<Match Preview>
The three-match series against Avispa Fukuoka has begun. In the first match of the J1 League Sec. 26, we lost 1-2 due to two early goals conceded. In the final stages, Naoki KUMATA, who came on as a substitute, scored his first goal in the J1 League, bringing us within one goal, but we struggled against Fukuoka's solid defense until the end. After the match, Keigo HIGASHI expressed his frustration, saying, "Conceding the first goal allowed the opponent to dictate the game. We were encouraging each other at the start, but we needed to be more focused. I want to use this reflection in the Levain Cup."
This match will be an opportunity to overcome the frustration. The first leg of the Levain Cup quarterfinals will be played just two days after the previous match. Our ideal scenario is to take the lead at home and carry it over to the second leg. Player East says, "We can't play to match our opponents, we have to win with our own style. Whether it's at home or away, we want to aim for the goal without wavering."
To defeat the opponent who lost three days ago, mental strength is required. Tokyo will face an important match in pursuit of their fourth Levain Cup victory in three years (including the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup).
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: How will you prepare for the Avispa Fukuoka vs Levain Cup quarterfinals with only 2 days of rest?
A: It will be consecutive matches against the same opponent. First, it is important to thoroughly review the result of the match against Fukuoka on the 3rd, confirm what needs to be improved, and organize that. We expect that whoever plays will fully express our style of football. We want to focus on delivering high performance and achieving results.
Q: Will you also consider replacing fresh players, as the opponent will also face the Levain Cup under the same conditions?
A: Of course, we are also considering the use of fresh players. We have communicated the situation to the players, and those who did not participate in the match against Fukuoka on the 3rd have been training in good condition. The players who did play are making sure to recover well, even though the period until the next match is short. We will carefully decide which members to field for the Levain Cup.
Q: In the match on the 3rd, Naoki KUMATA scored his first goal in the J1 League. Please reevaluate Naoki's performance, considering the difficult time he has had so far.
A: No matter what kind of player, the process of each day is very important. This applies even to players with world-class talent. I expect the players to build up their efforts day by day. I believe Kumada has talent. I want to help him draw out that high potential and become a wonderful player. Since I became the coach of Tokyo, Kumada has consistently worked hard in daily training and continued to play without fail. Although he came on as a substitute in the Fukuoka match, he showed a very good performance. I believe he will show even better things from here on. Regarding his first goal in the J1 League, I want to sincerely congratulate him. I hope he will continue to accumulate more goals throughout his career from here on.
Q, unfortunately we lost in the league match. How will you enhance the team's atmosphere as we approach consecutive matches?
A, no one is satisfied with the loss in the league match, and the frustration remains. However, the important thing is to learn from this defeat and apply it to the next game. We can also view the upcoming match against the same opponent in a positive light. We want to approach the game with a strong mentality to make a solid comeback from here.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Tokyokeigo＞
Q, the first match of the three-game series against Avispa Fukuoka ended in a frustrating defeat. How do you reflect on the game?
A, matches against Fukuoka always leave the impression of being tough and challenging. The flow and rhythm of the game ended up being controlled by the opponent. We knew it would be a difficult match going in, but conceding two goals early on made the game even tougher. It’s not that we weren’t focused, but those early goals clearly highlighted the issues we have as a team.
Q, although we lost in a difficult game, I think the late goal became a decisive blow that will lead to the next one.
A, we were completely outplayed in terms of the match content and allowed Fukuoka to play their style of soccer throughout the full 90 minutes. First and foremost, it is important to increase attacking opportunities, not just set pieces. I felt many issues related to our offensive play and challenges specifically against Fukuoka.
Q, how is your motivation for the Levain Cup, where there is still a possibility of winning the title?
A, this is the tournament with the highest possibility of winning a title this season, so if we can secure a victory against Fukuoka, a team with whom our head-to-head record is not particularly good, it won’t exactly be a case of “turning a crisis into an opportunity,” but I believe it will be a trigger to completely change the momentum. Being able to play the first match at home is also a significant advantage. Considering that away matches against Fukuoka are always difficult, I want to approach the game with that awareness in mind. I believe we cannot get closer to the title without beating a solid team like Fukuoka. It is certain that they will be a tough opponent, so I want to create a hopeful game flow that leads to the next stage, and I intend to organize the issues that arose in the match on the 3rd and approach the game accordingly.
Q, the first match of the three-game series against Avispa Fukuoka ended in a disappointing result. Please give us your thoughts on the game.
A, it was a very difficult match and ended in a disappointing result. However, rather than dwelling on the past match that is over, I want to properly prepare well for the first leg of the Levain Cup quarterfinals.
Q, in the practice match against Vissel Kobe, a goal was also created in a similar way as in the Montedio Yamagata match. We can see the good condition of Adailton.
A, I am able to play in good condition, and from here I want to further improve my form and deliver good performances in matches. Regardless of the situation, whenever I play in a match, I always seek results. I just express the maximum level of play I can for the team. The quarterfinals against Fukuoka will be consecutive matches, and very difficult games are expected. I want to view having the first match at home as a positive and aim for a victory that leads to the second away match. Then, I want to advance to the next stage.
Q, Adailton himself, don't you have many good memories of the Levain Cup?
A, we won the Levain Cup title in the 2020 season, so I have a very good image of it. First, I want to secure good results to advance to the Final Round and bring joy to our fans and supporters.
Q, in the Fukuoka match on the 3rd, it seemed that Adailton was tightly marked and countermeasures were taken.
A, I understand that not only in the recent match but also every club we face is implementing countermeasures. Even with these countermeasures in place, I believe it is necessary to make plays that head toward the goal in good situations and break through the opponent’s defense. When I have the ball and play facing the goal, there are many scenes where my teammates become free. I am also aware of free players and open spaces, and I want to contribute to victory not only by scoring but also by assisting.
