<Review of the previous match against Cerezo Osaka>
The 2024 season of Peter Tokyo has set sail from the away ground of Osaka. In a game where both sides continued to play with high intensity, it was the '71' who shone, having made a determined transfer to the new blue and red home.
In the 34th minute, trailing by one goal, Kuryu MATSUKI sharply reacted to a bending mid-range shot. He broke through the opposing defenders and changed the course with the outside of his right foot, shaking the net, and then spread his arms in a pose of joy. Responding to head coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI's decision to start him, he scored the team's first goal of the season in his Tokyo debut.
In the 75th minute, once again chasing a one-point deficit, his decisive ability brought Tokyo the equalizer. Jája Silva powerfully broke through the left side and made a cutback to the center. There, he ran in from behind and brilliantly struck the ball into the goal.
Jumping up and spreading both arms towards the fans and supporters behind the goal, he struck the emblem on his left chest with a broad smile and expressed his joy with a strong fist pump. "I always wanted to play in the match. I really had the confidence that I could do it once I got the chance," his strong feelings overflowed in the goal celebration, and the roar of his soul, saying "what had been building up came out," echoed through YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM.
"I thought that I might finally be accepted by the fans and supporters of Tokyo. I am grateful to Tokyo for believing in me and to Coach Peter for using me, and I want to achieve even more results."
The high potential that lies within goes without saying. Contributing to the team with bold pressing from the front line, they continue to burn with a determination for victory. "I'm glad I was able to leave results like this. I want to respond with results next time as well. We couldn't earn 3 points today, but I want to bring victory with my goal next time," they reflect on the home opener.
This is truly a decisive opening match. Dressed in blue and red uniforms, the season has started to showcase their evolution and true value.
Match Preview
In the second season of Peter CKLAMOVSKI's tenure, the J1 League opening match, which marked a new beginning, ended in a 2-2 draw against Cerezo Osaka. It was a tough match where we were always trailing, but new midfielder Ryotaro ARAKI scored two goals, earning one point away. ARAKI, who made a sensational debut, expressed his determination, saying, "I had confidence that I could perform if I got to play. I want to thank Tokyo for believing in me and Coach Peter for giving me the opportunity. I want to achieve even more results." Having spent the last two seasons with limited playing time and facing tough moments, he smiled when asked about his extravagant celebration after the goal, saying, "Maybe it was just something that had built up inside me."
The promising new players are not just Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA. Both Takahiro KO and Keita ENDO, who did not have the opportunity to play in the opening match, have ample experience in the J1 League. This match is against the highly regarded Sanfrecce Hiroshima, but ENDO stated confidently, "It doesn't matter who the opponent is. Since it's at home, we don't need to be on the defensive. We are fully prepared." The home opener for the 2024 season. Tokyo will resonate with 'You'll Never Walk Alone' at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time this season.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, please reflect on the match against Cerezo Osaka.
A. During the match, we were able to express the areas where we have grown. It is important to continue the play that we were able to express in the match against Cerezo Osaka. The players showed a strong mentality and dedication in the tough away opening match of the J1 League, trying to give their all with what they have built up until now. There were many lessons learned from the match against Cerezo Osaka. For example, how to control the game and what kind of attacks pose a threat to the opponent. Scoring two goals is a good sign for the future. However, we conceded a goal from a set piece in defense. It is important to learn from the mistakes and goals conceded during the match. The principles of defense and our ongoing efforts are improving. We just need to continue building towards being able to fully express our desired style of play as a team for 90 minutes.
I want to showcase what we have built up in the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. I would like to demonstrate how we have improved our performance since the last match and what kind of football Tokyo aims to play this season.
Q: There was also a practice match against Hiroshima during the camp period. What impression do you have of it?
A, whether it is a few weeks or six months from now, we both have information about each other as opponents. We respect our opponent and believe it will be a wonderful battle. It is important to show the fans and supporters an exciting match and deliver an inspiring game. We are conscious of building the football we aim for step by step from here. We expect Hiroshima to apply pressure from the front, but first, it is important not to fear such an opponent, but to see it as a good opportunity. We want to fight bravely and wisely, targeting the opponent's weak points. We want to make it an exciting match with many goals.
Q: This season, it feels like the depth of players in each position has increased.
