<Review of the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale>
In an unusual and grueling series of three matches against Avispa Fukuoka over eight days, the team's oldest side-back started all three matches on the pitch. He played the full duration of the first two matches and continued to play until the 20th minute of the second half in the third match. His inexhaustible stamina and competitiveness in one-on-one situations show no signs of decline, embodying a silent pressure in his play with the mindset of not allowing anyone to pass behind him on his side.
In the 42nd Tamagawa Classico, the presence of a man who has long been called a veteran was outstanding. He dealt with opponents who surpassed him in physique and speed with exquisite timing, preventing them from getting behind him, and he did not back down even in duels for the ball.
When Tokyo transitioned to attack, they surged up the left side and made their presence felt in the front line, claiming the left side with overwhelming energy. The team created decisive chances in both the first and second halves, but they lamented a one-point difference as they couldn't convert. However, on the pitch, they matched their opponents, who boast four J1 League championships, evenly.
While both teams were evenly matched, the difference in the outcome was determined by individual performances, and Yuto NAGATOMO was clearly one of the players who overwhelmed the opponent individually. Moreover, even after enduring a grueling series of matches, he stood on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes in the fierce battle against Kawasaki.
Their presence serves as a model for young players in Tokyo and a benchmark for professionals. Every move they make is sure to inspire many players, regardless of their position. As the season comes to a close, I want to continue learning from and absorbing knowledge from player Nagatomo, and contribute to the overall improvement and growth of the team.
Match Preview
In the previous match, we lost 0-1 to Kawasaki Frontale in the "Tamagawa Classico," making it four league matches without a win. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI expressed his disappointment at the difficulty of winning a title, stating, "Of course, it's regrettable and frustrating that we can no longer chase the trophy. However, every match has meaning, and we must take pride in representing this club. I want to foster that mentality as a team."
This match will be a home game against Sagan Tosu. In past encounters, Tokyo has suffered 8 consecutive losses, making them a challenging opponent. However, if they can secure a victory in this match, it could change the team's atmosphere entirely. Kuryu MATSUKI stated, "Everyone must believe that Tokyo is a team that cannot afford to lose. If we adopt a mindset that we absolutely must win, then lazy plays will naturally disappear. If we continue to think this way, I believe the upcoming matches will also turn out well."
In conjunction with the club's founding date of October 1, Tokyo will play three home games this season under the banner of the "25th Anniversary Matches." The blue and red spirit is being tested to weave a new history.
The matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: This match, Keigo HIGASHI and Kei KOIZUMI will be suspended.
A, it is unfortunate that they cannot participate, but it means that other players have the opportunity to contribute to the team. No matter who takes the field, they just need to understand their role well and give their all. Players Higashi and Koizumi consistently embody the hard work that forms the foundation of the team. September has had consecutive matches, and there were times when it was difficult for the team to maintain that every day. In the upcoming match against Sagan Tosu this weekend, we want to play with that kind of foundation and intensity to create an exciting game for everyone.
Q: What factors do you think are causing the intensity to drop?
A, speaking of recent events, we played 4 matches in 13 days. While preparing for the matches, we had to consider fatigue, and naturally, if we participate in all the matches, fatigue will set in. We must control that well and approach the matches in a fresh state. Of course, I do not intend to use the consecutive matches as an excuse, and as a team, we had to consider what we need to do. Since I took office, I believe we have built a good foundation and are moving in the right direction. Now, it is necessary to continue what we are doing firmly and sharpen the areas that need improvement. That is what will lead to the club's growth.
Q, Coach Kawai, who fought alongside you as a coach during the Montedio Yamagata era, is now leading Tosu.
A, Tosu is a good team, and I had a great time working with him. I believe he will embark on an exciting path as a coach in the future. Being able to share my energy with him was a blessed time for me. We discussed various topics as coaches and shared ideas. I think we were able to create something productive and exciting by working together. However, let's set that aside for now and focus on ourselves. This is not a battle between Coach Kawai and me. We are just here to work hard for Tokyo's victory.
