<Previous Match: Yokohama F.Marinos Review>
A match against Yokohama F.Marinos, who have been playing for the championship after a break and consecutive wins in the league. Is the winning streak due to momentum, or is it due to the permeation of Peter CKLAMOVSKI's tactics that have been worked on during the break? It was a perfect opponent to measure Tokyo's current situation as a barometer.
They were taken aback right from the start. Despite trying to increase pressure on the ball holder, they were overwhelmed by the momentum of Yokohama FM and their passes were easily intercepted, resulting in them being pushed back into their own half for an extended period of time.
And in the 12th minute of the first half, Insoo YU aggressively pushed up the defense line and was caught behind, creating a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. Although he blocked the opponent's shot twice, he couldn't pick up the third loose ball and conceded the first goal.
However, Tokyo was not relying on their winning streak. They thoroughly implemented their promises on both offense and defense during the break. By quickly switching between offense and defense, they were able to catch the rhythm and launch counterattacks faster than their opponents, causing chaos in Yokohama FM's defense.
And, within the first half, we will open up the goal in our own way.
23 minutes into the first half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had the ball on the right side, dribbled towards the center of the pitch and sent the ball out to the vast space on the left side with a right-footed outside kick.
Player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who received the ball, quickly speeds up and moves the ball vertically without hesitation. After assessing the situation in front of the goal, Diego OLIVEIRA, who controlled the ball in a battle with the opponent, scored the equalizer by putting a cross ball on the near side.
A lightning-fast strike from Tokyo, with three players - a center forward and two wing players - attacking relentlessly after gaining possession of the ball.
In the second half, they created two decisive opportunities, hitting the crossbar twice, and played a soccer that was not inferior to the top team. While they certainly wanted a result, the highlight of this match for Tokyo was the feeling of pulling it closer with a goal.
<Match Preview>
Tokyo claimed their second consecutive victory after defeating Cerezo Osaka and Kyoto Sanga F.C. in the resumed league. They suffered a 1-2 loss against Yokohama F.Marinos, who were in second place at the time, but under the guidance of coach Peter Cklamovski, they have now achieved 4 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in the league. Despite the scorching heat, the players have been able to improve their condition and show a stable performance.
Team's oldest player Yuto NAGATOMO jokingly said, "If I can't move even for one game, it's over," and continued, "That's also the pride of a veteran. Keigo HIGASHI and Masato MORISHIGE are also being rewarded for their daily efforts. They prepare for practice more than anyone else and train diligently. It's because the standards of what it means to be a professional are high that we can still run at this level. There is a reason why we are able to move."
This match will be against Vissel Kobe, who are currently in second place in the league. Kobe has recorded 44 goals, led by their attacking players Yuya OSAKO and Yoshinori MUTO. Under coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Tokyo's solid defense has managed to keep a clean sheet in 5 out of the last 7 league matches, and this match will be a test of that strength. Winning at the sacred ground, National, is, of course, Tokyo's goal.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, there were also close shots hitting the crossbar in the Yokohama F.Marinos match. How much did you emphasize shooting in this week's practice?
A, first of all, we must firmly work on creating such shooting opportunities. I want to encourage the players to be able to fully execute their plays and focus on the final moments. We are simply expressing what we have continued to refine, built up, and even improved so far. Shooting and scoring are the most important aspects of the game, and we need to keep improving them. Not only in those moments, but in the match against Yokohama FM, there were chances to score additional goals. It was an away game against last season’s champion team, and the atmosphere was very good, with positive aspects as well. We just need to continue raising our level.
Q, please tell us about the characteristics of Vissel Kobe, who quickly heads towards the goal.
A, I get the impression that Kobe is consistently doing what they need to do as a team. I feel their strength as a team, and they not only use quick attacks but also combine long balls, creating scenes where they break through the opponent’s goal. It is very unfortunate about Saito’s injury, but I believe they are steadily preparing for the weekend’s match. No matter which team we face, we will challenge ourselves during the game and aim to take all three points. There is nothing for us to fear. If we can fully execute our own style of play, fight proactively and bravely, and focus carefully on each play, I believe we can defeat any team. I am excited to be able to play at the Japan National Stadium. I hope everyone in Tokyo will come to the venue. The support and encouragement from our fans and supporters give us strength. Please invite your friends and come to the stadium. Let’s make it a wonderful night.
Q: Is it the first time for Coach Klomovsky to take command at the Japan National Stadium?
