<Review of the Previous Match: Cerezo Osaka>
Two "firsts" brought victory to Osaka's blue and red.
The resumption of the league match, which has been suspended for about half a month, is an away game that has only won one game this season. In addition, they faced Cerezo Osaka, who has already played three games, including the Levain Cup, and has only managed to draw one and lose two.
Early in the game, the first "first" moves the game. In the 8th minute of the first half, Yuto NAGATOMO, who assessed the situation on the pitch, quickly put the ball deep into the opponent's territory after receiving a free kick. Diego OLIVEIRA responded and received the ball in the penalty area, but lost it when he was pushed by the opponent's defender. However, Kuryu MATSUKI, who came in for support, picked up the loose ball and scored the opening goal with a shot from the diagonal line.
This is Matsuki's first goal of the season in the league. Matsuki has been involved in many scoring opportunities and has been close to scoring in several close scenes, but finally he was able to score and the team gained momentum.
...seemed like a crab.
After that, Diego TABA was substituted in the first half, and in the early stages of the second half, there was an accident where Kei KOIZUMI was also substituted. As Cerezo Osaka, who was behind in the home game, increased the pressure, the two players who were the backbone of the team's center line were substituted, and it took time for Tokyo to regain their composure.
During that time, Cerezo Osaka repeatedly attacked from the side and continued to have scenes where they combined cross balls in front of the goal.
The second "first" to lock the key to Tokyo's goal was Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who made his first appearance in the J1 League match. In the game, he calmly responded without panicking even during the time when he was pushed back. He jumped out to clear the ball from inside the penalty area when he needed to go forward, and showed sharp reactions and shot blocking with his step work to the ball side when he needed to stay in position.
In addition, he played an important role as a starting point for build-up, such as adding tempo to the restart after receiving the ball.
Two players from Tokyo's proud Paris Olympic generation achieved a "first" in Osaka, bringing 3 points to Tokyo.
<Match Preview>
The away game against Cerezo Osaka, which was the first game of the J1 League restart, ended in a 1-0 victory with Kuryu MATSUKI scoring his first goal of the season in the league. MATSUKI, who was the key player in the victory, expressed relief at being able to secure 3 points in the first win in 4 official matches, but also reflected on the responsibility of the defensive midfielder, saying, "Controlling the game is a very important job for a defensive midfielder. I think it was our responsibility that the game turned into a kicking match." Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI also expressed his expectations for MATSUKI's growth, saying, "I am also inspired by his mental strength and dedication. There is still more room for him to improve in order to become the player he dreams of."
This round, we welcome Kyoto Sanga F.C. to Ajinomoto Stadium in pursuit of consecutive victories. Kosuke SHIRAI, who joined from Kyoto this summer, said before the match against his former team, "It's difficult because I know the opponent and they know me, but I definitely don't want to lose this game. I want to go all out." To surpass Kyoto, who excel in intensity and hard work, it is important to not lose with a fighting attitude. Tokyo will go for the win in a head-to-head battle.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
What kind of response do you have about the accuracy of Q build-up?
A, we are constantly building up and aiming to improve. There is still room for growth and more that we can do. While developing our style of play and expanding our range, players must make quick decisions on the pitch even under pressure and in situations with no space. If we can achieve that, I believe we will be able to effectively utilize the spaces we want to use during matches.
Q, please tell us about the competition among the goalkeepers, including Taishi Brandon NOZAWA.
A, I believe Taishi NOZAWA's performance in the match against Cerezo Osaka is the result of the daily training efforts accumulated by the goalkeeper group. It is proof that everyone is pushing each other every day to deliver their maximum performance.
Q: Please tell us again about the strengths and advantages of player Riku NOZAWA.
A, he is a wonderful goalkeeper with talent and potential. He has composure when holding the ball and the ability to perform even under pressure, making good decisions. He also possesses high-level skills such as shot-stopping and dealing with crosses. He is a player with a lot of potential.
Q, please tell us the elements and roles that Coach Klamovski expects from the goalkeeper.
A, It is about being able to firmly assert yourself within your own playing area. This applies to both offense and defense. It is important to communicate the rules about what other players need to do and to demand that they follow them. The goalkeeper is one of the eleven positions on the field. It is not different from any other position. We expect the goalkeeper to demonstrate leadership and unique qualities there, and to deliver performances that lead to the team’s victory.
How is the condition of player Riki HARAKAWA, who joined on a loan transfer?
