＜Previous Match Review against Kashiwa Reysol＞
Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI's second game in the new system also saw the relentless blue and red press continue.
Moving people one after another on the ball side, immediately switching to attack and heading towards the goal while blocking the opponent's advance.
In particular, the attack was led by Diego OLIVEIRA's post work, with the support of his teammates, creating passing lanes and advancing the ball, while players other than the ball holder were able to bring it to a finish.
The final goal of this match was also in a similar fashion. When Diego received the ball, he spread it to the left side and used Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, a young rising star, to hold onto the ball with his unique spacing while Diego made his way into the penalty area. Then, with a sharp switch, TAWARATSUMIDA crossed the ball and Diego headed it into the net.
As the second half began, the opponent thoroughly targeted Tokyo's back with long balls and put numbers on the front line, resulting in a counter-attack and increasing the time Tokyo spent in their own zone. On the other hand, instead of dropping back and responding to the opponent's attacks, Tokyo did not weaken their press on the ball side while creating a defensive block in their own zone, not giving the opponent the opportunity to launch a thick attack.
There, the defensive ability of Kei KOIZUMI, who faced his former team, shone. His strength in one-on-one battles, sharpness in reading the opponent's weaknesses and attacking to intercept the ball, and his perfect positioning that doesn't allow easy breakthroughs. Once he steals the ball, he distributes short and long passes to break through the opponent's first defense and become the starting point of the counterattack.
Coolly harvesting the ball with a calm expression, and accurately using my ball as a key attack move. The presence of the "big brother" was also prominent in both offense and defense in this intense battle.
<Match Preview>
The first away game as Klamovski Tokyo will be against Urawa Reds at Saitama Stadium 2002, which is expected to be dyed in red.
The first match since the opening game of this season. At that time, Tokyo, in their second year under the leadership of Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, had a clear advantage over Urawa, in their first year under the leadership of Maciej SKORZA, in terms of team completion. Tokyo pushed Urawa back in terms of content and won with a score of 2-0.
However, at the end of the first half of the season, the positions of both teams changed significantly. Tokyo was unable to consistently accumulate points, while Urawa struggled in the beginning but gradually improved and achieved results such as winning the AFC Champions League (ACL). They are currently in 4th place and in a position to aim for the ACL zone and championship.
Tokyo has faced a result of 3 consecutive losses and even a change in coach, but in the recent 2 games played under the new system, they have won 2 games and improved their form with 3 goals scored and no goals conceded. The current football style, with Victor leading the way, is different from the one shown in the opening game, and for Urawa it will be an encounter with the "unknown Tokyo".
Looking ahead, there will be a match against Verdy in the 3rd round of the Emperor's Cup next Wednesday, followed by a game against Kashima Antlers on the weekend. This will mark the start of a series of consecutive matches after the Urawa game. Considering the high intensity of Tokyo's football, the way we play for 90 minutes is a major concern.
However, coach Klamovski has no thoughts of energy conservation. He will give his all in the upcoming match and strive for victory. This style will not change even in this series of matches. In order to shake the area of the stadium dyed in red and make the blue and red fans rejoice, Tokyo will continue to push forward.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, how do you plan to break through Urawa Reds' solid defense?
It is important to take the space behind the opponent's defensive line and express the speed and tempo of the movement that has been accumulated from training. By doing so, I think the opponent's defensive formation will gradually collapse. I think it is about expressing the consciousness of moving forward, the jump to the back, and how the opponent's defense will respond.
Q: The build-up from the back seems to be gradually getting organized. How do you feel about it?
I think it is necessary to further improve and enhance the quality. The coordination and involvement with the ball vary depending on the position, and the key is how to create space that is generated by passing the ball. I also want to gradually enhance the movement of attacking spaces that the opponent dislikes, at a faster tempo, step by step.
Q, what are you trying to do on the offensive side and what are you telling the players?
A, it is to move the ball quickly. The coordination and connections between positions seem to be improving. Various things have become visible from practice. Now, I want to encourage players to demonstrate the plays they have been practicing in the matches. Of course, there were also periods of time in the matches against Nagoya Grampus and Kashiwa Reysol where we were able to express ourselves. It is important to extend those periods of time as much as possible. There is no perfection in football. To give an example, there are negotiations like arm wrestling, and there are difficult periods of time where our plays cannot be expressed. Based on hard work and with a common understanding, I hope to step up.
Q, what did you see after the winning streak in the league matches?
A, although it was a short period of time, the players gave their all from practice as a team. I think they played a game that didn't give the opponent any freedom, made them uncomfortable, and made it difficult for them. I feel that what we have been building up from practice is gradually becoming a part of us. I have said it many times, but we still need to improve. We aim to create a team that is loved even more by the fans and supporters. In order to do that, we don't want to waste a single day. We always want to strive for growth.
[Player Interview]
＜Shuto ABE＞
Q, please tell us what is particularly required in the position of a defensive midfielder.
First and foremost, it is the intensity. Coach CKLAMOVSKI expects us to be dedicated to recovering second balls and defending. I believe it is especially emphasized in our meetings.
Q, please let us know if there is anything that is required in the attacking aspect and if there is anything you are consciously expressing in your play.
When the ball flows to the side player, we, the midfielder players, are conscious of making a play to break through forward. The way to break through varies depending on the position of the ball, but when playing in the opponent's territory and circulating the ball in a high position, I think it becomes a timing to aim for.
Q, the defense has had two consecutive shutouts. If there are any areas that need improvement on the offensive side, please let us know.
A, it's not that we haven't been able to score, and I think you can see Diego OLIVEIRA's good form if you watch the game. We want to score goals with Diego and also aim for short counters. Like the second goal in the Nagoya Grampus match, if both central midfielders get involved in the attack, pull out the opponent's defenders, and supply accurate crosses to the goalmouth, I think we can increase our goals.
Q, Urawa Reds match will be an important game, even though our away winning rate has not been good so far.
As Tokyo, Saitama Stadium 2002 doesn't have a very good compatibility, but I think we need to overturn it with solid results. As a team, we are currently able to play with confidence, so if we can approach the game with concentration from the beginning, I believe it will lead to victory.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: Has the task of attacking changed since Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI took office?
A, regardless of the position such as top, bottom, or side, I play with an understanding of the necessary standing position during the attack. In order to contribute to the team's victory, it is necessary to enhance tactical understanding, so I would like to continue doing so.
Q: Your play style is impressive as it is not bound by positions. Is there anything you consciously focus on during the game?
A, in order to score, I am always conscious of playing backwards from the goal. In order to score as a team, I think flexibly about what position I need to take and where I should support, and choose to move to the side or receive the ball in the center.
Q, please tell us the factors that allow the team to quickly move towards the opponent's goal.
A, the most important thing is that we are able to defend well. We are able to steal the ball in high positions, maintain a high defensive line, and have a team-wide awareness of launching a defense from the front. Good defense leads to good attacks. I believe that being able to play with high intensity in practice is also a major factor. I think that intensity comes alive in the matches.
Q, It seems that the number of times Ryoma WATANABE himself moves towards the goal and the number of chances created have increased, starting from Diego OLIVEIRA. Please tell us about your progress.
In terms of my involvement in the game, I still feel that I am lacking in creating attacking opportunities, and I see it as a personal challenge. Throughout the season, my goal is to score 10 goals, but in order to increase the pace, I want to show plays that aim for a goal in every match.
