＜Match Review＞
The second match under the Peter CKLAMOVSKI regime. The opponent is Kashiwa Reysol, who has not won in 7 league matches. Although the opponent has been away from victory for a while, the commander tightened the reins of the team precisely because of that.
In the previous match, the team embodied the high-intensity style of play that Coach Klamovski demanded on the pitch and achieved a 2-0 victory against Nagoya Grampus, who are competing for the top spot. The way we play doesn't change even if the opponent changes. We faced a rainy match in order to continue the winning streak at home and progress through the second half of the league in a good flow.
1st HALF - Diego scores his 10th goal of the season to take the lead
Although Kashiwa's defense had a strong start, Tokyo persisted in moving the ball and pushing the opponent, launching attacks and gaining set-piece opportunities. In the 6th minute of the first half, Kuryu Matsuki had a direct shot at goal from a free kick, but it was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper.
By quickly transitioning from attack to defense, not giving the opponent time to move the ball, relentlessly chasing the ball from the front, and coordinating with the backline to shift towards the ball side, we immediately regain possession of the ball and firmly control the flow of the game.
The game started moving in the 35th minute of the first half. Tawaratsumida Kota, who carefully built up the play, made his way to the deep left side and received the ball in a wide open position. He skillfully cut inside, leaving his marker behind, and delivered a cross. Diego Oliveira, who was positioned in front of the goal, headed the ball and perfectly placed it into the bottom right corner, giving Tokyo the lead.
Even if they take the initiative, Tokyo's strength does not diminish. They firmly chase the ball and frequently steal it with physicality in duels, launching attacks that do not allow the opponent to narrow down their target and head towards the goal.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, a big cross ball was sent in from the right side. The ball that the defender couldn't clear properly fell near the penalty area. Tawara Tsumita, who was there, took a direct shot, but the ball that aimed for the bottom right corner of the goal was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper's excellent save.
2nd HALF - Clean sheet without being rushed even during the time when the opponent was pressing
Tokyo's momentum continues into the second half. In the opening minutes of the second half, Matsuki dribbles the ball and takes a powerful shot from mid-range. The blocked ball changes direction and loops towards the goal, but the opposing goalkeeper clears it from the frame.
As time goes on, scenes where the opponent takes advantage of the forward momentum and counters can be seen. During the period when we are pushed back by the opponent's momentum, we responded by having everyone return to our own half, organize the defensive formation, and eliminate space even with defensive measures.
Despite not having the ball, they showed a strong performance in the midfield and prevented the opponent from creating decisive opportunities. However, towards the end of the game, immediately after using all the substitution slots, there was an accident where player Masato MORISHIGE had to leave the pitch due to a collision. After receiving treatment, he returned to the field, but the team rearranged their defensive formation and placed Morishige in the front line, leading to the end of the game.
Although it was the smallest point difference, we took control in both offense and defense for most of the game and secured our second victory under the leadership of Coach Klamovski.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Kei KOIZUMI/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Shuto ABE/Koki TSUKAGAWA (34th minute of the second half: Reo NOZAWA)
FW Ryo WATANABE (40th minute of the second half: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (40th minute of the second half: Perotti)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (15th minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO/Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
First half 35 minutes: Diego OLIVEIRA
Kashiwa Reysol
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kentaro Matsumoto
DF Hiroshi Sammaru/Taiyo Koga/Yugo Tatsuta/Naoki Kawaguchi (39th minute: Takumi Tsuchiya)
MF Keiya Shiihashi (30th minute: Keiya Sento)/Tomoki Takamine (16th minute: Sachiro Toshima)/Riku Ochiai (0th minute: Tomoya Koyamatsu)
FW Matheus Savio/Yuki Muto (0th minute: Float)/Mao Hosoya
SUBS
GK Tatsuya MORITA
DF Hayato TANAKA
GOAL
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[Peter Cklamovski Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, I think we had a really good fight in the first half, and in that, we were able to show a really good performance and play the way we expected. I am really proud of the players who fought for 90 minutes. In the second half, there were tough times for several reasons, but it was a game where we learned a lot. I think there were moments when we could have made it 2-0, but I think the players fought well with perseverance and dedication to maintain discipline. In that sense, the players really gave a solid performance.
Q: After using all the substitution slots in the 40th minute of the second half, there was an accident involving Masato MORISHIGE. Did you make the decision to move Kuryu MATSUKI to center back considering such a situation?
In football, you never know what will happen. What I have learned is that what we do in our daily practice is the solution. I think we were able to fight strongly by building on the foundation we have built as a team and as individuals. Honestly, I think the players fought well. Matsuki played well as a center back, and Morishige fought until the end and contributed to the club. The substitute players fought selflessly and did their job properly. I think it was a fight that reflected their beliefs and what they have done so far. We have special fans and supporters who have been with us, and I think they pushed us and we were able to fight together until the end to win 3 points.
Q, the speed of switching and the strength of defense were noticeable.
