<Last Match Review: Cerezo Osaka>
Two "firsts" brought victory to the blue and red in Osaka.
The resumption of the league match, which has been suspended for about half a month, is an away game that has only won one game this season. In addition, they faced Cerezo Osaka, who has already played three games, including the Levain Cup, and has only managed to draw one and lose two.
Early in the game, the first "first" moves the game. In the 8th minute of the first half, Yuto NAGATOMO, who assessed the situation on the pitch, quickly put the ball deep into the opponent's territory after receiving a free kick. Diego OLIVEIRA responded and received the ball in the penalty area, but lost it to the opponent's defender. However, Kuryu MATSUKI, who came in for support, picked up the loose ball and scored the opening goal with a shot from the diagonal line.
This is Matsuki's first goal of the season in the league. Matsuki, who has been involved in many scoring opportunities and has been close to scoring, finally scored a goal and the team gained momentum.
...seemed like a crab.
After that, Diego TABA was substituted in the first half, and there was an accident where Kei KOIZUMI was also substituted in the early stages of the second half. As Cerezo Osaka, who was behind in the home game, increased the pressure, the two players in the center line, who are the backbone of the team, were substituted, and it took time for Tokyo to regain their composure.
During that time, Cerezo Osaka repeatedly attacked from the side and continued to have scenes where they combined with a cross ball in front of the goal.
The second "first" to lock the key to Tokyo's goal was Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who made his first appearance in the J1 League match and calmly responded without panicking even during the time when he was pushed back. He jumped out to clear the ball from inside the penalty area when he needed to go forward, and showed sharp reactions and shot blocking with his step work to the ball side when he needed to stay in position.
In addition, he played an important role as a starting point for build-up, such as adding tempo to the restart after receiving the ball.
Two players from Tokyo's proud Paris Olympic generation achieved their first victory in Osaka, bringing 3 points to Tokyo.
<Match Preview>
The away game against Cerezo Osaka, which was the first game of the J1 League restart, ended in a 1-0 victory with Matsuki Kuryu scoring his first goal of the season in the league. Matsuki, who was the key player in the victory, expressed relief at being able to secure 3 points in the first win in 4 official matches, but also reflected on the responsibility of the defensive midfielder in controlling the game, saying, "It is a very important job for a defensive midfielder to control the game. I think it was our responsibility that the game turned into a kicking match." Coach Klomovski also expressed his expectations for Matsuki's growth, saying, "I am inspired by his mental strength and dedication. He has the potential to become the player he dreams of becoming, and he can continue to improve."
This round, we will welcome Kyoto Sanga F.C. to Ajinomoto Stadium in pursuit of consecutive victories. Kosuke SHIRAI, who joined from Kyoto this summer, said before the match against his former team, "It's difficult because I know the opponent and they know me, but I definitely don't want to lose this game. I want to go all out." To surpass Kyoto, who excel in intensity and hard work, it is important to not lose with a fighting attitude. Tokyo will go for the win in a head-to-head battle.
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
What kind of response do you have about the accuracy of Q build-up?
A, I always want to build up and improve. There is more room for growth, and there is more we can do. We want to expand our style of play and make quick decisions on the pitch, even in high-pressure situations and tight spaces. If we can do that, I believe we will be able to effectively utilize the space we want to use in the game.
Q, Please tell us about the competition among goalkeepers, including Taishi Brandon NOZAWA.
Player Daishi Nozawa's performance in the Cerezo Osaka match is the result of the goalkeeper group's daily training. It is evidence that everyone is striving to give their maximum performance every day.
Q, Please tell us again about the strengths and good points of player Taishi Nozawa.
A talented and promising goalkeeper with great potential. Possessing the ability to play under pressure and remain calm when in possession of the ball, this player has good decision-making skills. They also have high skills such as shot-stopping and cross handling. A player with a lot of potential.
Q, Please tell us the elements and roles that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI expects from the goalkeeper.
A, it is important to be able to demand firmly within your own play area. This applies to both offense and defense. It is important to communicate the rules that other players must follow and demand that they are able to do so. The goalkeeper is one of eleven positions on the field. This does not make them any different from anyone else. I expect them to show leadership and their strengths, and to perform in a way that leads to the team's victory.
How is the condition of player Riki HARAKAWA, who joined on a temporary transfer?
