<Match Preview>
The three-game series against Avispa Fukuoka kicked off. In the first game, the J1 League Sec. 26, we suffered a 1-2 defeat due to two early goals. In the end, we were able to close the gap to one point with Naoki KUMATA's first J1 League goal as a substitute, but we struggled against Fukuoka's solid defense until the end. After the game, Keigo HIGASHI expressed his frustration, saying, "We were caught up in the opponent's style of play after conceding the first goal. We were communicating with each other at the start, but we needed to increase our concentration. We want to use this reflection in the Levain Cup."
This match will be an opportunity to overcome the frustration. The first leg of the Levain Cup quarterfinals will be played just two days after the previous match. Our ideal scenario is to take the lead at home and carry it over to the second leg. Player East says, "We can't play to match our opponents, we have to win with our own style. Whether it's at home or away, we want to aim for the goal without wavering."
To defeat the opponent who lost three days ago, mental strength is required. Tokyo will face an important match in pursuit of their fourth Levain Cup victory in three years (including the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup).
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: How will you prepare for the Avispa Fukuoka vs Levain Cup quarterfinals with only 2 days of rest?
A, it will be a series of matches against the same opponent. First, let's reflect on the match results against Fukuoka on the 3rd and confirm and organize what needs to be improved. We expect everyone to express our soccer firmly. We would like to focus on performing at a high level and achieving results.
Q: Will you also consider replacing fresh players, as the opponent will also face the Levain Cup under the same conditions?
A, of course, we are also considering using fresh players. We have communicated the situation to the players, and the players who could not participate in the Fukuoka match on the 3rd have been training in good condition. The players who participated are working hard to recover, even though it is a short period of time until the match. We want to make a solid decision on which members to compete in the Levain Cup.
Q: In the match on the 3rd, Naoki KUMATA scored his first goal in the J1 League. Please reevaluate Naoki's performance, considering the difficult time he has had so far.
A, no matter what kind of player, the daily process is very important. Even if you have the talent of the world's best, it is the same. I ask the players to accumulate day by day. I think Kumada has talent. I want to bring out that high potential and encourage him to become a great player. Since I became the coach of Tokyo, Kumada has been playing without missing hard work from his daily training. Even in the Fukuoka game, he showed a very good performance despite coming on as a substitute. I believe he will show even better things from here. I really want to congratulate him on his first goal in the J1 League. I hope he will continue to score more goals in his career.
Q, unfortunately we lost in the league match. How will you enhance the team's atmosphere as we approach consecutive matches?
No one is satisfied with losing in the A League match, and there is lingering regret. However, the important thing is to learn from this defeat and use it in the next game. We can also see it as an opportunity to face the same opponent again in a positive way. I want to approach the game with a strong mentality to turn things around from here.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Tokyokeigo＞
Q, the first match of the three-game series against Avispa Fukuoka ended in a frustrating defeat. How do you reflect on the game?
A, the match against Fukuoka always gives the impression of being a tough and challenging game. The flow and rhythm of the game were also dominated by the opponent. We knew it would be a difficult match, but conceding 2 goals early on made the game even tougher. It's not that we weren't focused, but the early goals made the team's challenges clear.
Q, although we lost in a difficult game, I think the late goal became a decisive blow that will lead to the next one.
A, the match was a complete defeat, and we let Fukuoka play their football throughout the 90 minutes. First of all, it is important to increase not only set plays but also attacking opportunities. I felt many challenges in terms of attacking and facing Fukuoka.
Q, how is your motivation for the Levain Cup, where there is still a possibility of winning the title?
A, in terms of this season, it is the tournament with the highest possibility of winning the title, so if we can win against Fukuoka, whose performance in the matches is not good at all, it will be a turning point where the flow will completely change, although it is not "a crisis is an opportunity". I think it is a big advantage that we can have the first match at home. Considering that the away match against Fukuoka is always a difficult game, I would like to approach the match while being aware of that point. I think we cannot get closer to the title unless we win against solid teams like Fukuoka. It is certain that it will be a tough opponent, so I want to make it a game development with hope that leads to the next one, and I want to approach the match by organizing the issues that came up in the match on the 3rd.
Q, the first match of the three-game series against Avispa Fukuoka ended in a disappointing result. Please give us your thoughts on the game.
A, it was a very difficult match and ended with a disappointing result. However, instead of dwelling on past matches that have already ended, I would like to make good preparations for the Levain Cup quarterfinals first match.
Q, in the practice match against Vissel Kobe, a goal was also created in a similar way as in the Montedio Yamagata match. We can see the good condition of Adailton.
A, I am able to play in good condition, and I want to further improve my condition and demonstrate a good performance in the game. Regardless of the form, I will always seek results if I participate in the game. I will only express the maximum play that I should do for the team. The quarterfinals against Fukuoka will be consecutive battles, and a very difficult game is expected. I want to take advantage of the fact that we can welcome the first game at home and seek a victory that leads to the second game away. And I want to advance to the next stage.
Q, Adailton himself, don't you have many good memories of the Levain Cup?
In the 2020 season, we won the Levain Cup and have a very positive image. First and foremost, we want to achieve good results and advance to the finals, and make our fans and supporters happy.
Q, in the Fukuoka match on the 3rd, it seemed that Adailton was tightly marked and countermeasures were taken.
A, not only in the recent game, but also in any club that we play against, we understand that they are taking measures. Among those measures, it is required to make plays towards the goal in a good situation and break through the opponent's defense. When I have the ball and play towards the goal, there are many scenes where my teammates become free. I also want to contribute to victory not only by scoring but also by assisting, while being aware of free players and open spaces.