A, it is one of the elements that we are improving now and one of the elements that make us better. As I always say, what matters is the amount of exercise and fighting devotedly. And because we can clearly define that and have a solid positioning, I think the players are able to fight together and help each other. We were able to produce good things in all aspects of the first half of the game, and there were many things to gain from it. I think there were parts that we needed to learn in the second half, but what makes me most proud of the players is that even in a situation where we have to learn as a lesson, we were able to take all 3 points by fighting devotedly. However, I think it is necessary to take step by step to become a better team.
Q: The first half was one-sided, but the second half became a tough game. What do you think was the cause of that?
A, I think the flow changed in the second half because Kashiwa Reysol came forward. Among them, we were able to defend strongly and finish with a clean sheet, which is a very good point for us. The lesson learned is that we need to control the game more ourselves and move the ball a little better. There were many chances, and if we had scored a second goal there, I think it would have been a more exciting game with the stadium jumping.
[Player Interview]
Diego Oliveira player
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, it was a very difficult match. Kashiwa Reysol struggled, but they were a very high-quality team, so it was good that we were able to win against them. We also had our own struggles, but I think it was good that we were able to run and fight together today. From now on, there will be no easy matches, so I hope we can overcome them together.
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
Player A, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, is a player known for his dribbling skills and always engages in tactical battles with opponents in front of the goal. He provided a very good cross today, which allowed us to score. Although I scored and we won today, I believe anyone can score. I think the most important thing is for the team to win.
Q, it became a goal in three consecutive official matches.
A, goals are not easily scored. Right now, the team has a good flow and many chances are coming, so I am able to score from among the numerous opportunities.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the next match against Urawa Reds.
A, the Urawa match is expected to be a tough game. The opponent will be playing at home, and Saitama Stadium 2002 has a different atmosphere compared to other stadiums. It is expected that the opponent will come with momentum, but I want to win no matter what and return to Ajinomoto Stadium.
＜Kei Koizumi player＞
Q, it's a home winning streak. Please reflect on the game.
A, we were able to play with high intensity from the start, and Diego OLIVEIRA scored a goal at the timing when we wanted to score. I think that being able to take the lead was a factor in ending the first half in a good way. In the first half, what was particularly good was that we were able to keep the opponent's shots to zero. I think that was very important. In the second half, there were also difficult times and scenes where we were shot at, but we were able to control the close game with committed plays. It would be ideal to score additional points and win with multiple goals, but winning stubbornly in a difficult game of 1-0 was a big gain for the team, I think.
Q, I especially felt the tenacity and hard work in the defensive response in the second half.
It is important not to lose in a one-on-one situation. Since the opponent's side attacks were particularly frequent, it was important to focus on how to respond as a side back. We want to further refine the fundamental aspects of not allowing easy crosses and not allowing shots, and we also want to improve the defensive spacing, the ability to win the ball, and the precision of the build-up.
Q, as a side back, I feel that the stability has been increasing with each game.
A, since coming to Tokyo, there have been only a few occasions where I have played as a side back for the clubs I have been a part of in the past. It is a position that I have experience in, so I am able to play smoothly without feeling any difficulty. There are still areas where I have not reached the level of play that I am satisfied with as an individual, and there are also many scenes where I am helped by my teammates. In order to achieve victory, I want to play with determination.
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, we were able to score early in the first half, and although there were difficult periods in the second half, we managed to keep a clean sheet and win. I think it's a big deal that we were able to keep a clean sheet for two consecutive games.
Q, I felt a strong desire to score, especially through free kicks and offensive participation.
As a defensive midfielder, I was thinking of aiming for the empty space in front while managing the risk. If I can't score in that situation, I won't be able to aim for the top, so I want to score next time.
Q: I think the combination of the double defensive midfielders was good, but what kind of communication do you have with Shuto ABE?
A, we haven't had any specific discussions. We have been playing together since last season, so we understand each other's strengths. It's not perfect synchronization, but I think we have been able to establish plays that cover each other in the past two matches.
Q, it's been two consecutive wins since becoming coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI. Please tell us how you plan to aim higher from here.
I think it is important not to concede goals. If we don't concede, we can earn points. So, with players like Diego OLIVEIRA who can score goals in great form, if I can fulfill my role as a defensive midfielder and aim for goals, we can achieve 3 points. I want to continue aiming for victory in the next match and the match after that.
Kota TAWARATSUMIDA player
Q: please review the game.
A, it was good to have achieved a result. I think it was good for the team to win without conceding any goals.
Q, please look back on Diego OLIVEIRA's goal scene.
A, I have been practicing crosses up to this point, and I think today's goal was connected to that because I always communicated with Diego TABA before the game.
Q, there were also close shooting scenes.
A, I think the part that cannot finish the last is lack of power. I want to continue to have a desire to improve and score without being satisfied with assists. I myself do not have enough defense and physical strength, so I want to level up firmly.
Q, I started in the lineup for the second consecutive game.
A, I think I can continue to play in the game because I have been given the opportunity, and it leads to my growth. I want to make the most of this opportunity, train every day, and achieve results.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the next match against Urawa Reds.
In the next game, I want to score and lead the team to victory. I hope we can fight together as a team and deliver a win to our fans and supporters. It will be exciting to see if my dribbling can work against the opponent, including Sakai player. I want to challenge without hesitation.
