<Previous Match: Yokohama F.Marinos Review>
A match against Yokohama F.Marinos, who have been playing for the championship after a break and consecutive wins in the league. Is the winning streak due to momentum, or is it due to the permeation of Peter CKLAMOVSKI's tactics that have been worked on during the break? It was a perfect opponent to measure Tokyo's current situation as a barometer.
They were taken aback right from the start. Despite trying to increase pressure on the ball holder, they were overwhelmed by the momentum of Yokohama FM and their passes were easily intercepted, resulting in them being pushed back into their own half for an extended period of time.
And in the 12th minute of the first half, Insoo YU aggressively pushed up the defense line and was caught behind, creating a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. Although he blocked the opponent's shot twice, he couldn't pick up the third loose ball and conceded the first goal.
However, Tokyo was not relying on their winning streak. They thoroughly implemented their promises on both offense and defense during the break. By quickly switching between offense and defense, they were able to catch the rhythm and launch counterattacks faster than their opponents, causing chaos in Yokohama FM's defense.
And, within the first half, we will open up the goal in our own way.
23 minutes into the first half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had the ball on the right side, dribbled towards the center of the pitch and sent the ball out to the vast space on the left side with a right-footed outside kick.
Player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who received the ball, quickly speeds up and moves the ball vertically without hesitation. After assessing the situation in front of the goal, Diego OLIVEIRA, who controlled the ball in a battle with the opponent, scored the equalizer by putting a cross ball on the near side.
A lightning-fast strike from Tokyo, with three players - a center forward and two wing players - attacking relentlessly after gaining possession of the ball.
In the second half, they created two decisive opportunities, hitting the crossbar twice, and played a soccer that was not inferior to the top team. While they certainly wanted a result, the highlight of this match for Tokyo was the feeling of pulling it closer with a goal.
<Match Preview>
Tokyo claimed their second consecutive victory after defeating Cerezo Osaka and Kyoto Sanga F.C. in the resumed league. They suffered a 1-2 loss against Yokohama F.Marinos, who were in second place at the time, but under the guidance of coach Peter Cklamovski, they have now achieved 4 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in the league. Despite the scorching heat, the players have been able to improve their condition and show a stable performance.
Team's oldest player Yuto NAGATOMO jokingly said, "If I can't move even for one game, it's over," and continued, "That's also the pride of a veteran. Keigo HIGASHI and Masato MORISHIGE are also being rewarded for their daily efforts. They prepare for practice more than anyone else and train diligently. It's because the standards of what it means to be a professional are high that we can still run at this level. There is a reason why we are able to move."
This round, we will face Vissel Kobe, who is currently in 2nd place in the league. Kobe has recorded 44 goals, the 2nd highest in the league, with players such as Yuya OSAKO and Yoshinori MUTO leading the attack. Under the guidance of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Tokyo's solid defense, which has kept a clean sheet in 5 out of 7 league matches, will once again be put to the test. Of course, it will be Tokyo who will win at the sacred ground, National Stadium.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, there were also close shots hitting the crossbar in the Yokohama F.Marinos match. How much did you emphasize shooting in this week's practice?
First of all, we need to create such shooting opportunities and do it properly. I want to encourage the players to be able to play through and concentrate on the final part. It's just expressing what we have been polishing, building up, and improving. Shooting and scoring are the most important things in the game and we need to enhance them. Not only in that situation, but also in the Yokohama FM match, there were chances to score additional goals. It was a very good atmosphere in the away game against the reigning champions last season, and there were positive aspects as well. We just need to continue to improve.
Q, please tell us about the characteristics of Vissel Kobe, who quickly heads towards the goal.
A, Kobe is impressively sticking to what the team should do. I feel the strength of the team, and not only quick attacks but also long balls are used, and scenes of opening the opponent's goal can be seen. I am very sorry for Saito's injury, but I think they are preparing for the weekend match firmly. No matter which team we face, we will challenge in the game and go for 3 points. There is nothing to fear for us. If we can fully demonstrate our way of fighting, fight actively and bravely, and focus on each play, I believe we can defeat any team. I'm excited to be able to play at Japan National Stadium. I hope that people in Tokyo will come to the venue. The support and encouragement of the fans and supporters give us strength. Please invite your friends and come to the stadium. Let's make it a wonderful night.
