<Last Match Review: Kyoto Sanga F.C.>
Inspire the team, sometimes demand from teammates without hesitation, and run to support teammates with all your might.
If given the new role of an anchor, I will immediately absorb what is required and adapt by utilizing my own abilities. The gritty defense that does not shy away from putting the body on the line has also brought a new image to Tokyo's "10".
In recent seasons, there may have been more roles that are closer to being a supporting player. Of course, he has also demonstrated his technique in building attacks, but he also appeared to lead the team with his toughness and fighting spirit in battles for the ball.
After Peter CKLAMOVSKI became the coach, the position to play has become one row higher, and the opportunity to be used as a top midfielder has increased. If that happens, it is the true essence of Keigo HIGASHI's role that is required to be demonstrated.
"I focused on three things: moving to a position that is difficult for the opponent to catch, building up as a linkman in the attack, and entering the box."
As he is asked to play a more attacking role, Ryoma WATANABE showed his conscious work and set up the first goal by entering the goal area and taking an exquisite position, deceiving the opponent with a pass. And for the second goal, he positioned himself on the near side, avoiding the crowded penalty area, and scored a powerful volley, marking his first goal in the league in 1624 days.
The role demanded of "10" is diverse, but there are not many who have been asked to play such a wide role and have responded to it while struggling. It was a midsummer night's victory that showed what the "10" of blue and red is like.
<Match Preview>
Both teams will be missing key players due to suspension. Henrique TREVISAN will be unavailable for Tokyo, while Elber will be unable to take the field for Yokohama F.Marinos.
In particular, Elber, who won the penalty kick that became the winning goal in the previous match against Gamba Osaka, is undoubtedly a key player in Yokohama FM's attack. It will be interesting to see how coach Kevin MUSCAT will line up his front line.
On the other hand, Tokyo is paying attention to the formation that Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the coach, will choose instead of Henrique to stop the strong attackers of Yokohama FM.
For coach Klamovski, it will be a match against his former team, where he started his career in Japan. As the right-hand man of Ange Postecoglou (current Tottenham Hotspur coach), he came to Japan and contributed to the league title in the 2019 season by winning against Tokyo. The attacking style that he instilled in Yokohama FM has taken root in the club, and coach Muscat has also inherited the same approach to create an attacking team.
In Tokyo, we are steadily working towards the penetration of the attacking soccer that we envision, and it will be a great opportunity to clash with a club that embodies our essence. In the first half of the season, we suffered a very frustrating defeat where we temporarily turned the tables but then allowed a comeback. In this round, we want to repay that debt at Nissan Stadium.
Another point to note is Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who will also face his former team. In the previous match, he returned from injury and came on as a substitute, showing an upward trend in his condition and performance. It will be his first time playing at Nissan Stadium, his former home, as a member of the away team. We hope to see the full presence of "Blue and Red Teru".
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, the opening goal was created from good cooperation in the previous match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
A, many players have been involved in our play, including what we are creating and trying to do, as well as the shape of our attack that we envision. When analyzing the team's performance, these aspects are clearly evident. Our intention to exploit the space behind the opponent when we have possession of the ball seemed to be a threat, and Kyoto appeared to be wary of it. We were able to create good opportunities, including scoring chances. I believe we were able to showcase what we have been doing and building so far, but I still think there are challenges for the team.
Q, do you want to attack Yokohama F.Marinos, who you will be playing against this round, with a similar intention?
A, well. I think every team knows what we are capable of. I think Kyoto was the same. This time, we will understand where the spaces are and try to take advantage of the opponent's weaknesses to score. I think the opponent will also try similar things, but that will make it a good fight for us. I want to show a game where the fans and supporters of both clubs are on their feet and never sit down.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Yokohama FM, the reigning champion of last season.
A special club for me, with special moments and special people. However, when it comes to the game, Tokyo needs to focus on what needs to be done and take 3 points for the club and the fans and supporters. This will be a really big challenge for us. They were the champions last season and their strength is evident in the results this season as well. We just need to give our best.
Q The match against Yokohama FM this round, and the next match against Vissel Kobe will be consecutive matches against top teams. How does Coach CKLAMOVSKI position them?
First of all, it is important to focus on the upcoming match. However, I believe that both matches will be a big challenge. It is a good opportunity to see how much we can challenge against two high-quality teams. But we should not overlook the future and first prepare for the Yokohama FM match to deliver a good performance. That is important to get closer to a good result.
[Player Interview]
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, It's a match at Nissan Stadium. You must have a good impression, don't you?
A, I am looking forward to the match because it is a familiar pitch and I have a good impression. I can't say anything about the image of Yokohama F.Marinos being the opponent or fighting at Nissan Stadium as a member of Tokyo because it doesn't come to mind, but I want to use the passion of Yokohama FM fans and supporters and the atmosphere of the venue as my strength, and above all, I want to win.
Q, I came on as a substitute in the previous match, but it was my first official game appearance in a long time.
Although I only played for about 30 minutes, I was able to enter the game in a good condition and my physical condition and state have been gradually improving.
Q: What kind of play are you conscious of?
First of all, I want to prioritize playing with a sense of speed and be conscious of the team's discipline in defense. I think some degree of freedom is necessary when attacking, and I want to increase the ball possession rate when pushing the opponent.
Q: It's a match against your former team. What aspects are you looking forward to?
A, I'm really looking forward to the match. It's important for us, who have had many games without conceding a goal, to see how well we can contain Yokohama FM, who have a strong attacking power. I also want to make it a game where we score more goals than the opponent and win.
Q, it was a frustrating defeat when we played in the first half of the league.
A, I am most frustrated by being reversed, and even though I was at a numerical disadvantage, I wanted to earn 1 point. In order to alleviate that frustration, it is most important to go to Nissan Stadium and earn 3 points. I also have the responsibility for that, and I think the team does as well. I want to play with a sense of responsibility that we cannot lose to the same opponent twice.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, in the Yokohama F.Marinos match in the first half of the league, there were also 2 goals from Diego OLIVEIRA.
In the first half of the league, it was a very disappointing result. In that match, we conceded a goal early on, and although we were able to turn the game around once, we also had a player sent off, resulting in a frustrating performance. Tomorrow's match will be a difficult and challenging one for both teams. Away games are always tough, but in the recent match against Cerezo Osaka, we were able to achieve a positive result despite the challenging game. We also want to leave a solid result in the next match.
Q: Please tell us the important points to take revenge.
A, as I mentioned earlier, the first half of the league was a disappointing result. However, we just have to forget about past matches and focus on tomorrow's game. The opponent's team seems to be in a very good condition, but we are also in a good momentum. We want to enter the game with high concentration and strong determination.
Q, I think tomorrow's victory will be important for us to improve as a team.
A, looking back from the start of this season, I don't think we had a bad start. However, there was a period where we couldn't win and we went through tough and difficult times. During that time, new players joined during the league's break and they have been fighting for the team. I understand that we are currently in a tough situation, but I want to win the remaining matches firmly.
Q: Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who will also face his former team, has returned. In the first half of the league, goals were also created from the combination with Nakagawa, so I think he is also expected in the Yokohama FM match.
Player Nakagawa is a very important player for us and we cannot do without him. He brings new momentum to the team. I hope Nakagawa, who will be playing against his former team, will perform well and grab the victory.
