<Review of the Previous Match: Cerezo Osaka>
The 2024 season of Peter Tokyo, which started from the away Osaka ground. The shining player in the game, which continued with a high intensity of play, was the "No. 71" who moved to the new world of blue and red with determination.
In the 34th minute, with the team trailing by one point, Kuryu MATSUKI reacted sharply to a curved middle shot and broke through the opponent's defenders. He changed the direction of the ball with his right foot and scored a goal, spreading his arms in a pose of joy. He responded to coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI's decision to start him and scored the team's first goal of the season in his Tokyo debut.
In the 75th minute, his finishing ability brought Tokyo an equalizer from a situation where they were chasing one goal again. Jája Silva, who had powerfully broken through the left side, crossed it back to the center. From there, he ran in from behind and brilliantly struck it into the goal.
Jumping and bouncing, he spreads his arms towards the fans and supporters in the goal end, slapping his left chest emblem with a big smile and a strong guts pose to express his joy. "I really wanted to play in the game. I had the confidence to do it if I did," his strong feelings overflow in his goal performance, and a roar from his soul that "what was built up has been released" echoes through YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM.
"I wondered if I would finally be accepted by the fans and supporters in Tokyo. I am grateful to Tokyo for believing in me and to coach Peter for using me, and I want to achieve even better results."
The height of the hidden potential goes without saying. Contributing to the team with bold pressing from the front line, and continuing to burn with determination for victory. "I'm glad I was able to leave results like this. I want to respond with results again next time. We couldn't get 3 points today, but I want to bring a win with my own goal in the next game," he reflects on the home opener.
The opening game was a perfect one-shot answer. The season has started, wearing the blue and red uniform, showing off their own evolution and true value.
<Match Preview>
In the second season of his appointment, under coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the J1 League opening match marked a new beginning, ending in a 2-2 draw against Cerezo Osaka. It was a tough match where we were always trailing, but new midfielder Ryotaro ARAKI scored two goals, earning one point away. ARAKI, who made a sensational debut, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I had confidence that I could perform if I got to play. I want to thank Tokyo for believing in me and coach Peter for giving me the opportunity. I want to achieve even more results." Having not had satisfactory playing time over the past two seasons and going through tough times, he smiled when talking about his flashy celebration after the goal, saying, "Maybe it was just something that had built up inside me."
The promising new talents are not limited to just Ryotaro Araki. Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA and Takahiro KO, who did not get playing time in the opening match, as well as Keita ENDO, all have ample experience in the J1 League. This week’s match is against the highly regarded Sanfrecce Hiroshima, but ENDO confidently stated, "It doesn’t matter who the opponent is. Since it’s a home game, there’s no need for us to play defensively. We are 100 percent prepared." The 2024 season home opener. Tokyo will let the season’s first 'You’ll Never Walk Alone' resonate throughout Ajinomoto Stadium.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, Please review the Cerezo Osaka match.
A, During the match, we were able to express the areas where we have grown. It is important to continue the style of play that we demonstrated in the match against Cerezo Osaka. The players tried to give their all in the tough away J1 League opener, showing dedication and a strong mentality in their fighting spirit. There were also many lessons learned from the Cerezo Osaka match. For example, how to control the game and what kind of attacks pose a threat to the opponent. Scoring two goals is a good sign that will lead to future success. Defensively, we conceded from a set piece. It is important to learn from the mistakes and goals conceded during the match. The defensive rules and efforts we have been working on are gradually improving. We just need to keep building so that we can deliver the style of play the team aims for throughout the full 90 minutes.
We want to show what we have built up in the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match. We want to create our own football and show how much our performance has improved since the last match, and what kind of soccer Tokyo aims for this season.
Q, There was also a practice match with Hiroshima during the camp period. What is your impression?
A, whether it is a few weeks from now or six months later, both teams have information about each other as opponents. We respect them and believe it will be a great match. It is important to show a game that excites our fans and supporters and to deliver an inspiring match. We are focused on building the football we aim for step by step from here. Hiroshima is expected to apply pressure from the front line, but first, it is important not to fear such an opponent but to see it as a good opportunity. We want to fight bravely and smartly, targeting the opponent’s weak points. We want to make it an exciting match with many goals scored.
Q, this season, the depth of players in each position has become thicker.
