＜Review of the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale＞
In an unusual and grueling series of 3 games against Avispa Fukuoka in just 8 days, the team's oldest U-6 sideback started all 3 games as a starter. He played the full 90 minutes in the first 2 games and played until the 70th minute in the third game. His endless stamina and strength in challenges showed no signs of decline, as he embodied the unspoken pressure of "not letting anyone behind him on his side" through his play.
In the 42nd Tama River Clasico, the presence of a man who has long been called a veteran was outstanding. Despite being physically and speed-wise inferior to the opponent, he dealt with them with exquisite spacing, not allowing them to take his back, and never backing down in duels on the ball.
When Tokyo switched to the attack, Hyun Soo JANG ran up the left side and made it his own with overwhelming athleticism. The team created decisive chances in both the first and second halves, but cried out for a one-point difference without being able to decide. However, on the pitch, they fought evenly against an opponent boasting four J1 league championships.
In the midst of a closely contested match where both teams had similar strength, it was the individual performances that made the difference, and Yuto NAGATOMO was clearly one of the players who dominated the game individually. Moreover, even in the intense battle against Kawasaki after a grueling series of matches, he remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.
His presence is a role model for young players in Tokyo and also serves as a benchmark for professionals. Every move he makes should inspire many players, regardless of their position. In the final stages of the season, we want to continue learning and absorbing from player Nagatomo, and contribute to the improvement and growth of the team.
<Match Preview>
In the previous match, they lost 0-1 to Kawasaki Frontale in the "Tama River Classico" and remained winless in the league for 4 games. Manager Peter Cklamovski commented on the difficult situation of winning the title, saying, "Of course, it's disappointing and frustrating that we can no longer chase after the trophy. However, every game has meaning and we are fighting for it. We must be proud to represent this club and continue to grow as a team with that mentality."
This round, we will face Sagan Tosu at home. In past matches, Tokyo has been on an 8-game losing streak against them, but if we can win this game, there is a possibility that the team's atmosphere will completely change. Kuryu MATSUKI says, "Everyone must think that Tokyo is a team that cannot lose. If we have the mindset that we absolutely have to win, then we won't naturally make any sloppy plays. If we continue to think this way, I believe the next few games will be good for us."
In commemoration of the 25th anniversary, Tokyo Club will play the next three home games as "25th Anniversary Matches" starting from October 1, the club's founding day. The strength of the blue and red will be tested to create a new history.
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Keigo HIGASHI and Kei KOIZUMI will be suspended for this match.
A: It is unfortunate that they cannot play, but this means that other players have the opportunity to contribute to the team. Whoever plays just needs to fully understand their role and give their best effort. Players Higashi and Koizumi always embody the hard work that forms the foundation of the team. September has been a period with consecutive matches, and there were times when it was difficult for the team to consistently show that effort every day. In the weekend match against Sagan Tosu, we want to play football with that kind of base and high intensity, creating a game that excites everyone.
Q: Please tell us the factors that make you feel the intensity is dropping.
A, speaking about recent times, we played four matches in 13 days. While preparing for the matches with careful consideration of fatigue, naturally, if you play in all the games, tiredness will set in. We must manage that well and approach the matches in a fresh condition. Of course, I have no intention of using the consecutive matches as an excuse, and as a team, we had to consider what we must do. Since I took over, I believe we have built a good foundation and are moving in the right direction. From here on, it is necessary to firmly continue what we are doing and sharpen the areas that need improvement. That is exactly what will lead to the club’s growth.
Q, Montedio Yamagata coach Ayumu KAWAI, who fought together as a coach and coach during the Montedio Yamagata era, is now leading Tosu.
A, Tosu is a good team, and I was able to enjoy working with him during our time together. I believe he will continue on an exciting path as a coach in the future. Being able to give him my energy was also a fortunate time for me. We talked about various things as coaches and shared ideas. By working together, I think we were able to create something productive and exciting. However, putting that aside for now, we will firmly focus on ourselves. This is by no means a battle between Coach Kawai and me. We will simply work hard for Tokyo's victory.