A, he is playing while learning the team's rules, and I hope he can show that performance during the game. I believe he is preparing well to contribute to the team.
Q, this round's Kyoto Sanga F.C. match will be the first home game after the break period.
A, we will simply seize victory for the fans and supporters. We want to take all three points for the club and show that we are growing as a team with high performance. I think Kyoto will come aggressively, but we are also ready to fight aggressively. Kyoto is a good team and one that battles in key moments, so I believe various challenges will arise. Even in such situations, we want to find solutions ourselves, not rely on one person, and give everything as a team to win.
[Player Interview]
＜Kosuke SHIRAI＞
Q, have you gotten used to the new environment after transferring from Kyoto Sanga F.C. to Tokyo exactly one month ago?
A, transferring mid-season is difficult, and I struggled at first. There are many kind players in Tokyo, and they created a good atmosphere, so I have gradually gotten used to the environment. Tokyo is the sixth team in my career, but since I’m naturally shy, I still don’t know the trick to fitting into a new team (laughs).
Q, regarding the Emperor's Cup match against Roasso Kumamoto and the recent match against Cerezo Osaka, I played in both games. How do you feel about your performance?
A, to be honest, I can't say that I have been able to show 100% of my strengths yet. I believe I can bring out even better aspects from now on. My own strengths are my sprinting ability and one-on-one play on both offense and defense. I want people to focus most on how I get involved in the attack through sprints, shake off opponents, and deliver crosses.
Q, what kind of play is expected from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI?
A, I am expected to play with high intensity, making sprints forward and backward in both offense and defense. I believe I am able to bring out my strengths in that aspect, but for parts I have not experienced before, such as taking the inside as a side back, I want to refine those more through training. Especially my positioning, I think it can improve significantly. I want to actively engage in offensive plays, but since there are defensive rules to follow, I intend to manage risks carefully and grow in both offense and defense.
Q, there are players like Yuto NAGATOMO and Kashif BANGNAGANDE in the side back position.
A, Tokyo's fullbacks each have their own strengths and characteristics, and the team is made up of high-quality players. Since I have little experience as a fullback myself, there is much for me to learn. I believe I have come to a good environment to grow as a fullback.
Q: This week, you will be facing your former team Kyoto. Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, facing my former team inevitably makes me more conscious, so it’s a complex mix of difficulty and excitement. Kyoto definitely plays a style where they press from the front, so I want to skillfully get behind their defense and break down their defense. If I can successfully shake off their press, it will become a starting point to break down the opponent, so I want to play with that awareness. Not only in this match against Kyoto, but from now on, I want to maximize my strengths and contribute to the team. Please support Kosuke SHIRAI.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, I played in the starting lineup in the previous match against Cerezo Osaka. Please give us a review of the game.
A, Kuryu MATSUKI scored the opening goal at a good moment. Although the opponent created many clear chances, I think it was good that we finished without conceding and were able to take home 3 points.
Q, how did you feel on the pitch about the factor that led to being attacked for a longer period of time in the second half of the Cerezo Osaka match?
A, I think there were various factors, but after scoring, we became too defensive. I believe it would have been better if we could have played a slightly more attacking style of soccer.
Q, if there are any guidelines or things that you are conscious of when playing in the midfield position, please let us know.
A, there are no major rules, but as a base, I focus on switching between offense and defense and activating the defensive switch. In the attacking midfielder position, the play of chasing the opponent’s ball holder from the front line naturally increases, so I think it has become one of my roles.
Q, I was very impressed with the defensive contributions of Urawa Reds in the match before the league suspension and Cerezo Osaka in the recent match, as well as the contributions of player Higashi.
A, in the early part of the season, I had many opportunities to play in a deeper midfield position. Even as a forward player, defensive contributions are required in today's soccer, and when I played as an anchor, I imagined how applying pressure to the opponent would help the players behind me. I believe there is still much more I can do.
Q, is it fair to say that the experience of playing as an anchor since last season is now benefiting your current play?
A, I have played in a deeper midfield position many times since last season. I believe there are also sensations that can only be gained from playing in that position.
Q, please tell us about your impression of the upcoming match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
A, including the Levain Cup, the official match record stands at 2 wins and 1 loss, so the impression is not that bad. They are a team where everyone works hard and fights, and in the away match during the first half of the league, we were unable to surpass them and ended up losing. We want to firmly outperform Kyoto in the fundamental aspects.
