<Last Match Review: Vissel Kobe>
Tokyo's National Men were alive and well.
The second half of the game, which entered additional time, saw a turn of events as Tokyo, who had boasted an undefeated record at the newly renovated Japan National Stadium, was caught up in a dark cloud.
In the second half, we allocated personnel to the back early on and entered the closing stage with a one-point lead, making it difficult to push forward and aim for a comeback. There were also scenes where our attempted interceptions led to the opponent's counterattacks.
In the midst of an open and fast-paced exchange, it wouldn't be strange for goals to roll in for both Tokyo and Kobe. However, that dark cloud was torn apart by a momentary flash of lightning.
After consuming most of the additional time of 13 minutes in the second half, in the 45+10 minute mark, Adailton received the ball in a shallow position on the left side and immediately moved it forward, towards the center and towards the goal.
Kobe's defense was facing a double and triple wall, but Adailton, who charged forward with lightning speed, was unstoppable. The defenders couldn't even touch the ball, and after slipping between two defenders, a third defender came in to block, but Adailton managed to powerfully shoot the ball into the goal.
Like a bolt of lightning tearing through the lush green pitch. A lightning-fast winning goal was born in Tokyo.
The drama did not end here, and ultimately resulted in the first defeat at the newly renovated Japan National Stadium. However, the strike of the National Men left behind the "undefeated National" on a summer night.
<Match Preview>
Tokyo has been feeling frustrated in the last two games due to conceding goals in additional time in the second half. They lost 1-2 away to Yokohama F.Marinos and were caught up by Vissel Kobe at the Japan National Stadium in the previous match. Looking back at the Kobe game, Kei KOIZUMI said, "We could have won, but we couldn't. It was not just me, but everyone involved with Tokyo who felt disappointed with the unsatisfying draw. We didn't lose, but it feels like we did." He bit his lip in frustration.
The league match this week will kick off with a series of three games against Avispa Fukuoka. First, we want to win the first game and gain momentum for the following Levain Cup quarterfinals. Player Koizumi says, "To overcome this frustration, we have to win. If we can win the first game of the three-game series, we can approach the Levain Cup with a good image. We want to use the home advantage and win here."
Tokyo has faced Fukuoka 7 times in the past 3 seasons, with 3 draws and 4 losses (including Levain Cup), making them a tough opponent. This match is crucial in order to change the negative image from previous encounters. As we head towards the end of the season, Tokyo's intense battles will continue.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, Avispa Fukuoka is a tough opponent in recent matches. How will you play against them?
A, I am not a person who looks back, so I am focusing on what will happen today and tomorrow. Of course, I want to respect the fact that Fukuoka's coach is doing a good job and I consider them a tough opponent. I am very much looking forward to playing against them. We just have to give it our all and take all three points.
Q, Do you have the impression that there has been no major change in Fukuoka since Coach Hasebe took office?
A, the way we fight as a team is clear. We are a great team that fights efficiently. We want to approach the game with respect for our opponents and make good preparations.
Q, we have struggled to break through Fukuoka's solid defense in recent games.
A, I think it will be a good challenge for us. We are ready to fight tough to score and give our all. The three consecutive games against the same team are a unique situation, but it is important for us to take 3 points in each game and advance to the next stage in the Levain Cup. We are preparing to be able to handle anything that may happen during these three games. We will give our all for the fans and supporters so that we can showcase Tokyo football.
Q, In the previous match against Vissel Kobe, Kuryu Matsuki returned and Kei Koizumi played as a right back, which showed the depth of the team's players. What are your thoughts?
A, Our players have a hungry spirit and face each day's training with determination. We want to push this feeling up as a team. We have had good practices and we are looking forward to our players showing their strength in this weekend's game.
Q, The last two games have been challenging due to system changes towards the end of the match. How will you improve going forward?
A, we have been changing the number of defenders in the final stages of recent games. We need to improve and I believe we will continue to evolve from here. The evolution of both the team and the players is important. We want to continue to polish our skills. If we can master our system in the final stages of the game, we will become an even better team. While defense is important, it is also crucial to master and evolve our attacking play and game control. It is important for the team to have a common understanding and to progress step by step.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, In the previous match, we were able to take the lead in the second half's additional time, but ended up with a 2-2 draw. How do you look back on it?