Q: There will be a break in the league matches in October. How do you want to motivate the team during this period?
A, the current situation is everything. It is disappointing and frustrating that we can no longer chase trophies. However, as Tokyo, we fight with meaning in every match. I want to take pride in representing this club, and as we approach the end of the season, I want to shape a strong presence and develop a strong mentality as a team.
[Player Interview]
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q: Please tell us the key points needed to recover as a team and achieve victory from here.
When the team is not performing well, it's easy to focus on the overall situation, but I believe we need to first focus on the individual players' performances and how they compete. I think each player needs to concentrate on delivering a good performance.
Q: Starting with the last match against Kawasaki Frontale, you are gradually securing more playing time. How do you feel about your performance?
The time involved in matches is increasing, but I want to focus more on the quality of play. I feel that we could have played better in the match against Kawasaki. The way we fight as a team is well organized by Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and the staff, so I want to concentrate on expressing high quality in my individual play.
Q, what challenges and responses have you experienced so far in the "individual" aspect?
A, regarding defense, I want to increase the number of times I win the ball in my position. In terms of offense, I made noticeable personal mistakes in the match against Kawasaki. In the match against Avispa Fukuoka, I played as an anchor, but in the match against Kawasaki, I was in a double pivot role, so I believe more forward play was required. The players I partner with in the pivot position change from match to match, but I don't want to overthink or get caught up in anything, so I think it would be good to communicate while reading the flow of the game and play accordingly.
Q: A match against my former club, Sagan Tosu, is coming up this weekend.
A, there are almost no players left who played with me at that time, but I am looking forward to the match. I have a strong impression that when I was with Tosu, we had a good relationship with Tokyo. I have heard that Tokyo does not have a good record against clubs from Kyushu, so I want to turn that image around in this match.
Q: It has been some time since the season when Harakawa was with us, but how do you view the style of Tosu?
A, it seems that the overall framework has not changed, and it is a team that thoroughly analyzes the opponent and fights tactically. Tosu is a team that changes its fighting style while observing the opponent, so I want to grasp the atmosphere firmly in the first 10 to 15 minutes. I anticipate aggressive play and difficult moments where we may be pushed back, so I want to manage the entire 90 minutes of the match to lead to victory.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: You have been charging through your rookie year so far, what kind of response are you feeling?
I am gradually feeling more confident in my dribbling and breakthroughs, but so far I have only made one assist and have not scored any goals. I want to increase the number of dribbles that lead directly to goals. I believe there is still a long way to go. During my academy days, I often scored from shots I created through dribbling, but since turning professional, the abilities of opposing players are on a completely different level, and witnessing their strength and skill has made me acutely aware of the high level of the professional world.
Q: I entered the pitch midway through the match against Kawasaki Frontale in the last round.
I felt the difficulty of entering the match midway. I organized in my mind the intensity of the starting players, the somewhat open development in both offense and defense, and I felt the challenge of expressing my role as part of the team and as an individual. I want to utilize the experience gained from the match against Kawasaki in the future.
Q: How do you feel about the factors that have kept you away from victory?
I think it's about the mental aspect. Personally, in the last match against Kawasaki, I came on as a substitute, but I wanted to express more plays that would ignite my teammates. I believe it's important for everyone to share the same direction and to give more than 100 percent in both matches and practice. Increasing each player's intensity and the team's unity will lead to victory. If the young players, including myself, can achieve visible results like goals and assists, I believe it will naturally ignite the other players as well, and I want to grow to become such a player.
Q: After a series of away games, we have returned to Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time in a while. Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Sagan Tosu.
I want to express my play firmly and win decisively. As someone who has always dreamed of playing as a Tokyo player since my academy days, I want to score my first professional goal at home and contribute to the victory.
