<Last Match Review: Júbilo Iwata>
The match that followed the announcement of Peter CKLAMOVSKI's resignation as coach during the break period, as well as the news of Diego OLIVEIRA's retirement at the end of this season. Diego, who started as a starter in the away game against Júbilo Iwata, showed a strong post-play and aggressive press back from the beginning, demonstrating his presence as a key player for the blue and red team. However, he faced tough marking from the opponent and injured his right ankle just before the end of the first half. After a long treatment, he returned to the pitch, but was forced to be substituted at halftime.
In the second half, Tokyo goes on the offensive. They create chances by using the pitch widely, and successfully move the game forward from a left corner kick they earned.
Light and rhythmic attack.
In the 8th minute of the second half, Ryotaro ARAKI passed a short corner to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had moved into the pocket position, and from there, Keigo HIGASHI received the ball and supplied a soft cross with his right foot. Soma ANZAI then jumped in from behind and scored a perfect header that went over the opponent's goalkeeper's head and into the goal net. The blue and red team, who had gained numerous corner kick opportunities since the first half, took the lead by making a change here. The instructions from coach Yu TOKISAKI paid off as they took the lead away from home.
However, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Yasuki KIMOTO was sent off with a red card for fouling an opponent player, and as a result, they conceded an equalizing goal from the resulting free kick. Under pressure from Iwata, who needed a win to secure their spot in the league, they ultimately lost the game by conceding a penalty kick in the final minutes. This was their third consecutive loss in the league, a disappointing result.
<Match Preview>
Diego OLIVEIRA, who has left his name in the history of the club, has decided to take off his uniform at the end of this season. He joined Tokyo in the 2018 season and has continued to show performances worthy of Tokyo's ace with his all-out play in both offense and defense. The goals he has accumulated in his 7 seasons with the club, 74 in total, are the most in the J1 league. He will end his 16-year career, responding to the expectations and respect of those around him, in Tokyo.
Speaking about the circumstances of his retirement, he said with a sad expression, "I have been away from Brazil for a long time and I have a desire to spend time with my parents and family. Being an athlete and continuing to fight every day consumes a lot of energy. I have used it all up." After announcing his retirement, he expressed his gratitude multiple times, saying, "I realized how much I was loved and cherished by my friends, teammates, and fans. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved."
Whether crying or laughing, the final match of the season with Cerezo Osaka will be the last dance for number 9. The stage is Ajinomoto Stadium. The great striker will fight for victory with the same full effort as always. His final appearance will surely be etched in the memories of fans and supporters forever.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, this will be the last game of the season.
A, we want to be able to show our "show" and bring smiles to our fans and supporters.
Q, as a culmination, we want to show everything we have built up to this point.
A, it is important to be able to perform well as a team. We want to fight in a way that the club and the fans can be proud of. And we want to end with 3 points. Last week, we let go of the game that we had in our hands. Of course, everyone is disappointed. We want to learn from that and approach the next game with determination. We will give our all to win.
Q, This is also the last game for player Diego OLIVEIRA. We have been working together for one and a half seasons, what kind of player do you think he is?
A, When I first came to Japan, it was before the start of the 2018 season, and I remember watching Diego OLIVEIRA play in a practice match and thinking he was an amazing player. Since coming to Japan, I have been watching his play. After 18 months of working together, I have come to understand not only his greatness as a player, but also his humanity, and I now know that he is a legend of this club. Everyone will fight desperately to give him 3 points. And I hope we can have a memorable battle that will stay with him for the rest of his life.
Q, what message would you like to leave for the fans and supporters in your last game in Tokyo?
A, it is to have a fight that can be proud of, and that everyone can get excited about. Since coming here, I think we have been able to create a foundation for the future. The future of Tokyo will be bright and strong. This season, there were good times for us, and there were also times when we went down. Even in difficult times, the team has grown, and I think that will lead to the future of the team. I want to finish the season with a smile and have a fight that I can be proud of. Blue and red will always remain in my heart. I pray for the success of this club.
Q, where is the part you want to show at the end?
A, Of course, everyone wants to succeed tomorrow and the next day, but that's football. I believe that without what we have built here over the past 18 months, there will be no success. I am proud to have built a strong foundation for this club and I hope it will lead to future benefits.
This is not goodbye. Let's meet again.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, this match will be the last game of my active career.
A, the next game will be the final game of the season for Tokyo and my last game as an active player. I am determined to approach the game with strong determination. This season, our team's performance was not what we had hoped for and it was a disappointing season. I know the final game against Cerezo Osaka will be a tough one, but I want to win and end this season on a high note. It will also be my last game, but I am calm. As always, I want to enter the game with the same mindset. I want to end it with a goal of my own, share the joy of victory with the fans and supporters, and make it a game that will lead us to the next season.
Q, please tell us the reason for your retirement decision.
A, There are several reasons, but the biggest one is that I have spent a long time playing and living in Japan, far away from Brazil. I have been away from my parents and family in Brazil for a long time. I have a desire to go back to Brazil and spend time with my family. Also, as a professional football player, I have built my career up to this point, but I have also consumed a lot of energy, both physically and mentally. I feel that my motivation and playing level have gradually decreased. After consulting with myself and my family, I also felt that I had accomplished everything I wanted to in my career. Due to various reasons, I have made the decision to retire. The club has offered me the opportunity to continue playing next season, which I am grateful for, but I also feel that retiring in my current state is the best way to end my career. I will miss leaving Tokyo and retiring from my active career, but I also feel happy that I can end my career in a good way.
Q, When is the timing for making a decision?
A, I have always felt that retirement was not a distant future. I never said it out loud, but I felt it was coming soon. The actual decision was made about a month before the retirement announcement. I love the Tokyo club. There are many people who have always supported me and respected me. Many people were surprised that I retired at this timing. I am happy that the Tokyo uniform will be the last uniform I wear as an active player.
Q, please tell us if there are any memorable matches or goals.
A, This is the goal of the Shonan Bellmare match at Ajinomoto Stadium in the 2018 season. It was my first goal after joining Tokyo and putting on the blue and red uniform. It was a very memorable moment for me as my goal became the winning goal.
Q, Did Diego TABA have a vision for his retirement when he started his professional career? A, Starting a professional career means that it will eventually come to an end. The vision I had was to play in a high-level league like the J League and retire while I am still in good condition. In a way, I believe I will be able to end my career in an ideal way.
Q, We have been far from victory in recent games, so please tell us again what points we need to tighten up on.
A, we have been far from winning for a while now, and we haven't been able to win even at our home stadium, Ajinomoto Stadium. It hasn't been the season we envisioned, and we have spent a long time in difficult times, so we want to focus on playing with a sense of unity as a team and striving for victory.
Q: What is the significance of fans and supporters for player Diego Taba?
In the previous match against Júbilo Iwata, the supporters in the goal end stand held up banners and uniforms towards me. Your support has reached me firmly and warmed my heart. I am truly grateful for the fans and supporters who have shown me respect.
