<Last Match Review: Cerezo Osaka>
Two "firsts" brought victory to Osaka's blue and red.
The resumption of the league match, which has been suspended for about half a month, is an away game that has only won one game this season. In addition, they faced Cerezo Osaka, who has already played three games, including the Levain Cup, and has only managed to draw one and lose two.
Early in the game, the first "first" moves the game. In the 8th minute of the first half, Yuto NAGATOMO, who assessed the situation on the pitch, quickly put the ball deep into the opponent's territory after receiving a free kick. Diego OLIVEIRA responded and received the ball in the penalty area, but lost it when he was pushed by the opponent's defender. However, Kuryu MATSUKI, who came in for support, picked up the loose ball and scored the opening goal with a shot from the diagonal line.
This is Matsuki's first goal of the season in the league. Matsuki has been involved in many scoring opportunities and has been close to scoring in several close scenes, but finally he was able to score and the team gained momentum.
...seemed like a crab.
After that, Diego TABA was substituted in the first half, and in the early stages of the second half, there was an accident where Kei KOIZUMI was also substituted. As Cerezo Osaka, who was behind in the home game, increased the pressure, the two players who were the backbone of the team's center line were substituted, and it took time for Tokyo to regain their composure.
During that time, Cerezo Osaka repeatedly attacked from the side and continued to have scenes where they combined cross balls in front of the goal.
The second "first" to lock the key to Tokyo's goal was Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who made his first appearance in the J1 League match. In the game, he calmly responded without panicking even during the time when he was pushed back. He jumped out to clear the ball from inside the penalty area when he needed to go forward, and showed sharp reactions and shot blocking with his step work to the ball side when he needed to stay in position.
In addition, he played an important role as a starting point for build-up, such as adding tempo to the restart after receiving the ball.
Two players from Tokyo's proud Paris Olympic generation achieved a "first" in Osaka, bringing 3 points to Tokyo.
<Match Preview>
The away game against Cerezo Osaka, which was the first game of the J1 League restart, ended in a 1-0 victory with Kuryu MATSUKI scoring his first goal of the season in the league. MATSUKI, who was the key player in the victory, expressed relief at being able to secure 3 points in the first win in 4 official matches, but also reflected on the responsibility of the defensive midfielder, saying, "Controlling the game is a very important job for a defensive midfielder. I think it was our responsibility that the game turned into a kicking match." Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI also expressed his expectations for MATSUKI's growth, saying, "I am also inspired by his mental strength and dedication. There is still more room for him to improve in order to become the player he dreams of."
This round, we welcome Kyoto Sanga F.C. to Ajinomoto Stadium in pursuit of consecutive victories. Kosuke SHIRAI, who joined from Kyoto this summer, said before the match against his former team, "It's difficult because I know the opponent and they know me, but I definitely don't want to lose this game. I want to go all out." To surpass Kyoto, who excel in intensity and hard work, it is important to not lose with a fighting attitude. Tokyo will go for the win in a head-to-head battle.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
What kind of response do you have about the accuracy of Q build-up?
A, I always want to build up and improve. There is more room for growth, more things we can do. While developing our way of playing, we need to expand the range of our play, even under pressure and in situations where there is no space, players need to make quick decisions on the pitch. I believe that if we can do that, we will be able to effectively utilize the space we want to use in the game.
Q, please tell us about the competition among the goalkeepers, including Taishi Brandon NOZAWA.
A, Taishi Nozawa's performance in the Cerezo Osaka match is the result of the daily training that the goalkeepers have been building up. It is evidence that everyone is striving to give their maximum performance and pushing each other to improve every day.
Q: Please tell us again about the strengths and advantages of player Riku NOZAWA.
A talented and promising goalkeeper with the ability to play under pressure and remain calm when in possession of the ball. A player with good decision-making skills. Possesses high skills in shot-stopping and dealing with crosses. A player with great potential.
Q, please tell us the elements and roles that Coach Klamovski expects from the goalkeeper.
A, it is important to be able to demand firmly within your own playing area. This applies to both offense and defense. It is important to communicate the rules of what other players should do and demand that they be able to do it. The goalkeeper is one of the 11 positions. It is not different from anyone else. I expect you to show leadership and strengths and perform in a way that leads to the team's victory.
How is the condition of player Riki HARAKAWA, who joined on a loan transfer?
