<Review of the previous match against Vissel Kobe>
The National man of Tokyo is still going strong.
In the 45+2 minutes of the second half, after entering additional time, the game was tied. Dark clouds gather over Tokyo, which had boasted an unbeaten record at the newly renovated Japan National Stadium.
In the second half, they allocated personnel to the back early on and were closing in with a one-point lead, making it difficult to push forward when trying to score again. There were also moments when a ball aimed for an interception connected with the opponent, leading to counterattacks.
In the midst of an open exchange of quick attacks, it wouldn't be surprising for goals to roll in for both Tokyo and Kobe. That dark cloud was torn apart by a momentary flash of lightning.
After consuming most of the 13 minutes of additional time, in the second half at 45+10 minutes. Adailton receives the ball in a shallow position wide on the left side and immediately begins to carry the ball forward, into the center, and towards the goal.
In front of him stood the double and triple walls of the Kobe defense, but the defenders could not even touch the ball in the face of Adailton, who charged forward with lightning speed. After slipping between the two defenders, a third attacker came in to block, but he struck a powerful shot that pushed the ball into the goal.
Like a thunderbolt cutting through the lush pitch. A lightning-fast go-ahead goal has been born in Tokyo.
The drama did not end here, and as a result, it became a situation where they missed their first victory at the newly renovated Japan National Stadium. However, the strike from the National man left behind a "victory-less National" on a summer night.
Match Preview
Tokyo has experienced frustrating moments in the last two matches, conceding goals during stoppage time in the second half. They narrowly lost 1-2 to Yokohama F.Marinos away, and in the previous match, they were equalized by Vissel Kobe at the Japan National Stadium. Reflecting on the match against Kobe, Kei KOIZUMI said, "We felt we could win but didn't. It was a frustrating draw that left everyone involved with Tokyo feeling unsatisfied. We didn't lose, but it feels like we suffered a loss."
Starting with this league match, we will have three consecutive matches against Avispa Fukuoka. First, we want to secure a victory in the opening match to build momentum for the upcoming Levain Cup Semifinal Round. Player Koizumi stated, "The only way to clear this frustrating feeling is to win. If we can win the first match of the three consecutive games, we can approach the Levain Cup with a good mindset. I want to use the home advantage to win here."
For Tokyo, Fukuoka has been a tough opponent over the last three seasons, facing them seven times with three draws and four losses (including the Levain Cup). This match is crucial to dispel the negative image from those previous encounters. As the season approaches its final stages, Tokyo's fierce battles continue.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Avispa Fukuoka has a poor record against their recent opponent. How will you approach the match?
A, I am not someone who looks back, so I am focusing on what will happen today and tomorrow. Of course, I want to respect the good work of the Fukuoka coach, and I consider them a tough opponent. I am really looking forward to the match against them. We just need to give it our all and take the 3 points.
Q: Since Coach Hasebe took office, do you have the impression that there has been no significant change in Fukuoka's style?
A, the way the team fights is clear. It is a wonderful team that fights efficiently. While having respect for the opponent, I want to prepare well for the match.
Q: We have struggled to break through Fukuoka's solid defense in the recent matches.
A, I think this will be a good challenge for us. We are ready to fight tough to score and give it our all. A three-match series against the same team is a unique situation, but it is important for us to secure 3 points in each match and advance to the next stage of the Levain Cup. We are preparing to handle various situations that may arise during this three-match series. We will give everything for the fans and supporters to showcase Tokyo football.
Q: In the last match against Vissel Kobe, Kuryu MATSUKI returned, and Kei KOIZUMI played as right back, which made me feel the depth of the squad. What are your thoughts on this?
The players have a hungry spirit and are facing daily training with determination. I want to elevate that feeling as a team overall. We are having good practices, and I look forward to seeing the players showcase their abilities in the match this weekend.
Q: There were two matches where issues remained with the system changes in the final stages of the game. How will you improve this?
