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 upcoming match right in front of us and progress step by step. Of course, I understand that the match against Verdy is also important. On the other hand, I want the players to always carry the significance and importance of representing this beautiful blue and red club color, no matter which club we face, as well as 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 we play as Tokyo is important. I believe that always having a strong mentality is an essential element to becoming a strong club.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Verdy.
I think they are a strong club positioned at the top of the J2 League. While we have respect for them as opponents, this match is also very important for us. I understand how significant the match against Verdy is for the fans and supporters. I believe the club, players, fans, supporters, and everyone involved recognize the importance of this match. To take a step forward in lifting 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?
A, I understand how important tomorrow's match is. I don't have a genius mind like Einstein, but I know how crucial this match is. I want to win this important game, show a strength that makes Tokyo not want to face us, and accelerate our growth to become a club admired by Tokyo. I promise the fans and supporters that I will understand how meaningful tomorrow's match is and fight accordingly.
[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, needless to say, very high. Personally, this is the first match-up since the 2008 season, and I vividly remember that game back then; it was such a memorable and intense match. There are many rivalries in Japan, but I feel such passion that I believe nothing surpasses this particular match.
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 from a week before, with not only the football world but the entire city transforming in anticipation of the match. Because of that, I want tomorrow's game to be even more exciting and to make it a day that energizes not only Japanese football but the entire city of Tokyo. As a club representing Tokyo, we want to fight with the pride of "Blue-Red Tokyo."
Q: How is your condition, Player Nagatomo, as the matches continue?
A, the condition is definitely improving. Consecutive matches during the hot season are not easy, but I believe we must face them with a strong mindset 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 in 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.
A. As an individual, I think I have gradually been able to express the tasks assigned to me according to the team's situation and the content of the matches. Within that, I want to bring out more of my own characteristics and style, and moving forward, to increase my playing time, I want to thoroughly explore what I can do beyond just the tasks 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.
A. The parts that are going well include playing with full effort both offensively and defensively, and the defensive work the team needs to do is not perfect yet, but there is a sense that it is improving. The challenge is that I am lacking plays where I use my dribbling skills to get past opponents and plays where I break behind the defense to create chances, which are my strengths. The biggest challenge is that, as a forward, I have not been able to produce results in terms of scoring goals. To grow further as a striker, I want to focus more on scoring goals from now on.
Q: Tomorrow's Emperor's Cup is a match against Verdy. Please tell us your thoughts and enthusiasm for this game.
I have faced Verdy since my academy days, and back then, both the staff and teammates fought with a strong determination not to lose to Verdy. That feeling remains unchanged even now. Having gone through the academy, I now carry a special feeling of representing Tokyo as a professional player, and I cannot afford to lose as we aim to show that we are a club representing Tokyo. Whenever I have the chance to step onto the pitch to show Tokyo's pride, I want to play with a focus on results. Especially in attack, I want you to see my speed, breakthrough ability, and plays involved in scoring. I will do my best to respond to your cheers with solid results, so please support us.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q: It's a match against Verdy in the Emperor's Cup. What are you focusing on for tomorrow's game?
A, we want to show a fight that focuses more on victory than the content of the match. To prove that we are the club representing Tokyo, we absolutely cannot afford to lose.
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?
A, I have faced them in the Kanto League and also in the Prince League. Since then, there has been a teaching of "Never lose to Verdy." Personally, I am from Chiba Prefecture and until I played as a player for FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa, I did not fully understand 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. With the teachings from those around me and the awareness of the rivalry with Verdy as an opponent we absolutely cannot lose to, I want to demonstrate this through my play whenever I get the chance to appear on the field.
Q: It is a different tournament format from the league matches and a match against Verdy.
A, I believe that the outcome of this match, whether we win or lose, will greatly affect our future. Since this is the Emperor's Cup tournament, if we lose, the tournament itself will end. At the time we participate, we want to secure a solid victory and show through our results that "We are the club representing Tokyo" until the day we face Verdy next.
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.
A, while being aware that this is an opponent we must not lose to, I want to express my play in a way that allows me to firmly compete for my position going forward. As a defensive player, I want to contribute to keeping a clean sheet, and if there is a chance from set plays, I want to aim for scoring. I will do my best to play well and connect it to positive results.
