<Review of the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka>
In the early stages of the match, Tokyo had no choice but to ride the flow of the game that Avispa Fukuoka excels in, as they continued to concede goals one after another, while time passed by moment by moment.
The gray wall was high and dense, and Tokyo's attack in the Fukuoka territory was forced to stagnate due to a lack of offensive power. In the flow of the game, there were few scenes where they could bring it to a finish, but the moment of hope came when Riki HARAKAWA was substituted in the 15th minute of the second half.
There were more actions threatening the goal compared to the first half, with an increase in fouls received from the battle for the ball and resulting in free kicks, or scenes where they competed near the goal line and obtained corner kicks. Although the actions within the flow did not lead to clear scoring opportunities, the set plays obtained there became a lifeline for Tokyo.
What made a difference was, without a doubt, player Harakawa's high-precision kicks. Sharp balls towards the near side, big balls towards the far side, balls floated high in front of the goal. He created scenes that threatened the Fukuoka goal by using a variety of kicks, such as curving, dropping, and making straight balls.
The goal in the 41st minute of the second half, which became a counterattack, was born from Harakawa's corner kick. It was a perfectly timed pass to Naoki Kumata, who was waiting and perfectly positioned, as the ball sharply curved and dropped on the far side.
A moment when I realized the power of Riki HARAKAWA, a big weapon that can take down prey from a long distance with sniper-like accuracy without letting it escape. In difficult times when there is no way out in the flow, a projectile that can be taken down in one shot becomes a weapon.
<Match Preview>
The second Tama River Clasico of the season will be greeted by both teams in a different situation than expected.
The points are the same, "33". The goal difference is only 2 points, and the only difference in ranking. It will be a match between teams with evenly matched records on the ranking table. However, the two teams are not positioned in the top, with Kawasaki Frontale in 9th place and Tokyo in 10th place. They are more than 15 points behind Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos, who are competing for the top spot.
In the final match of last season, both teams competed as top teams, so the position of each team this season is frustrating. Therefore, for both teams, the Tamagawa Clasico is a very important match as they aim for as many victories and higher rankings as possible.
We want to give our all in a battle that puts our pride on the line, and seize the opportunity to gain confidence, points, and an upward momentum.
In the first match played in May this season, Tokyo changed the flow of not winning 9 league matches and won the Tama River Clasico for the first time in 5 years with a 2-1 victory. The Japan National Stadium, where a club record of 56,705 people gathered, was dyed in blue and red, and prevented the 3 points from crossing the Tama River to the Kawasaki side. It resonated with the "sleepless city" in National.
As for Tokyo, they will face a big match in the league only after being eliminated from the Levain Cup. Can they show the evolution of Peter Tokyo at the away ground, Todoroki Stadium, and also demonstrate the team's fighting spirit for the future? This time, we want to end it by giving 3 points to Tokyo on the Tama River side.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, have you been able to improve your skills through practice for the Kawasaki Frontale match?
A, It is about continuing without stopping. As the team grows, the Levain Cup Semifinal Round was part of that process, and while it would have been great to chase the trophy, it is important to continue building what we must do. Everything is to become the team we dreamed of, and for that, further growth is necessary. We want to create a team that can lift not just one trophy but many trophies. Also, I want to focus on creating a special team. To develop the players' abilities in practice, I want them to keep challenging themselves repeatedly and grow. I believe that the frustrations experienced during the growth process become valuable lessons and teachings.
Q, please tell us what is necessary to win against Kawasaki, who won in the first half of the league, again.
A, it is simply about delivering solid team performance. It is the foundation for our development to consistently deliver performance and connect it to results. By preparing properly and correctly, achieving a season double becomes possible. We will fight toward that goal.
Q, the key to winning against Kawasaki is always the intensity of play and the ability to switch between offense and defense.
A, I think it will be an exciting match. Kawasaki is a club that has built something great and has won many trophies. We want to put all our energy into taking the three points from them. I truly believe it will be an exciting football match, so I am looking forward to it.
