Match Preview
Last week, we achieved a 1-0 victory against Sagan Tosu in Sec. 17 of the J1 League, marking our first win in five league matches. The player who scored the priceless goal and became the key player in the victory, Yasuki KIMOTO, stated that he was "happier about the clean sheet than his own goal," and proudly mentioned that the shutout victory, the first since the match against Kashima Antlers on April 7, gave him confidence as "I am a defensive player, and there really hadn't been any matches without conceding a goal."
In addition, in this match, Hotaka NAKAMURA player returned to the pitch for the first time since the Urawa Reds match on April 3rd. After the match, he declared, "This is where Hotaka NAKAMURA's comeback begins," and is determined to fight for his regular position against rivals such as Kosuke SHIRAI and Yuto NAGATOMO.
This match will be held at Ajinomoto Stadium against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, competing in the J League YBC Levain Cup Playoff Round 1. Tokyo, which has sent a total of six players to various age-group national teams, will approach this match with full force. However, there is no hesitation in the words of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI. "I believe in our football. I want to give everything to take one more step forward," says the strong-willed coach, as the team unites to seize victory.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, Will you continue to play as a team in the Levain Cup, or will you approach home and away games differently?
A, Regarding the recent match against Sagan Tosu and the few matches before that, I think nothing has changed. This includes moving the ball well and controlling the game. Within that approach, there were periods when we were able to dominate the match. The Tosu team we faced recently is a very good team, and I believe our defense was truly tested. I think we responded well and were able to apply pressure efficiently. There were also moments when good defense led to good offense. We thoroughly adhered to our defensive principles and delivered a performance worthy of a clean sheet. We want to continue this good performance and improve it in this round as well.
On the offensive side, we were able to create chances to score a second goal. Perhaps on a different day, we could have scored that second goal. However, the most important thing is that we were able to earn 3 points in a tough away game. We want to continue building the team with consistency.
Q, this round is a match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the first home game since the opening match.
A, We had a match last Friday, and there were as many as eight official games in May. It is normal for fatigue to accumulate. However, even in such circumstances, the entire team worked hard. We want to make good use of the four-day intervals to recover our freshness and prepare thoroughly for the Wednesday match.
Q, There were also scenes where players were passionately talking to each other on the field before practice.
A, I told them that this is a chance to take a step closer to winning the trophy. I think of it as a total 180-minute battle, with Wednesday’s home game being the first half and the away game on the 9th being the second half. We will prepare for everything. I also told them that if we organize our minds and hearts and can play our football on the pitch, we can defeat any opponent.
Q, There are also activities of the Japan national team, and several players are absent from team activities.
A, I see this as a challenge for us. Over the past few days, many people have said, 'It’s tough to lose so many players to the national team,' but if that is what has been imposed on us, then no matter the situation, I believe we just have to do what we can here. I trust our football and ourselves. I will give everything to take one more step forward.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, Please tell us your impression of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, Their defense is solid, and they have forwards with high scoring ability. They have a good balance between offense and defense, and overall, I think they are a strong opponent.
Q, this will be the first home and away match. How do you view the importance of the first match?
A, if we cannot play a good game at home, it will likely make the away game more difficult. It is important to have the mindset to firmly secure the win in the first home match. I want to give my all in this match to the extent that we can set aside the tournament regulations until after the first game is over, aiming to finish the 90 minutes with a victory. I believe playing at home first will work to our advantage, but rather than thinking there are two matches, I want to focus on winning solidly at home.
Q, What kind of talk did you receive from coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI before practice?
A, There was a talk about fighting towards the next match with the current members we have. Some players have left due to Japan national team activities, but I think Hiroshima is in the same situation. Even if players leave, I believe Tokyo has a lineup of highly capable players. The confidence gained by uniting and winning with the current members will strengthen the team. Also, I think good internal competition within the team will arise. Not a single player is guaranteed a position, and if we lose a match, it becomes difficult to appear in the next game. Even if we win, if an individual's performance is low, it’s the same. I believe all players are able to spend the season with that sense of urgency.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q: Please review the previous Levain Cup game against Sagan Tosu.
A, we were not able to control the game as we wanted in the first half, but we made adjustments at halftime and were able to manage the game well in the second half. We scored from a set piece and created chances that could have led to additional goals. Including myself, the defense was unable to hold firm, which led to a match that extended to 120 minutes and eventually a penalty shootout. I believe it was a game where we relearned the importance of maintaining communication until the very end while progressing through the match. This was also a game where we were able to demonstrate what the team had prepared for up until the day before the match, including the penalty shootout. It was a match where the entire team fought as one.
Q, was it thanks to your usual "preparation" that you were able to play in an official game for the first time in a while and fight without being shaken even during the 120 minutes of play time?
A: I was always prepared to play in any match. I also believe that this is the minimum requirement as a professional soccer player. Honestly, playing for 120 minutes was tough at times, but I always kept Tokyo’s victory in mind while playing, and I’m glad that this mindset was clearly reflected in the result.
Q, this week's match is against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, I am extremely motivated. Regardless of left or right, the fullbacks have been delivering solid results this season, and Hotaka NAKAMURA and I have also been able to train with fighting spirit from practice. Hiroshima is a well-balanced team both offensively and defensively with no weaknesses, but if we use our heads properly, communicate vocally with our teammates, and express our own 100% performance, I believe it will lead to victory. I want to take on the match with a strong sense of team unity. Although it is a home and away match, winning the first game is an absolute must. When we play the second match on the 9th, it is important to mentally make the opponent think, 'Are we facing Tokyo again?' I want to value each and every play and proceed with the match carefully.
