＜Review of the previous match against Urawa Reds＞
This was the first away game under Peter Cklamovski's leadership. The opponent was Urawa Reds. On the day, over 49,000 spectators gathered at Saitama Stadium 2002, and the stadium was filled with excitement from the warm-up on the pitch.
At the same time, both teams were also troubled by the humidity. The rain that had been falling intermittently since morning was hovering over the stadium like steam.
The first half was a heated and intense battle between both teams. Tokyo maintained a compact formation while increasing the pressure from the front, while Urawa attempted quick counterattacks targeting Tokyo's defense.
On this day, Tokyo's big chance came in the 20th minute of the first half. Kuryu Matsuki picked up a loose ball in the midfield battle and played a through pass into the half-space on the left side (the midpoint between the center and the side). Kota Tawaratsumida, who had made an inner run, broke free and returned the ball to Matsuki, who had run into the penalty area. Before the opponent could catch up with the marking, Matsuki made a direct shot. Unfortunately, it was touched by the opponent's goalkeeper and hit the right post, missing the frame. However, Tokyo's quick counterattack, which broke through a narrow area and created a scoring opportunity, shone.
Towards the end of the first half, they faced a big pinch. Player Sekine's middle shot changed course due to a teammate's block and flew towards the corner of the goal, but player Jakub SLOWIK, who sensed the trajectory of the ball, made a big save by throwing his body in a different direction and deflecting it with his right hand. With his goalkeeper's astonishing reflexes, he defended the goal and ended the first half.
As the second half begins, the hot and humid environment starts to affect Tokyo's intense style of soccer. In the 11th minute of the second half, Ryoma Watanabe created a decisive opportunity with his individual skill, but gradually the players' stamina decreases and the formation becomes stretched, making it difficult to apply pressure from the front line.
When the team couldn't come out from their own field for a long time, they thoroughly managed the risk by bringing in player Seiji Kimura in the final stage to prevent conceding. On the other hand, they continued to aim for goals, launching counterattacks when they had the ball and creating opportunities for free kicks near the end of the game.
Although they were at a slight disadvantage for a longer period of time compared to the two home games, they maintained their intensity and fighting spirit until the end, leaving a strong impression of transformation into a group of fighters.
Since Peter Cklamovski took over as coach in June, the team has kept a clean sheet in three consecutive league matches, with 2 wins and 1 draw, remaining undefeated. In the 3rd round of the Emperor's Cup, they advanced to the round of 16 by winning in a penalty shootout. The team's form is showing a rapid upward trend.
Coach Klamovski said, "I think the actions of all the club members are reflected in the results. We spend each day together and it shows in our performance." While praising the team's strong start, he continued shaking his head.
"There are still many things we can do. I believe that by approaching each step without letting our guard down, we can get closer to our dreams."
This round, which is the final match before the league suspension, will welcome Kashima Antlers to Ajista. It won't be an easy mission to seal the powerful top duo of Suzuki Yuma and Kakita Yuki while breaking through the opponent's solid defense, but Tokyo has the momentum. Both teams have recently played a fierce battle that even went into a penalty shootout in the Emperor's Cup, so the conditioning leading up to the match will also be a key factor in determining the outcome.
Tokyo's summer has just begun. From here, the team will continue to evolve, and the passionate "Peter Tokyo" will play the leading role in the midsummer.
Matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, we were able to secure a victory after a fierce battle against Verdy. Please take a moment to reflect on the match.
A, it was a cup match and there were various situations that could happen. It became a really intense game where we didn't know what would happen until the end. As a team, I think we were able to give our maximum performance. Of course, I wish we could have decided the game in 90 minutes, and there were also several chances to determine the outcome of the game.
I think it became a game that will remain in the memories of fans and supporters, thanks to the efforts of the players. In the Verdy match, the players showed their mentality, character, and love for the club. They showed a play that made everyone proud, saying "Blue and Red is Tokyo".
Q, please tell us your impression of Kashima Antlers, who you will be playing against this round.
I think it will be a tough game. I want to prepare as usual and make it a game where we give everything to win 3 points. I believe that whoever enters the team will prepare for the battle. I want to prepare with all my strength and make it a game where the fans and supporters can return home with a smile.
Q, is it your stance to focus on the game in front of you and give it your all?
A, if you don't focus on the upcoming match, you might lose sight of important things. I hope to give my best in the next game and move forward step by step.
