Truly a diverse group of talents. In addition to the players who were with us until last season, we have added players with solid abilities in each position. With a lineup so rich that we could form two teams at a high level, the blue-red squad led by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI will take on the 2024 season.
First, the focus is on the captain, who will be implementing a three-person system. Masato MORISHIGE, who served until last season, Kei KOIZUMI, who excels in multiple positions such as defensive midfielder and right back, and Kuryu MATSUKI, who is growing into a key player in the midfield, have been appointed by the coach. What they all have in common is that they have strongly expressed their desire for the team's victory and title acquisition.
However, the commander has appointed these three as captains, but what he demands from the team is nothing less than the improvement of everyone's awareness. He also asks that "all 11 players on the pitch should fight with the feeling that they are all captains." In order to reach the league title, each player must fight for the team, support each other, and grow together. To lift the trophy with smiles at the end of the season, the 35 players are preparing for a season of determination while striving to level up.
Match Preview
Cerezo Osaka, who will compete in the opening match of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League on Saturday, February 24, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this season. They are also eager to achieve their first J1 League championship in this milestone season.
Under the leadership of Akio KOGIKU, who is entering his fourth season as head coach, the team has embraced an aggressive style of soccer. Experienced veterans like Shinji KAGAWA and Hiroshi KIYOTAKE support the team, while foreign players in the forward positions boast high scoring ability.
Among them, the player to watch out for is right back Seiya MAIKUMA. He established himself as a starter during the AFC Asian Cup this January, where he participated as a member of the Japan national team, showcasing exceptional attacking sense. With his unpredictable runs, he poses a threat by getting close to the opponent's goal and being involved in finishes, so how to contain his movements may hold the key to the match.
It seems that the player who will face every bear here is Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who is expected to be used as a left side back. He is also armed with active participation in attacks and accurate crosses, so the key point will be which player can take control on the side and showcase their strengths. Additionally, for Riki HARAKAWA, this match is against his former club, where he was until midway through last season. He is also expected to shine as a "midfield conductor" in Tokyo, and as a player who knows the opponent well, he is likely to be a key player in the opening match.
Against Cerezo Osaka, we have a good record of 6 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in the last 9 matches. If we focus on away games, we are unbeaten in the last 4 matches. In the 2023 season, we struggled with 3 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses in 18 away games, but we want to build momentum for the entire season by securing a solid victory in the opening match this season. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI expressed confidence, stating, "After the preseason camp and training, the team is growing in a positive direction. Cerezo Osaka is a good opponent, and we expect a tough away game, but if we do what we need to do, we will definitely win."
Peter Tokyo fights together as a team aiming for the top. To carve a new page in the club's history, they set sail for a long season at the away ground, YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: The opening match is against Cerezo Osaka. What kind of strategy are you aiming for?
I am really looking forward to it, and Cerezo Osaka is a very strong team with great ability. I think it will be a tough away game. I am excited to see how much we can challenge as a team in what is expected to be a difficult match. I believe this will be an opportunity to advance our football and build something good. I want to make it a battle that everyone can be proud of Tokyo football.
Q: What is the significance of the league opening match for Coach Klamovski?
Yes, it is certainly a special match, but that doesn't mean it is more important than Sec. 2 or Sec. 3. I believe there are many aspects we can test against a good opponent, Cerezo Osaka, whom we should respect. It is an excellent opportunity to leave our impact.
Q: Last season, we were unable to accumulate victories in away games.
A chance to change such a past, an opportunity to show what kind of team we want to be is the opening match. We want to give it our all and execute our play. We will take the three points and come back here again.
Q: What have you built upon from last season?
I want to show a brave fight while holding the ball. With an offensive mindset, I want to score by effectively using the opponent's back and space at a good tempo. I believe that the football we aim for is developing. It is important for us to control the game well. When our fans and supporters watch our play, I want to build enjoyable and believable football. Throughout the season, I want to build step by step.
[Player Interview]
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q: After the January camp and the February practice matches, how do you feel about your current progress?
A, I believe that the results and experiences from the camp should be considered within the larger context of the preseason, and that the outcomes of the practice matches held during the camp period do not significantly influence the season. From the perspective of improving our condition, it has been a fruitful period, and it seems we will be able to start the season in good shape. I think the 90 minutes of a practice match are completely different from the 90 minutes of an official match. Unless we step onto the pitch for the opening match, we won't know anything.
Q: With the depth of midfield players increased this season, how do you plan to utilize Harakawa's strengths to secure a regular position?
I believe that creating a difference in attack is my characteristic, and I want to clearly demonstrate that on the pitch. Conversely, I want to learn defensive techniques and plays from Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI. I want to elevate each other with players in the same position.
Q: How do you adjust your style and positioning based on the players you partner with in a double pivot, and what kind of collaboration or plays are you conscious of?
A, the overall framework remains unchanged, but I try to understand the playing style and intentions of the players who will partner as defensive midfielders. If a player is conscious of their positioning, they will show themselves in places where it is easy to receive the ball, and if a player has a wide range of motion both vertically and horizontally, they will focus on movements that maintain balance without disrupting the flow. I believe that if each player's unique style can be expressed on the pitch, it will lead to positive progress.
Q: The season opener is a match against Cerezo Osaka. Last season, I couldn't participate due to a loan transfer, but do you have any thoughts about facing your former club?
I am not particularly conscious of it. I enter the match with focus and strive to play as I usually do. Since it's the opening match, I don't have anything special that I'm particularly focused on, but since it's been a while since the league games, it's important to get accustomed to the atmosphere unique to the venue and official matches. I believe good preparation is everything, and I want to face my body properly and approach the match.
Q: This week's practice included content focused on Cerezo Osaka. What kind of measures will be necessary?
There are many players with high crossing accuracy, and it seems that there are also many players who can skillfully connect with those balls in front of the goal. Cerezo Osaka tends to launch attacks from the sides, so I believe a strong defensive intensity is required. I think if we can thoroughly implement high-intensity defense and express the style of play we have built, it will lead to good results.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: Please tell us about your impressions so far after the camp and practice matches.
A, I have a sense that overall things are improving. We have highly skilled players in the wing positions, and speaking of players on the same side, Keita ENDO and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA are both very good players, each with different characteristics. Depending on the players I team up with in a vertical relationship, the plays required of me also change, and I spent a lot of time adjusting during the camp period. We have been able to communicate and align our strategies, so while it is not the final form, after practice matches against Yokohama FC and Urawa Reds, I feel we are improving and can express our attacking plays. Even after the league matches begin, corrections and improvements will be necessary, but I feel confident that I can play with assurance.
Q, a matchup with Japan national team player Seiya MAIKUMA is expected.
I think it will be a matchup against the highly offensive player Maikuma, but regardless of what kind of player the opponent is, the key point is how we can strategize as a team to take the opponent's goal. I don't know which player I will partner with, including those on the left side, but I want to express the results we've built up from camp by working together. Of course, Maikuma has been selected for the Japan national team and is undoubtedly a good player, but I believe that a group that can perform well as a team, beyond individual abilities, is the team that can aim for victory. We will break down the opponent's defense with our own style of soccer.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the fans and supporters who are looking forward to the opening of this season.
A, this season, the team is aiming for the "J1 League Championship," and I want to play a match that makes people think we can compete for the championship after watching our game against Cerezo Osaka. It will be an away match, so please support us.