We are playing while learning the rules as a team, and I hope they can show their performance in the game. I think they are preparing well to contribute to the team.
Q, this round's Kyoto Sanga F.C. match will be the first home game after the break period.
We just want to grab the victory for the fans and supporters. We want to take 3 points for the club and show our growth as a team, as well as our high performance. We think Kyoto will come aggressively, but we are also prepared to fight aggressively. Kyoto is a good team and they will come to fight in different situations, so we expect various challenges. Even in such situations, we want to find solutions ourselves and not rely on individuals, but give our all as a team to win.
[Player Interview]
＜Kosuke SHIRAI＞
Q, have you gotten used to the new environment after transferring from Kyoto Sanga F.C. to Tokyo exactly one month ago?
A, it was difficult to transfer in the middle of the season, and I struggled at first. There are many friendly players in Tokyo, and they have created a good atmosphere, so I have gradually become accustomed to the environment. Tokyo is my sixth team in my career, but I am originally shy, so I still don't know the trick to fitting into a new team (laughs).
Q, regarding the Emperor's Cup match against Roasso Kumamoto and the recent match against Cerezo Osaka, I played in both games. How do you feel about your performance?
A, to be honest, I haven't been able to fully demonstrate my strengths at 100%. I believe I can show even better qualities in the future. My personal strengths are sprinting ability and both offensive and defensive one-on-one play. I hope you pay attention to my involvement in the attack through sprinting, shaking off opponents, and delivering crosses.
Q, what kind of play is expected from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI?
A, I am required to play with high intensity, to sprint forward and backward in both attacking and defending. I think I am able to showcase my strengths in that aspect, but I want to further polish the parts that I have not experienced before, such as playing on the inside as a full-back. I especially believe that my positioning can improve. I want to prioritize playing actively in the attack, but there are also defensive responsibilities, so I want to manage the risks properly and grow in both attacking and defending.
Q, there are players like Yuto NAGATOMO and Kashif BANGNAGANDE in the side back position.
A, Tokyo's fullbacks each have their own strengths and characteristics, and there are high-quality players. I myself have little experience as a fullback, so there is a lot for me to learn. I feel that I have come to a good environment to grow as a fullback.
Q: This week, you will be facing your former team Kyoto. Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
A, I always become conscious of playing against my former team, so it's complicated because there are both difficulties and excitement. Kyoto always comes with a pressing style, so I want to take advantage of that and break their defense by getting behind them. If I can successfully break their press, it will lead to breaking down the opponent, so I want to play with that in mind. Not only in this Kyoto match, but also in the future, I want to maximize my strengths and contribute to the team. Thank you, Kosuke SHIRAI.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, I played in the starting lineup in the previous match against Cerezo Osaka. Please give us a review of the game.
A, Kuryu MATSUKI scored the opening goal at a good time. Although the opponent created many scoring opportunities, it was good that we were able to finish the match without conceding any goals and bring back 3 points.
Q, how did you feel on the pitch about the factor that led to being attacked for a longer period of time in the second half of the Cerezo Osaka match?
A, I think there were various elements, but after scoring, we entered too much into defense. I wish we could have played a more offensive football.
Q, if there are any guidelines or things that you are conscious of when playing in the midfield position, please let us know.
A, there are no big promises, but I am conscious of plays that switch between offense and defense and put on defensive switches as a base. In the position of the attacking midfielder, there will inevitably be more plays of chasing the opponent's ball holder from the front line, so I think it has become one role.
Q, I was very impressed with the defensive contributions of Urawa Reds in the match before the league suspension and Cerezo Osaka in the recent match, as well as the contributions of player Higashi.
A, in the early and middle stages of the season, there were many opportunities to play in a lower position. Even for forward players, defensive contribution is required in today's soccer, and when I was playing in the anchor position, I imagined how to put pressure on the opponent so that the players behind me could be saved. I still think there is a lot more I can do.
Q, is it fair to say that the experience of playing as an anchor since last season is now benefiting your current play?
A, there were many times when I played in a low position from last season. I also think there was a feeling that could only be obtained in that position.
Q, please tell us about your impression of the upcoming match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
A, including the Levain Cup, we have a record of 2 wins and 1 loss in official matches, so the impression is not that bad. It is a team that works hard and fights together, and in the away matches of the first half of the league, we lost without being able to surpass the opponent. I want to surpass Kyoto firmly in the base.
