Match Preview
Here we go, towards becoming the League Cup winners for the fourth time. Peter Tokyo sets sail on a new journey.
On April 17 (Wednesday), the 2024 J League YBC Levain Cup 2nd Round will take place, where FC Tokyo will face J3's Y.S.C.C. Yokohama. This knockout match will be an "away" game at the NHK Spring MitsuzawaFootballStadium.
The tournament format has changed from this season. Until last season, J1 clubs and the relegated J2 clubs from the current season participated, competing from the group stage to the playoff stage and then to the knockout stage for supremacy. However, this season, it has been changed to a tournament format involving all 60 clubs from J1 to J3. J1 clubs will enter from the 2nd Round, and Tokyo will also face its first match in the tournament here.
This is the first match in the club's history against YS Yokohama (excluding FC Tokyo U-23). Although they are an unknown opponent, this match is one that we absolutely must win as they are a club with three past championship titles in this tournament.
The team showed their determination to equalize just before the end in the match against Verdy in Sec. 8 of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League held last weekend. After falling behind by two goals in the first half and being forced into a numerical disadvantage due to a red card, the team united to bounce back from adversity, securing a point with two goals from Keita ENDO to finish in a 2-2 draw.
Concerns about fatigue from the intense battle arise, especially since they showed a superior running ability despite being one player short. Furthermore, three players from the U-23 Japan national team will be absent in this match, but players who came on as substitutes in the last two league matches have been scoring and making an impact. Player Endo, who performed well in the previous match, mentioned, "I didn't want them to think, 'We really relied on those guys' when they went to the U-23 Japan national team," highlighting the efforts of the players who were utilized. This demonstrates the depth of the squad, showing that it doesn't matter who plays in the match.
Additionally, since the tournament is also referred to as a "gateway for young players," we hope to see the efforts of those players who have not had many opportunities to participate so far. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI stated, "This is a tournament where losing means elimination. I want to make decisions on player selection based on their condition. Whether they are young or not, it doesn't matter if they are ready to play and have the ability. We want to prepare to play our football," showing a determination to secure victory while considering the use of fresh members.
Looking back, on July 8, 2007, Yuto NAGATOMO first donned the blue and red uniform and stepped onto the pitch for an official J-League match at none other than Mitsuzawa.A for the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup (at that time). Wearing number 36, he played as a special designated player by the JFA and J-League, and his subsequent growth and evolution need no further explanation.
This match will be an away game held midweek, but it could be a turning point for the players who are utilized. It will be interesting to watch from that perspective while observing the coach's tactics.
First and foremost, we aim for victory in every match. Regardless of who steps onto the pitch, we want to showcase our unwavering aggressive play and firmly advance towards our journey to reach the top for the fourth time.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: This is the first match of the J.League YBC Levain Cup against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama. Are you considering using young players?
I will bring the members needed to win the match, and I am currently considering that. Of course, I will decide based on the information from each player's medical perspective, taking into account the practice the day before the match. Whether they are young or not is irrelevant to me. As long as they are prepared and capable, I will select and prepare the members to play our football, whether they are 17 years old or the oldest.
Q, Three players from the U-23 Japan national team are absent.
I believe that is one process as well. This applies to the mental aspect too, and properly developing our play and what we do every day is a step towards success and greater achievements. I think the team is heading in a good direction now, but we must continue to do more.
Q: The Levain Cup has become a tournament format starting this season. How do you feel about the differences and challenges compared to last season?
The difference, of course, is that if you win, you advance to the next stage, and if you lose, it ends there. There are differences in the format, but for me, nothing changes. Choosing a team that can play every week, fighting with a strong mentality to perform our football, and winning matches. That does not change whether it is the Levain Cup or the league. The starting 11 must be well-prepared to fight, and the players on the bench must be ready to make an impact and be prepared to fight until the end.
Q: After practice, you spoke to Soma ANZAI. What words did you exchange?
A, I also spoke after the match against Verdy. In that game, Anzai may have been under various pressures. Following Anzai's dismissal, it became important how the team would respond, and the team's mentality was crucial. We will overcome this for the club and for Anzai. I think it was good that we were able to catch up from a two-goal deficit. We almost scored a third, but time ran out. What I told Anzai was to stay positive. We discussed that we will support him 100 percent.
Q: As more teams may adopt strategies to close down the middle, like in the match against Verdy and the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale, how will you overcome that?
If you close the middle, other spaces will open up. I think it's important to quickly find those spaces and be able to move forward. We want to expand our play and our way of fighting.
[Player Interview]
＜Tsubasa TERAYAMA＞
Q: After finishing the match against Verdy with a last-minute equalizer, we have another match in three days. The J League YBC Levain Cup is a different tournament, but it seems like a good opportunity to regroup the team during this series of matches.
Unlike the league matches, this is a tournament where losing means elimination, so I believe we must always play with a sense of urgency. It is important to express our own style of football without adjusting to the opponent.
