＜Review of the previous match against Kawasaki Frontale＞
In an unusual and grueling series of 3 games against Avispa Fukuoka in just 8 days, the team's oldest U-6 sideback started all 3 games as a starter. He played the full 90 minutes in the first 2 games and played until the 70th minute in the third game. His endless stamina and strength in challenges showed no signs of decline, as he embodied the unspoken pressure of "not letting anyone behind him on his side" through his play.
In the 42nd Tama River Clasico, the presence of a man who has long been called a veteran was outstanding. Despite being physically and speed-wise inferior to the opponent, he dealt with them with exquisite spacing, not allowing them to take his back, and never backing down in duels on the ball.
When Tokyo switched to the attack, Hyun Soo JANG ran up the left side and made it his own with overwhelming athleticism. The team created decisive chances in both the first and second halves, but cried out for a one-point difference without being able to decide. However, on the pitch, they fought evenly against an opponent boasting four J1 league championships.
In the midst of a closely contested match where both teams had similar strength, it was the individual performances that made the difference, and Yuto NAGATOMO was clearly one of the players who dominated the game individually. Moreover, even in the intense battle against Kawasaki after a grueling series of matches, he remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.
His presence is a role model for young players in Tokyo and also serves as a benchmark for professionals. Every move he makes should inspire many players, regardless of their position. In the final stages of the season, we want to continue learning and absorbing from player Nagatomo, and contribute to the improvement and growth of the team.
<Match Preview>
In the previous match, they lost 0-1 to Kawasaki Frontale in the "Tama River Classico" and remained winless in the league for 4 games. Manager Peter Cklamovski commented on the difficult situation of winning the title, saying, "Of course, it's disappointing and frustrating that we can no longer chase after the trophy. However, every game has meaning and we are fighting for it. We must be proud to represent this club and continue to grow as a team with that mentality."
This round, we will face Sagan Tosu at home. In past matches, Tokyo has been on an 8-game losing streak against them, but if we can win this game, there is a possibility that the team's atmosphere will completely change. Kuryu MATSUKI says, "Everyone must think that Tokyo is a team that cannot lose. If we have the mindset that we absolutely have to win, then we won't naturally make any sloppy plays. If we continue to think this way, I believe the next few games will be good for us."
In commemoration of the 25th anniversary, Tokyo Club will play the next three home games as "25th Anniversary Matches" starting from October 1, the club's founding day. The strength of the blue and red will be tested to create a new history.
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Keigo HIGASHI and Kei KOIZUMI will be suspended for this match.
A, it is unfortunate that they cannot participate, but it means that other players have the opportunity to contribute to the team. Regardless of who plays, they just need to understand their role and give their best. Players like Hyun Soo JANG and Kei KOIZUMI always embody the hard work that forms the foundation of the team. September has been a challenging month with consecutive matches, making it difficult for the team to consistently perform. In the upcoming match against Sagan Tosu, we aim to play a high-intensity football that excites everyone.
Q: Please tell us the factors that make you feel the intensity is dropping.
A, speaking of recent events, we played 4 matches in 13 days. Naturally, if you participate in all the matches while considering fatigue and preparing for the games, you will get tired. We need to control that well and head into the matches in a fresh state. Of course, I don't intend to use the consecutive matches as an excuse, and we had to consider what we as a team needed to do. Since I took over, I think we have built a good foundation and are moving in the right direction. Now, we need to continue what we are doing and sharpen what needs to be improved. That is what will lead to the growth of the club.
Q, Montedio Yamagata coach Ayumu KAWAI, who fought together as a coach and coach during the Montedio Yamagata era, is now leading Tosu.
A, Tosu is a good team, and when we worked together, I had a great time with him. I think he will continue on an exciting path as a coach in the future. It was a blessed time for me to be able to give him my energy. We had various discussions as coaches and shared ideas. I think we were able to create productive and exciting things by working together. However, for now, we will firmly focus on ourselves. It is not a battle between Manager Kawai and me. We will just work hard for Tokyo's victory.