A, everyone is competing well. The most important point is how well they perform in matches and practices, and individual good plays contribute to the team's performance. We are comprehensively assessing how players who could not participate in official matches expressed their play in practice matches and the level of fatigue they experienced. I want to select many players and send more than 11 players onto the pitch, but football doesn't work that way (laughs). While observing their daily awareness and attitude, I am looking at how they continue to engage. Throughout the season, the strength of all players is necessary. I believe that when each player gets their chance, they will show what they have. There are 38 league matches, as well as the Levain Cup and the Emperor's Cup. Considering the number of matches, I think total strength will be required.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: The opening match ended in a 2-2 draw. How do you perceive the content and the result?
The match content was not what we had envisioned, but I think it was good that we were able to bring home at least one point from a difficult away opening match. I believe there are still areas we can improve.
Q: New signing Ryotaro ARAKI quickly scored 2 goals. What kind of play do you expect from ARAKI?
A, Araki's charm lies in his high-quality play in front of the goal, and he is a player who is involved in scoring plays, has a variety of assists, and different types of kicks. His defensive intensity is also high, and in the match against Cerezo Osaka, he supported the team both offensively and defensively. I personally want to always observe Araki's movements and bring out his strengths.
Q: How has your feeling changed compared to the last two seasons since becoming captain?
I think I need to bring the team together better. That said, I don't intend to change anything; I want to focus on good play in daily practice and demonstrate actions and words that will be recognized by my teammates.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the fans and supporters who are looking forward to the home opening match.
In the opening match against Cerezo Osaka, the support was so loud that it felt like an away game, and it truly became a strength for the players on the pitch. I believe we will receive even greater cheers at home, and I hope we can create an atmosphere that makes it difficult for our opponents to fight. We, the players, will show a match that responds to your passion.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q: Please reflect on the opening match.
A, the flow of the match was consistently tough throughout. Since we spent a long time on defense, I believe we need to improve our game management. First, we want to increase the time we hold onto the ball. To achieve that, each individual needs to adjust their positioning to receive the ball. This was something we were able to do during camp, but there was a certain stiffness and unique atmosphere specific to the opening match. If we can correct that, I think we will improve even further.
Q: You had a great performance with 2 goals. What kind of value do you think it brings?
I believe that being able to score two goals in the league opening match will lead to a good outcome in the future, and it has boosted my confidence. From here, I want to be more ambitious, look forward, and deepen my confidence.
Q: Were you able to achieve visible results in the opening match? Has the trust from those around you deepened further?
A, there are parts that feel that way. I said, 'I have the confidence to perform when I get to play in a match,' so I was glad to be able to show it with a goal. Emotions overflowed after scoring.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, before the season opener, we had a practice match against Hiroshima, but the members are different, and I personally experienced it again in the match against Cerezo Osaka. There is a completely different atmosphere between a practice match and an official match. I want to make sure to seize any opportunities from the opponent during the game and respond well to progress the match, and I believe the most important thing is to address the issues that arose in the match against Cerezo Osaka.
Q: Please tell us your current feelings as you prepare for the home opener.
A, I have been looking forward to playing at home for a long time. I want to score in front of the fans and supporters and take home 3 points. I am looking forward to competing at Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Go HATANO>
Q: Please reflect on your own performance in the opening match against Cerezo Osaka, Player Go HATANO.
A, we couldn't win, and I feel regret. We managed to achieve at least a draw as a team, but since we conceded two goals, there is still a lot we need to work on. I want us to have a fighting style that serves as a foundation for the team, and if we can increase the number of times we recover second balls, I believe we could have had an even better match.
Q: I think there were positive points, such as the team managing to equalize twice.
I think being able to equalize during that time when we seemed likely to lose indicates a good future ahead. Since we were able to score multiple goals, as long as we can defend tightly, including the defenders, I believe there won't be any problems. I want to keep communicating loudly from the back.
Q: Please tell us your impression of this match's opponent, Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A team that works hard with high intensity. They have a strong defense, including the defensive line. I don't think it will be a game with many goals, so I want to fight for 90 minutes without losing my focus.
Q, it's the home opener for the 2024 season.
A, I have heard that we won many games at home last season. I want to continue that momentum this season and deliver many victories to our fans and supporters. I want to win the matches and enjoy the cheers.