A, recently we have been changing the number of defenders in the final stages of matches. 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. I want to continue refining our skills. If we can master the system we use in the final stages of matches, we will become an even better team. While the defensive aspect is important, I think it is also crucial to master more aggressive play and ways to control the game, to evolve, and to deepen our common understanding as a team, making progress step by step.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q: In the last match, we took the lead during the second half's injury time but ended up drawing 2-2. How do you reflect on that?
I think that all the players, as well as the fans and supporters, and everyone involved in Tokyo, have suffered damage as if we lost, and it ultimately comes down to the feeling of "wasted potential." It's not about who did what; as a team and as individuals, there are many challenges if we get into the details. Personally, I hesitated whether to slide or not just before conceding a goal, which led to a somewhat half-hearted play. For example, if I had boldly slid and escaped outside in that scene... of course, that's hindsight, but I want to delve into the finer points. The fact that we couldn't win a match like that is reflected in our current ranking. However, I want us to firmly accept reality and elevate ourselves together for the remaining 9 league matches and the title of the Levain Cup.
Q: The match against Yokohama F.Marinos and the match against Vissel Kobe ended in disappointing results, but on the other hand, do you feel that the team is improving?
We continued to compete against the top teams in the league, and I don't think we did nothing; we had chances to win both matches. However, looking at the results, we didn't win either match. I believe that when we can play at a high intensity against top opponents, we can play soccer at our own rhythm, and that's something we want to maintain in every match. I felt the "slight difference" between us and the top teams, Yokohama FM and Kobe.
Q: In terms of playing intensity, Koizumi has a strong impression of being very active and fighting fiercely within the team.
A, looking at the standings, I am not satisfied at all. Personally, especially in terms of winning the ball back. Even if I can go strongly against the ball holder, there are times when I can't take it away. In one-on-one situations, being able to take the ball decisively, not just in defense but also in attack, and plays that strip the opponent, I think the "individual strength" is important. Of course, since it's a team sport, there are organizational aspects as well, but if each individual does not lose in their individual strength, I believe the team won't easily lose either. I think we need to further enhance each individual. Regarding play intensity and attack, I want to firmly direct my focus towards myself.
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. What points do you think are important from Koizumi's perspective?
In matches against teams with poor compatibility or negative images, it is essential to focus even more on how to enter the game. Fukuoka exhibits high-intensity play and sometimes plays with a certain level of detachment, and there are many players who can hold the ball and create opportunities for attacks. Therefore, I believe that recovering second balls and battling in aerial duels will be crucial. If we can win in those situations and increase the time we have the ball, our rhythm will naturally improve. If we do not make mistakes in how we enter the game, it will definitely be a good match, and I want to lead it to victory.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q: In the last two matches, you faced top teams. What kind of feedback and challenges do you feel you have encountered?
A, both matches were against opponents who are currently favorites to win the league, and I think they were difficult matches. Unfortunately, we couldn't win, but the content of the matches was not something to be pessimistic about. Not everything led to goals, but we were able to create many chances. It's disappointing that we couldn't win these two matches, but I want to keep my head up and look forward to the next match, including the one against Avispa Fukuoka.
Starting from this match, we will have three consecutive matches against Fukuoka, including the league and the Levain Cup. What kind of impression do you have of Fukuoka?
A, they are ranked above us in the league, and I think they are a very strong team that is progressing well in both the Emperor's Cup and the Levain Cup, achieving good results. I always have the impression that matches against Fukuoka are very difficult, but the current team situation is by no means bad, so I want to train well and prepare for the matches this weekend and beyond.
Q: Is there anything you are conscious of since becoming manager Klamovski?
First of all, I am happy that I have more opportunities to play. On the other hand, I feel a strong sense of responsibility. Of course, I want to correct my weaknesses, strengthen my strong points, and continue to grow in the future. It is important to keep playing in matches so that I can contribute to the team's victories. There are many wonderful players in Tokyo. There is no guarantee of playing time, so I will continue to practice and improve my level.
Q: There are 9 matches left in the league. What kind of performance do you want to show as we head into the final stages?
Unfortunately, the current results and standings are not what we desire, but from here on, we want to win as many matches as possible and aim for a higher position. We also want to share joy with our fans and supporters in as many matches as possible.
