Review of the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos
After the break, we face Yokohama F.Marinos in a match that is part of the championship race, having arrived with consecutive wins in the league. Is the reason for the winning streak momentum, or is it the implementation of the tactics by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI that we have been working on during the break? This match serves as a perfect opponent to gauge the current situation in Tokyo.
The start was immediately overwhelming. Pressured by Yokohama FM's momentum, even when trying to increase pressure on the ball holder, we were stripped by their passing work and continued to be pushed back into our own territory.
Then, in the 12th minute of the first half, they were caught behind by aggressively pushing up the defensive line, creating a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. Although they blocked the opponent's shot twice, they failed to recover the loose ball on the third attempt, allowing the opponent to score first.
However, Tokyo was not relying solely on the momentum of consecutive wins. They thoroughly implemented the commitments made on both offense and defense that had been established during the break. By quickly transitioning between offense and defense to gain rhythm, they launched counterattacks faster than their opponents, causing confusion in Yokohama FM's defense.
And then, we will break through to score in our own style during the first half.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had the ball on the right side, dribbled towards the center of the pitch and sent the ball with an outside kick of his right foot into the vast space that opened up on the left side.
Receiving the ball, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA accelerated without hesitation and carried the ball forward. Observing the situation in front of the goal, he delivered a cross to the near side, where Diego OLIVEIRA controlled the ball amidst a challenge from the opponent and scored the equalizer.
A swift strike from Tokyo, executed by three players: the center forward and both side wingers, launching a rapid attack after gaining possession of the ball.
In the second half, they created two decisive moments that hit the crossbar, showcasing a style of football that was not at all inferior to their higher-ranked opponents. While they certainly want results, the feeling of drawing closer to achieving that was highlighted by the goal in this match for Tokyo.
Match Preview
Tokyo celebrated two consecutive victories after the league resumed, defeating Cerezo Osaka and Kyoto SANGA F.C. They narrowly lost 1-2 against Yokohama F.Marinos, who were in second place at the time. Under the management of Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the team has achieved 4 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in league matches. Despite the scorching heat, the players have improved their condition and have begun to show stable performances.
The oldest player on the team, Yuto NAGATOMO, jokingly said, "I think if I can't move in even one match, it's over for me," and continued, "That's the pride of a veteran. After all, both (Keigo) HIGASHI and Shige (Masato MORISHIGE) are being rewarded for what they do every day. They prepare for practice more than anyone else and train diligently. The standards for what it means to be a professional are high, which is why we can still run at this level. There is a reason we are able to move."
This match will be against Vissel Kobe, who are currently in second place in the league. Kobe has recorded 44 goals, led by their attacking players Yuya OSAKO and Yoshinori MUTO. Under coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Tokyo's solid defense has managed to keep a clean sheet in 5 out of their last 7 league matches, and this match will be a true test of their strength. Of course, Tokyo will win at their sacred ground, the National Stadium.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: In the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, there was a near miss with a shot that hit the crossbar. How much emphasis did you place on shooting awareness in this week's practice?
First, we must properly create situations for such shots. I want to encourage the players to focus on the final part so they can fully execute their plays. It's just about expressing what we have polished, built up, and improved upon so far. Shots and goals are the most important aspects of the game, and we need to elevate them. Not only in that situation, but there were also opportunities to score additional points in the match against Yokohama FM. It was a very good atmosphere playing away against the reigning champions from last season, and there were positive aspects as well. We just need to continue to elevate our performance.
Q: Please tell us about the characteristics of Vissel Kobe as they quickly head towards the goal.
A, it seems that Kobe is consistently doing what they need to do as a team. I feel their strength as a team, and they are not only using quick attacks but also incorporating long balls, creating scenes where they break through the opponent's goal. I am very sorry about Saito's injury, but I believe they are preparing well for the weekend's match. No matter which team they face, they will challenge during the match and aim to take the three points. We have nothing to fear. If we can fully express our way of fighting, fight actively and bravely, and focus on each play, I believe we can defeat any team. I am excited to be able to play at the Japan National Stadium. I hope everyone in Tokyo will come to the venue. The support and encouragement from our fans and supporters give us strength. Please invite your friends and come to the stadium. Let's make it a wonderful night.
Q, is this the first time Coach Klamovski will be in charge at the Japan National Stadium?