A, everyone is competing well. The most important point is the performance they can show in matches and training, and individual good plays lead to the team’s overall performance. We comprehensively evaluate how players who did not participate in official matches performed in practice games and how fatigued they were. We want to select many players and send more than 11 players onto the pitch, but football doesn’t work that way (laughs). We observe their daily mindset and attitude, and how they continue to work hard. The strength of all players is needed throughout the season. I believe that when each player gets their chance, they will demonstrate what they have. There are 38 league matches, as well as the Levain Cup and Emperor's Cup. Considering the number of matches, I think full team strength will be required.
[Player Interview]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, the opening game ended in a 2-2 draw. How do you feel about the performance and result?
A, the match content was not what we had envisioned, but considering it was a difficult away opening game, I think it was good that we were able to bring back the minimum of 1 point. I believe there are still many areas that can be improved.
Q, New addition Ryotaro Araki scored 2 goals immediately. What kind of play do you expect from Araki?
A, Araki's appeal lies in his high-quality play in front of the goal. He is a player involved in scoring, providing assists, and has a wide variety of kicks. His defensive intensity is also high, and in the match against Cerezo Osaka, he supported the team both offensively and defensively. I myself always watch Araki's movements closely and want to bring out his strengths.
Q: How has your feelings changed compared to the past two seasons since becoming captain?
A, I feel that I need to lead the team more effectively. That said, I don't intend to change anything drastically; rather, I want to focus on playing well in daily practice and demonstrate through my actions and words that I am someone my teammates can respect.
Q, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters who are eagerly awaiting the home opening game.
A, The opening match against Cerezo Osaka was supported with such loud cheers that it hardly felt like an away game, and that actually gave strength to the players on the pitch. I believe we will receive even louder support at home, and I hope we can create an atmosphere together that makes it difficult for the opponents to play. We players will also show a match that responds to everyone’s passion.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q, please review the opening game.
A, the match unfolded with difficult moments throughout. Since we spent a long time defending, I believe the way we manage the game needs improvement. First, we want to increase the time we maintain possession of the ball. To do that, each player needs to adjust their positioning when receiving the ball. This was something we were able to do during the camp, but there was the stiffness and unique atmosphere typical of an opening match. If we can correct that, I think we will improve even more.
Q, it was a great performance with 2 goals. What kind of value do you think it will bring?
A, scoring two goals in the league opener will positively connect to the future and has boosted my confidence. From here, I want to move forward more aggressively and deepen my confidence.
Q, were you able to leave visible results in the opening game? Did you gain even more trust from those around you?
A, I do feel that way to some extent. I had said, "If I get to play in the match, I am confident I can perform," so I’m glad I was able to show that with a goal. Emotions overflowed after scoring.
Q, Please tell us your impression of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, We had a practice match against Hiroshima during the pre-season camp, but the members were different, and I personally experienced again in the match against Cerezo Osaka that practice matches and official games are completely different. During the match, I want to not miss any openings from the opponent, respond well, and advance the game, and I think the most important thing is to correct the issues that came up in the match against Cerezo Osaka.
Q, please tell us about your current feelings towards the home opening game.
A, I have been looking forward to playing at home more than anything. I want to score goals in front of the fans and supporters and earn 3 points at home. I am excited to compete at Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Go HATANO>
Q, Please reflect on your own performance in the opening match against Cerezo Osaka.
A, I am left with frustration because we couldn’t win. As a team, we managed to achieve the minimum result of a draw, but since we conceded two goals, there is still a lot we need to work on. I want us to establish a solid base style of play as a team and approach challenges with intensity in one-on-one situations. If we can also increase the number of times we recover second balls, I believe we could have played an even better match.
Q, I think there were also positive points such as catching up twice as a team.
A, being able to catch up during that period when it looked like we were going to lose makes me think there is a good future ahead. Since we were able to score multiple goals, I believe there will be no problem as long as we, including the defensive players, can firmly close the center and defend. I want to keep raising my voice from the very back.
Q, Please tell us about the image of this week's opponent, Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, they are a team that works hard with high intensity. Including their defensive line, they give the impression of being solid defensively. I don't think it will be a game with many goals, so I want to stay focused and fight for the full 90 minutes myself.
Q, this is the home opener for the 2024 season.
A, I have heard that we won many games at home last season. I want to continue that momentum this season and deliver many victories to our fans and supporters. I want to win the match and celebrate with a refreshing 'Sha' cheer.