Q: It was announced that Shuto ABE has agreed to a full transfer to RWD Molenbeek (Belgium). How did Coach CKLAMOVSKI see ABE as a player?
I am delighted to have been able to play on the same team as player Taisei ABE. As you can see from his current hair color, I know how much he loved Tokyo. I believe he made a big decision to pursue his own dreams. I am wholeheartedly supporting his success.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, on July 12th, Verdy was defeated in the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round after a penalty shootout.
A, I think the fans and supporters were also fired up because the opponent was Verdy, so we approached the game with the intention of overwhelming the opponent. Verdy has also worked hard, so it was a difficult game, but thanks to the passionate support from the fans and supporters, we were able to win with their encouragement, which I think is great.
Q, Peter CKLAMOVSKI has become undefeated in 4 official matches since becoming the coach. What do you feel has changed significantly due to the change in coach?
The coach is asking all the players to change their mindset, especially demanding a strong defensive awareness. Since becoming coach CKLAMOVSKI, everyone has been doing a good job of sprinting back when the ball is lost and defending with their bodies in front of their own goal. On the attacking side, they haven't made big changes yet, but they are incorporating the strengths of previous soccer while showing Coach CKLAMOVSKI's style, and I think they are gradually getting closer to the soccer they aim for. So far, they have been able to keep a clean sheet in the league matches, but it is now very important to continue these kinds of games and accumulate points. By keeping the opponent scoreless and scoring as many goals as possible, I believe they will also climb up in the rankings.
Q, Coach Klamovski emphasizes not only the tactical aspect but also the mental aspect of approaching the game.
I think the coach is someone who has strong feelings and a passionate attitude towards the game, and who treats us with passion. He is not always passionate, but when we have personal conversations, he also has a soft atmosphere, including jokes.
Q: Since Coach CKLAMOVSKI came, the number of shots by Player Matsuki has increased. Are there any changes in the attacking aspect that you are aware of?
A, I haven't changed my awareness of attacking much, but since the system has become a double pivot, I'm thinking of going forward with all my might while maintaining balance. The change in consciousness is more about countermeasures and risk management than attacking. If the pivot and center back don't cooperate and stay vigilant at all times, we will be vulnerable to counterattacks, so I am strongly aware of that balance.
Q: After this match, Shuto ABE will transfer to RWD Molenbeek (Belgium). What kind of player is Shuto ABE to Matsuki?
Since joining Tokyo, I have had many opportunities to play with player Abe in the midfield and have learned many things and been inspired. So, I honestly feel sad, but at the same time, I also have a feeling that I can't afford to lose. For the sake of the team and for the sake of player Abe, I only seek victory in this match. First, the goal is to end the match without conceding a goal, and I want to fight with all my strength to win.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Kashima Antlers match.
A, we only seek victory. I think it's really important to be able to play at home before the break, so first of all, I want to build up the content while aiming to end with no goals conceded and win.
＜Kei Koizumi player＞
Q, in the Emperor's Cup match against Verdy, both fullbacks embodied hard work on both sides.
A, I myself still have a long way to go, but Yuto NAGATOMO, the left back, pulled the team through with a play that ran for 120 minutes at the age of 37. There's really no other way to say it but amazing. I thought that in cup matches, the result is more important than the content. It was a match against Verdy, so we went into extra time, but I think we were able to focus on winning and play.
Q: Do you feel that you are adjusting your condition well during consecutive matches?
A, I am always conscious of making good preparations. The Emperor's Cup is a tournament, so I didn't think there would be any easy matches. I am preparing myself so that I am ready for whatever happens.
Q, this round will be a match against Kashima Antlers, his former team.
A, we have played against each other many times, and many of the members who were with us at that time are still playing for Kashima. They know a lot about my play and personal aspects.However, I myself also know what kind of team Kashima is and how the players play. As I mentioned before, I only have good memories and a grateful feeling towards the team Kashima. It's an exciting match.
Q, becoming Coach Klamovski, it seems that the intensity and other aspects have been sharpened. Compared to the previous match, do you feel confident about approaching it?
I think the high intensity demanded in practice is also effective in the game. It is a match against Kashima that we will face in consecutive games, so it will lead to a good fight if all the players prepare themselves firmly and approach the game. In the Emperor's Cup, we had a 120-minute battle with Verdy, so I want to prepare for the fight without being careless.
