<Last Match Review: Cerezo Osaka>
The 2024 season for Peter Tokyo, which started from the away Osaka ground. The shining player in the game that continued with a high intensity of play was the "No. 71" who moved to the blue and red as a new territory with determination.
In the 34th minute, with the team trailing by one point, Kuryu Matsuki reacted sharply to a curved middle shot and broke through the opponent's defenders. He changed the course with his right foot outside and shook the net, spreading his arms in a pose of joy. He responded to coach Peter Cklamovski's decision to start him and scored the team's first goal of the season in his Tokyo debut.
In the 75th minute, his decisive power brought Tokyo an equalizer from a situation where they were chasing one goal again. Jája Silva, who had boldly broken through the left side, crossed to the center. From behind, he ran in and brilliantly struck the ball into the goal.
Jumping and bouncing, he spreads his arms towards the fans and supporters behind the goal, hitting his left chest emblem with a strong fist and expressing his joy with a powerful guts pose. "I really wanted to play in the game. I had the confidence to do it if I did," his strong feelings overflow in his goal performance, and a roar from his soul that says "what was built up has been released" echoes throughout YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM.
"I wondered if I would finally be accepted by the fans and supporters in Tokyo. I am grateful to Tokyo for believing in me and to coach Peter for using me, and I want to achieve even better results."
The height of hidden potential goes without saying. Contributing to the team with bold pressing from the front line, and continuing to burn with determination for victory. "I'm glad I was able to leave results like this. I want to respond with results again next time. We couldn't get 3 points today, but I want to bring a win with my own goal in the next game," he reflects on the home opener.
The opening game was a perfect answer. The season has started, wearing blue and red uniforms, showing their own evolution and true value.
<Match Preview>
Under the guidance of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who is entering his second season, the J1 League opening match, which marked a new beginning, ended in a 2-2 draw against Cerezo Osaka. It was a difficult match as they were constantly trailing, but new signing MF Ryotaro ARAKI scored two goals and earned 1 point away. ARAKI, who made a sensational debut, said, "I had confidence that I could perform if given the chance to play. I am grateful to Tokyo for believing in me and to coach Peter for giving me the opportunity. I want to achieve even better results." Having not had satisfactory playing time in the past two seasons and going through tough times, ARAKI showed a smile and said about his flashy celebration after scoring, "Maybe it was just something that had built up and finally came out."
The new expected force is not just player Araki. Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA and Takahiro KO, who did not have a chance to play in the opening game, and Keita ENDO have enough achievements in the J1 league. This round, we will face Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who has a high reputation, but Hiroshi ENDO said, "It doesn't matter who the opponent is. Because it's our home, we don't need to be on the defensive. We are 100% prepared." The home opening game of the 2024 season. Let's make the first "You'll Never Walk Alone" of this season resound at Ajinomoto.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, Please review the Cerezo Osaka match.
A, In the game, we were able to express the parts that have grown. It is important to continue to express the plays that were shown in the Cerezo Osaka match. The players showed a strong mentality and dedication in the tough away J1 league opening match, and they tried to show what they have built up so far. There were also many lessons learned in the Cerezo Osaka match. For example, how to control the game, and what kind of attacks can be a threat to the opponent. The fact that we were able to score 2 goals is a good sign for the future. As for defense, we conceded a goal from a set piece. It is important to learn from mistakes and goals conceded during the game. The defensive rules and efforts are improving. It is just a matter of building up to be able to show the way we want to play as a team for 90 minutes.
We want to show what we have built up in the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match. We want to create our own football and show how much our performance has improved since the last match, and what kind of soccer Tokyo aims for this season.
Q, There was also a practice match with Hiroshima during the camp period. What is your impression?
A, whether it is a few weeks or six months later, both teams have information about each other as opponents. We respect our opponents and believe it will be a great battle. It is important to show the fans and supporters an exciting and inspiring match. We are conscious of building the football we aim for step by step from here. Hiroshima is expected to put pressure from the front, but it is important to not fear such opponents and see it as a good opportunity. We want to fight bravely and wisely, and target the weak points of our opponents. We want to make it an exciting match with many goals.
Q, this season, the depth of players in each position has become thicker.
