach it with a strong mentality to cover the physical fatigue.
Q, Finally, please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
Let's win tomorrow's game and dye the stadium in blue and red.
＜Leon NOZAWA player＞
Q, Please tell us about your current momentum as you increase your playing time from the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match in the Levain Cup.
A, as an individual, I think I am gradually able to express the tasks given to me based on the team's situation and the content of the game. In that process, I want to bring out more of my own strengths and personality, and in the future, in order to increase my playing time, I want to push myself to see what more I can do in addition to the given tasks. There are still many challenges ahead.
Q, Please tell us about the parts you feel you can express through your play and the challenges you feel while getting playing time.
As for the parts that are already done, there is a feeling that we are able to run in both offense and defense, and the defense that the team should do is not yet perfect. The challenge is that there is not enough play to dribble and cut through the opponent with my own characteristics, and to create chances by breaking through to the back. And the biggest challenge is that I have not been able to leave results as a forward. In order to grow as a striker from here, I would like to focus on scoring.
Q, Tomorrow's Emperor's Cup is a match against Verdy. Please tell us your thoughts and enthusiasm for this game.
From my academy days, I have been playing against Verdy and have always had a strong determination to not lose to them, just like the staff and teammates at the time. That feeling has not changed even now. Through my academy days and now as a professional player, I have a special feeling of representing Tokyo and I cannot afford to lose as a club that represents Tokyo. I want to show Tokyo's pride and if given the chance to step onto the pitch, I will play with a focus on results. I especially want you to see my speed, breakthrough ability, and plays that lead to goals in the attacking part of the game. I will do my best to respond to your support with solid results, so please continue to support me.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q, It's a match against Verdy in the Emperor's Cup. What are you focusing on for tomorrow's game?
We want to show a fight that is more focused on winning than the content of the game. In order to demonstrate that we are the representative club of Tokyo, we cannot afford to lose.
Q, After going through FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa and FC Tokyo U-18, you have now reached this point. Did you have a strong awareness of Verdy since your academy days?
I have played against them in the Kanto League and the Prince League. Since then, there has been a saying, "Never lose to Verdy." Before I played for FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa as a player from Chiba Prefecture, I didn't know much about the rivalry between the two clubs. However, as I spent more time playing as a member of Tokyo's academy, special feelings and emotions began to grow. I want to show through my play the teachings of those around me, the rivalry with Verdy, and the awareness that they are an opponent that I absolutely cannot lose to, if I have the opportunity to play.
Q, this is a tournament with a different format from the league and a match against Verdy.
A, I think that the future will change greatly depending on whether we win or lose this match. It is a tournament called the Emperor's Cup, so if we lose, the tournament itself will end. We want to show our results and win firmly at the timing when we participate, and until the day we fight against Verdy next, we want to be able to proudly say "We are the club representing Tokyo".
Q, I think fans and supporters are also expecting to see players who have been promoted from the academy to the top team representing "Tokyo Blue and Red" and performing on the pitch.
I want to express my play in a way that I can firmly compete for my position while being aware of the opponent that I must not lose to. As a defensive player, I want to contribute to keeping a clean sheet and also aim for goals when there are set piece opportunities. I will do my best to play well and achieve good results.
