TOKYOism

＜Match Review＞

Finally, this day has come. In his 7th season since 2018, Diego OLIVEIRA, who has been wearing the number 9 and leading the team, played his last match. The goal end, dyed in blue and red, was filled with messages, and during the player entrance, he was welcomed with a brilliant choreography of "9" and the letters "DIEGO", along with the familiar chant.

Furthermore, this will be the last match for coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and goalkeeper Tsuyoshi KODAMA, who have been leading the team since last summer, as their contracts are expiring. All we want is a victory. The final kickoff of the season will take place at Ajinomoto Stadium.

1st HALF - Two Goals Conveying the Determination for Victory

The passion from Tokyo on this day was palpable. They didn't back down in battles for the ball, and quickly switched between offense and defense. When they had the ball, they showed their strength as they headed towards the goal. In the 6th minute of the first half, they had a chance from a set piece, but Kanta Doi's shot narrowly missed and they were unable to take the lead. However, in the 12th minute of the first half, they successfully scored the first goal with a brilliant attack.

Diego, who picked up the second ball inside the opponent's territory, entrusted it to Ryotaro ARAKI who was next to him. Ryotaro ARAKI did not miss the perfect course and made a through pass. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who received it, scored with his right foot from a perfect trap, and shared the joy with Diego.

Tokyo, aiming for an additional goal, gathers the ball to number 9, who will play in the last match. In the 26th minute of the first half, they bring the ball to the shot from the counter, and in the 37th minute of the first half, they head the cross from Kosuke SHIRAI, and shoot a powerful header. However, both were saved by the opponent's goalkeeper and did not result in a goal.

Still, the team's momentum did not drop and in the 42nd minute of the first half, the second goal flew out. The ball was firmly connected from their own half and passed to Keita ENDO, who was waiting on the left side. He immediately made a move. Although the cross was deflected, Takahiro KO, who reacted to the loose ball in the penalty area, took a direct shot and the ball, which hit the opponent's defender, was sucked into the goal.

Tokyo successfully turned the first half with an unbeatable performance and result.

2ndHALF - Keep focused and add another goal, end the season with a victory

Tokyo's momentum and focus did not change in the second half. In the 6th minute of the second half, they faced a pinch, but Taishi Brandon NOZAWA calmly saved the situation as usual and did not give up control.

And in the 18th minute of the second half, when Diego TABA's substitution was announced, players from both teams created a path on the center line and sent off their final appearance, and the stadium was filled with a big round of applause.

After that, the game resumed with a lingering feeling, but players such as Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, Keita YAMASHITA, and Kei KOIZUMI who came on the pitch in the middle brought even more energy to the team. In the 28th minute of the second half, YAMASHITA picked up a clearance ball in his own half and quickly passed it to the left side to ENDŌ, who then made a sharp cross into the goal area with one touch. TAWARATSUMIDA, who had run in from the right side, pushed it in with his right foot. However, with the support of VAR, ENDŌ's position was deemed offside and the goal was disallowed. But Tokyo's momentum was not stopped.

Tokyo, who did not break their attacking posture, repeatedly approached the opponent's goal and scored their third goal from a corner kick in the 43rd minute of the second half. Henrique TREVISAN, with his high accuracy, met Araki's ball with a high strike. Although his header shot hit the post, he quickly reacted to the rebound and pushed it in with his left foot, deciding the match.

The game that we absolutely had to win ended 3-0. Diego TABA, who left the pitch on this day, also had a smile on his face, savoring the victory.

After the match, the final game ceremony was held, and thanks were conveyed from coach Peter Cklamovski and captain Kei Koizumi to the fans, supporters, and everyone involved in Tokyo. The Ajinomoto Stadium was filled with the never-ending Diego chants, and the 2024 season came to a close.

MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Kanta DOI/Enrique Trevizan/Soma ANZAI
MF Kou UYOH/Keigo HIGASHI (26th minute of the second half: Kei KOIZUMI)/Ryotaro ARAKI (45th minute + 2 minutes: Leon NOZAWA)
FW Diego Oliveira (18th minute of the second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)/Keita ENDO (45th minute + 2 minutes: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (26th minute of the second half: Keita YAMASHITA)

SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Teppei OKA

GOAL
First half 12 minutes: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/First half 42 minutes: Takahiro KO/Second half 43 minutes: Henrique TREVISAN

Cerezo Osaka
STARTING XI
GK Kim Jin-hyun
DF Ryosuke Shindo/Hayato Okuda/Taiki Tamegai (44th minute: Ryogo Yamasaki)/Ryuya Nishio
MF Shunta Tanaka/Hiroaki Okuno (44th minute: Satoki Uejo)/Capixaba (18th minute: Kyohei Noborizato)/Lucas Fernandez (18th minute: Hiroto Yamada)
FW Leo Ceara/Sota Kitano (0th minute: Masaya Shibayama)

SUBS
GK YANHANBIN
DF Koji TORIUMI

GOAL
ー 

[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]

Q, please review the game.
It was a tough game as expected. Cerezo Osaka has good players and is a very good team. It was important for us to play our game and perform well as a team. I think we were able to follow the game plan and put on a performance worthy of a victory. I am proud that the players gave their all to make this a special day. It was also a special day for club legend Diego Oliveira. And Tsuyoshi KODAMA is also a club legend. I believe that all the players and staff were able to secure a victory for them and for all those who love Tokyo.

Q, Did the counter work well against C Osaka as planned?
A, we were able to use that area advantageously. Until the second goal, I think we were able to connect from our build-up to the goal. I think we were able to connect well until we shook the net from the goalkeeper. The players used the space that we had analyzed and thought we could use very well. I think it was a really good goal.