We are playing while learning the rules as a team, and I hope they will show their performance in the game. I think they are preparing well to contribute to the team.
Q, This week's match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. will be our first home game after the break.
We only want to grab the victory for our fans and supporters. We want to take 3 points for the club and show our growth as a team, and demonstrate a high performance. We expect Kyoto to come aggressively, but we are also prepared to fight aggressively. Kyoto is a good team and they will come to fight in different situations, so we expect various challenges. Even in such situations, we want to find solutions ourselves and not rely on one person, but give our all as a team and win.
[Player Interview]
＜Kosuke SHIRAI＞
Q, it has been exactly one month since you transferred from Kyoto Sanga F.C. to Tokyo. Have you gotten used to the new environment?
A, Transferring in the middle of the season was difficult and I struggled at first. There are many kind players in Tokyo and they helped create a good atmosphere, so I gradually got used to the environment. Tokyo is my sixth team in my career, but I am originally shy, so I still don't know the secret to fitting in with a new team (laughs).
Q, Roasso Kumamoto's Emperor's Cup match, and the previous Cerezo Osaka match, you played in two games. How do you feel about your performance?
A, To be honest, I can't say that I can give 100% of my strengths. I believe that I can show more good points in the future. My strengths are my sprinting ability and my ability to play both offense and defense. I hope you can see me sprinting and getting involved in the attack, and taking off the opponent and crossing the ball.
Q, What kind of play is expected from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI?
A, I am required to play with high intensity, sprinting forward and back in both attacking and defending. I think I am able to showcase my strengths in those areas, but I want to improve even more in areas that I have not experienced before, such as taking on the inside as a side back. Especially in terms of positioning, I believe I can become even better. I want to be more involved in attacking plays, but there are also defensive responsibilities, so I want to manage risks and grow in both aspects of the game.
Q, there are players like Yuto NAGATOMO and Kashif BANGNAGANDE in the side back position.
A, Tokyo's fullbacks each have their own strengths and characteristics, and there are high-quality players gathered. Personally, I have little experience as a fullback, so there is a lot for me to learn. I feel like I have come to a good environment to grow as a fullback.
Q, this round we will face our former team Kyoto. Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, facing my former team, I can't help but be conscious of it and it's complicated because there are both difficulties and excitement. Kyoto always comes to press from the front, so I want to take advantage of that and break their defense by getting behind them. If I can successfully break their press, it will lead to breaking down the opponent, so I want to be conscious of that and play. Not just this Kyoto match, but from now on, I want to maximize my strengths and contribute to the team. Thank you, Kosuke SHIRAI.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, I played in the starting lineup in the previous match against Cerezo Osaka. Can you please review the game?
Player Kuryu Matsuki scored the opening goal at a good time. Although the opponent had many chances, it was good that we were able to end the game without conceding any goals and bring back 3 points.
Q, After the second half of the Cerezo Osaka match, the time we were being attacked increased. How did you feel about the factors that led to that on the pitch?
A, I think there were various elements, but after scoring, we entered too much into defense. I wish we could have played a more attacking soccer.
Q, Please tell us if there are any promises or things that you are conscious of when playing in the midfield, Mr. Higashi.
A, there are no major commitments, but we are conscious of plays such as switching between offense and defense and turning on the defense. In the position of attacking midfielder, there is inevitably an increase in plays chasing the opponent's ball holder from the front line, so I think it has become one of the roles.
Q, In the match against Urawa Reds before the league suspension and the recent match against Cerezo Osaka, I was very impressed with the defensive contributions of player Higashi.
A, In the early stages of the season, there were many opportunities to play in a low position in the middle. Even for players in the front line, defensive contributions are required in today's football, and when I was playing in the anchor position, I imagined how to put pressure on the opponent so that the players behind me could be saved. I still think there is a lot more I can do.
Q, Is it fair to say that your experience playing as an anchor since last season is now benefiting your current play?
A, there were many times when we played in a low position in the middle of last season. I also felt a sense of being unable to obtain anything other than that position.
Q, we are preparing for a match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. Can you tell us about your impression of the opponent?
A, including Levain Cup, we have a record of 2 wins and 1 loss in official matches, so the impression is not that bad. It is a team that works hard and fights together, and in the away game of the first half of the league, we lost because we couldn't surpass the opponent. We want to surpass Kyoto firmly in the base part.