A, I have passed by it several times while driving (laughs). I thought it was a very beautiful stadium. This is my first time taking command and entering the stadium. I believe it will be a very special match, a special night. I hope everyone comes to watch this exciting game. Kobe is a very in-form team, and toughness will be required. Facing Kobe, who are running near the top as Tokyo, let's fight together with the fans and supporters and seize victory.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos continued with focused defense but ended in a frustrating defeat.
A, I think we were able to fight patiently as a team. However, we experienced the frustration that unless we continue to pursue individual defense in one-on-one situations and the way the entire team fights, including the players who come on as substitutes, we cannot take points from a highly experienced team like Yokohama FM.
Q: Vissel Kobe, who is playing this round, is also a team with a very strong attacking power. Please tell us what you are conscious of in terms of defensive coordination.
A, as I mentioned earlier, I believe that both team-wide defense and individual defensive ability in key moments are required, and these are the factors that determine the outcome of the match. As a defensive player, I focus first on not allowing the opposing players freedom and not losing in those situations. Regarding organized defense, as long as we understand and play according to the team’s established agreements as we have done so far, there should be no problem.
Q: How do you analyze Kobe Univ's offensive power, Mr. Morishige?
A, Kobe's strength lies in the attacking power of players Osako and Muto. Above all, it is most important to not give freedom to those two players and the opposing attack line, and to not lose in individual situations.
Q: After Coach Klamovski took office, is there anything that Morishige himself is required to do in terms of defense?
A: I don't think I'm doing anything particularly difficult, and I believe that by doing the basics of defending and adhering to the team's agreed-upon principles, we can build a solid defense without gaps. While demonstrating what needs to be done through my play, I think the team will become even better by bringing out each player's strengths and characteristics as a plus alpha.
Q, this home game will be held at the Japan National Stadium, which is filled with many memories for player Morishige himself.
A: Looking back on the matches at the Japan National Stadium, I have nothing but good impressions. We lost 2-3 to Kobe in the first half of the league, so I think this is the perfect stage for revenge.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q, please tell us the factors that prevented us from winning against Yokohama F.Marinos and the feeling of the game.
A, it was a match where I felt the difference in maturity. Although it was in the finer details such as build-up, positioning, and coordinated cover movements, I sensed the difference between Yokohama FM and Tokyo on the pitch. However, I do not feel that we lost in terms of player ability or quality, and I believe Tokyo has players capable of competing for the championship like Yokohama FM. Looking back calmly at the match, in the chance scenes for both teams, Yokohama FM had more instances of bringing the ball to a shot as a team rather than relying on individual ability. While we also created many chances in the match, the scenes where we broke through tended to stand out as relying on individual ability. Because of their “maturity,” they circulated the ball, which wore us down like a body blow.
Q: Is it important for the team to mature in order to improve its ranking, even if it's just one position?
A, I think it is very important. The individual abilities of the players are at the top level, capable of competing for the championship in the J1 League. I believe it is necessary to thoroughly refine the finer details in both offense and defense, coordinate as a team, and improve decision-making skills.
Q, the impression is that Nagatomo's performance is improving with each game.
A, I have been able to train with increased intensity in my daily workouts. This applies not only to team training but also to repeatedly practicing to enhance my strengths, which I believe is the key factor. Until now, due to the hot and humid summer, I had been focusing on recovery. Now, of course, I still prioritize recovery, but I have increased the frequency of training aimed at developing my strengths. For example, there was a period when fatigue became harder to recover from, and placing too much emphasis on recovery to relieve tiredness prevented my physical condition from improving; this was partly due to age-related factors leading me in an unfavorable direction. Shifting the balance within myself toward increasing the intensity of practice is what I believe has led to my current performance.
Q: This match is against Vissel Kobe, which has my comrades Rui Osako and Muto as players. Please tell us your enthusiasm for this game.
A, my own condition is also in good shape, and I am very much looking forward to facing Muto, Osako, and Sakai, who are also strong points of Kobe. I am really excited about the matchups with them, and I want to deliver a victory to Tokyo in a fiercely intense and heated game that feels like watching an overseas match. The first half of the league match was a very frustrating game. The passionate feelings, like a blazing fire in my heart, are what drive me forward.
Q, do you want to regain the "strong Tokyo" at the Japan National Stadium, where you haven't lost so far?
A, I feel an atmosphere at the Japan National Stadium that makes me feel like we cannot lose, and it also boosts my motivation. I am very much looking forward to competing against the currently in-form Kobe at the Japan National Stadium, and since we are the home team, I want to approach this match with a strong determination to deliver a victory.