Q, there is a break period in October for the league matches. How do you plan to motivate the players?
A, the current situation is everything. It is regrettable and frustrating that we can no longer chase after trophies. However, as Tokyo, we fight in every game with meaning. We take pride in representing this club and as we approach the end of the season, we want to shape a strong presence and foster a strong mentality as a team.
[Player Interview]
Riki HARAKAWA
Q: Please tell us the necessary points again to win and recover as a team from here.
When the team is not doing well, it is natural to focus on the overall performance, but I believe it is necessary to first focus on the individual players' performance and fighting style. I think each player needs to concentrate on delivering a good performance.
Q: How do you feel about gradually securing playing time, starting with the Kawasaki Frontale match in the previous round?
A, the time involved in the game is increasing, but I want to play with more emphasis on the quality of play. I feel that I was able to play better in the Kawasaki game as well. The way the team plays is well organized by Coach Klomovski and the staff, so I want to focus on individuals and concentrate on being able to express high quality play.
Q: "In terms of 'individual' aspects, what are the challenges and responses up to this point?"
A, in terms of defense, I want to increase the number of times I can steal the ball in my position. As for the attack, my personal mistakes stood out in the Kawasaki game. In the Avispa Fukuoka game, I was an anchor, but in the Kawasaki game, I was a double pivot, so I think I was expected to play more forward. The player who forms a combination in the midfield changes with each game, but I don't think deeply or get caught up in anything, so I want to communicate while reading the flow of the game and play.
Q, Sagan Tosu's match against their former team is coming up this weekend.
A, I don't have many players who played together at that time, but I'm looking forward to the match. When I was with Tosu, I had a strong impression that Tokyo had a good compatibility. I have heard that Tokyo does not have a good record against Kyushu clubs, so I want to make this match overturn that image.
Q: How do you see the style of Tosu, even though some time has passed since Riki Harakawa played for the team?
A, the overall framework seems unchanged, and it is a team that thoroughly analyzes the opponent and tactically fights. Tosu is a team that changes its way of fighting while watching the opponent, so I want to firmly grasp the atmosphere in the first 10 to 15 minutes. We want to manage the aggressive play and the difficult period of being pushed in, and connect it to victory throughout the 90 minutes of the game.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: You have been running through your rookie year so far, what kind of response do you feel?
I feel a little bit of progress in my dribbling and breakthroughs, but so far I have only made one assist and have not been able to score. I want to increase the number of dribbles that directly lead to goals. I still think there is a long way to go. In my academy days, there were many times when a shot I dribbled in myself resulted in a goal, but since becoming a professional, the abilities of the opposing players are on a completely different level, and I am keenly aware of the high level of the professional world in terms of strength and skill.
Q, I entered the pitch from the middle of the Kawasaki Frontale match in the previous round.
I felt the difficulty of entering the game from the middle. I felt the intensity of the players who started the game, the slightly open development in offense and defense, and I felt the difficulty of organizing it within myself and expressing the work of the team from the middle and the initiative as an individual. I want to make use of the experience gained in the Kawasaki game in the future.
Q, how do you feel about the factors that are keeping you away from victory?
A, I think it's about the mental aspect. Personally, in the last match against Kawasaki, I wanted to express more plays that would ignite my teammates, and I think it's important for everyone to have the same direction and give 100% or more in matches and practices. I think increasing the passion of each player and the unity as a team will lead to victory. If young players like me can achieve visible results such as goals and assists, I think it will naturally ignite other players, and I want to grow to become such a player myself.
Q: After a series of away games, we finally returned to Ajinomoto Stadium. Please tell us your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Sagan Tosu.
A, I want to express my play firmly and I want to win firmly. As someone who has always admired playing as a Tokyo player since my academy days, I want to score my first professional goal at home and contribute to the victory.
