<Review of the previous match against Vissel Kobe>
Tokyo's National Men were alive and well.
After entering additional time, the game was tied in the 45+2 minute of the second half. A dark cloud looms over Tokyo, who had boasted an undefeated record at the newly renovated Japan National Stadium.
In the second half, we quickly allocated personnel to the back and entered the closing stage with a one-point lead, making it difficult to push forward and aim for a comeback. There were also scenes where our attempts to intercept the ball resulted in the opponent counterattacking.
In the midst of an open and fast-paced exchange, it wouldn't be surprising to see goals rolling in for both Tokyo and Kobe. However, that dark cloud was quickly shattered by a flash of lightning.
After consuming most of the additional time of 13 minutes in the second half, in the 45+10 minute mark, Adailton received the ball in a shallow position on the left side and immediately moved it forward, towards the center and towards the goal.
Kobe's defense was facing a double and triple wall, but Adailton, who charged forward with lightning speed, was unstoppable. The defenders couldn't even touch the ball in front of Adailton, and after passing through the two defenders, a third defender came in to block, but Adailton managed to push through and score a powerful shot into the goal.
Like a bolt of lightning tearing through the lush green pitch. A lightning-fast winning goal was born in Tokyo.
The drama did not end here, and ultimately resulted in the first defeat at the newly renovated Japan National Stadium. However, the strike of the national team left behind the "undefeated national team" on a summer night.
<Match Preview>
Tokyo has been feeling frustrated in the last two games due to conceding goals in additional time in the second half. They lost 1-2 away to Yokohama F.Marinos and were caught up by Vissel Kobe at the Japan National Stadium in the previous match. Looking back at the Kobe game, Kei KOIZUMI said, "We could have won but we couldn't. It was a frustrating draw for everyone involved with Tokyo, not just myself. We didn't lose, but it feels like we did and it's a tough pill to swallow."
The league match this week will kick off with a series of three games against Avispa Fukuoka. First, we want to win the first game and gain momentum for the following Levain Cup quarterfinals. Player Koizumi says, "To overcome this frustration, we have to win. If we can win the first game of the three-game series, we can approach the Levain Cup with a good image. We want to use the home advantage and win here."
Tokyo has faced Fukuoka 7 times in the last 3 seasons, with 3 draws and 4 losses (including Levain Cup), making them a tough opponent. This match is crucial in order to change the negative image from previous encounters. As we head towards the end of the season, Tokyo's intense battles continue.
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Avispa Fukuoka is a team that we have had a difficult time playing against in recent matches. How do you plan to approach this game?
A: I am not someone who looks back, so I focus on what will happen today and tomorrow. Of course, I want to respect the fact that Fukuoka’s coach is doing a great job, and I consider them a tough opponent. I am really looking forward to facing them. We will give everything we have and take all three points.
Q: Do you have the impression that there has been no significant change in Fukuoka since Coach Hasebe took office?
A: The team's style of play is clear. They are a wonderful team that fights efficiently. While respecting our opponents, we want to prepare well and approach the match with focus.
Q, we have been struggling to break down Fukuoka's solid defense in recent matches.
A: I think it will be a good challenge for us. We are prepared to fight tough to score goals and give everything we have. Although playing three consecutive matches against the same team is a unique situation, it is important for us to earn 3 points in each game and advance to the next stage of the Levain Cup. We are preparing to be ready to respond to anything that may happen during this three-match series. We will give our all for the fans and supporters so that we can demonstrate FC Tokyo’s football.
Q: In the previous match against Vissel Kobe, we saw the return of Kuryu Matsuki and Kei Koizumi playing as a right full-back. It really showcased the depth of our squad. What are your thoughts?
A, the players approach their daily training with a hungry spirit. We want to elevate that mindset across the entire team. We have been able to conduct good practices, and I am looking forward to seeing the players demonstrate their abilities in the weekend match.
Q, there were two games at the end of the match where there were remaining challenges in the system change. How will you improve?
A, in recent matches, we have been changing the number of defenders late in the game. We need to improve this, and I believe we will continue to evolve from here. Both the evolution of the team and the individual players are important. We want to keep refining this continuously. If we can master the system used in the final stages of the match, we will become an even better team. While defense is important, it is also crucial to master and evolve in playing more offensively and controlling the game, deepening our shared understanding as a team, and making progress step by step.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q: Last week, we took the lead in the additional time of the second half but ended up with a 2-2 draw. How do you reflect on that?
