A truly diverse team. In addition to the players who were on the team until last season, players with proven abilities have joined in each position. With a lineup that is so strong that it could form two teams at a high level, the blue and red army led by manager Peter CKLAMOVSKI will challenge the 2024 season.
First of all, the focus will be on the captain who will be implementing a three-person system. Masato MORISHIGE, who served until last season, Kei KOIZUMI, who excels in multiple positions such as defensive midfielder and right back, and Kuryu MATSUKI, who is growing into a key player in the midfield, were all selected by the coach. What they all have in common is their strong desire to convey the team's victory and title acquisition.
However, the commander has appointed these three as captains, but what he expects from the team is nothing but an improvement in everyone's awareness. He also asks for all 11 players on the pitch to fight with the feeling of being captains. In order to reach the league title, it is necessary for each player to fight for the team, support each other, and demand growth. In order to raise the trophy with a smile at the end of the season, the 35 players will approach the season with determination while aiming for improvement.
<Match Preview>
Cerezo Osaka, who will face off in the opening match of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League on February 24th (Sat), is celebrating their 30th anniversary as a club this season. They are determined to achieve their first J1 League victory in this milestone season.
In his fourth season under the leadership of coach Akio KOGIKU, the team has been playing aggressive soccer. Veteran players such as Shinji KAGAWA and Hiroshi KIYOTAKE have been supporting the team, while foreign players in the front line boast a high scoring ability.
One player to watch out for is right-back Seiya MAIKUMA. He established himself as a starter in the AFC Asian Cup in January, where he represented the Japan national team. With his outstanding attacking sense, he constantly makes dangerous runs towards the opponent's goal and is a threat to score. How to contain his movements will be a key factor in the match.
Here, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who is expected to be used as a left back and face Mamikuma player, is expected to be used as a left back and face Mamikuma player. Both players are known for their aggressive attacking and accurate crosses, so it will be important to see who can take control of the side and demonstrate their strengths. Also, for Riki HARAKAWA, it will be a match against his former team where he played until mid-season last year. He is also expected to play a key role in the opening match as a "conductor of the midfield" in Tokyo, and as a player who knows the opponent well.
Cerezo Osaka has a good record against them, with 6 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in the last 9 matches. They have been unbeaten in the last 4 away games. In the 2023 season, they struggled with 3 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses in 18 away games, but they want to start this season with a solid victory and build momentum for the entire season. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI says, "After the pre-season camp and training, the team has been growing in a positive direction. Cerezo Osaka is a tough opponent and we expect a difficult away game, but if we do what we need to do, we can definitely win."
PETER TOKYO, fighting for the top with the entire team. In order to make a new page in the club's history, we will set sail towards a long season at the away ground, YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, the opening match is against Cerezo Osaka. What kind of battle do you aim for?
A, I am really looking forward to it, and Cerezo Osaka is a very strong team with a lot of ability. I think it will be a tough away game. I am excited to see how much we can challenge as a team in what is expected to be a difficult match. I believe it will be an opportunity to advance our football and build something good. I want to make this a fight that everyone can be proud of for Tokyo football.
Q, What is the position of the league opening game for Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI?
A, of course it is a special match, but it is not more important than the second and third matches. I think there are many parts that we can test against Cerezo Osaka, a good and respectable opponent. It is a great opportunity to leave our own impact.
Q, last season we were unable to accumulate victories in away games.
A, the opening game is an opportunity to show what kind of team we want to be, an opportunity to change the past. We want to give everything we have and play our game to the end. We will take 3 points and come back here again.
Q, What did you build on last season's base?
A, I want to show you a brave fighting spirit with the ball. I want to score with plays that have an attacking mindset and use the opponent's back and space well at a good tempo. I think that the football we aim for is developing. It is important for us to control the game well. When the fans and supporters see our play, I want to build an enjoyable and believable football. Throughout the season, I want to take one step at a time.
[Player Interview]
Riki HARAKAWA
Q, How do you feel about your current momentum after the January camp and February practice matches?
A, I personally think that the results and feeling of the camp should be considered within the larger context of the pre-season, and that the results of the practice matches during the camp period will not greatly affect the season. From the perspective of improving condition, it has been a fruitful period and we are likely to start the season in good condition. I believe that the 90 minutes of a practice match and the 90 minutes of an official match are completely different. If we don't stand on the pitch for the opening match, we won't know anything.
Q, with the midfield player layer becoming thicker this season, how are you planning to utilize Harakawa's strengths to aim for a regular position?
I think my strength is creating differences in attack, and I want to demonstrate that on the pitch. On the other hand, I want to learn defensive techniques and plays from players like Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI. I want to push each other to improve with players in the same position.
Q, What kind of cooperation and play do you have in mind, such as changing the style and position of Harakawa himself by players who form a double volanche?
A, the overall structure remains the same, but we try to understand the playing style and intentions of the players who make up the midfield. If the player is aware of their position, they will show their face in a place where they can easily receive the ball, and if the player has a wide range of movement, they will be conscious of moving in a way that does not disrupt the balance. We believe that if each player can express their own style on the pitch, we will move in a positive direction.
Q, The opening match of this season is against Cerezo Osaka. Last season, I couldn't play due to a temporary transfer, but do you have any awareness when playing against your former team?
A, I am not consciously aware of it. I try to enter the game in a focused manner and play as usual. There is nothing special that I am conscious of because it is the opening game, but since it is the first league game in a while, it is important to get used to the atmosphere of the venue and the official game. I think good preparation is everything, and I want to face the game by facing my body firmly.
Q, In this week's practice, we also incorporated content focused on Cerezo Osaka. What kind of measures will be necessary?
A, there are many players with high accuracy in crosses, and there is also the impression that there are many players who can adjust the ball well in front of the goal. Cerezo Osaka tends to attack from the sides, so I think a strong defense is required. If we can demonstrate a high level of defense and express the way we have been playing, I believe it will lead to good results.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: Please share your impressions so far after going through training camps and practice games.
A, I have a sense that overall, things are getting better. We have highly skilled players in the wing positions, and when it comes to players on the same side, Keita ENDO and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA are both very good players, each with their own unique strengths. Depending on the players we line up with vertically, the plays that are expected of me also change, so during the camp period, I spent a lot of time adjusting. We communicate and coordinate with each other, so it's not the finished product yet, but after training matches with Yokohama FC and Urawa Reds, I feel like we're improving and able to express our attacking abilities. Even after the league starts, there will still be adjustments and improvements needed, but I have confidence that we can play well.
Q, A matchup with Japan national team player Seiya MAIKUMA is expected.
I think it will be a match-up with the highly offensive player, Maikuma, but no matter what kind of player the opponent is, I think the key is how we can strategize to take their goal as a team. I don't know which player will be paired with the left side player, but I want to express the results we have built up since the camp by working together. Of course, Maikuma is also selected for the Japan national team and is a good player, but I believe that a team that can perform well as a team, rather than individually, can aim for victory. We will break through the opponent's defense with our own soccer.
Q, please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters who are eagerly awaiting the start of this season.
A, this season, we are aiming for the "J1 League Championship" as a team, and we want to play a game against Cerezo Osaka that will make you think we can aim for the championship. It will be an away game, but we appreciate your support.
