<Match Preview>
The Emperor's Cup has reached the Round of 16. Tokyo, who had a tough battle with Verdy in the previous round that even went to a penalty shootout, will now face Roasso Kumamoto at their opponent's home stadium.
Kumamoto faced off against J1 League's Sagan Tosu in the 3rd round, and despite being down 2 points, they fought hard for 90 minutes and managed to tie the game 3-3. In extra time, they successfully turned the game around and won in a close 4-3 match. Last season, they made a strong showing in the J1 promotion playoffs, even advancing to a match against J1 team Kyoto Sanga F.C. Under the leadership of coach Takeshi OKI, they have established an attacking style of soccer and have made great strides.
The player to watch out for in Tokyo is none other than Rei HIRAKAWA. He grew up in FC Tokyo's academy, starting from the U-15 team, and gained attention early on by playing in the J3 League with the U-23 team during his first year in high school while belonging to FC Tokyo U-18. Although his opportunities to play in the top team were limited, he returned to Tokyo last season after training with Kagoshima United FC and Matsumoto Yamaga F.C., but his playing time was limited and he completed a transfer to Kumamoto in August.
Since joining, he has established himself as a key player in Kumamoto and has become a driving force behind the team's success, and this season he has been entrusted with the role of captain. He is especially motivated for the upcoming match against his former team and is determined to show his best performance.
Kumamoto's style is not dissimilar to the style that PEACE TOKYO is pursuing. It requires a lot of physicality and intensity, with a fierce pressing and duels in the midfield to win the ball and launch quick counterattacks towards the goal. They value possession and aim to control the game in the opponent's half. Kumamoto does not hesitate to play their own style against Tosu, and have come out on top in the battle. Tokyo also wants to challenge them head on and show their superior strength.
With only 3 days left until the 6th, the league will resume, and it is important to gain momentum in both results and performance in this match. It is expected to fully demonstrate the style that coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI has been trying to instill during the break, and to return to Tokyo with intensity, ball possession, and attacking power to secure a spot in the top 8.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, Tokyo, I think the soccer that both teams, Roasso Kumamoto and Tokyo, aspire to is similar.
A, I think it will be an exciting match. We just need to firmly express what we have to do and score goals. Of course, we have respect for Kumamoto, but mentally we want to enter the match properly and clear our minds. There is no easy match anywhere. We also expect periods when Kumamoto will hold possession. During those times, we need to understand what we should do and how to stop their attacks. For example, if such situations occur on the pitch, counterattacks might be effective, and when we have possession, we need to quickly find the open spaces on the field. We want to create many scoring opportunities to take goals. I believe it is important to play with the awareness of scoring goals.
Q, it will be a night game, but I think there will also be a battle against the heat.
A, preparation is essential to work hard. We will give everything on the pitch and fight to lift the championship cup. As long as that goal remains with us, we want to push each other and give our all.
Q, during practice, each session was very short and focused training was observed.
A, the reason we keep the intervals between each practice session compact is to simulate match conditions. There is no time to rest leisurely during a game. Of course, there are times when we carefully set aside time to prepare. It may seem like a small detail, but I want the players to firmly adopt this mindset, which also connects to the method of "not stopping during the match." On the pitch, you must not stop thinking. The time between practice sessions is also part of the training, so I want them to always keep their mental switch on. I often talk to everyone about the term "hard work," but I expect the players to maintain concentration even during the breaks between practice. The aim is to enable them to make sharp and correct decisions even when they are tired.
Q, training was also conducted assuming Kumamoto's formation.
A, no matter the opponent, it is important to understand what is necessary for that match and play accordingly. Today's practice was conducted to visualize Kumamoto's style. As we face them, we want to share where spaces will open up and which areas the opponent dislikes. We will proceed with preparations in every aspect.
[Player Interview]
＜Kosuke SHIRAI＞
Q, as Kosuke SHIRAI of Tokyo, I have the chance to play in an official match.
A, it has been about a month since I joined Tokyo, and there were no official matches, so it was a very difficult period, but I was able to make good preparations. Playing for Tokyo feels, in a way, like facing my opening match. Having prepared well, I want to fully express myself in the game. I am hungry for matches (laughs).
Q, Urawa Reds showed a high performance in the practice match.
A, I think it was a game where there were still issues with detailed positioning, but there were also minimum performance levels and plays involved in scoring. I was given a long playing time and was able to coordinate with my teammates, so overall, I think it was good.
Q, I was particularly impressed with how organized the offensive side is.
A, the fundamental aspects are brought to life by my experience playing during my time at Kyoto Sanga F.C. Although there are slight differences in the frequency of cutting inside and in risk management during attacks, I feel that I have been able to play naturally by leveraging what I have cultivated so far, especially regarding the strong competitiveness in one-on-one situations and hard work that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI consistently demands.
Q, what kind of instructions and demands for play are you receiving from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI?
A, With team discipline and the plays we must do as a given, I think it is more important whether I can fully demonstrate my own plus alpha plays and characteristics. I want to show plays where I don’t lose in running both offensively and defensively, and win in one-on-one duels.
Q, please tell us your impression of Roasso Kumamoto.
A, Speaking of Kumamoto, I recall the match in the J1 promotion playoff final last season when I was with Kyoto. We have played many official matches up to this point, but that game had a unique atmosphere and was extremely tense, leaving a very strong impression on me. I believe the team members have changed since last season’s encounter, but it is certain that they are not an easy opponent. However, as a J1 club, we want to demonstrate the difference in class through our results. We intend to approach the match assuming it will be a difficult game.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q, I played in all 6 matches of the group stage in the Levain Cup. How is your current condition?
A, I am in quite good condition. I believe I can play without any major problems.
Q, good plays were seen even in the practice match with Urawa.
A, I was able to play in a way that I personally felt was good. Even though it was a practice match, I believe I was able to show plays that will boost my confidence going forward.
Q, please tell us your impression of Roasso Kumamoto, who you will be playing against this time.
A, I have faced Kumamoto when I belonged to Iwate Grulla Morioka last season and the season before that. They are a team skilled at circulating the ball, and starting with their center-back players, the defenders repeatedly pass and move the ball, making their defense very difficult to catch. Above all, I am looking forward to facing Rei HIRAKAWA. Since Tokyo academy seniors such as Rei HIRAKAWA, Makoto OKAZAKI, and Rimu MATSUOKA are on the team, I am excited about it.
Q, I think there are high expectations for each play that saves the team and creates the starting point for the attack.
A, the Emperor's Cup is a knockout tournament, so there is only winning or losing. I think it challenges how we compete under regulations different from the league matches. The choices in play will also change each time accordingly.
Q, do you want to use your experience in the Levain Cup to your advantage in the game?
A, although it is a tournament different from the league matches, I felt that I could compete fully in the Levain Cup. I believe I have been able to play confidently without any particular anxiety during regular practice. During the break period, including mentally, I think I am in a good state where I have organized what I need to do for myself.
