<Last Match Review: FC Machida Zelvia>
"Our National Stadium" that we entered as an away game. It was a game to restart and change our mindset towards the end of the season, after our undefeated record of 4 wins and 1 draw in 5 games was broken in the previous match against Shonan Bellmare. Our opponent is FC Machida Zelvia, who is also based in Tokyo. We were defeated in our match against them in April, so we were determined to pay back our debt this time. However, we were pushed back by their strong momentum from the beginning and couldn't find a way to attack, leading to us conceding a goal in the first 15 minutes.
Tokyo continued to struggle as they were unable to connect the ball due to their low ball possession, making it difficult to transition into an attack.
Number 22, who was playing on the left wing, showed a bold attitude in an attempt to break through the situation.
In the 27th minute of the first half, Keita ENDO, who had been passing the ball smoothly from deep in his own half to avoid the opponent's press, called for the ball in the center and passed it directly forward. From here, Diego OLIVEIRA received the ball through his soft post play and then took it out with a solid first touch, unleashing a powerful shot from about 40 meters away that flew straight towards the top left corner of the goal. However, the shot was slightly deflected by Machida's Japan national team goalkeeper, Tani, and hit the crossbar. Although they were unable to shake the goal net, the team continued to strive to turn the tide with this determined strike.
After that, Tokyo, who had turned the first half 0-1, allowed an additional goal at the start of the second half, and in the 34th minute of the second half, they were defeated by a direct corner kick, suffering a bitter "season double" against Machida, resulting in their first loss at the "New National Stadium".
<Match Preview>
After the International Match Week, the league games resumed after a break of about three weeks. During this break, the shocking news of Peter Cklamovski's resignation at the end of this season was announced, and on the 28th, two days before the away game against Júbilo Iwata, news of Diego Oliveira's retirement as a player was received.
The 2024 season league matches have only two games left, including this round. It is not only the culmination of "Peace Tokyo", but also the opportunity for the number 9, who has been the ace striker for 7 seasons and prioritized the team's victory, to create a winning streak and achieve a white star here.
The team will be joined by Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who has been out due to injury, during this break. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI also stated, "His condition seems good. We will make decisions while observing his training for the upcoming game." His return as an attacker who can work hard on both offense and defense will be a great asset.
Iwata, on the other hand, is in the midst of a battle to avoid relegation. They are 5 points behind Kashiwa Reysol, who are in the relegation zone. Although their chances of securing their spot in the league are slim, they will surely fight until the very end in order to keep their hopes alive. Furthermore, this week, their long-time captain Hiroki YAMADA announced his retirement. It will be a legendary home match for him, and it is without a doubt a must-win game in order to keep their dreams alive.
It may be an intense match that returns to the roots of soccer. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI said, "The opponent will fight with everything they have. I want to fight with a burning passion that surpasses that feeling," and pointed out that the key to victory lies in the clash of emotions.
In addition, for player Diego TABA, the countdown as an active player suddenly becomes 2. While feeling the expectations of goals from those around him, he commented, "First of all, I want the team to win and everyone to be happy. It is ideal to score a goal and win. I hope I can show the fans and supporters a goal myself." While prioritizing the team's victory as usual, he vowed to score a goal of gratitude to those who have taken care of him.
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, this week's match is against Júbilo Iwata.
A, I think it will be a very emotional game. Inside the stadium, there will be a swirling environment of emotions from both teams' players, staff, and fans/supporters. The key to winning in such an environment is to control our own emotions. And we want to bring more intensity than our opponents and push the game forward. Iwata will fight with everything they have to avoid relegation. We must surpass that. I believe focusing on team performance is the key to getting closer to victory.
Q, How do you select the match members for this round after the break period?
A, I want to bring players who are ready to fight. Without that base, our football cannot be embodied on the pitch. We will strive for a high performance as a team and aim to take 3 points. For that, we have daily practices. All players are working with a good mindset. I want to confirm the players' condition and approach the game.
Q, What kind of efforts have you made for the last two games?
A, We are telling our players to continue building their football and enjoying it during the break period, and not to lower the team's performance no matter who plays. Above all, we want to approach the Iwata match with the most important feeling of "winning".
[Player Interview]
Takahiro KO
Q, there are only two more matches left in the J1 League.
A, although it does not directly affect things like winning or avoiding relegation, we want to build on what we have achieved this season and give our all in the matches against Júbilo Iwata and Cerezo Osaka, aiming to earn 3 points in each game. We want to have a good game.
Q, this round we will be facing Iwata. What kind of battle will be required against an opponent fighting for survival?
A, I think they will come to the game with power, but it is important not to focus on the opponent, but on how we can direct the arrow towards ourselves. If we can play better than the opponent in every situation, I believe the results will follow naturally. I think the key to victory is being able to play proactively.
Q, started on the bench in the previous match against FC Machida Zelvia. Did you see anything new?
A, I was able to watch the game from a bird's-eye view for the first time in a while starting from the bench. In defense, we communicate and decide who will press the ball side, our awareness of receiving and holding the ball, and how everyone will be involved with the ball. When we are playing well, both people and the ball are fluid. I want to surpass the opponent in terms of movement and how we move the ball. Personally, I want to keep receiving the ball and handling it accurately.
Q, Please tell us what you want to focus on this round after the break.
A, There was also a discussion from coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI about expressing our own soccer firmly rather than worrying about the opponent. I think that in order for the team to improve, the growth of each player is required from training. I myself have focused on that and have been training during the break. When considering the match against Iwata, it is also necessary to consider the response and countermeasures for side attacks. I would like to communicate as a whole and take care of it.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q, this week's match is against Júbilo Iwata.
A, The opponent is in a situation where they will be relegated if they do not win, so I think their determination for this match is very strong. If we get caught up in their momentum, it will be a difficult game for us. We can expect a tough match, but we want to surpass the opponent from the start of the game and show our momentum.
Q, In the recent league match, there were many times when we had to defend against the opponent's momentum and play. What kind of improvements and awareness are needed?
A, In games against Shonan Bellmare and FC Machida Zelvia, we were unable to unify our consciousness and intentions in controlling the game during difficult times. In the away game against Vissel Kobe, we were often pushed back by the opponent, but it was necessary to play with a clear mindset and everyone on the pitch was able to do so. In every game, there will be difficult moments. At those times, if we can all have a clear understanding of how to overcome them and rebuild our game, we can prevent easy goals from being scored.
Q, there are only two more league matches left.
A, I want to deliver a solid victory to all the fans and supporters who have supported us throughout this season, as well as to Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who will be stepping down as coach, and Diego OLIVEIRA, who will be retiring.
