<Last Match Review: 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 players are not just Araki. Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA and Takahiro KO, who did not have the opportunity to play in the opening match, as well as Keita ENDO, have ample experience in the J1 League. This match is against the highly rated Sanfrecce Hiroshima, but ENDO stated strongly, "It doesn't matter who the opponent is. Since it's at home, we don't need to be on the defensive. We are fully prepared." The home opener for the 2024 season. Tokyo will resonate with the season's first 'You'll Never Walk Alone' at Ajinomoto.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, Please review the Cerezo Osaka match.
A, In the game, we were able to express the parts that have grown. It is important to continue to express the plays that were shown in the Cerezo Osaka match. The players showed a strong mentality and dedication in the tough away J1 league opening match, and they tried to show what they have built up so far. There were also many lessons learned in the Cerezo Osaka match. For example, how to control the game and what kind of attacks can be a threat to the opponent. The fact that we were able to score 2 goals is a good sign for the future. As for defense, we conceded a goal from a set piece. It is important to learn from mistakes and goals conceded during the game. The defensive rules and efforts are improving. It is just a matter of building up to be able to show the way we want to play as a team for 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's a few weeks or six months later, both teams have information about each other as opponents. We respect our opponents and expect it to be a great battle. It is important to show the fans and supporters an exciting and inspiring match. We are aware of the football we aim for and will continue to build it step by step from here. Hiroshima is expected to put pressure from the front, but it is important to not fear such opponents and see it as a good opportunity. We want to fight bravely and wisely, and target the weak points of our opponents. We want to make it an exciting game with many goals.
Q, this season, the depth of players in each position has become thicker.
A, all players are competing well. The most important point is the performance in games and practices, and individual good plays lead to the team's performance. We judge by comprehensively looking at how players who couldn't participate in official matches performed in practice matches and how fatigued they were. We want to choose many players and send out more than 11 players on the pitch, but football doesn't work that way (laughs). We are watching their daily consciousness and attitude, and how they continue to work. All players' strength is necessary during the season. When each player's chance comes, I believe they will show what they have. There are 38 league matches, Levain Cup, and Emperor's Cup. Considering the number of matches, I think overall strength is 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 imagined, but it was a difficult match to start away, and I am glad that we were able to bring back at least 1 point. I still think there are 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 charm is his high-quality play in front of the goal, as well as his ability to score, assist, and use a variety of kicks. He also has a strong defensive intensity and supported the team in both offense and defense in the match against Cerezo Osaka. Personally, I always want to bring out the best in myself while watching Araki's movements.
Q: How has your feelings changed compared to the past two seasons since becoming captain?
I think I need to better unite the team. However, I don't mean to change anything, but I want to show through good plays in daily practice and actions and words that are recognized by my teammates.
Q, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters who are eagerly awaiting the home opening game.
A, The opening game with Cerezo Osaka was supported with such a loud voice that it didn't feel like an away game, and it actually became a strength for the players playing on the pitch. We hope to receive even louder support at home and create an atmosphere that makes it difficult for the opponent to fight. As players, we will respond to your passion and show a game that meets your expectations.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q, please review the opening game.
A, As for the game development, it was a tough time throughout. Since the defense time became longer, I think we need to improve our game management. First of all, we want to increase the time we hold the ball. For that, each person needs to adjust their receiving position. It was something we were able to do during the camp, but there was a unique stiffness and atmosphere in the opening game. If we can fix that, I think we can become even better.
Q, it was a great performance with 2 goals. What kind of value do you think it will bring?
I think being able to score two goals in the opening game of the league will lead to a good future and give me confidence. From here on, I want to be more ambitious and deepen my confidence by looking forward.
Q, were you able to leave visible results in the opening game? Did you gain even more trust from those around you?
A, there are also parts that make me feel that way. "I have confidence that I can do it if I play in the game," so it was good to be able to show it with a goal. My emotions overflowed after scoring.
Q, Please tell us your impression of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
During the pre-season camp, we had a practice match with Hiroshima, but the members were different and I myself experienced Cerezo Osaka again in the match. There is a big difference between practice matches and official matches. I want to be able to take advantage of the opponent's weaknesses during the match and respond well to progress the game. 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. I want to score a goal in front of the fans and supporters and take 3 points at home. I am looking forward to playing at Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Go HATANO>
Q, Please reflect on your own performance in the opening match against Cerezo Osaka.
A, we were unable to win and the frustration remains. We were able to achieve the minimum result of a draw as a team, but since we conceded 2 goals, there are still many things we need to work on. We want to establish a strong playing style as a team and approach challenges with intensity in the ball contests. If we can increase the number of times we recover second balls, I believe we can have an even better game.
Q, I think there were also positive points such as catching up twice as a team.
A, I think that being able to catch up in that losing flow at that time, there might be a good future ahead, and since we were able to score multiple goals, I think it will be fine if we can defend tightly and close the middle, including the defensive players. I want to keep shouting from the back.
Q, Please tell us about the image of this week's opponent, Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, it is a team that comes with a high intensity hard work. Including the defense line, there is a strong impression of defense. I don't think it will be a game where many points move, so I want to fight for 90 minutes without losing my concentration.
Q, this is the home opener for the 2024 season.
A, I have heard that we won a lot at home last season. I want to continue that trend and bring many victories to our fans and supporters this season as well. I want to win the game and do a good cheer.