Q: Tsubasa TERAYAMA, you participated in the match against Verdy and contributed to a goal after coming on as a substitute. Given that your condition and performance are improving, isn't this a good timing to continue in official matches?
It is important to showcase my play within the given time, and I believe that will lead to an increase in playing time and ultimately to being in the starting lineup. I want to focus on delivering solid results in the time and position I am given.
Q: In the recent match, you were used in a position one row ahead of the defensive midfielder. Did you organize the roles given to you in your mind before entering the match?
Although there was a clear situation with 10 players, when coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI gave instructions from the bench, I was able to quickly organize what I needed to do, and within that, the team was able to communicate effectively. I was also able to adapt well to that.
Q: If the next opportunity to play returns you to the position of a defensive midfielder, do you have a clear understanding of what you need to do?
A, the perspective as a defensive midfielder changes as a defensive midfielder. I believe it’s just about showcasing what I have been doing until now, and I think only what we practice every day will come out in the match. It would be great if we could present that in a good way. The most important part is game control. I want to play while effectively utilizing my teammates and also showcasing my strengths. I believe that ball recovery is one of my strengths, so I want to work as a team to recover the ball and create plays while communicating with those around me.
Q: Y.S.C.C. Yokohama is currently a team belonging to the J3 League. It is expected that they will approach this match with the same feelings as when player Terayama faced Tokyo in the Emperor's Cup while belonging to Juntendo University.
At that time, I was definitely feeling a strong desire to win, and to be honest, there was also a situation where I had nothing to lose. I felt like I was fighting with the support of Tokyo. This time, I am in the opposite position, and I think the opponent will come at us with everything they have, and we must not let that happen. We need to exceed their desperation with our own passion and feelings; otherwise, if we show any weakness, we will be consumed. It is important for us to focus on our own play and not adjust to the opponent, but rather to dominate them.
Q: Although the tournament has not yet started, are you aware of aiming for a major title?
A, of course, we must have a sense of crisis that if we lose, it's over, and if we enter too casually, it will be a difficult match. The entire team must concentrate; in tournaments like this, regardless of category, anything can happen. I want each person on the pitch to play with awareness.
<Teppei OKA>
Q: I think there is a possibility that competing in a different tournament during consecutive matches can lead to opportunities.
A, this is the J.League YBC Levain Cup amidst consecutive matches, and I have been preparing with the thought that my turn will come. I have always been ready to participate in league matches, but I haven't been able to seize the opportunity. Right after the match against Verdy, I thought to myself that I would achieve results in this Levain Cup. I'm feeling good and I have the confidence to perform.
Q: Even after entering the season from camp, there are many practice matches, and you consistently maintain a high level of performance among them.
At first, I struggled to adapt to the basic way of fighting, but now I have reached a state where I just need to do what I have to do.
Q: In the last few matches where your performance has improved, building up from the defense line with solid passing is the foundation of the team. How do you feel about the build-up aspect?
In terms of build-up, my teammates have been quite supportive, and while it's an area of improvement, I am not playing with a passive mindset of 'I hope the ball doesn't come to me.' Instead, I am playing with the intention of being the starting point to move the ball.
Q: I think the opponent belonging to the J3 League will come with considerable motivation, but don't you think Teppei OKA, as a challenger, can face the opponent with a strong mindset?
A, I also have a challenger spirit. However, I also have a strong desire to knock them down. I used to be a very nervous type, but now I am calm and prepared. Additionally, when I was part of the U-18 team, I played as a member of FC Tokyo U-23 at NHK Spring MitsuzawaFootballStadium against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama, and it was a place where I experienced the feeling of competing as a professional. It is a place where I gained the confidence that I can do it, and now that I have truly become a professional, I want to prove that.
<Ryunosuke SATO>
Q, we will face Y.S.C.C. Yokohama in the first match of the J.League YBC Levain Cup.
A. This season, it will be a tournament format, and if you lose, the Levain Cup itself will come to an end. I believe that my stage can only continue through victory, so I want to create my stage by winning.
Q: What kind of play do you want to showcase in a tournament that is different from the league matches?
A, as in any usual match, I think there are many players particularly hungry for the game in the Levain Cup. Within that, I believe we need to balance each player's individual performance while coming together as a team to win, so I want us to discuss that together. However, I think we can only be evaluated by our victories, so I want to play soccer in a way that allows us to be winning when the final whistle blows.
Q: How is the team's atmosphere after the two consecutive matches at Japan National Stadium and the match against Verdy?
A, in the last three league matches, there were no bad games in terms of results, so the team is in a good atmosphere. Even the players who are not participating in the matches are maintaining their focus and training hard, so I believe everyone is prepared for the team.
Q: This will be a match in an away location. Please give a message to the fans and supporters.
There are many players hungry for the match, and I believe that feeling can only be conveyed to the fans and supporters on the pitch. I want to express that feeling fully and create a match that makes everyone feel it was worth coming to watch. Thank you for your support.
