<Match Preview>
It will be the first match in 12 seasons since the 2011 season on the official stage.
In soccer matches, there is an opponent, differences in the category they belong to, the lineup of players they belong to, the style of soccer they aim for, and various other differences, and taking all of that into account, there are various strategies and tactics involved.
During the 11 seasons, both teams have gained various experiences on their respective paths. The situation they face now is completely different from back then.
However, there is no strategy in this match. We will paint the stadium in blue and red, overwhelm the opposing team on and off the pitch, and make the "city that never sleeps" resonate.
After Peter CKLAMOVSKI took over as coach, Tokyo has shown a strong defense with 3 consecutive games without conceding a goal. However, the true strength of the team lies in their attacking mindset, always aiming forward. Combining individual skills with high intensity and momentum, they relentlessly push towards the opponent's goal.
If you have the leeway to play tricks, play them all. Seeking only victory, we will face the fourth match of Peter CKLAMOVSKI Tokyo.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: What kind of approach do you take with the players in order to advance in the Emperor's Cup?
A, it is important to concentrate on the upcoming match and take one step at a time. Of course, I understand that the match against Verdy is also important. On the other hand, I want the players to always understand the significance and importance of representing this beautiful club color of blue and red, regardless of which club they are playing against, and to always maintain this motivation and mentality. I will say it again, I understand how important tomorrow's match against Verdy is and it is a game that we must win. However, for me, every match we play as Tokyo is important. I believe that always having a high mentality is an essential element in becoming a strong club.
Q, please tell us your impression of Verdy.
I think they are a strong club positioned in the top of the A, J2 league. We have respect for them as opponents, but it will also be a very important battle for us. I understand how important the match against Verdy is for the fans and supporters. I believe that the club, players, and all those involved understand the importance of this match. In order to take a step forward towards winning the Emperor's Cup, victory in this match is an absolute requirement. We will prepare for the game thoroughly and go for the win.
Q, how do you perceive tomorrow's match in this unique atmosphere?
I understand how important tomorrow's match is. I may not have a genius brain like Einstein, but I know how crucial this match is. I want to accelerate our growth and show the strength that makes Tokyo not want to face us by winning this important match. I want our club to become one that Tokyo admires. I promise to fight with the understanding of how meaningful tomorrow's match is for our fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
＜Yuto NAGATOMO＞
Q, we will be playing against Verdy in the tournament-style Emperor's Cup. What is your motivation for tomorrow's match?
A, motivation is, needless to say, at a high level. As an individual, I vividly remember the match since the 2008 season, and it was such a memorable and intense game. There are many rivalries in Japan, but I feel a passion that surpasses this match.
Q, have you also experienced the Milan Derby during your time in Italy? Is there anything special about the atmosphere and feelings towards the Verdy match?
When I was playing for Inter Milan, I experienced the Milan Derby against AC Milan and the Italian Derby against Juventus. The atmosphere of the city would change from a week before the match, and I felt the whole city transforming not just in the football world but also in general. That's why I want to make tomorrow's match even more exciting and make it a day where not only the Japanese football world but also the whole city of Tokyo gets excited. As a representative club of Tokyo, I want to fight with the pride of "Blue and Red Tokyo".
Q, how is the condition of player Nagatomo himself as the game continues?
A, the condition is definitely improving. It is not easy to have consecutive matches during the hot season, but I believe that we must approach it with a strong mentality to cover the physical fatigue.
Q, finally, please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
A, let's win tomorrow's game and dye the stadium in blue and red.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q, please tell us about your current feeling after increasing your playing time from the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match in the Levain Cup.
As an individual, I believe I am gradually able to express the tasks given to me based on the team's situation and the content of the game. In that process, I want to bring out more of my own characteristics and style, and in the future, in order to increase my playing time, I want to explore what I can do beyond the given tasks. There are still many challenges ahead.
Q, please tell us the parts where you feel you can express yourself through your play and the areas you feel are challenges that you have encountered while getting playing opportunities.
As for the parts that are working well, there is a feeling that we are able to run through both offense and defense and the defense that the team should do is not yet perfect, but it is improving. The challenge is that there is a lack of plays that can dribble past opponents and create chances by breaking through to the back, which is my own characteristic. And the biggest challenge is that I have not been able to produce results in terms of scoring as a forward. In order to grow as a striker from here, I would like to focus on scoring.
Q, tomorrow's Emperor's Cup is a match against Verdy. Please tell us your thoughts and enthusiasm for this game.
From my academy days, I have been playing against Verdy and had a strong determination to not lose to them, just like the staff and teammates at that time. That feeling has not changed even now. After going through the academy, I have a special feeling of representing Tokyo as a professional player and I cannot afford to lose in order to show that we are a club that represents Tokyo. I want to play with a focus on results if I have the opportunity to step onto the pitch, especially in the attacking aspect, with speed, breakthrough power, and plays that contribute to goals. I hope you can enjoy watching them. I will do my best to respond to your support with solid results, so please continue to support us.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q, it's a match against Verdy in the Emperor's Cup. What are you conscious of for tomorrow's game?
We want to show a fight that is more focused on winning than the content of the match. We cannot afford to lose in order to demonstrate that we are a club representing Tokyo.
Q, Did you have a strong awareness of Verdy since your academy days, going through FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa and FC Tokyo U-18?
I have played against Verdy in the Kanto League and the Prince League. Since then, there has always been a teaching that says, "Don't lose to Verdy." Before I played as a player for FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa in Chiba Prefecture, I didn't know much about the rivalry between the two clubs. However, as I spent more time playing as a member of Tokyo's academy, special feelings and emotions began to grow. I want to show through my play the teachings of the people around me, the rivalry with Verdy, and the awareness that they are opponents that I absolutely cannot lose to, if I have the opportunity to participate.
Q, it is a tournament format different from the league match and a match with Verdy.
A, I think that the future will change greatly depending on whether we win or lose in this match. It is a tournament called the Emperor's Cup, so if we lose, the tournament itself will end. We want to firmly grasp victory at the timing when we participate and show with the results until the day we fight against Verdy next, "We are the club representing Tokyo" so that we can proudly say it.
Q, I think fans and supporters are also expecting players who have been promoted from the academy to the top team to represent "Tokyo Blue-Red" and show their dynamic presence on the pitch.
I want to express my play in a way that I can firmly compete for future positions while being aware that we must not lose to the opponent. As a defensive player, I want to contribute to keeping a clean sheet and if there are chances from set plays, I want to aim for goals. I want to work hard to make good plays and connect them to results.
