<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 struggling to win for a while, the coach has tightened the reins of the team, saying that it is precisely because of this that they cannot let their guard down.
In the previous match, the team embodied the intense style of play demanded by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and achieved a 2-0 victory against Nagoya Grampus, who are competing for the top spot. The style of play will not change even if the opponent changes. They faced the rainy match in order to continue their winning streak at home and progress through the second half of the league in a good flow.
1st HALF - Diego's 10th goal of the season gives us the lead
In the early stages, Tokyo struggled against Kashima's sharp defense, but they persisted in moving the ball and pushed their opponents back, creating chances for set plays. In the 6th minute of the first half, Kuryu Matsuki had a direct free kick opportunity, but it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
By quickly transitioning from attack to defense, we do not give the opponent time to move the ball. We aggressively chase the ball from the front line and coordinate with the back line to shift towards the ball side, allowing us to quickly regain possession and take control of the game.
The game started moving in the 35th minute of the first half. Tawaratsumida Kota, who had carefully built up the play, received the ball in a wide open position on the left side and made a sharp turn to shake off his marker before crossing the ball. Diego Oliveira, who was positioned in front of the goal, headed the ball and skillfully placed it into the bottom right corner, giving Tokyo the lead.
Even if they take the lead, Tokyo's strength does not diminish. They firmly chase after the ball and frequently steal it with their physicality in the battle for the ball, leading to an unpredictable attack towards the goal.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, a big cross ball was sent in from the right side, and the ball that the defender couldn't clear fell near the penalty area. Tawara Tsumeta player was there and took a direct shot, but the ball that aimed for the right corner of the goal was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper's great defense.
2ndHALF - Clean sheet without being impatient even when pressed by the opponent
Tokyo's momentum doesn't stop even in the second half. Just 2 minutes into the second half, player Matsuki dribbles and takes a bold shot from the middle range. The ball, blocked by a defender, changes direction and loops towards the goal, but the opposing goalkeeper clears it out of the frame.
As time goes by, scenes where the opponent attacks from behind and receives a counterattack can be seen as they become more aggressive. During the time when they are pushed by the opponent's momentum, they respond by defending with everyone returning to their own half and organizing their defensive formation to eliminate space.
Despite not having possession of the ball, Masato MORISHIGE showed a strong presence in the game by preventing decisive situations and maintaining intensity in duels. However, towards the end of the game, an unfortunate incident occurred when MORISHIGE was injured in a collision just after using up all the substitution slots. After receiving treatment, he returned to the pitch, but with MORISHIGE leading the front line, the team scrambled to reorganize their defensive formation and managed to hold on until the final whistle.
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 Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
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
35' First Half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Kashiwa Reysol＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kenta MATSUMOTO
DF Hiromu MITSUMARU/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: GROT)/Mao HOSOYA
SUBS
GK Tatsuya MORITA
DF Hayato TANAKA
GOAL
―
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Manager 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>
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.
<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>
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.
