<Last Match Review: Kyoto Sanga F.C.>
Inspire the team, sometimes demand from teammates without hesitation, and run to support teammates with all your might.
If given the new role of an anchor, I will immediately absorb what is required and adapt by utilizing my own abilities. The gritty defense that does not shy away from putting the body on the line has also brought a new image to Tokyo's "10".
In recent seasons, there may have been more roles that are closer to being a supporting player. Of course, he has also demonstrated his technique in building attacks, but he also appeared to lead the team with his toughness and fighting spirit in battles for the ball.
After Peter CKLAMOVSKI became the coach, the position to play has become one row higher, and the opportunity to be used as a top midfielder has increased. If that happens, it is the true essence of Keigo HIGASHI's role that is required to be demonstrated.
"I focused on three things: moving to a position that is difficult for the opponent to catch, building up as a linkman in the attack, and entering the box."
As he is asked to play a more attacking role, Ryoma WATANABE showed his conscious work and set up the first goal by entering the goal area and taking an exquisite position, deceiving the opponent with a pass. And for the second goal, he positioned himself on the near side, avoiding the crowded penalty area, and scored a powerful volley, marking his first goal in the league in 1624 days.
The role demanded of "10" is diverse, but there are not many who have been asked to play such a wide role and have responded to it while struggling. It was a midsummer night's victory that showed what the "10" of blue and red is like.
<Match Preview>
Both teams will be missing key players due to suspension. Henrique TREVISAN will be unavailable for Tokyo, while Elber will be unable to take the field for Yokohama F.Marinos.
In particular, Elber, who won the penalty kick that became the winning goal in the previous match against Gamba Osaka, is undoubtedly a key player in Yokohama FM's attack. It will be interesting to see how coach Kevin MUSCAT will line up his front line.
On the other hand, Tokyo is paying attention to the formation that Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the coach, will choose instead of Henrique to stop the strong attackers of Yokohama FM.
For coach Klamovski, it will be a match against his former team, where he started his career in Japan. As the right-hand man of Ange Postecoglou (current Tottenham Hotspur coach), he came to Japan and contributed to the league title in the 2019 season by winning against Tokyo. The attacking style that he instilled in Yokohama FM has taken root in the club, and coach Muscat has also inherited the same approach to create an attacking team.
In Tokyo, we are steadily working towards the penetration of the attacking soccer that we envision, and it will be a great opportunity to clash with a club that embodies our essence. In the first half of the season, we suffered a very frustrating defeat where we temporarily turned the tables but then allowed a comeback. In this round, we want to repay that debt at Nissan Stadium.
Another point to note is Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who will also face his former team. In the previous match, he returned from injury and came on as a substitute, showing an upward trend in his condition and performance. It will be his first time playing at Nissan Stadium, his former home, as a member of the away team. We hope to see the full presence of "Blue and Red Teru".
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, the opening goal was created from good cooperation in the previous match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
A, many players were involved in the play, including the attacking shape we envision, what we have built here, and what we are trying to do. When analyzing the team's performance, many such aspects are evident. When we had possession of the ball, our aim to get behind the opponent became a threat, and it seemed Kyoto was uncomfortable with that. We created good opportunities, including the scoring scene. I think we were able to show what we have done and built so far, but I believe there are still challenges for the team.
Q, do you want to attack Yokohama F.Marinos, who you will be playing against this round, with a similar intention?
A, yes. I believe every team knows our tactics well. I think Kyoto was the same. This time as well, we will understand where the spaces open up, exploit the opponent’s backline, and aim to score. I expect the opponent to try similar tactics, but that means it will be a good match for us. We want to show a game where fans and supporters of both clubs will be on their feet the entire time without sitting down.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Yokohama FM, the reigning champion of last season.
A, this club holds special moments and special people for me. However, regarding the match, we will focus on what Tokyo must do and aim to take all three points for the club and the fans and supporters. This will be a truly significant challenge for us. They are last season’s champions, and their strength is reflected in their results this season as well. We will just do our best.
Q The match against Yokohama FM this round, and the next match against Vissel Kobe will be consecutive matches against top teams. How does Coach CKLAMOVSKI position them?
A, First of all, it is important to focus on each match right in front of us. However, I believe both matches will be significant challenges. I see it as a good opportunity to measure how much we can challenge two high-quality teams. That said, without looking too far ahead, I want to prepare for the Yokohama FM match first and aim to deliver a good performance. That is crucial to getting closer to a good result.
[Player Interview]
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, It's a match at Nissan Stadium. You must have a good impression, don't you?
A, Since it’s a familiar pitch, I’m looking forward to the match and have a good impression. I can’t really picture Yokohama F.Marinos as the opponent or myself playing at Nissan Stadium as a member of Tokyo, so it’s hard to say, but I want to use the passion of the Yokohama FM fans and supporters and the atmosphere of the venue as my strength, and above all, I want to win.
Q, I came on as a substitute in the previous match, but it was my first official game appearance in a long time.
A, I played for about 30 minutes, but I was able to get into the game in good form, and my physical condition and overall state are gradually improving.
Q: What kind of play are you conscious of?
A, first of all, I want to value playing with a sense of speed, and in defense, I want to be fully aware of the team's discipline. I think a certain degree of freedom is necessary when attacking, and I want to increase ball possession when we press the opponent.
Q: It's a match against your former team. What aspects are you looking forward to?
A, I am really looking forward to the match. Against an offensively strong Yokohama FM, it is important to see how well we can contain them, especially since we have had many clean-sheet games. I want this to be a match where we score more goals than the opponent and go for the win.
Q, it was a frustrating defeat when we played in the first half of the league.
A, the most frustrating thing was being overtaken, and even though we were at a numerical disadvantage, it was a match where we wanted to secure at least 1 point. To overcome that frustration, the most important thing is to go to Nissan Stadium and aim for 3 points. I have that responsibility, and I believe the team does as well. I want to play with the sense of responsibility that we must not lose twice to the same opponent.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, in the Yokohama F.Marinos match in the first half of the league, there were also 2 goals from Diego OLIVEIRA.
A, the match in the first half of the league ended in a very disappointing result. In that game, we conceded early, managed to turn the score around once, but also had a player sent off, resulting in a frustrating match. I think tomorrow’s game will be a difficult and tough match for both teams. Away games are challenging, but in the recent match against Cerezo Osaka, despite the difficult circumstances, we were able to achieve a good result. We want to secure a solid result in the next match as well.
Q: Please tell us the important points to take revenge.
A, as I mentioned earlier, the first half of the league ended with a frustrating result. However, we will forget the past matches once and focus solely on tomorrow's game. The opposing team seems to be in very good condition, but we are also on an upward trajectory. We want to enter the match with high concentration and strong determination.
Q, I think tomorrow's victory will be important for us to improve as a team.
A, looking back from the start of this season, I think it was not such a bad start. After that, there was a period where we couldn’t win, and it was a tough and difficult time. During that time, new players joined during the league’s break and have been fighting for the team. We understand that the current situation is difficult, and we want to steadily advance with wins in the remaining matches.
Q: Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who will also face his former team, has returned. In the first half of the league, goals were also created from the combination with Nakagawa, so I think he is also expected in the Yokohama FM match.
A: Nakagawa is an outstanding and indispensable player for us. He brings new momentum to the team. I hope Nakagawa, facing his former club, will perform well and help us secure victory.