Q, in the league matches we have been moving away from victory in the past few games. Once again, what kind of game do you want to show from here?
A, whether the results follow depends on whether we have established our game model and set rules. Otherwise, we end up giving the opponent openings. It is important to focus on ourselves and maintain concentration in our play. In the second leg of the Levain Cup quarterfinals, we gave openings near the end of the first half and conceded two goals. Following the set rules and playing without losing focus leads to clean sheets and positive results. A sharp mentality is essential, and we must also keep our minds sharp. There is not a single easy match in the J.League; we always need to maintain concentration throughout the game. By doing so, I believe positive results will come.
[Player Interview]
＜Yuto NAGATOMO＞
Q, in the three consecutive games against Avispa Fukuoka, you started in all three matches. What challenges did you feel again?
A, I think we were completely defeated both in result and content. It was a match that made us painfully aware of our weaknesses.
Q: What kind of motivation do you have now as you approach the Tama River Clasico on Friday?
A, it is important not only for the Kawasaki Frontale match on Friday but also for how we approach the remaining eight games with our motivation. At this current ranking, I believe the pride of each player who carries this club and this emblem will become even clearer. The passion we put into each match from here on, the feeling of fighting on behalf of Tokyo, will reveal who is the strongest and, in the truest sense, who can demonstrate the greatest value in the remaining matches. If there are any players without that strong feeling, they should not be fighting as part of Tokyo. It is the players with passionate hearts and pride in playing for Tokyo who should fight for this club, and I believe many things will become apparent in the remaining eight games, including the Tama River Clasico.
Q, also looking forward to a reunion with Gomis, who is affiliated with Kawasaki.
A, I was teammates with Gomis when we were at Galatasaray SK. He is a good friend and a kind player. He is physically large, has distinctive dreadlocks, and often performed a lion celebration after scoring. Although his appearance is very flashy, he is very kind-hearted, considerate, and a player who cares about others—a character loved by everyone. I personally like him a lot, and during our time at Galatasaray, he showed overwhelming scoring ability, netting 29 goals in one season, which speaks to how excellent a player he is. I look forward to facing Gomis, but since he is also a dangerous player, I want to focus on how to stop him during the game.
Q, it seems that there will be intense matchups with Gomis during the game.
A, I understand Gomis' strengths better than anyone else, and since we played together, I have a lot of information about him, which makes it easier to face him as a defender. Of course, I want to share the information we have and approach the match accordingly, and on the pitch, I want to fight fiercely and passionately.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q, please let us know if there are any challenges or impressions that Morishige player felt as a team after finishing the three consecutive games with Avispa Fukuoka.
A, I think it is important to recognize our weaknesses, accept them, and change or review our approach to matches. Our failure to advance to the Semifinal Round of the Levain Cup reflects our true ability. Continuing to do the same things as before is meaningless. We must firmly accept reality, have each player turn the arrow inward toward themselves, and move forward from here; otherwise, we will not grow into a "winning team." It wasn’t about tactics so much as the fact that we often lost individual battles and key moments. I believe we need to thoroughly review this.
Q, this weekend is the Tama River Clasico with Kawasaki Frontale.
A, with our elimination in the quarterfinals of the Levain Cup confirmed and no recent victories in the league matches, I want this game to be a chance to reset and show an attitude of rising up from here.
Q, we have been challenging various formations such as 4-back and 3-back in recent matches.
A, although the team’s tasks change somewhat with the formation, what each player must do remains the same. Defensively, it requires thorough challenge and cover, anticipating the opponent’s play, situational play, and quick decision-making. It’s not about the formation, but first about improving the accuracy of play.
Q: Please tell us the key points that will be important in the match against Kawasaki, which is known for its high attacking power.
A, we must fight aggressively both offensively and defensively, outperform our opponents, and show a difference from before in order to score goals. I believe that winning in each phase and battle, both in attack and defense, will lead to the team's victory.