I have passed by a few times while driving (laughs). I thought it was a very beautiful stadium. It will be my first time conducting and entering the stadium. I believe it will be a very special match, a special night. I hope you come to watch an exciting game. Kobe is a very strong team, and toughness will be required. As we face Kobe, who is at the top of the league in Tokyo, let's fight together with our fans and supporters to seize victory.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q: In the last match against Yokohama F.Marinos, we maintained focused defense but suffered a disappointing defeat.
I think we were able to fight patiently as a team. However, we experienced the frustration that we cannot take points from a team with high experience like Yokohama FM unless we pursue individual defense that does not lose in one-on-one situations and the fighting spirit of the entire team, including the players who come on as substitutes.
Q: Vissel Kobe is a team with very high attacking power this match week, but please tell us what you are focusing on in terms of defensive organization.
As I mentioned earlier, I believe that the overall defense of the team and the individual defensive skills in specific situations are required, and I think this is a crucial part that influences the outcome of the match. As a defensive player, I will first focus on not allowing the opposing players any freedom, and regarding organized defense, as long as we understand the team's agreements and can play as we have been, I think there will be no problem.
Q: How does player Morishige analyze the attacking power of Kobe?
A, Kobe's strength lies in the attacking power of players Osako and Muto. I believe that, starting with those two players, it is most important not to give freedom to the opponent's attacking line and to not lose in critical situations.
Q: Since Coach Klamovski took office, is there anything that player Morishige is being asked to do defensively?
A, I don't think I'm doing anything particularly difficult; I believe that by adhering to the basic principles of defense and the commitments as a team, we can build a solid defense. While demonstrating what needs to be done in our play, I think we can become an even better team by showcasing each player's strengths and characteristics as an added bonus.
Q: This week's home game will take place at the Japan National Stadium, which is filled with many memories for player Morishige.
Looking back at the matches at Japan National Stadium, I only have good impressions. Since we lost to Kobe 2-3 in the first half of the league, I think this is the perfect stage for revenge.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: Please tell us the factors that prevented us from winning against Yokohama F.Marinos and your impressions of the match.
It was a match where I felt the difference in maturity. Although it was in the finer details such as build-up play, positioning, and coordinated cover movements, I felt the differences between Yokohama FM and Tokyo on the pitch. However, I do not feel that we lost in terms of player ability or quality, and I believe that Tokyo has players who can compete for the championship like Yokohama FM. Reflecting calmly on the match, in both teams' chance scenes, Yokohama FM had more instances of creating shots as a team rather than relying solely on individual abilities. We also created many chances in the match, but the scenes that stood out were more about breaking through with individual abilities. Because of the “maturity,” we were made to chase the ball, which exhausted us like a body blow.
Q, is it important for the team's maturity to raise our ranking even by one position?
I think it's very important. The individual abilities of the players are at a top level capable of competing for the championship in the J1 League. I believe we need to refine the finer details in both offense and defense, work in unison, and enhance our decision-making skills.
Q: It seems that Nagatomo's performance has been improving with each match.
A. I am able to practice with increased intensity from daily training. This is true for team training as well, but I believe the key factor is that I am consistently working on enhancing my strengths. Until now, due to the summer heat and humidity, I had been focusing on recovery. Now, while recovery is still important, I am increasing the frequency of training to develop my strengths. For example, there was a time when the aging process led me to focus too much on recovery because I found it difficult to alleviate fatigue, which hindered my physical condition. I believe that shifting the balance towards increasing the intensity of my training is contributing to my current performance.
Q: This match is against Vissel Kobe, where my comrades Osako and Muto play. Please tell us your enthusiasm for this match.
A, I am in good condition myself, and I am very excited to compete against players like Muto, Osako, and Sakai, who are strong points for Kobe. I am really looking forward to the matchups with them, and I want to bring a victory to Tokyo in a hot and intense match that feels like watching an overseas game. The first half of the league was a very frustrating match for us. The burning passion in my heart is motivating me.
Q: Do you want to regain the 'strong Tokyo' at the Japan National Stadium, where you have not lost so far?
I feel an atmosphere at the Japan National Stadium that makes me confident we won't lose, and my motivation is high. I'm really looking forward to facing the currently strong Kobe at the Japan National Stadium, and since we are at home, I want to approach this match with a strong desire to deliver a victory.
