<Last Match Review: Júbilo Iwata>
In addition to the announcement of the resignation of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI during the break, it was reported that Diego OLIVEIRA would retire from professional football at the end of this season, just after the match. Diego started in the away game against Júbilo Iwata, showcasing strong hold-up play and aggressive pressing from the beginning, demonstrating his presence as a key player for the team. However, he faced tough marking from the opponent and injured his right ankle just before the end of the first half. After a long treatment, he briefly returned to the pitch but was forced to be substituted at halftime.
In the second half, Tokyo launched an offensive. By utilizing the pitch widely to create chances, they succeeded in changing the game with a left corner kick earned from that play.
It was a lively and rhythmic attack.
In the 8th minute of the second half, Ryotaro ARAKI connected with Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had moved into the pocket position, with a short corner. From there, Keigo HIGASHI received the ball and delivered a soft cross with his right foot. At this moment, Soma ANZAI jumped in from behind and shook the goal net with a superb header that went over the opposing goalkeeper's head. The blue-red team, which had gained numerous corner kick opportunities since the first half, added a variation here to score the opening goal. The instructions from coach Yu TOKISAKI paid off, and they took the lead away from home.
However, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Yasuki KIMOTO was sent off for fouling an opponent, and from that free kick, they conceded an equalizing goal. Pressured by the momentum of Jubilo Iwata, for whom winning this match was an absolute condition for survival, they allowed a penalty kick at the end of the match, resulting in a loss. This led to a frustrating third consecutive defeat in the league.
Match Preview
Diego OLIVEIRA, who has left his name in the club's history, has decided to hang up his jersey at the end of this season. He joined Tokyo in the 2018 season. Since then, he has consistently shown performances worthy of being Tokyo's ace with hard work on both offense and defense. His 74 goals accumulated over 7 seasons are the most in the club's history in the J1 League. He will conclude his 16-year professional career, responding to the expectations and respect of those around him, here in Tokyo.
Regarding the circumstances of retirement, he said, "I have wanted to spend time with my parents and family after being away from Brazil for a long time. Also, the days of continuing to fight as an athlete consume a considerable amount of energy. I have exhausted that energy," he spoke with a look of sadness. After announcing his retirement, he became emotional while talking about the many messages he received from friends, teammates, and fans/supporters, saying, "I realized how much I was loved and cherished. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved," expressing his gratitude repeatedly.
Whether crying or laughing, the final match of the season against Cerezo Osaka will be the last dance for number 9. The stage is Ajinomoto Stadium. The great striker will fight for victory with the same full effort as always. That final heroic figure will surely be etched in the memories of fans and supporters forever.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: This will be the last game of the season.
A, we want to show our “show” and bring smiles to our fans and supporters.
Q: As a culmination, we want to bring out everything we have built up to this point.
AIt is important to ensure that we can fully showcase our team's performance. We want to fight in a way that the club, as well as the fans and supporters, can be proud of. And we want to end with 3 points. Last week, we let a match slip away that we had in our grasp. Of course, everyone feels regret about it. We want to approach the next match while firmly applying the lessons learned from that experience. We will do our utmost to win.
Q: This is also the last game of Diego OLIVEIRA as an active player. After working together for a season and a half, what kind of player do you think he is?
A, I think it was before the start of the 2018 season when I first came to Japan, and I was watching Diego OLIVEIRA in a practice match, thinking he was an amazing player. Since coming to Japan, I have been watching his play all the time. After working together for 18 months, I have come to understand his greatness as a player and also his humanity, and it became clear to me that he is a legend of this club. Everyone must be fighting desperately to deliver three points to him. I hope we can have a battle that will remain in his memory for a lifetime.
Q, what kind of message would you like to leave for the fans and supporters in your last game in Tokyo?
AIt is to fight in a way that we can be proud of and that everyone can be excited about. Since I came here, I believe we have built a foundation for the future. The future of Tokyo will be bright and strong. This season, there have been good times for us, and there have been ups and downs. Even in difficult times, the team has grown, and I believe that will lead to the future of the team. I want to end the season with a smile and fight in a way that we can be proud of. The blue and red will remain in my heart for a lifetime. I pray for the success of this club.
Q: Where do you want to give your all in the end?
AOf course, everyone wants to succeed tomorrow and the next day, but that's football. What we know is that without what we have built here over the past 18 months, there is no success. I take pride in having established a strong foundation for this club and I want to leave. I hope that it will lead to advantages in the future.
This is not a goodbye. See you again.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q: This match will be the last game of my active career.
A. The next match will be the final game of the season for Tokyo, and it will be my last match as a player. I want to approach the game with strong determination. This season, the team's performance has not been what we hoped for, and it has been a frustrating season. I believe the final match against Cerezo Osaka will also be a tough game, but I absolutely want to win and conclude this season on a high note. It will be my last match as well, but I feel calm. I want to enter the game as usual. I hope to finish with my own goal, share the joy of victory with the fans and supporters, and make it a game that connects to next season.
Q: Please tell us the reason for your decision to retire.
AThere are several reasons, but the biggest one is that I have spent a long time playing and living in Japan, far away from Brazil, which has meant being away from my parents and family for a long time. I have a desire to return to Brazil and spend time with my family. I have built my career as a soccer player up to this point, but I have consumed a lot of energy, both physically and mentally. I feel that the energy needed to continue at a high level of motivation and performance is gradually decreasing within me. I have consulted with myself and my family, and there was a part of me that felt I had done everything I could. For various reasons, I have come to the decision to retire. The club has kindly offered to continue fighting together next season, but I feel that retiring in my current state is a moment that allows me to end my career as a soccer player in a good way. While there is certainly sadness in leaving the club Tokyo and retiring from active play, I also feel happiness in being able to end my career positively.
Q: When did you start considering your decision?
A, I have felt for some time that retirement is not a distant future. I never spoke about it, but I felt it might be soon. I actually made the decision about a month before the retirement announcement. I love the Tokyo club. There are many people who have always supported and respected me. There were many who were surprised that I chose to retire at this time. I feel happy that the Tokyo uniform will be the last one I wear in my career.
Q: Please tell us about any memorable matches or goals.
A, this is the goal from the match against Shonan Bellmare at Ajinomoto Stadium during the 2018 season. After joining Tokyo, I wore the blue and red uniform for the first time, and my first goal was against Shonan. It remains very memorable for me, especially since my goal was the winning goal.
Q: When you started your professional career, did you have a vision of how you wanted to retire as a player?A: Starting a professional life means that an end will eventually come. The vision I had was to play in a high-level league like the J-League and to retire while I am in good condition. In a sense, I believe I can end my career in the ideal way I envisioned.
Q: We have been far from victory in recent matches, but please tell us the points we need to tighten our focus on again.
A, we have been away from victory for a while, and we have not been able to win at our home, Ajinomoto Stadium. This season has not turned out as we envisioned, and we have spent a long time in difficult moments, so as a team, we want to focus on playing with unity and a commitment to victory.
Q: What do fans and supporters mean to you, Diego TABA?
In the previous match against Júbilo Iwata, you held up banners and uniforms directed at me from the stands behind the goal. Your support has truly reached me and warmed my heart. I am sincerely grateful for the way the fans and supporters show me respect.
