<Last Match Review: Urawa Reds>
The first away game under the Peter Cklamovski regime. The opponent was Urawa Reds. On the day, over 49,000 spectators gathered at Saitama Stadium 2002, and the stadium was filled with excitement from the warm-up on the pitch.
At the same time, the humidity was a struggle for both teams. The rain that had been falling intermittently since morning was hovering over the stadium like steam.
The first half was a heated battle between the two teams. Tokyo maintained a compact formation while increasing their pressing from the front, while Urawa aimed for Tokyo's backline and launched quick counterattacks.
On this day, Tokyo's big chance came in the 20th minute of the first half. Matsuki Kuryu picked up a loose ball in the midfield and played a through pass to the half space on the left side (the middle point between the center and the side). Tawaratsumida Kota, who had made an inner lap, broke through and returned the ball to Matsuki, who had run into the penalty area. Before the opponent could catch up to him, Matsuki made a direct shot. Unfortunately, the opponent's goalkeeper touched it and it hit the right post and went out of bounds, but Tokyo's quick attack that opened up the narrow area showed their potential to create scoring opportunities.
Towards the end of the first half, we faced a big pinch. The ball changed course due to a block from teammate Sekine's middle shot and flew towards the corner of the goal, but goalkeeper Jakub SLOWIK, who sensed the trajectory of the ball, made a big save by changing the direction of his body and deflecting it with his right hand. With his amazing reflexes, he protected the goal and ended the first half.
As the second half begins, the hot and humid environment starts to affect the intense Tokyo football. In the 11th minute of the second half, Ryoma WATANABE's individual skill created a decisive scene, but gradually the physical stamina decreased and the formation became stretched, making it difficult to apply pressure from the front line.
As the team struggled to come out of their own half, Seiji KIMURA was brought in towards the end to manage the risk of conceding. On the other hand, they were able to launch counter attacks and create chances for a free kick in the dying minutes of the game, keeping a close eye on the goal.
Despite being at a slight disadvantage compared to the two home games, the intensity and fighting spirit were not lost until the end, leaving a strong impression of a team of fighters.
<Match Preview>
Since Peter CKLAMOVSKI took over as manager in June, the team has kept a clean sheet in 3 consecutive league matches, with 2 wins and 1 draw. In the 3rd round of the Emperor's Cup, they advanced to the round of 16 by winning in a penalty shootout. The team's form is on a steep upward trend.
Manager Peter CKLAMOVSKI praised the team's strong start, saying "I think the actions of every member of the club are reflected in our results. We are united and that is also reflected in our performance." However, he continued with a shake of his head.
"There is still a lot we can do. I believe that by not letting our guard down and taking it one step at a time, we can get closer to our dreams."
This round, which will be the final match before the league suspension, will welcome Kashima Antlers to Ajinomoto Stadium. It won't be an easy mission to break through the opponent's solid defense while containing the powerful duo of Yuma Suzuki and Yuki Kakita in the front line, but Tokyo is currently on a winning streak. Both teams have recently played a fierce battle that even went to a penalty shootout in the Emperor's Cup, so the conditioning leading up to the match will be a key factor in determining the outcome.
Summer has just begun in Tokyo. Let's evolve the team even further and let the hot "Pim Tokyo" take the lead in the middle of summer.
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, we won the battle against Verdy after a fierce fight. Please review the game once again.
A, it was a cup game and there were many situations that could happen. It was a really intense game where you didn't know what would happen until the end. As a team, I think we were able to give our maximum performance. Of course, I wish we could have decided the game in 90 minutes and there were a few chances to do so.
The players' efforts and the game itself will surely remain in the memories of the fans and supporters for a lifetime. In the match against Verdy, each player showed their mentality, character, and love for the club. They showed a play that made everyone proud to say "Blue and Red is Tokyo".
Q, Please tell us your impression of Kashima Antlers, who you will be playing against this round.
A, I think it will be a tough game. I want to have a game where we give everything to take 3 points by preparing as usual. I think whoever enters the team will prepare for the battle. I want to prepare with all my strength and have a game where fans and supporters can return home with a smile.
Q, Is it your stance to focus on the upcoming game and give it your all?
A, If you don't focus on the upcoming game, you might lose sight of what's important. I hope to give my best in the next game and take one step forward at a time.