A, both the players and the fans and supporters, as well as everyone involved with Tokyo, feel like they have suffered a loss, or rather, it's a feeling of "what a waste". Regardless of who did what, there are many challenges for both the team and individuals. Personally, I hesitated whether to make a sliding play or not right before the goal was conceded, and it ended up being a half-hearted play. For example, if I had boldly slid and escaped to the outside in that scene... Of course, it's hindsight, but I want to focus on the details. The fact that we couldn't win in a game like that is reflected in our current ranking. However, we will accept the reality and aim higher together in the remaining 9 league games and the Levain Cup.
Q, Yokohama F.Marinos match, Vissel Kobe match ended in a disappointing result, but on the other hand, do you feel a sense of improvement as a team?
A, We continued to fight against the top teams in the league, but I don't think we couldn't do anything. We had a chance to win both games. However, looking at the results, we didn't win either game. I think when we can play soccer in our own rhythm even against top teams, we want to continue that in every game. We keenly felt the "small difference" between us and Yokohama FM and Kobe, who are at the top.
Q, In terms of playing intensity, Koizumi is one of the most active players on the team and gives off a strong impression of fighting hard.
A, When I look at the standings, I am not satisfied with anything. As an individual, I am particularly focused on making plays that can steal the ball. Even if I am able to go strong against the ball holder, there are times when I cannot steal the ball. I think that being able to firmly steal the ball in one-on-one situations, not just defensively but also offensively, and making plays that can strip the opponent, are important in terms of "individual strength". Of course, it is a team sport, so there are also organizational aspects, but I think that if each individual does not lose in terms of individual strength, the team will not easily lose either. I think we need to continue to improve each individual. I want to focus more on play intensity and attacking, and aim for my own vector.
Q, After Avispa Fukuoka was promoted to the J1 League in the 2021 season, they have faced each other 7 times with 3 draws and 4 losses in official matches. As a player, what do you think will be the key points for Koizumi?
When playing against teams with bad compatibility or image, it is necessary to concentrate even more on how to enter the game. Fukuoka also has scenes where they play with high intensity and somewhat decisively, and they have many players who can hold the ball and create attacking opportunities, so I think that winning second balls and battles in the air will be crucial. If we can win in those situations and have more possession time, the rhythm will naturally come out. If we don't make mistakes in how we enter the game, it will definitely be a good game and we want to turn it into a victory.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q, We have played against top teams in our last two matches. What kind of response and challenges did you feel?
Both games were against strong opponents who are currently contenders for the championship in the league, so they were difficult matches. Unfortunately, we were not able to win, but I do not think the content of the game is something to be pessimistic about. Although not everything led to a goal, we were able to create many chances. It is disappointing that we were not able to win in these two games, but we will not look down and will continue to move forward towards the next game, including the match against Avispa Fukuoka.
Q This week, we will have three consecutive games against Fukuoka, including the league and Levain Cup. What is your impression of Fukuoka?
We are facing a very strong team that is currently ranked higher than us in the league and has been performing well in both the Emperor's Cup and the Levain Cup. Our matches against Fukuoka are always difficult, but our team is in good condition and we will continue to train hard and prepare for this weekend's match and future matches.
Q, Is there anything you are conscious of since becoming coach CKLAMOVSKI?
First of all, I am happy that my playing opportunities have increased. On the other hand, I feel a strong sense of responsibility. Of course, in the future, I want to correct my weaknesses, strengthen my strengths, and continue to grow. It is important to keep playing in order to contribute to the team's victory. There are many great players in Tokyo. There is no guarantee of playing in the game, so I will continue to train and improve my level.
Q, There are only 9 games left in the league. What kind of performance do you want to show towards the end?
A, Unfortunately, the current results and rankings are not what we hoped for, but from here on out, we want to win as many games as possible and aim for a higher position. And, we hope to share the joy with our fans and supporters as much as possible.
