<Review of the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka>
In the early stages of the match, Tokyo had to succumb to the flow of the game that Avispa Fukuoka excels at, as they continuously conceded goals, and time passed by moment by moment.
The gray wall was high and dense, and Tokyo's attack, which had the ball in Fukuoka's territory, was forced to stagnate due to a lack of offensive options. In the midst of struggling to create scenes that could lead to a finish, a ray of hope shone on the pitch, which was shrouded in dark clouds, when Riki HARAKAWA was brought on in the 15th minute of the second half.
Compared to the first half, there were more actions approaching the goal, with an increase in fouls received from battles for the ball, resulting in free kicks, or winning corner kicks by challenging near the goal line. Although the actions during the flow of play did not lead to clear scoring opportunities, the set plays gained from those situations became a lifeline for Tokyo.
What made the breakthrough possible was undoubtedly Harakawa's high-precision kicks. Sharp balls to the near post, large balls to the far side, and high balls floated in front of the goal. By varying the types of kicks, including curves, drops, and straight balls, he creates scenes that threaten the Fukuoka goal.
The goal in the 41st minute of the second half, which became the turning point for the counterattack, was born from Harakawa's corner kick. The sharply curved ball that dropped to the far side was perfectly matched to Naoki KUMATA, who was waiting for it.
Just like a sniper who never misses a distant target, with precision that captures the moment. In times of struggle when one cannot find a way out, a weapon that can take down an opponent in one shot becomes essential. It was the moment I realized I had in my hands a powerful weapon called Riki HARAKAWA.
Match Preview
The second Tamagawa Classico of this season will be faced by both teams in a situation different from what they had anticipated.
The points are the same at "33." The goal difference is just 2 points, and the difference in ranking is only one. On the standings, it will be a match between teams with closely matched records. However, the two teams are not in a high position, with Kawasaki Frontale in 9th and Tokyo in 10th. They are more than 15 points behind the leaders, Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos.
In last season's final match, both teams faced each other as top teams, making their current standings this season a source of frustration. Therefore, in the pursuit of as many victories as possible and aiming for a higher ranking, the Tamagawa Classico will be a very important match for both teams.
In a match where both sides stake their pride, we want to give our all and seize confidence, points, and a rising momentum.
In the first match played in May this season, Tokyo changed the trend of not winning 9 league matches and narrowly won 2-1, achieving victory in the Tamagawa Classico for the first time in 5 years. The Japan National Stadium, filled with a club record of 56,705 fans, was dyed in blue and red, preventing the 3 points from crossing the Tamagawa to the Kawasaki side. The "city that never sleeps" resonated in the National.
For Tokyo, this match comes right after the decision to exit the Levain Cup, with only the league remaining. Can they demonstrate the evolution of Peter Tokyo at the away ground, Todoroki Stadium? To show the team's fighting spirit moving forward, they want to secure 3 points and end the match on the Tokyo side of the Tamagawa River.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Are you able to practice consistently to improve your strength ahead of the match against Kawasaki Frontale?
A, it is to continue without stopping. As the team grows, the Levain Cup Semifinal Round is part of that process, and I think it would have been great if we could chase after the trophy, but it is important to continue creating what we need to do. Everything is to become the team we dreamed of, and that requires further growth. I want to create a team that can hold up many trophies, not just one. And I want to focus on creating a special team. I want to challenge repeatedly in practice to help the players develop their abilities and enable them to grow. I believe that the frustrating experiences in the growth process become valuable lessons.
Q: Please tell us what is necessary to win against Kawasaki again after winning in the first half of the league.
We just need to deliver our team performance properly. It is about establishing a foundation for our development and connecting our performance to results. By preparing correctly and thoroughly, achieving a season double becomes possible. We will fight towards that goal.
Q: The matches against Kawasaki always become a point of contention in terms of playing intensity and the transition between offense and defense.