A, not only all the players but also the fans, supporters, and everyone involved with Tokyo felt as if we had suffered a loss—it really comes down to a sense of 'what a waste.' It’s not about blaming anyone in particular; both as a team and individually, there are many issues if you look closely. Speaking personally, just before conceding the goal, I hesitated whether to slide or not, which resulted in a somewhat half-hearted play. For example, if I had boldly slid and cleared the ball out in that moment... of course, that’s hindsight, but I want to thoroughly examine these small details. The fact that the team can’t close out matches like that is reflected in our current standing. However, we will firmly accept this reality and, with nine league matches remaining and the Levain Cup title at stake, we want to raise our level together.
Q, Yokohama F.Marinos match, Vissel Kobe match ended in a disappointing result, but on the other hand, do you feel a sense of improvement as a team?
A: We played consecutive matches against top teams in the league, but I don’t think it’s accurate to say we couldn’t do anything, and we had chances to win both games. However, looking at the results, we didn’t win either match. When we can play at a high intensity even against top-ranked teams, I believe we can play soccer in our own rhythm, and that is something we want to continue in every game. I deeply felt the “small gap” between us and the top teams, Yokohama FM and Kobe.
Q: In terms of playing intensity, Kei KOIZUMI is known for his high level of physical activity and intense fighting spirit within the team.
A: Looking at the standings, there is nothing to be satisfied with. Personally, especially in plays where I try to fully win the ball. Even if I can go strongly at the ball holder, there are times when I fail to take it away completely. It is important to decisively win the ball in one-on-one situations, and not only in defense but also in attack, such as plays that shake off opponents—this “individual strength” is crucial. Of course, since it is a team sport, there are organizational aspects as well, but if each individual does not lose in terms of personal ability, I believe the team will not lose easily either. I think it is necessary to further improve each individual. Regarding playing intensity and attack, I want to firmly direct my focus inward.
Q: After Avispa Fukuoka's promotion to the J1 League in the 2021 season, they have played 7 matches with 3 draws and 4 losses. What do you think are the key points for Kei Koizumi as a player?
A: When facing teams with a bad matchup or unfavorable image, it is even more important to focus on how we start the game. Fukuoka plays with high intensity and sometimes takes a somewhat pragmatic approach. They also have many players who can hold the ball and carry it forward to create attacking opportunities, so winning second balls and aerial battles will be crucial. If we can firmly win those moments and maintain possession for longer periods, the rhythm will naturally come. As long as we don’t make mistakes in how we start the game, it will definitely be a good match, and we want to connect that to a victory.
Henrique TREVISAN
Q: In the last two matches, you played against top teams. What kind of response and challenges did you feel?
A: Both matches were against current league title contenders, so I think they were difficult games. Unfortunately, we were not able to win, but the content of the matches was by no means something to be pessimistic about. Although not everything led to goals, we were able to create many chances. It is disappointing that we couldn’t win these two matches, but without looking down, including the match against Avispa Fukuoka, we want to move forward toward the next game.
Q From this round, including the league match and the Levain Cup, it will be a three-match series against Fukuoka. What impression do you have of Fukuoka?
A, in the league standings, they are ranked higher than us, and they are a very well-performing team that has advanced in both the Emperor's Cup and the Levain Cup, achieving good results. My impression is that matches against Fukuoka are always very challenging, but the current team situation is by no means bad, so we want to train well and head into the weekend and the matches beyond.
Q, is there anything you are conscious of since becoming coach CKLAMOVSKI?
A, first of all, I am happy that my playing opportunities have increased. On the other hand, I feel a strong sense of responsibility. Of course, from now on, I want to correct my weak points, strengthen my strong points, and continue to grow. It is important to keep playing in matches so that I can contribute to the team's victories. Tokyo has many excellent players. Since there is no guarantee of match appearances, I will continue to train hard and improve my level.
Q, there are only 9 matches left in the league. What kind of performance do you want to show towards the end?
A, unfortunately, the current results and standings are not what we desire, but from here on, we want to win as many matches as possible and aim for a higher position. Also, we want to share the joy with our fans and supporters in as many matches as possible.
