<Match Preview>
Last week, in the J1 League Sec. 17 match against Sagan Tosu, we achieved a 1-0 victory, our first win in 5 league matches. Yasuki KIMOTO, who scored the crucial goal and was the key player in our victory, said, "I'm happier about keeping a clean sheet than my goal." He also proudly stated, "I am a defensive player, and we haven't had a clean sheet in a while, so this gives me confidence." This was our first clean sheet victory since our match against Kashima Antlers on April 7th.
In addition, in this match, Hotaka NAKAMURA returned to the pitch for the first time since the Urawa Reds match on April 3rd. After the match, he declared, "This is where Hotaka NAKAMURA's comeback begins," and is determined to fight for a regular position against rivals such as Kosuke SHIRAI and Yuto NAGATOMO.
This round, we will welcome Sanfrecce Hiroshima to Ajinomoto Stadium and fight in the J-League YBC Levain Cup playoff round 1. Tokyo, who has sent a total of 6 players to various age group national teams, will approach this match with all their might. However, there is no doubt in the words of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI. "I believe in our football. I want us to give everything we have to take one step further," says the commanding officer with determination, as the team comes together to seize victory.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, Will you continue to play as a team in the Levain Cup and fight both home and away matches?
A, In the recent Sagan Tosu match, and in the few matches before that, I don't think anything has changed. It's important to move the ball well and control the game. We were able to dominate the game at certain times. Tosu, who we played against recently, is a very good team and our defense was tested. We were able to respond well and effectively press. There were also moments where good defense led to good attacks. We thoroughly followed our defensive rules and put in a performance that deserved a clean sheet. We want to continue this good performance and improve in the next match.
On the offensive side, we were able to create chances to score a second goal. Perhaps on another day, we could have scored that second goal. However, the most important thing is that we were able to earn 3 points in a tough away game. We want to continue building the team with consistency.
Q, this round will be the first match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima since the home opener.
A, there was a game last Friday and there were 8 official games in May. I think it's normal to be tired. However, even in such a situation, the whole team worked hard. We want to use the opportunity of 4 days off to refresh our bodies and prepare well for Wednesday's game.
Q, There were also scenes where the players were passionately talking to each other on the field before practice.
A, I told them it was a chance for us to get closer to winning the trophy. I think it's a total of 180 minutes of battle, so I said that 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 told them that if we can organize our minds and hearts and play our football on the pitch, we can beat any opponent.
Q, There are also activities of the Japan national team, and several players are absent from team activities.
A, I think it's a challenge for us. In the past few days, many people have said to me, "It's tough to have so many players selected for the national team," but if that's what's been given to us, no matter what the situation is, I believe we can do our best here. I believe in our football and in ourselves. We will give our all to take one step further.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, Please tell me your impression of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, the defense is solid and there are players with high scoring abilities in the front line. The balance between offense and defense is well maintained, and overall, I think they are a strong opponent.
Q, this will be our first home and away game. How do you view the importance of the first game?
A, If we cannot have a good game at home, it will make away games more difficult. It is important to have the mindset of finishing the first game at home firmly. As for the tournament regulations, I would like to focus on giving everything in this game and finishing with a victory after 90 minutes, rather than thinking about it after the first game. I think it will be a plus to be able to play at home first, but I don't want to have the mindset of having two games, I just want to win at home.
Q, What kind of talk did you receive from coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI before practice?
A, There was a discussion about fighting for the next game with the current members. Some players have left the Japan national team, but I think the same goes for Hiroshima. Even if players leave, I think there are plenty of talented players in Tokyo. By coming together as one with the current members and winning, I believe it will make the team stronger. And I think it will create a good competition within the team. No player is guaranteed a position and if we lose a game, it will be difficult to play in the next one. Even if we win, it will be the same if individual performances are low. I think all players have a sense of crisis and are able to spend the season with that in mind.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, please review the previous Levain Cup game against Sagan Tosu.
A, in the first half we were unable to play the game as we wanted, but we were able to make adjustments at halftime and play the game well in the second half. We were able to score from set pieces and create chances that led to additional points. Including myself, the defense was unable to hold on, and the game went into extra time and penalty kicks. It was a game where we were able to learn the importance of communication and how we must continue to communicate until the end of the game. It was also a game where we were able to express what we had prepared as a team until the day before the game. It was a game where the team fought together as one.
Q, Was it thanks to your usual "preparation" that you were able to play in an official match for the first time in a while and fight without being shaken even during the 120 minutes of play time?
A, I was always prepared to play in the game. I also think that it is the minimum thing that I have to do as a professional soccer player. The 120 minutes of playing time was honestly tough, but I always played with Tokyo's victory in mind, and I am happy that those feelings were reflected in the result.
Q, this round we will be playing against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, I am filled with great motivation. Regardless of left or right, as the fullbacks have been producing solid results this season, both I and Hotaka NAKAMURA have been able to approach training with fighting spirit. Hiroshima is a well-balanced team in both offense and defense, but if we use our heads and communicate with our voices, and express our own 100% play, I believe it will lead to victory. I want to show a sense of unity as a team and challenge the game. It is a home and away game, but winning the first game is an absolute condition. When we play the second game on the 9th, it is important to make the opponent think, "Are we playing against Tokyo again?" even in terms of mentality. I want to value each and every play and continue the game.