Q, I think it was ideal to have a 2-point lead before Diego OLIVEIRA was substituted.
A, we may have been able to score a little more, but we were very motivated to fight. In the plan, we were going to use Diego for about 80 minutes. However, he played until his gas ran out in 60 minutes. He is a legend of our club, but we are grateful to C Osaka for sending him off in that way. It should have been a memorable game for him as well.

Q, What was it like for the 7 seasons since coming to Japan?
A, I think there were many chapters. There were many things that happened. For me and my family, Japan feels like home. I want to thank everyone I have met in these past 7 years. I have met truly amazing people. That applies to football, but also to other aspects of life. I believe these people will stay in my heart forever. I am truly grateful to all the clubs I have been involved with. Family and friends are something that will last a lifetime. Now, a special chapter is coming to an end, but I believe it will continue in another place. And someday, I will come back here again.

[Player Interview]
Diego OLIVEIRA

Q, thank you for your active career.
A, today was truly an unforgettable day. Once again, the fans and supporters cheered for me and it ended in a wonderful way. It's a joy to be able to retire in front of all of you whom I love. I felt your respect and love for me. It's because of all of you that I was able to come this far. I want to express my gratitude to all of you.

Q, before the match, a choreography was displayed, and when the substitution was made, the players of Cerezo Osaka also created a flower path together.
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to all the players, staff, and fans and supporters of C Osaka for respecting me. And, from the warm-up, I could feel the Tokyo fans and supporters calling my name and supporting me. It's truly a wonderful thing.

Q, What kind of club was Tokyo for Diego Taba?
A, It was a long football career, but Tokyo became the club with the longest tenure. It is a club that I have put all my efforts into, to the point where I can say it is my entire life. And I am truly grateful to the fans and supporters who have fought alongside us. You are an unforgettable presence, and I believe you will always be in my heart. 

Q, How do you want Tokyo to develop in the future?
A, I want to support and support Tokyo as a single fan and supporter from now on. I am leaving the club, but I want everyone to win the league title that they are aiming for. It will be far away, but I will always support you.

Teruhito NAKAGAWA

Q, please review today's game.
It was the final home game of the season, and many fans and supporters came to Ajinomoto Stadium. I believe that the strong feelings and unity to deliver a victory and for the retiring player Diego OLIVEIRA led to the victory.

Q, there were passionate plays seen throughout the team since the start of the first half.
A, I was able to enter this section with a higher level and awareness than usual, but I want to base it on this. I think we can attract more good games and victories by doing so. It was also an emotional game for Diego Taba.

Q, didn't you feel the strength of the fans and supporters again?
A, of course. I was surrounded by Diego's call and many people came to visit. I am most happy that we were able to win in front of many fans and supporters in the best atmosphere. This season, we were unable to deliver a victory at our home stadium, Ajinomoto Stadium, and I was filled with regret. I think the players also approached this season's last game with a strong desire to make it a smile. And I am glad that we were able to send Diego off with a smile.

<Takahiro KO>

Q, please review the goal scene.
A, I had the consciousness of moving forward and when the ball came loose from the opponent, I was able to swing my leg and hit it well, so it was good to enter.

Q, Diego OLIVEIRA's last game as an active player, there were various situations such as the final game of the season. What was your mindset going into the game?
A, it was a game that we absolutely had to win, so everyone was really into it and it was a great game.

Q, the defense also worked smoothly and ended with a clean sheet. How do you feel about the factors as a midfielder in terms of defense?
A, There was also compactness, and even after scoring points, I, including myself, did not lose focus and said to the team, "Let's end with zero." I think there was a sense of unity there.

Q, Wasn't it a difficult season with many challenges after becoming captain in the middle of the season?
A, I came to Tokyo from this season and at first, there were some difficult times, but I have been playing with the desire to win. I have seen many things including growth. I want to continue to do my best so that both myself and the team can grow.

<Henrique TREVISAN>

Q, the additional point that determined the victory was a wonderful goal.
During the past year, I have been working hard to score a goal, but unfortunately I couldn't do it. However, I was able to score in the final match and I am very happy about it. Today was Diego Oliveira's retirement match, and it was also the last match in Tokyo for Tsuyoshi KODAMA and Peter CKLAMOVSKI. It was a very important match. It's sad to see them go, but I'm glad I was able to score and help the team win.

Q, I reacted faster than anyone else to the loose ball from my own header shot.
A, I was able to do a good heading shot from a good ball because I always practiced set plays. Although it didn't go in directly, the ball bounced off the goal post and fell in front of me, so I was able to quickly put my foot out and score.

Q, isn't it a big gain to finish today without conceding a goal?
A, winning is very happy and for us defense players, winning and finishing without conceding is a very good thing. I'm really glad we were able to win in a good way in the final match.

＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA player＞

Q, it was a victory with a clean sheet. Please review the game.
A, I can't say that I was perfect, but I am confident in defending the goal, so I am very happy to have achieved it in the form of a clean sheet. I think we were able to defend with our bodies today, so I am grateful to everyone on the team.

Q, What were you conscious of in terms of defense?
A, if I had to say, it was game control. The timing of the first goal was good, and we were able to score additional points in a good way. In the second half, the game became more open, but even in that situation, we were able to take advantage of the opponent's weaknesses and create opportunities in the front line. I think we were able to create a good flow by effectively using long balls and short passes.

Q, I think we were able to have a culmination of this season's game in both offense and defense.
A, I am still not satisfied and not convinced. I wanted to compete, but I was reminded of my own dissatisfaction that I couldn't compete. However, at the same time, I learned a lot and I think I was able to express that in today's match. I want to continue this into next season.