A truly diverse team. In addition to the players who were on the team until last season, players with proven abilities have joined in each position. With a lineup that is so strong that it could form two teams at a high level, the blue and red army led by manager Peter CKLAMOVSKI will challenge the 2024 season.
First of all, the focus will be on the captain who will be implementing a three-person system. Masato MORISHIGE, who served until last season, Kei KOIZUMI, who excels in multiple positions such as defensive midfielder and right back, and Kuryu MATSUKI, who is growing into a key player in the midfield, were all selected by the coach. What they all have in common is their strong desire to convey the team's victory and title acquisition.
However, the commander has appointed these three as captains, but what he expects from the team is nothing but an improvement in everyone's awareness. He also asks for all 11 players on the pitch to fight with the feeling of being captains. In order to reach the league title, it is necessary for each player to fight for the team, support each other, and demand growth. In order to raise the trophy with a smile at the end of the season, the 35 players will approach the season with determination while aiming for improvement.
<Match Preview>
Cerezo Osaka, who will face off in the opening match of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League on February 24th (Sat), is celebrating their 30th anniversary as a club this season. They are determined to achieve their first J1 League victory in this milestone season.
In his fourth season under the leadership of coach Akio KOGIKU, the team has been playing aggressive soccer. Veteran players such as Shinji KAGAWA and Hiroshi KIYOTAKE have been supporting the team, while foreign players in the front line boast a high scoring ability.
One player to watch out for is right-back Seiya MAIKUMA. He established himself as a starter in the AFC Asian Cup in January, where he represented the Japan national team. With his outstanding attacking sense, he constantly makes dangerous runs towards the opponent's goal and is a threat to score. How to contain his movements will be a key factor in the match.
Here, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who is expected to be used as a left back and face Mamikuma player, is expected to be used as a left back and face Mamikuma player. Both players are known for their aggressive attacking and accurate crosses, so it will be important to see who can take control of the side and demonstrate their strengths. Also, for Riki HARAKAWA, it will be a match against his former team where he played until mid-season last year. He is also expected to play a key role in the opening match as a "conductor of the midfield" in Tokyo, and as a player who knows the opponent well.
Cerezo Osaka has a good record against them, with 6 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in the last 9 matches. They have been unbeaten in the last 4 away games. In the 2023 season, they struggled with 3 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses in 18 away games, but they want to start this season with a solid victory and build momentum for the entire season. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI says, "After the pre-season camp and training, the team has been growing in a positive direction. Cerezo Osaka is a tough opponent and we expect a difficult away game, but if we do what we need to do, we can definitely win."
PETER TOKYO, fighting for the top with the entire team. In order to make a new page in the club's history, we will set sail towards a long season at the away ground, YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, the opening match is against Cerezo Osaka. What kind of battle do you aim for?
A, I am really looking forward to it, and Cerezo Osaka is a very strong and capable team. I expect it to be a tough away game. While it is anticipated to be a difficult match, I am excited to see how much the team can challenge itself. I believe it will be an opportunity to advance our football and build something good. I want it to be a battle that everyone can be proud of as Tokyo football.
Q, What is the position of the league opening game for Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI?
A, of course it is a special match, but it is not more important than Sec. 2 or Sec. 3. I think there are many aspects we can test against Cerezo Osaka, a good and respectable opponent. It is an excellent opportunity to make our impact.
Q, last season we were unable to accumulate victories in away games.
A, the opening match is an opportunity to change such a past and to show what kind of team we want to become. We want to give everything we have and play our game to the fullest. We will take the three points and come back here again.
Q, What did you build on last season's base?
A, I want to show a brave fight while holding the ball. With an attacking mindset, I want to score by playing at a good tempo and skillfully using the space and behind the opponent. I believe the style of football we aim for is steadily developing. It is important for us to control the game well. When fans and supporters watch our play, I want to build football that they can enjoy and believe in. Throughout the season, I want to steadily build up step by step.
[Player Interview]
Riki HARAKAWA
Q, How do you feel about your current momentum after the January camp and February practice matches?
A, I consider the results and sense of achievement from the camp within the broader context of the preseason, and personally, I don't think the outcomes of the practice matches held during the camp period will greatly influence the season. From the perspective of improving my condition, it was a fruitful period, and it seems I will be able to start the season in good shape. I believe the 90 minutes of a practice match and the 90 minutes of an official match are completely different. Until I step onto the pitch for the opening match, I won't know anything.
Q, with the midfield player layer becoming thicker this season, how are you planning to utilize Harakawa's strengths to aim for a regular position?
A, I believe my strength lies in making a difference in attack, and I want to clearly demonstrate that on the pitch. Conversely, I also want to learn defensive skills and plays from Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI. I hope to mutually improve together with the players in the same position.
Q, What kind of cooperation and play do you have in mind, such as changing the style and position of Harakawa himself by players who form a double volanche?
A, The overall framework does not change, but I try to understand the playing style and intentions of the player I pair with in the double pivot. If the player is conscious of positioning, I show myself in places where it is easy to receive the ball, and if the player has a wide range of movement vertically and horizontally, I coordinate my movements to avoid losing balance. I believe that if each player's unique style can be expressed on the pitch, things will progress in a positive direction.
Q, The opening match of this season is against Cerezo Osaka. Last season, I couldn't play due to a temporary transfer, but do you have any awareness when playing against your former team?
A, I am not particularly conscious of it. I focus on entering the match with concentration and aim to play as usual. Since it is the opening game, I don't pay special attention to anything in particular, but as it is the first league match in a while, it is important to get fully accustomed to the unique atmosphere of the venue and official matches. I believe good preparation is everything, and I want to face my body properly and approach the match with that mindset.
Q, In this week's practice, we also incorporated content focused on Cerezo Osaka. What kind of measures will be necessary?
A, I get the impression that there are many players with high crossing accuracy, and also many players who can skillfully connect those balls in front of the goal. Cerezo Osaka tends to launch attacks from the flanks, so I believe a high level of defensive intensity will be required. If we can thoroughly maintain a high-intensity defense and express the style of play we have built, I think it will lead to good results.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: Please share your impressions so far after going through training camps and practice games.
A, I feel that overall things are improving. We have highly skilled players in the wing positions, and speaking of players on the same side, Keita ENDO and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA are very good players, each with different strengths. The type of play required of me changes depending on the player I pair with vertically, and I spent a lot of time during the camp adjusting to that. Through communication and fine-tuning, although it is not yet the final form, I feel improvements after practice matches against Yokohama FC and Urawa Reds, and we have been able to express our attacking breakthroughs. Even after the league starts, corrections and improvements will be necessary, but I have the confidence to play with assurance.
Q, A matchup with Japan national team player Seiya MAIKUMA is expected.
A, I think it will be a matchup against the highly offensive player Maikuma, but regardless of what kind of player the opponent is, the key point is how we can tactically break down their defense as a team to score goals. Including the players on the left side, I don’t know exactly who I will be partnering with, but I want to demonstrate the results of the teamwork and coordination we have built up since the training camp. Of course, Maikuma is undoubtedly a good player who has been selected for the Japan national team, but more than individual skills, I believe that a group that can deliver strong team performance is the kind of team that can aim for the championship. We will break down the opponent’s defensive network with our style of soccer.
Q, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters who are eagerly awaiting the start of this season.
A: This season, as a team, we are aiming to win the J1 League, and we want to put on a match against Cerezo Osaka that will make people believe we are a team capable of winning the championship. It will be an away game, but we appreciate your support.
