Match Preview
The three-match series against Avispa Fukuoka has begun. In the first match of the J1 League Sec. 26, we lost 1-2 due to two early goals conceded. In the final stages, Naoki KUMATA, who came on as a substitute, scored his first goal in the J1 League, bringing us within one goal, but we struggled against Fukuoka's solid defense until the end. After the match, Keigo HIGASHI expressed his frustration, saying, "Conceding the first goal allowed the opponent to dictate the game. We were encouraging each other at the start, but we needed to be more focused. I want to use this reflection in the Levain Cup."
This match will be an opportunity to clear our frustrations. The first leg of the Levain Cup Quarterfinals comes just two days after our last match. Ideally, we want to take the lead at home and carry that momentum into the second leg. Player Higashi stated, "We must win with our own style of play, not by adapting to the opponent. Whether at home or away, we want to stay focused and aim for the goal."
To overcome the opponent we lost to three days ago, mental strength is required. Tokyo is facing an important match in pursuit of their fourth Levain Cup title in three years (including the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup).
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: With two days until the match against Avispa Fukuoka in the Levain Cup Quarterfinal Round, how will you prepare?
A, we will have consecutive matches against the same opponent. First, it is important to thoroughly review the results of the match against Fukuoka on the 3rd, confirm what improvements need to be made, and organize our thoughts. Regardless of who participates, we expect to express our style of football clearly. We want to focus on delivering high performance and achieving results.
Q: The opponent will also face the Levain Cup under the same conditions, but are you considering substituting in fresh players?
Yes, we are of course considering the use of fresh players. We have communicated the situation to the players, and those who could not participate in the Fukuoka match on the 3rd are training in good condition. The players who participated are making a solid effort to recover during this short period before the match. We want to make a careful decision on which members to compete with in the Levain Cup.
Q: In the match on the 3rd, Naoki KUMATA scored his first goal in the J1 League. Please reassess the evaluation of KUMATA, who has had a difficult time until now.
Regardless of the player, the process of each day is very important. This applies even to players with the highest talents in the world. I ask the players to focus on their daily efforts. I believe Kumada has talent. I want to encourage him to draw out that high potential and become a wonderful player. Since I became the coach in Tokyo, Kumada has continued to play without missing hard work in daily training. He also showed a very good performance even though he came on as a substitute in the Fukuoka match. I believe he will show even better things from here. I want to say congratulations to him on his first goal in the J1 League. I hope he continues to score more goals throughout his career from here on.
Q: Unfortunately, we lost in the league match. How will you boost the team's morale from here as we prepare for the upcoming matches?
No one is satisfied with the loss in the league match, and there is a lingering regret. However, the important thing is to learn from this defeat and apply it to the next match. We can also view the upcoming match against the same opponent as a good opportunity. I want to approach the game with a strong mentality to make a comeback from here.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: The first match of the three-game series against Avispa Fukuoka ended in a disappointing defeat. What are your thoughts on the match?
A, the match against Fukuoka always leaves the impression of being a tough contest. The flow and rhythm of the game ended up being dominated by the opponent. We approached the match knowing it would be difficult, but conceding two goals early on made the game even tougher. It wasn't that we were not focused, but the early goals highlighted the challenges we face as a team.
Q: Although we lost in a difficult match, I believe that the late goal will lead to something positive next time.
A, the match was a complete defeat, and we allowed Fukuoka to play their style of football for the entire 90 minutes. First of all, it is important to increase our attacking opportunities, not just through set pieces. I felt there were many issues regarding our attack and specific challenges against Fukuoka.
Q: How is your motivation towards the Levain Cup, where the possibility of a title remains?
A, in terms of this season, this is the tournament with the highest possibility of winning a title, so if we can achieve victory against Fukuoka, whose performance has not been particularly good, it could serve as a turning point, even though it’s not exactly "a chance in a crisis." I believe having the first match at home is also a significant advantage. Considering that away games against Fukuoka are always tough, I want to approach the match with that in mind. I think we cannot get closer to the title without winning against solid teams like Fukuoka. There’s no doubt it will be a difficult opponent, so I want to create a match situation that brings hope for the next steps, and I want to organize the issues that arose in the match on the 3rd as we prepare for this game.
<Adailton>
Q: The first match of the three consecutive games against Avispa Fukuoka ended in a disappointing result. Please reflect on the match.
It was a very difficult match, and it ended in a disappointing result. However, rather than dwelling on the past match that has ended, I want to make sure to prepare well for the Levain Cup Semifinal Round First Leg.
Q: In the match against Vissel Kobe and the practice match against Montedio Yamagata, goals were scored in a similar manner. Adailton's good form is evident.
I am able to play in good condition, and I want to further improve my state from here and deliver a good performance in the matches. Regardless of the circumstances, if I participate in a match, I will always seek results. I will simply express my utmost play for the team. The quarterfinal against Fukuoka is a back-to-back match, and a very difficult game is anticipated. I want to view hosting the first match at home positively and aim for a victory that will lead to the away second match. And I want to advance to the next stage.
Q: Adailton, you must have many good memories of the Levain Cup, right?
A, we won the title in the 2020 season of the Levain Cup and have a very good image. First, I want to achieve good results to advance to the Final Round and make the fans and supporters happy.
Q: In the match against Fukuoka on the 3rd, it seemed that Adailton was being closely marked and countermeasures were being taken.
A, I understand that not only from the recent match but also every club we face is taking measures. Even with these measures in place, I believe it is necessary to create good situations to attack the goal and break through the opponent's defense. By playing with the ball and facing the goal, there are many scenes where my teammates become free. I want to contribute to victory not only by scoring but also by assisting, while being aware of free players and open spaces.