A, all players are competing well. The most important point is the performance in games and practices, and individual good plays lead to the team's overall performance. We evaluate how players who were unable to participate in official matches performed in practice matches and how fatigued they were. We want to choose many players and send out more than 11 players on the pitch, but football doesn't work that way (laughs). We are constantly observing their daily consciousness and attitude, and how they continue to work. All players' strength is necessary during the season. When each player's chance comes, I believe they will show what they have. There are a total of 38 league matches, as well as the Levain Cup and Emperor's Cup. Considering the number of matches, I think overall strength is required.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, the opening game ended in a 2-2 draw. How do you feel about the performance and result?
A, The match itself was not what we had envisioned, but it was a difficult away game for the opening match, and I am glad we were able to bring back at least one point. I still think there are areas that can be improved.
Q, New signing Ryotaro ARAKI scored 2 goals right away. What kind of play do you expect from ARAKI?
A, Araki's charm is his high-quality play in front of the goal, as well as his ability to score, assist, and have a variety of kicks. He also has a strong defensive intensity and supported the team in both offense and defense in the Cerezo Osaka match. I myself want to continue to bring out the best by watching Araki's movements.
Q: How do you feel about becoming the captain compared to the past two seasons?
I think I need to better unite the team. However, I don't mean to change anything, but I want to show through my actions and words in daily practice that I am recognized by my teammates for good play.
Q, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters who are eagerly awaiting the home opening game.
A, The opening game with Cerezo Osaka was supported with such a loud voice that it didn't feel like an away game, and it actually became a strength for the players playing on the pitch. We hope to receive even louder cheers at home and create an atmosphere that makes it difficult for the opponent to fight. As players, we will respond to your passion and show a game that meets your expectations.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q, please review the opening game.
A, As for the game development, it was a tough time throughout. Since the defense time became longer, I think we need to improve our game management. First of all, I want to extend the time to hold the ball. For that, each person needs to adjust their position to receive the ball. It was something we were able to do during the camp, and there was a unique stiffness and atmosphere in the opening game. If we can fix that, I think we can become even better.
Q, it was a great performance with 2 goals. What kind of value do you think it will bring?
I think being able to score two goals in the opening game of the league will lead to a good future and give me confidence. From here on, I want to be more ambitious and deepen my confidence by looking forward.
Q, were you able to leave visible results in the opening game? Did you gain even more trust from those around you?
A, there are also parts that make me feel that way. "I have confidence that I can do it if I play in the game," so it was good to be able to show it with a goal. My emotions overflowed after scoring.
Q, Please tell me your impression of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
During the pre-season camp, we had a practice match with Hiroshima, but the members were different and I personally felt it again in the Cerezo Osaka match, but there is a big difference between practice matches and official matches. I want to be able to take advantage of the opponent's weaknesses during the match and respond well to progress the game. I think the most important thing is to correct the issues that came up in the match against Cerezo Osaka.
Q, Please tell us about your current feelings towards the home opening game.
A, I have been looking forward to playing at home. I want to score a goal in front of the fans and supporters and take 3 points at home. I am looking forward to playing at Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Go HATANO>
Q, Please reflect on your own performance in the opening match against Cerezo Osaka.
A, we were unable to win and the frustration remains. We were able to achieve the minimum result of a draw as a team, but we still have a lot of work to do as we conceded 2 goals. We want to establish a strong playing style as a team and approach the ball with more intensity. If we can also increase the number of times we recover second balls, I believe we can have an even better game.
Q, I think there were also positive points such as catching up twice as a team.
A, I think there is a good future ahead because we were able to catch up with the losing flow at that time, and we were able to score multiple goals. As long as we can defend tightly and close the middle, including the defensive players, I think there will be no problem. I want to keep shouting from the back.
Q, Please tell us about the image of this week's opponent, Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, this is a team that comes with a high intensity of hard work. Including the defensive line, they have a strong defensive impression. I don't think it will be a game with a lot of goals, so I personally want to fight for 90 minutes without losing focus.
Q, 2024 Home Opener
A, I have heard that we won a lot at home last season. I want to continue that trend and bring many victories to our fans and supporters this season as well. I want to win the game and do a good cheer.
