<Match Preview>
The three-game series against Avispa Fukuoka kicked off. In the first game, the J1 League Sec. 26, the team suffered a 1-2 defeat due to two early goals. In the end, Naoki Kumata, who came on as a substitute, scored his first J1 League goal, bringing the team within one point, but they struggled against Fukuoka's solid defense until the end. After the game, Keigo Higashi expressed his frustration, saying, "We were caught up in the opponent's game plan after conceding the first goal. We were communicating with each other at the start, but we needed to focus even more. We want to use this as a lesson for the Levain Cup."
This match will be an opportunity to overcome the frustration. The first leg of the Levain Cup quarterfinals will be played just two days after the previous match. Our ideal scenario is to take the lead at home and carry it over to the second leg. Player East says, "We can't play to match our opponents, we have to win with our own style. Whether it's at home or away, we want to aim for the goal without wavering."
To defeat the opponent who lost three days ago, mental strength is required. Tokyo will face an important battle in pursuit of their fourth Levain Cup victory in three years (including the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup).
Matchday program here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, How will you prepare for the semifinal round of the Levain Cup against Avispa Fukuoka with only 2 days of rest?
A, it will be a consecutive match and a match against the same opponent. First, we need to carefully review the results of the match against Fukuoka on the 3rd, confirm what needs to be improved, and organize it. We are asking everyone to express our soccer firmly, no matter who is playing. We want to focus on performing at a high level and getting results.
Q, Will the opponent also face the Levain Cup under the same conditions? Are you also considering rotating in fresh players?
We are also considering using fresh players. We have informed the players of the situation and those who were unable to play in the Fukuoka match have been training in good condition. The players who played in the match are working hard to recover in the short period of time before the game. We want to make a solid decision on which members to play in the Levain Cup.
Q, In the match on the 3rd, Naoki Kumata scored his first goal in the J1 League. Please re-evaluate Kumata, who has been struggling up until now.
A, no matter what kind of player, the daily process is very important. Even if they have the world's top talent, it's the same. I ask my players to focus on their daily progress. I think Kumada has talent. I want to encourage him to bring out that high potential and become a great player. Since I became the coach of Tokyo, Kumada has been playing hard in his daily training. Even in the Fukuoka game, he came on as a substitute and showed a very good performance. I believe he will show even better things from here on. I want to congratulate him on his first goal in the J1 league. I hope he will continue to score more goals in his career.
Q, unfortunately we lost in the league match. How will you raise the team's atmosphere from here as we approach consecutive matches?
No one is satisfied with losing in the league match, and the frustration remains. However, the important thing is to learn from this defeat and use it in the next game. We can also see it as a good opportunity to face the same opponent again. We want to approach the game with a strong mentality to turn things around from here.
[Player Interview]
＜Keigo HIGASHI＞
Q, The first game of the three-game series against Avispa Fukuoka ended in a disappointing defeat. How do you look back on the game?
A, the match against Fukuoka is always a tough one and leaves a strong impression. The flow and rhythm of the game are often controlled by the opponent, making it a difficult match. We knew it would be a tough game, but conceding 2 goals early on made it even more challenging. It's not that we weren't focused, but the early goals made it clear what our team needs to work on.
Q, Although we lost in a difficult game, I think the late goal was a decisive blow that will lead to the next one.
A, the match was a complete defeat and we let Fukuoka play their football for 90 minutes. First of all, it is important to increase our chances of attacking, not just through set pieces. We felt many challenges in terms of our attack and facing Fukuoka.
Q, How is your motivation for the Levain Cup, where there is still a possibility for the title?
A, In terms of this season, it is the tournament with the highest possibility of winning the title, so if we can win against Fukuoka, whose match record is not good as a team, it will not be "a chance in a pinch", but I think it will be a turning point that will completely change the flow. I also think that it is a big advantage to be able to play the first match at home. Considering that the away match against Fukuoka is always a difficult game, I want to approach the match while being aware of that. I think we cannot get closer to the title without winning against a solid team like Fukuoka. It will definitely be a difficult opponent, so I want to make it a match that leads to the next one, and I want to approach the match by organizing the issues that came up in the match on the 3rd.
Adailton Player
Q, The first game of the three-game series against Avispa Fukuoka ended in a disappointing result. Please give us a review of the game.
Unfortunately, we ended up with a disappointing result in a very difficult match. However, instead of dwelling on the past match that has ended, we want to make sure to prepare well for the first leg of the Levain Cup quarterfinals.
Q, in the Montedio Yamagata match of the practice game against Vissel Kobe, a goal was also created in a similar way. Adailton's good form can be seen.
A, I am able to play in good condition and I want to further improve my condition and show a good performance in the game. No matter what form, I will always seek results if I participate in the game. I will only express the maximum play that I should do for the team. The quarterfinals against Fukuoka will be a consecutive match and a very difficult game is expected. I want to take the first game at home as a plus and seek a victory that leads to the second game away. And I want to move on to the next stage.
Q, Adailton himself, don't you have many good memories of the Levain Cup?
We won the title in the Levain Cup in the 2020 season and have a very good image. First of all, we want to secure a spot in the final and leave a good result, and make our fans and supporters happy.
Q, In the match against Fukuoka on the 3rd, it seemed that Adailton was marked tightly and measures were taken against him.
A, Not only in the recent game, but also in every club we face, we know that they are taking measures. Even among those measures, I think it is important to make good plays towards the goal and break through the opponent's defense. By playing towards the goal with the ball, there are many scenes where my teammates become free. I also want to be aware of free players and open spaces, and contribute to victory not only through scoring but also through assists.
