Review of the previous match against Kashima Antlers
In recent years, it has been a symbolic presence for Tokyo, representing the academy's alumni.
Like many companions adorned in blue and red, I have faced soccer with determination, aiming for promotion to the top team. However, what was announced was the postponement of promotion. The young man, harboring his frustration, makes a leap at university. Thus, he returned to the blue and red once again after having left.
Although not considered large in the professional world, he fearlessly confronts opponents at the ball and quickly gets back up and runs again even after being knocked down. He embodies the indomitable spirit of blue and red. With his innate sense for scoring in crucial moments, he has stirred the hearts of Tokyo fans.
Even such a man, while being molded in blue and red, was harboring a new dream. It was the time to support the realization of that dream. We want to win and send off Shuto ABE -- the entire team was filled with that feeling. This led to the opening goal in the 9th minute. However, in the end, it did not come to fruition.
While feeling the emotions of his teammates, he also seemed to regret parting with the Ajinomoto pitch, running around the pitch with more effort than usual, showcasing his dynamism by being involved in both offense and defense.
The face of the man who gave his all at Ajinomoto was refreshing. During the ceremony, he made a few jokes, shed tears of gratitude for his parents, and concluded with a cheerful "I love you, Tokyo."
When we meet next time, let's grow together and continue to elevate the J-League together. Until then, a brief farewell. Both the shoot and Tokyo are still in their growth phase. It was a night where we vowed to strive for excellence together.
Match Preview
The league matches will resume after about half a month.
Cerezo Osaka will be challenging at the opponent's home stadium. They are in the same group in the group stage of the Levain Cup, making this the fourth match between the two teams this season. In the Levain Cup, they have one draw and one loss, and they lost 1-2 in the first half of the league at home. They have yet to secure a victory this season. For Tokyo, who wants to break free from the mid-table and compete at the top, Cerezo Osaka, currently in 5th place, is a team they must defeat at all costs.
Both teams faced each other in the Round of 16 of the Emperor's Cup on August 2, and both were defeated. The restart of the league with a fresh start is expected to be a fierce clash.
Tokyo did not schedule friendly matches with overseas teams during the break, instead dedicating time to instill the style of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI. Training in the extreme heat had many limitations, but on the other hand, the team was able to work on reforming their mindset in a practical manner, maintaining a good tempo in training with the matches in mind.
In the Emperor's Cup, we were repeatedly put in dangerous situations by being exploited behind a high defensive line, but when fighting with a compact formation, it is necessary to take risks. If we can eliminate simple mistakes and misalignments, we can push the opponent back, take control, and develop an attacking style of football.
Against Cerezo Osaka, who excel in quick transitions and counterattacks after regaining possession of the ball, Tokyo will create vast spaces. Therefore, we want to maintain possession of the ball firmly and increase the time spent pushing the opponent back, continuing the idea that "attack is the best defense." Although we couldn't score in the Emperor's Cup, we were definitely able to create clear chances. We want to patiently maintain a high defensive line and a compact formation, carefully creating pathways to the goal.
Peter Tokyo's 5th match in the J-League. We hope to see the fruition of attacking football.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Are you considering the use of players who were unable to participate in the match against Roasso Kumamoto this round?
I want to proceed while checking each player's physical condition, conditioning, and status. I believe that as a team, injured players are gradually returning and are in good condition. I think competition will increase further in each position, and the players will raise the quality of their play to seize opportunities to participate, which will promote the team's growth through competition. I want to think about how to bring the team into various situations and prepare thoroughly.
Q: After the match against Kumamoto, what did you say to the players?
A, we are continuing to communicate with the players. Of course, the players and staff feel the pain of the defeat and have feelings of regret. During the match, we could sense the awareness of wanting to catch up and overtake, but we were unable to reach that point. We need to learn from various elements from there. Right now, we are focusing on the match against Cerezo Osaka. We are only thinking about delivering a good performance and coming back with 3 points.
Q: Please tell me the key points of the match against Cerezo Osaka.
It is important to fully demonstrate our performance and surpass the opponent in all aspects. This comes down to giving everything in our play, including the mental aspect. What I just discussed is the foundation for us to deliver a good performance. By doing so, I believe the results will naturally follow.
Q: Is it necessary to enhance the judgment of both the team and individual players to dominate the match?
Both are important, and the connection in play is crucial. The match against Kumamoto had a speedy development in both offense and defense. I believe we could see during the game what we need to do to showcase our strengths, where the opponent might attack, and what their targets are. Moving forward, it will be important for us to control how we move the ball while holding the initiative and how we shake the opponent. There were moments when the players expressed their intentions through their play. Based on the lessons from the Kumamoto match, I hope we will improve in the future.
[Player Interview]
＜Kota TAWARATSUMIDA＞
Q: After the match against Roasso Kumamoto, please tell us if there were any issues you noticed in your play.
In the match against Kumamoto, there were scenes where we could connect to the goal, but we were unable to finish. I want to become a player who can reliably score in decisive moments.
Q: Do you feel more confident in your dribbling to break through situations and in one-on-one battles as you play more matches?
I have gradually gotten used to the pace of play. In one-on-one situations along the sidelines, I want to actively take on the challenge while considering the number of defenders. I also want to bring my dribbling success rate close to 100 percent.
Q: Having participated in so many matches so far, what aspects of your performance and growth do you feel are significant, Tawaratsukida?
I think it's about the visible range and field of vision. When I first joined, I was inevitably nervous and felt that I could only manage to take on opponents with dribbling. Gradually, I started to see more around me, and I believe my options for play have increased, such as choosing through passes in addition to just dribbling.
Q: After the Kumamoto match, how do you want to contribute in the match against Cerezo Osaka?
I think the quality of the final phase is important. As an individual, I want to clearly demonstrate results, as they are not yet connected, and contribute to the team with high-intensity defense and dribbling initiatives.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q: It has been about two months since Coach Klamovski took office. How does the play feel?
A, what is required is clear, and I believe we are able to play as a team to meet that. In the match against Roasso Kumamoto, we conceded a goal early on, which gave the opponent some breathing room and disrupted our plan. We were often unable to break through their press from the front line, and there were noticeable moments when they got behind us. However, it is important to continue as a team. I think we still have a long way to go, so I want to think more about what is required and play accordingly.
Q: How many attacking rules are there?
I think they are very particular about making runs behind the opponent, and the quality of the passes sent to the teammates who break through is also required. Whether it's a quick pass to the feet or a pass into space. Additionally, when breaking down on the sides, I want to have many options, whether to deliver a cross to the far side or to play a vertical pass back into the center, to further enhance the quality of our play.
Q: Please tell us about the role of a playmaker that is expected from Tsukagawa.
I think there are various images of a top midfielder, but my biggest characteristic is playing to create space for my teammates by moving. I prioritize plays that help my teammates as much as possible and value the connections in our play. The decisive chance in the Kumamoto match was created by the pass I made to Ryoma WATANABE with the movement of the third player in that situation. I want to communicate the importance of these connections more.
Q: Please tell us what is necessary for the team to enhance its offensive power.
It is important how quickly we can go to the goal when we win the ball in a high position, and I have the impression that many goals have been scored from short counters so far. I believe that by making the first pass deeper rather than closer, we can accelerate our play. It is crucial to be able to make the first pass after winning the ball to a challenging area, and instead of directing all vectors towards the goal, it is also important to create our own time when we cannot go towards the goal. What is required of us now is the intensity of our play. I want to effectively differentiate between just pressing from the front and controlling the game ourselves.
