Match Preview
The Emperor's Cup has reached the Round of 16. Last time, Tokyo had a tough battle against Verdy that went to a penalty shootout, and now they will face Roasso Kumamoto at the opponent's home stadium.
Kumamoto faced Sagan Tosu from the J1 League in the 3rd Round, and despite falling behind by 2 goals in a challenging match, they fought back to a 3-3 draw after 90 minutes and succeeded in turning the game around in extra time, winning 4-3 in a thrilling contest. Last season, they made a strong run to the J1 promotion playoffs, advancing to a match against J1 team Kyoto Sanga F.C., and under the leadership of Takeshi OKI, they have established an attacking style of football and achieved significant progress.
The player to watch out for in Tokyo is none other than Rei HIRAKAWA. He grew up in Tokyo's academy after joining from FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi, and during his first year of high school with FC Tokyo U-18, he garnered attention by playing in the J3 League with the U-23 team. Although his opportunities with the first team were limited, he returned to Tokyo last season after training with Kagoshima United FC and Matsumoto Yamaga FC, but due to limited playing time, he made a complete transfer to Kumamoto in August.
Since joining, he has established himself as a key player in Kumamoto, becoming a driving force behind the team's success mentioned earlier, and he has been entrusted with the captaincy starting this season. His feelings towards the match against his former club are particularly strong, and he must be eager to show his performance.
Kumamoto's style is not unlike the style that PEACE STADIUM Tokyo is working on. It requires high levels of movement and intensity, with fierce pressing and duels for the ball from the front line to the midfield, aiming for quick counters to approach the goal. They value possession and try to advance the game in the opponent's territory. Kumamoto boldly confronts their own style against Tosu and has managed to win the exchanges. Tokyo also wants to challenge head-on while showcasing the difference in strength.
With the league resuming on the 6th after a 3-day break, it is essential to gain momentum in both results and performance in this match. We want to fully demonstrate the style that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI has been working on during the break, and return to Tokyo with a spot in the top 8, showcasing intensity, ball possession, and attacking power.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: I think the style of football that both Tokyo and Roasso Kumamoto aim for is similar.
I think it will be an exciting match. I believe we just need to express what we have to do and score goals. Of course, we have respect for Kumamoto, but we need to enter the match with a strong mentality and organize our thoughts. There are no easy matches anywhere. We anticipate that there will be times when Kumamoto will hold the ball. During those times, we need to understand what we should do and how to stop the opponent's attacks. For example, if such a situation occurs on the pitch, counterattacks may be effective, and when we have possession of the ball, we need to quickly find the open spaces on the pitch. We want to create many scoring opportunities to seize goals. I think it's important to play with the awareness of scoring goals.
Q: It will be a night game, but I think there will also be a battle against the heat.
A, preparation for hard work is essential. We will give everything on the pitch and fight to lift the championship trophy. As long as we have that goal, we want to elevate each other and give our all.
Q: During practice, there were very short breaks between each session, and focused training was observed.
A, the reason for keeping the intervals between each practice compact is to simulate a match. There is no time to rest slowly during a game. Of course, there are times when we set a specific time and proceed with preparations. It's a small detail, but I want the players to firmly grasp this, and it connects to the mindset and method of 'not stopping during the game.' On the pitch, you must not stop thinking. The time between practices is also part of the training, so I want them to always keep their minds switched on. I sometimes talk to everyone about the term 'hard work,' but I expect the players to maintain their mental focus even during the time between practices. The aim is also to enable sharp and correct judgments even in tired situations.
Q: Practice was also conducted assuming Kumamoto's formation.
A, it is important to understand what will be necessary in the match and to play accordingly, regardless of the opponent. Today's practice was conducted to visualize Kumamoto's style. I want to share where spaces will open up during confrontations and which areas the opponent dislikes. We will continue to prepare for everything.
[Player Interview]
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: As Kosuke SHIRAI from Tokyo, an opportunity has come to participate in an official match.
A, it has been about a month since I joined Tokyo, and there have been no official matches, so it has been a very difficult period, but I was able to prepare well. Playing in Tokyo feels like I'm about to face the opening match in a way. I want to express what I've prepared well in the game. I'm hungry for a match (laughs).
Q: There were high performances seen in various places during the practice match against Urawa Reds.
I think it was a game where there were still issues with detailed positioning, but there were also plays that contributed to the minimum performance and scoring. I was able to get a long playing time and coordinate with my teammates, so overall, I think it was good.
Q: I got the impression that the offensive side has been organized, especially.
A, the basic aspects are influenced by my experience playing during my time at Kyoto SANGA F.C. There are some differences in the frequency of taking the inside and in risk management during attacks, but I was able to utilize what I have developed so far regarding the competitiveness in ball situations and hard work that Coach CKLAMOVSKI consistently demands, and I felt I could play without any discomfort.
Q: What kind of instructions and play requirements have you received from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI?
A, as a team, discipline and the plays we must execute are fundamental, but I believe it is important for me to showcase additional plays and characteristics. I want to demonstrate that I can outpace opponents in both offense and defense, and excel in one-on-one situations.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Roasso Kumamoto.
A, when I think of Kumamoto, I remember the match against them in the J1 promotion playoff final last season when they were in Kyoto. We have played many official matches up to this point, but it was a match that left a strong impression due to its unique atmosphere and high tension. I believe the lineup has changed since we faced them last season, but it is certain that they are not an easy opponent. However, I want to demonstrate the difference in caliber as a J1 club through the results. I want to approach the match anticipating it will be a difficult one.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: You played all 6 matches in the group stage of the Levain Cup. How is your current condition?
A, I think I'm in pretty good shape. I believe I can play without any major issues.
Q: Good plays were seen in the practice match against Urawa.
I think I was able to play well, which I feel good about. Even though it was a practice match, I believe I was able to show plays that will lead to confidence in the future.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Roasso Kumamoto, the team you will be facing this time.
A, we have faced Kumamoto during the last season and the season before when I was with Iwate Grulla Morioka. They are a team skilled at moving the ball around, and I have the impression that their defenders, starting with the center-backs, repeatedly pass the ball and move, making it very difficult to defend against them. Above all, I am looking forward to competing against Rei HIRAKAWA. I am excited because there are seniors from the Tokyo academy, such as Makoto OKAZAKI and Rimu MATSUOKA, along with HIRAKAWA.
Q: I think there are expectations for each play that creates a saving to rescue the team and serves as the starting point for the attack.
A. The Emperor's Cup is a tournament, so there is only win or lose. I believe it will be a question of how to compete under different regulations than in league matches. I think the choices in play will change each time.
Q: Do you want to leverage your experience in the Levain Cup to compete?
Although it is a different tournament from the league matches, I believe we can compete well in the Levain Cup. I think I have been able to play confidently without any particular anxiety during regular practice. I believe I am in a good state where I have organized what I need to do, including my mental aspect, during the break period.