Q, there is a break period in October for the league matches. How do you plan to motivate the players?
A: The current situation is everything. It is disappointing and frustrating that we can no longer chase the trophy. However, as Tokyo, we fight every match with meaning. We take pride in representing this club, and as we approach the end of the season, we want to embody a strong presence and develop a strong mentality as a team.
[Player Interview]
Riki HARAKAWA
Q: Please tell us the necessary points again to win and recover as a team from here.
A: When the team is not performing well, it is easy to focus on the overall situation, but I believe it is necessary to first focus on each player's individual play and approach to the game. Each player needs to concentrate on delivering a good performance.
Q: How do you feel about gradually securing playing time, starting with the Kawasaki Frontale match in the previous round?
A: My playing time in matches has been increasing, but I want to focus more on the quality of my play. I feel that I could have performed better in the Kawasaki match as well. The way the team fights is well organized by Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and the staff, so I want to concentrate on focusing closely on myself and expressing a high level of quality through my play.
Q: "In terms of 'individual' aspects, what are the challenges and responses up to this point?"
A: Regarding defense, I want to increase the number of times I win the ball from my position. As for offense, I made noticeable personal mistakes in the Kawasaki match. I played as the anchor in the Avispa Fukuoka match, but in the Kawasaki match, I was in a double defensive midfield role, so I believe more forward-moving play was expected of me. The partner I pair with in the defensive midfield changes with each match, but I don’t overthink or get caught up in anything. I think it’s best to read the flow of the game, communicate well, and play accordingly.
Q, Sagan Tosu's match against their former team is coming up this weekend.
A: Almost none of the players I used to play with at that time are still there, but I am looking forward to the match. I have a strong impression that when I was with Tosu, we had a good record against Tokyo. I have heard that Tokyo does not have a good record against clubs from Kyushu, so I want to make this a match that overturns that image.
Q: How do you see the style of Tosu, even though some time has passed since Riki Harakawa played for the team?
A, It seems that the overall framework has not changed, and they are a team that thoroughly analyzes their opponents and fights tactically. Tosu is a team that changes its style of play while observing the opponent, so I want to firmly grasp the atmosphere within the first 10 to 15 minutes of the match. We can expect aggressive battles and difficult periods where we might be pressed back, so I want to manage the entire 90 minutes of the game and lead it to victory.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: You have been running through your rookie year so far, what kind of response do you feel?
A: I am gradually gaining confidence in my dribbling attempts and breakthroughs, but so far I have only managed one assist and have not been able to score any goals. I want to increase the number of dribbling attempts that directly lead to goals. I believe there is still a long way to go. During my academy days, many of the shots I created through dribbling resulted in goals, but since turning professional, the abilities of opposing players are on a completely different level. Witnessing their strength and skill firsthand has made me keenly aware of the high level of the professional world.
Q, I entered the pitch from the middle of the Kawasaki Frontale match in the previous round.
A: I felt the difficulty of entering the match midway. I tried to organize in my mind the intensity of the players starting the match and the somewhat open play in both offense and defense, and I felt the challenge of expressing the team's role and my individual initiatives from the middle of the game. I want to make use of the experience gained from the Kawasaki match going forward.
Q, how do you feel about the factors that are keeping you away from victory?
A: I think it’s a mental aspect. Personally, in the previous match against Kawasaki, I came on as a substitute, but I wanted to express plays that would ignite my teammates more. I believe it is important for everyone to share the same direction and give more than 100% in both matches and training. Increasing each player’s fighting spirit and the team’s unity will lead to victory. If young players like myself can produce visible results such as goals and assists, it will naturally inspire the other players as well, and I want to grow into that kind of player.
Q: After a series of away games, we finally returned to Ajinomoto Stadium. Please tell us your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Sagan Tosu.
A, I want to fully express my play and definitely win. As someone who has admired playing as a Tokyo player since my academy days, I want to firmly score my first professional goal at home and contribute to the victory.
