Match Preview
Last week, in Sec. 17 of the J1 League, we achieved a 1-0 victory against Sagan Tosu, marking our first win in five league matches. The player who scored the priceless goal and became the hero of the victory, Yasuki KIMOTO, stated that he was "happier about the clean sheet than his own goal," and proudly mentioned that it was a confidence boost since it was the first clean sheet since the match against Kashima Antlers on April 7.
In this match, Hotaka NAKAMURA took to the pitch from the second half, marking his return since the match against Urawa Reds on April 3. After the match, he stated, "This is where the counterattack of Hotaka NAKAMURA begins," and he is fired up for the competition for a regular spot against rivals such as Kosuke SHIRAI and Yuto NAGATOMO.
This match will be held at Ajinomoto Stadium against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, competing in the J League YBC Levain Cup Playoff Round 1. Tokyo, which has sent a total of six players to various age group national teams, will approach this match with full force. However, there is no hesitation in the words of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI. "I believe in our football. I want to give everything to take one more step forward," says the strong-willed coach, as the team unites to seize victory.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Will you maintain the team's style of play in the Levain Cup and compete in both home and away matches?
A, regarding the recent match against Sagan Tosu and the few matches before that, I believe nothing has changed. We need to move the ball well and control the game. There were times during the match where we could dominate within that aim. The team we faced recently, Tosu, is a very good team, and I think our defense was tested. I believe we were able to respond well and apply pressure efficiently. There were moments where good defense led to good offense. We thoroughly adhered to our defensive principles, and it was a performance worthy of a clean sheet. I want to continue this good performance in the upcoming match and improve further.
In terms of offense, we were able to create chances to score a second goal. Perhaps on another day, we could have scored that second goal. However, what matters most is that we were able to secure 3 points in a tough away game. I want to continue building the team with consistency.
Q: This match is the first encounter with Sanfrecce Hiroshima since the home opener.
Last Friday, there was a match, and in May, there are 8 official games. I think it's normal to feel fatigued. However, despite such circumstances, the entire team worked hard. I want to make good use of the four-day break to get back to a fresh state and prepare thoroughly for the match on Wednesday.
Q: There were scenes where the coach passionately spoke to the players on the field before practice.
A, I conveyed that this is a chance to get one step closer to winning the trophy. I believe it’s a total of 180 minutes of battle, so the home game on Wednesday is the first half, and the away game on the 9th is the second half. We will prepare for everything. I also mentioned that if we can organize our minds and hearts and display our football on the pitch, we can defeat any opponent.
Q, Due to the activities of the Japan national team, several players have withdrawn from team activities.
A, I think it's a challenge for us. In the past few days, many people have said to me, 'It must be tough to have so many players taken for the national team,' but if that is what has been imposed on us, then no matter the situation, I believe we can only do what we can do here. I believe in our football and in ourselves. I will give everything to take one more step forward.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q: Please tell us your impression of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A strong defense and a lineup of players with high scoring ability in the front line. The balance between offense and defense is well-maintained, and overall, I believe they are a formidable opponent.
Q: This is the first match of the home and away series. How do you perceive the importance of the first match?
If we cannot play a good game at home, it will likely make the away game more difficult. It is important to have the mindset to secure a solid win in the first home match. We should focus on giving our all in this match, and aim to finish with a victory when the 90 minutes are up, thinking that we can consider the tournament regulations after the first match. I believe that starting at home will work to our advantage, but I want to focus on winning at home without the mindset of having two matches.
Q: What kind of talk did you receive from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI before practice?
A, there was a discussion about fighting together with the current members for the next match. Some players have left the Japan national team activities, but I think it's the same for Hiroshima. Even if players leave, I believe there are highly skilled players in Tokyo. The confidence gained from uniting as the current members and winning will strengthen the team. I also think it will create good internal competition. No one is guaranteed a position, and if we lose a match, it will be difficult to play in the next one. Even if we win, if individual performances are low, it will be the same. I believe all players are able to spend the season with that sense of urgency.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, please review the previous Levain Cup match against Sagan Tosu.
In the first half, we couldn't progress the match as we wanted, but we made adjustments at halftime and were able to manage the game well in the second half. We were able to score from set pieces and create chances that led to additional goals. Due to the defense, including myself, not being able to hold on, the match extended to 120 minutes and went to a penalty shootout. I believe this match taught us once again that we need to communicate until the very end while progressing through the game. Including the penalty shootout, it was a match where we were able to express what we had prepared as a team up until the day before the game. It was a match where the team fought together as one.
Q: After a long absence from official matches, was your ability to compete for 120 minutes without being shaken a result of your daily 'preparation'?
A, I was always prepared to play in the match. I believe that is the minimum requirement as a professional soccer player. Honestly, playing for 120 minutes was tough at times, but I always kept Tokyo's victory in mind while playing, and I am glad that those feelings were clearly reflected in the results.
Q: This match is against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, I am very motivated. While the full-backs are delivering solid results this season regardless of the side, I, along with Hotaka NAKAMURA, am able to approach practice with fighting spirit. Hiroshima is a team that is well-balanced in both offense and defense, leaving no gaps, but I believe that if we use our heads, communicate with our teammates, and express 100 percent of our own play, it will lead to victory. I want to show a sense of unity as a team and take on the match. Although it’s a home and away match, winning the first game is an absolute requirement. When we play the second match on the 9th, it’s important to make the opponent think, 'Are we facing Tokyo again?' mentally. I want to value each play and progress through the match.