I think it will be an exciting match. Kawasaki is a club that has created great things and has won trophies multiple times. We want to put all our energy into taking 3 points from them. I really believe it will be exciting football, so I am looking forward to it.
Q: In the league matches, we have been away from victory for the last few games. What kind of matches do you want to show from here on?
I believe that whether results come or not depends on our game model and whether we have established our rules. Otherwise, we will give our opponents openings. It is important to focus on our own play to avoid losing concentration. In the Levain Cup Semifinal Round second leg, we allowed two goals just before the end of the first half due to a lapse. Following our rules and maintaining concentration leads to a clean sheet and results. A sharp mentality is also important, and we need to keep our minds sharp. There are no easy matches in J.League, and we must always maintain our focus while competing. By doing so, I believe positive results will follow.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: In the three consecutive matches against Avispa Fukuoka, you started in all three games. What challenges did you feel you faced?
I think it was a complete defeat in both results and content. It became a match that made us painfully aware of our weaknesses.
Q: What kind of motivation do you have right now for the Tamagawa Classico coming up on Friday?
A, it is important not only to focus on the Kawasaki Frontale match on Friday, but also on how we will approach the remaining 8 matches with motivation. Given our current ranking, I believe the pride of each player representing this club and this emblem will become even more evident. The feelings we have for each match from here on, the desire to fight for Tokyo, will reveal who is the strongest and who can truly demonstrate the most value in the remaining matches. If there are players without that strong spirit, they should not be fighting as part of Tokyo. It is the players with a passionate heart and pride in fighting for Tokyo who should battle for this club, and I believe various things will become clear in the remaining 8 matches, starting with the Tamagawa Classico.
Q, I am also looking forward to reuniting with player Gomis, who belongs to Kawasaki.
A, I was teammates with Lucas during our time at Galatasaray SK. He is a kind player and we got along well. He is physically large, has distinctive dreadlocks, and often performed a lion celebration after scoring. His appearance is very flashy, but he is very kind-hearted, considerate, and a player loved by everyone. I personally love him as well, and during our time at Galatasaray, he showed overwhelming scoring ability, recording 29 goals in one season, making him an outstanding player. I look forward to competing against Lucas, but he is also a dangerous player, so I want to focus on how to stop him while playing.
Q: It seems that there will be intense matchups with player Gomis during the game's phases.
I am most aware of Gomis's strong points, and since I have played alongside him, I have a lot of information about him, making it easier to face him as a defender. I want to share the information I have and approach the match together, and I want to fight fiercely on the pitch.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: After finishing the three consecutive matches against Avispa Fukuoka, please share any challenges or insights that player Morishige felt as a team.
A, I think it is important to recognize our weaknesses, accept them, and change or review our approach to the matches. Not advancing to the Semifinal Round of the Levain Cup reflects our current ability. Continuing to do the same things as before is meaningless. We must firmly accept reality, each player must turn the arrow towards themselves, and if we do not move forward from here, we will not grow into a 'winning team.' It was noticeable that we were losing in individual matchups and situations, rather than tactics. I believe it is necessary to review this thoroughly.
Q: This weekend is the Tamagawa Classico against Kawasaki Frontale.
A, with the Levain Cup also resulting in elimination in the quarterfinals and having not secured a victory in the recent league matches, I want this match to be an opportunity to reset and demonstrate our determination to rise from here.
Q: In the recent matches, we are challenging various formations such as 4-back and 3-back.
A, while the team's tasks may change somewhat with the formation, each player's responsibilities remain the same. In defense, thorough challenge and cover, anticipating the opponent's play, situational play, and quick decision-making are required. It is not about the formation, but first and foremost about improving play accuracy.
Q, please tell us the key points that will be important in the match against Kawasaki, which is characterized by its high attacking power.
To score, we must fight aggressively in both offense and defense, and show a difference from our previous play to surpass our opponents. I believe that winning in each phase of offense and defense leads to the team's victory.
