Match Preview
This will be the first matchup in 12 seasons since the 2011 season on the official competition stage.
In a football match, there is an opponent, differences in the categories they belong to, the lineup of players, the preferred football style, and various aspects that create differences, which lead to various strategies.
Over the 11 seasons, both teams have gained various experiences on their respective paths. The circumstances they face are completely different from those times.
However, there is no mind game in this match. Dye the stadium in blue and red, overwhelm the opposing team both on and off the pitch, and resonate the 'City That Never Sleeps.'
Since the appointment of Peter CKLAMOVSKI as manager, Tokyo has recorded three consecutive matches without conceding a goal, highlighting their defensive strength in numbers. However, the true essence lies in the team's attacking posture, which is directed 'forward.' Layering individual skills on top of high intensity and momentum, they relentlessly move towards the opponent's goal.
If you have the luxury to negotiate, give it your all. Seeking only victory, we approach the fourth match of Peter CKLAMOVSKI Tokyo.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: What kind of encouragement are you providing to the players to advance in the Emperor's Cup?
It is important to focus on the battle in front of us and take it step by step. Of course, I understand that the match against Verdy is also important. At the same time, I want the players to always carry the significance and importance of representing this beautiful club color of blue and red, regardless of which club they are facing, and to maintain this motivation and mentality. I will say it again, I understand how important tomorrow's match against Verdy is, and it is a game we absolutely must win. However, for me, every match played as Tokyo is important. I believe that maintaining a high mentality is an essential element for becoming a strong club.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Verdy.
I believe we are a strong club positioned at the top of the J2 League. While I have respect for the opponent, this will also be a very important battle for us. I understand how significant the match against Verdy is for all the fans and supporters. I believe that the club, players, and all involved understand the importance of this match. To take a step forward in raising the Emperor's Cup, winning this match is an absolute requirement. We will prepare thoroughly for the game and aim for victory.
Q: How do you perceive tomorrow's match, which will be welcomed with this unique atmosphere?
I understand how important tomorrow's match is. I may not have a genius mind like Einstein, but I know how crucial this match is. I want to show the strength that makes us not want to face Tokyo and accelerate our growth to become a club that is admired by Tokyo. I promise to fight understanding how meaningful tomorrow's match is for all the fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: In the tournament format of the Emperor's Cup, we will be facing Verdy. What kind of motivation do you have for tomorrow's match?
A, the motivation is undoubtedly high. As an individual, I vividly remember the match since the 2008 season, and it was such a memorable and intense game. There are many rivalries in Japan, but I feel so passionate about this match that I believe nothing surpasses it.
Q: You have experienced matches like the Milan Derby during your time in Italy. Is there a special atmosphere or feeling towards the match against Verdy?
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 change a week before the match, as not only the football world but the entire city transformed in preparation for the game. That’s why I want tomorrow’s match to be even more exciting, making it a day that energizes not just the Japan national team but the whole city of Tokyo. I want the club representing Tokyo to fight with the pride of being the "Blue and Red Tokyo."
Q: How is your condition, Player Nagatomo, as the matches continue?
A, the condition is definitely improving. The consecutive matches during the hot season are not easy, but I believe we must approach them with a strong mental attitude to cover the physical fatigue.
Q: Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A, let's win tomorrow's match and paint the stadium blue and red.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q: You have been increasing your playing time since the Levain Cup match against SANGA S. Please tell us about your current feelings.
As an individual, I believe I am gradually expressing the tasks assigned to me based on the team's situation and the content of the matches. Within that, I want to showcase more of my own characteristics and style, and in order to increase my playing time in the future, I want to delve into what I can do beyond the assigned tasks, not just what is given to me. There are still many challenges ahead.
Q: Please tell us about the aspects you are able to express through your play and the points you feel are challenges while getting opportunities to participate.
As for the parts that are coming together, while our play in both offense and defense is not yet perfect, there is a sense that we are improving. The challenge is that we are lacking in plays where I can use my dribbling skills to get past opponents and create chances by breaking through behind the defense. The biggest challenge is that, as a forward, I have not been able to produce results in terms of scoring. To grow as a striker from here, I want 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.
Since my academy days, I have faced Verdy, and I fought with a strong determination not to lose to Verdy, along with the staff and teammates from that time. That feeling has not changed even now. After going through the academy, I have a special feeling of fighting as a professional player representing Tokyo, and I cannot afford to lose to show that we are a club representing Tokyo. If I have the opportunity to stand on the pitch to show Tokyo's pride, I want to play with a focus on results. I especially want you to see the speed of play, breakthrough ability, and plays that lead to scoring in the attacking part. I will do my best to respond to your support with solid results, so please cheer for us.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q: It's a match against Verdy in the Emperor's Cup. What are you focusing on for tomorrow's game?
I want to show a fight that prioritizes victory over the content of the match. We absolutely cannot lose to demonstrate that we are the representative club of Tokyo.
Q: After going through FC Tokyo U-15 and FC Tokyo U-18, have you had a strong awareness of Verdy since your academy days?
Yes, I have faced them in the Kanto League and in the Prince League. From that time, there was also the teaching of "never lose to Verdy." Until I played as a member of FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa, I didn't understand much about the rivalry between the two clubs, as I am originally from Chiba Prefecture. However, as I spent more time playing as a member of the Tokyo academy, my special feelings and emotions began to grow. If I have the opportunity to play, I want to demonstrate through my performance the teachings of those around me, the sense of rivalry towards Verdy, and the awareness that they are an opponent I absolutely cannot lose to.
Q: It is a different tournament format from the league matches and a match against Verdy.
I believe that the outcome of this match will greatly change our future, whether we win or lose. Since it is a tournament called the Emperor's Cup, if we lose, the tournament itself will be over. I want to ensure that we secure a victory at the time we participate, and until the day we fight Verdy again, I want to demonstrate with results that we are the club representing Tokyo.
Q: I believe that fans and supporters are looking forward to seeing players who have been promoted from the academy to the top team representing "Aoiaka no Tokyo" thriving on the pitch.
While being aware that this is a rival we cannot lose to, I want to express my play in a way that allows me to firmly compete for my position in the future. As a defensive player, I want to contribute to keeping a clean sheet, and if there are opportunities from set pieces, I want to aim for goals. I will work hard to play well and connect that to results.
