<Previous Match Review: Urawa Reds>
The first away game under Peter Cklamovski's leadership. The opponent was Urawa Reds. On the day, over 49,000 spectators gathered at Saitama Stadium 2002, and the stadium was filled with excitement from the warm-up on the pitch.
At the same time, the humidity was also a challenge for both teams. The rain that had been falling intermittently since morning was hovering over the stadium like steam.
The first half was a heated battle between both teams. Tokyo maintained a compact formation while increasing their pressing from the front, while Urawa attempted quick counterattacks by targeting Tokyo's backline.
On this day, Tokyo's big chance came in the 20th minute of the first half. Kuryu MATSUKI picked up a loose ball in the midfield and played a through pass to the half space on the left side (the middle point between the center and the side). Kota TAWARATSUMIDA made an inner lap and broke through, returning the ball to MATSUKI who had run into the penalty area. Before the opponent could catch up, MATSUKI took a direct shot, which unfortunately hit the right post and went out of bounds after being touched by the opponent's goalkeeper. However, Tokyo's quick counterattack, which opened up the narrow area and created a scoring opportunity, shone.
At the end of the first half, they faced a big pinch. The ball changed course due to a block from Sekine's middle shot and flew towards the corner of the goal, but Jakub SLOWIK, who sensed the trajectory of the ball, made a big save by changing the direction of his body and deflecting it with his right hand. With his amazing reflexes as a guardian, he defended the goal and ended the first half.
As the second half begins, the hot and humid environment starts to affect the intense Tokyo football. In the 11th minute of the second half, Ryoma WATANABE's individual skill created a decisive scene, but gradually the physical stamina decreased and the formation became stretched, making it difficult to apply pressure from the front line.
As the team struggled to come out of their own half, Seiji KIMURA was brought on in the final stages to manage the risk of conceding. On the other hand, they were always ready to counter and continued to create chances, including a free kick opportunity towards the end of the game.
Despite being at a slight disadvantage compared to the two home games, the intensity and fighting spirit were not lost until the end, leaving a strong impression of a transformed group of fighters.
<Match Preview>
Since Peter CKLAMOVSKI took over as manager in June, the team has kept a clean sheet for 3 consecutive league matches, with 2 wins and 1 draw. In the 3rd round of the Emperor's Cup, they advanced to the round of 16 by winning in a penalty shootout. The team's form is on a steep upward trend.
Manager Peter CKLAMOVSKI praised the team's strong start, saying "I think the actions of every member of the club are reflected in our results. We are united and that is also reflected in our performance." However, he continued with a shake of his head.
"There is still much we can do. I believe that by not letting our guard down and taking one step at a time, we can get closer to our dreams."
This round, which will be the final match before the league suspension, will welcome Kashima Antlers to Ajinomoto Stadium. It won't be an easy mission to break through their solid defense while also containing the powerful duo of Yuma Suzuki and Yuki Kakita in the front line, but Tokyo has the momentum on their side. Both teams had a fierce battle in the previous Emperor's Cup, even going into a penalty shootout, so the conditioning leading up to the match will be a key factor in determining the outcome.
Tokyo's summer has just begun. From here, the team will continue to evolve, and the passionate "Peter Tokyo" will play the leading role in the midsummer.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, we were able to secure a victory after a fierce battle against Verdy. Please take a moment to reflect on the match.
A, it was a cup match and there were various situations that could happen. It became a really intense game where we didn't know what would happen until the end. As a team, I think we were able to give our maximum performance. Of course, I wish we could have decided the game in 90 minutes, and there were also several chances to determine the outcome of the game.
The players' efforts and the game itself will surely remain in the memories of the fans and supporters. In the Verdy match, each player showed their mentality, character, and love for the club. They showed us that "blue and red is Tokyo" and played in a way that everyone can be proud of.
Q, please tell us your impression of Kashima Antlers, who you will be playing against this round.
I think it will be a tough game. I want to prepare as usual and make it a game where we give everything to win 3 points. I believe that whoever enters the team will prepare for the battle. I want to prepare with all my strength and make it a game where the fans and supporters can return home with a smile.
Q, is it your stance to focus on the game in front of you and give it your all?
A, if you don't focus on the upcoming match, you might lose sight of important things. I hope to give my best in the next game and move forward step by step.
