<Previous Match Review: Kawasaki Frontale>
Despite the unusual and grueling schedule of playing three games against Avispa Fukuoka in just 8 days, the team's oldest U-6 sideback started all three games as a starter. He played the full 90 minutes in the first two games and played until the 20th minute in the third game. His endless stamina and strength in challenges showed no signs of decline as he embodied the unspoken pressure of "not letting anyone behind him on his side" on the field.
Even in the 42nd Tama River Clasico, the veteran man's presence was outstanding. Despite being considered a veteran, he was able to handle opponents who were physically and speed-wise superior to him with exquisite spacing, not allowing them to take his back and not backing down in duels on the ball.
When Tokyo switched to the attack, they ran up the left side and showed their face in the front line, dominating the left side with overwhelming movement. The team created decisive chances in both the first and second halves, but could not finish and lost by one point. However, on the pitch, they fought evenly against an opponent who boasts four J1 league titles.
In a closely contested match where both teams were evenly matched, it was the individual performances that made the difference, and Yuto NAGATOMO was clearly one of the players who dominated the game with his individual skills. Moreover, even in the intense battle against Kawasaki after a grueling series of matches, he played the full 90 minutes on the pitch.
His presence is a role model for young players in Tokyo and also serves as a benchmark for professionals. His every move and action should be inspiring to many players regardless of their position. As we approach the end of the season, we want to continue learning and absorbing from Nagatomo and use it to elevate and grow as a team.
<Match Preview>
In the previous match, they lost 0-1 to Kawasaki Frontale in the "Tama River Clasico" and remained winless in the league for four games. Manager Peter Cklamovski commented on the difficult situation of winning the title, saying, "Of course, it's disappointing and frustrating that we can no longer chase after the trophy. However, every game has meaning and we are fighting for it. We must be proud to represent this club and continue to grow as a team with that mentality."
This round, we will face Sagan Tosu at home. In past matches, Tokyo has been on an 8-game losing streak against them, but that's why if we can win this game, there is a possibility that the team's atmosphere will completely change. Kuryu MATSUKI says, "Everyone must think that Tokyo is a team that cannot lose. If we have the mindset that we absolutely have to win, then we naturally won't make any lazy plays. If we continue to think like this, I believe these next few games will be good for us."
Tokyo will play the next three home games as "25th anniversary matches" to coincide with the club's founding date of October 1. The blue and red team's strength will be tested as they aim to create a new history.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, Keigo HIGASHI and Kei KOIZUMI will be suspended for this match.
Unfortunately, it is a shame that they cannot participate, but it is an opportunity for other players to contribute to the team. Regardless of who plays, they just need to understand their role and give their all. Players like Higashi and Koizumi always embody the hard work that is the foundation of the team. September has been a tough month with back-to-back games, and there have been times when it was difficult for the team to maintain that level. In the upcoming match against Sagan Tosu, we want to play a high-intensity football that will excite everyone.
Q, Please tell us the reasons why you feel the intensity is dropping.
A, Speaking of recent events, we have played 4 games in 13 days. Naturally, if we participate in all of these games while considering fatigue, we will become tired. We must control this and head into the games in a fresh state. Of course, we do not intend to use the consecutive games as an excuse, and as a team, we must consider what we need to do. Since I took over, I believe we have built a strong foundation and are moving in the right direction. Now, we must continue what we are doing and sharpen our focus on what needs to be improved. This is what will lead to the growth of the club.
Q, Coach Kawai, who fought together as a coach during the Montedio Yamagata era, is now leading Tosu.
A, Tosu is a good team and we were able to have a fun time together while working. I think he will continue to pursue an exciting path as a coach in the future. It was a blessed time for me to be able to give him my energy. We talked about various things as coaches and shared ideas. I believe that we were able to produce productive and exciting things by working together. However, for now, we will focus on ourselves and approach the game with determination. It is not a battle between Coach Kawai and myself. We will just work hard for Tokyo's victory.
Q, there is a break period in the league in October. How do you plan to motivate the players during this time?
A, The current situation is everything. It is regrettable and frustrating that we can no longer chase after trophies. However, as Tokyo, we are fighting with meaning in every game. We are proud to represent this club and as we approach the end of the season, we want to shape a strong presence and grow a strong mentality as a team.
[Player Interview]
＜Riki HARAKAWA＞
Q, Please tell us the necessary points to win in order to recover from here as a team.
When the team is not doing well, it is easy to focus on the overall performance, but I think it is important to first focus on each player's individual play and fighting style. Each player needs to concentrate on delivering a good performance.
Q, How do you feel about gradually securing playing time, starting with the Kawasaki Frontale match in the previous round?
A, The amount of time involved in the game is increasing, but I want to play with more emphasis on the quality of play. I feel that we were able to play better in the Kawasaki game. The way the team fights is well organized by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and the staff, so I want to focus on individuals and express high quality play.
Q: What are some points of the challenges and responses so far in the "individual" section?
A, Regarding defense, I want to increase the number of times I can steal the ball in my position. As for the attack, my personal mistakes stood out in the Kawasaki game. In the Avispa Fukuoka game, I was the anchor, but in the Kawasaki game, I was a double pivot, so I think I was expected to play more offensively. The player I team up with in the midfield changes every game, but I don't think too deeply or get caught up in anything. I just want to communicate and play while reading the flow of the game.
Q, facing former team Sagan Tosu this weekend.
A, Although there are hardly any players who played together at that time, I am looking forward to the match. When I was with Tosu, I had a strong impression that we had a good compatibility with Tokyo. I have heard that Tokyo has a poor record against clubs in Kyushu, so I want to make this match overturn that image.
Q, It has been some time since Harakawa was a member, but how do you see Tosu's style?
A, the overall structure seems to be unchanged, and it is a team that thoroughly analyzes the opponent and tactically fights. Tosu is a team that changes their way of fighting while watching the opponent, so I want to firmly grasp the atmosphere in the first 10-15 minutes. We want to manage the aggressive fight and the difficult period of being pushed back, and aim for victory for the full 90 minutes of the game.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, How do you feel about your rookie year so far?
A, I feel a little bit of momentum in my dribbling and breakthroughs, but I have only been able to make one assist so far and I haven't been able to score. I want to increase the number of dribbles that lead directly to goals. I still think there is a long way to go. In my academy days, there were many times when a shot I dribbled in myself led to a goal, but since becoming a professional, the opposing players' abilities are on a completely different level. Seeing their strength and skill firsthand, I am once again keenly aware of the high level of the professional world.
Q, entered the pitch during the Kawasaki Frontale match in the previous round.
A, I felt the difficulty of entering the game from the middle. I felt the intensity of the players who started the game, and the situation of having a slightly open development in both offense and defense, and I felt the difficulty of organizing it within myself and expressing the team's work and individual initiatives from the middle. I want to use the experience gained in the Kawasaki game in the future.
Q, How do you feel about the factors that are keeping you away from victory?
A, I think it's a mental aspect. Personally, in the last game against Kawasaki, I wanted to express more plays that would ignite my teammates, and I think it's important for everyone to have the same vector and give 100% or more in games and practices. I think increasing the passion of each player and the sense of unity as a team will lead to victory. If young players like myself can produce visible results such as goals and assists, I think it will ignite other players as well, and I want to continue to grow to become that kind of player.
Q, after a series of away games, we finally returned to Ajinomoto Stadium for the match against Sagan Tosu. Can you tell us about your determination for this game?
A, I want to express my own play firmly and I want to win firmly. 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.