Q, It has been announced that Shuto ABE has reached a full transfer agreement to RWD Molenbeek (Belgium). How did Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI see ABE as a player?
I am happy to have been able to play on the same team as player Abe. As you can see from his current hair color, I know how much he loved Tokyo. I believe he made a big decision to pursue his own dreams. I am 100% rooting for his success.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, On July 12th, we defeated Verdy in the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round after a penalty shootout.
A, I think the fans and supporters were also fired up because the opponent was Verdy, and we also approached the game with the intention of overwhelming the opponent. Verdy also worked hard, so it was a difficult game, but the fans and supporters also gave us a lot of passionate support, so I think it was good that we were able to win with their support.
Q, Peter CKLAMOVSKI has remained undefeated in four official matches since taking office as coach. What do you feel has changed significantly due to the change in coach?
A, the coach is asking all players to change their mindset, especially in terms of defense. Since becoming coach CKLAMOVSKI, we have been able to properly execute things like sprinting back when the ball is taken away and defending our goal with our bodies. In terms of offense, we haven't made big changes and are incorporating the strengths of our previous soccer style while also showing the influence of coach CKLAMOVSKI. We are gradually getting closer to our goal of playing the type of soccer we want. So far, we have been able to keep a clean sheet in the league, but it is now very important to continue playing games like this and accumulating points. By keeping our opponents from scoring and scoring as many goals as possible, I believe we will also climb up in the rankings.
Q, Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI seems to emphasize not only tactics but also the mental aspect of approaching games.
A, I think the coach has a strong passion and a hot feeling for the game, and he treats us with passion. He's not always passionate, but when we talk individually, he also has a soft atmosphere, and sometimes jokes around.
Q, Has there been any change in Matsuki's awareness in the attacking aspect since Coach Klamovski came and his number of shots increased?
A, I haven't changed my awareness towards attacking much, but since the system has become a double pivot, I am trying to balance it out and when I can go forward, I am thinking of going all out. The change in my awareness is not towards attacking, but rather towards countermeasures and risk management. If the pivot and center back don't cooperate and constantly pay attention, we will end up conceding on the counter, so I am strongly aware of that balance.
Q, Shuto ABE will transfer to RWD Molenbeek (Belgium) after this round. What kind of player is Shuto ABE for Matsuki?
Since joining Tokyo, I have had many opportunities to play with player Abe in the midfield and have learned a lot and been inspired. So I honestly feel sad, but at the same time I also have a feeling that I cannot lose. For the sake of the team and for the sake of player Abe, I only seek victory in this match. First of all, our goal is to end with a clean sheet and win, and I want to fight with all my might.
Q, Please share your enthusiasm for the Kashima Antlers match.
A, we only seek victory. I think it's a huge advantage to be able to play at home before the break, so first of all, we want to end with no goals conceded and build up our performance while aiming for a win.
＜Kei KOIZUMI player＞
Q, In the Emperor's Cup match against Verdy, both fullbacks embodied hard work on both sides.
Player Yuto NAGATOMO, who plays as a left back, led the team with his impressive performance at the age of 37, running for 120 minutes. It's truly amazing. I always believed that the result is more important than the performance in cup matches. We faced Verdy and went into extra time, but I think we were able to focus on winning and play our best.
Q: Do you feel that your condition is adjusting well during the consecutive games?
A, I am always conscious of making good preparations. The Emperor's Cup is a tournament, so I never expect an easy game. I am preparing for anything that may happen.
Q, this round will be a match against Kashima Antlers, our former team.
A, We have played against each other many times, but many of the members who were on the team at that time are still playing for Kashima now. My own play is like that, and many players know about my personal side.However, I myself also know what kind of team Kashima is and what kind of play the players have. As I mentioned before, I have only good memories and am filled with gratitude towards the team Kashima. It will be an exciting match.
Q, becoming coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, gives the impression that intensity has been sharpened. Do you feel more confident going into this match compared to the last one?
A, I think the high intensity demanded in practice is also effective in the game. It is a match against Kashima, which we will face in consecutive games, so it will lead to a good fight if all players prepare well and approach the game. We played a 120-minute battle with Verdy in the Emperor's Cup, so we want to prepare to fight without being careless.