Q: It was announced that Shuto ABE has agreed to a full transfer to RWD Molenbeek (Belgium). How did Coach CKLAMOVSKI see ABE as a player?
I am delighted to have been able to play on the same team as player Taisei ABE. As you can see from his current hair color, I know how much he loved Tokyo. I believe he made a big decision to pursue his own dreams. I am wholeheartedly supporting his success.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, on July 12th, Verdy was defeated in the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round after a penalty shootout.
A, I think the fans and supporters were also fired up because the opponent was Verdy, so we approached the game with the intention of overwhelming the opponent. Verdy has also worked hard, so it was a difficult game, but thanks to the passionate support from the fans and supporters, we were able to win with their encouragement, which I think is great.
Q, Peter CKLAMOVSKI has become undefeated in 4 official matches since becoming the coach. What do you feel has changed significantly due to the change in coach?
The coach is asking all the players to change their mindset, especially demanding a strong defensive awareness. Since becoming coach CKLAMOVSKI, everyone has been doing a good job of sprinting back when the ball is lost and defending with their bodies in front of their own goal. On the attacking side, they haven't made big changes yet, but they are incorporating the strengths of previous soccer while showing Coach CKLAMOVSKI's style, and I think they are gradually getting closer to the soccer they aim for. So far, they have been able to keep a clean sheet in the league matches, but it is now very important to continue these kinds of games and accumulate points. By keeping the opponent scoreless and scoring as many goals as possible, I believe they will also climb up in the rankings.
Q, Coach Klamovski emphasizes not only the tactical aspect but also the mental aspect of approaching the game.
I think the coach is someone who has strong feelings and a passionate attitude towards the game, and who treats us with passion. He is not always passionate, but when we have personal conversations, he also has a soft atmosphere, including jokes.
Q: Since Coach CKLAMOVSKI came, the number of shots by Player Matsuki has increased. Are there any changes in the attacking aspect that you are aware of?
A, I haven't changed my awareness of attacking much, but since the system has become a double pivot, I'm thinking of going forward with all my might while maintaining balance. The change in consciousness is more about countermeasures and risk management than attacking. If the pivot and center back don't cooperate and stay vigilant at all times, we will be vulnerable to counterattacks, so I am strongly aware of that balance.
Q: After this match, Shuto ABE will transfer to RWD Molenbeek (Belgium). What kind of player is Shuto ABE to Matsuki?
Since joining Tokyo, I have had many opportunities to play with player Abe in the midfield and have learned many things and been inspired. So, I honestly feel sad, but at the same time, I also have a feeling that I can't afford to lose. For the sake of the team and for the sake of player Abe, I only seek victory in this match. First, the goal is to end the match without conceding a goal, and I want to fight with all my strength to win.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Kashima Antlers match.
A, we only seek victory. I think it's really important to be able to play at home before the break, so first of all, I want to build up the content while aiming to end with no goals conceded and win.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, in the Emperor's Cup match against Verdy, both fullbacks embodied hard work on both sides.
A, I myself still have a long way to go, but Yuto NAGATOMO, the left back, pulled the team through with a play that ran for 120 minutes at the age of 37. There's really no other way to say it but amazing. I thought that in cup matches, the result is more important than the content. It was a match against Verdy, so we went into extra time, but I think we were able to focus on winning and play.
Q: Do you feel that you are adjusting your condition well during consecutive matches?
A, I am always conscious of making good preparations. The Emperor's Cup is a tournament, so I didn't think there would be any easy matches. I am preparing myself so that I am ready for whatever happens.
Q, this round will be a match against Kashima Antlers, his former team.
A, we have played against each other many times, and many of the members who were with us at that time are still playing for Kashima. They know a lot about my play and personal aspects.However, I myself also know what kind of team Kashima is and how the players play. As I mentioned before, I only have good memories and a grateful feeling towards the team Kashima. It's an exciting match.
Q, becoming Coach Klamovski, it seems that the intensity and other aspects have been sharpened. Compared to the previous match, do you feel confident about approaching it?
I think the high intensity demanded in practice is also effective in the game. It is a match against Kashima that we will face in consecutive games, so it will lead to a good fight if all the players prepare themselves firmly and approach the game. In the Emperor's Cup, we had a 120-minute battle with Verdy, so I want to prepare for the fight without being careless.