Q: Is it the first time for Coach Klomovsky to take command at the Japan National Stadium?
I have passed by it several times while driving (laughs). I always thought it was a very beautiful stadium. This is my first time taking command and entering the stadium. I think it will be a very special match, a special night. I hope you come and watch an exciting game. Kobe is a very strong team and we will need toughness. Let's fight together with the fans and supporters against Kobe, who is running at the top as Tokyo, and seize the victory.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos continued with focused defense but ended in a frustrating defeat.
A, I think we were able to fight patiently together. However, we experienced the frustration of not being able to take points from experienced teams like Yokohama FM unless we pursue a way of fighting with the whole team, including not losing in one-on-one situations in defense and players who come on as substitutes.
Q: Vissel Kobe, who is playing this round, is also a team with a very strong attacking power. Please tell us what you are conscious of in terms of defensive coordination.
A, as I mentioned earlier, I think that the defense of the team as a whole and the individual defensive ability in each situation are required, and I think it is a part that determines the outcome. As a defensive player, first of all, I am conscious of not losing to the opponent player without giving them freedom, and as for organized defense, I think there is no problem as long as we understand the team's commitments and can play accordingly.
Q: How do you analyze Kobe Univ's offensive power, Mr. Morishige?
A, Kobe's strength lies in the attacking power of players Rui Osako and Akira Osako. I believe the most important thing is to not give freedom to the opposing attacking line, and to not lose in crucial situations.
Q: After Coach Klamovski took office, is there anything that Morishige himself is required to do in terms of defense?
A, I don't intend to do anything particularly difficult, and I think that a solid defense will be built by doing the obvious things in defense and keeping the team's promises. By demonstrating what needs to be done in play and bringing out the strengths and characteristics of each player as a plus alpha, I think we can become a better team.
Q, this home game will be held at the Japan National Stadium, which is filled with many memories for player Morishige himself.
A, looking back at the games at Japan National Stadium, I only have good impressions. We lost 2-3 to Kobe Univ in the first half of the league, so I think it's the perfect stage for revenge.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q, please tell us the factors that prevented us from winning against Yokohama F.Marinos and the feeling of the game.
It was a game where I felt the difference in maturity. In terms of build-up, positioning, coordinated cover movements, and other small details, I felt the difference between Yokohama FM and Tokyo on the pitch. However, I don't feel like we lost based on the players' abilities and quality, and I think Tokyo has players who can compete for the championship like Yokohama FM. Looking back on the game calmly, in terms of chances created by both teams, Yokohama FM had more instances of bringing the ball into shooting positions as a team rather than relying on individual abilities. Although we were able to create many chances in the game, scenes where we relied more on individual abilities stood out. Because of the "maturity," the ball was circulated, which exhausted us like body blows.
Q: Is it important for the team to mature in order to improve its ranking, even if it's just one position?
A, I think it is very important. The individual abilities of the players are at the top level to compete for the championship in the J1 League. I think it is necessary to refine the details in both offense and defense, to work together, and to enhance decision-making skills.
Q, the impression is that Nagatomo's performance is improving with each game.
A, I can practice by putting a load on my training every day. This is because I have been able to repeat the practice of enhancing my strengths, not only team training. Until now, I focused on recovery because of the hot and humid summer. Now, I am increasing the number of trainings to enhance my strengths, while of course focusing on recovery. For example, there was a time when I focused too much on recovery because it was difficult to recover from fatigue, and it led to a direction where my physical condition did not improve. I think that the balance within myself is leading to the current performance by increasing the intensity of the training.
Q: This match is against Vissel Kobe, which has my comrades Rui Osako and Muto as players. Please tell us your enthusiasm for this game.
A, I am in good condition myself, and I am very excited to be able to compete against Muto, Osako, and Sakai, who are also strong points of Kobe. I am looking forward to the matchup with them, and I want to deliver a victory to Tokyo in a fiercely competitive match that feels like watching a game overseas. The match in the first half of the league was very frustrating. The burning flame of passion in my heart is motivating me.
Q, do you want to regain the "strong Tokyo" at the Japan National Stadium, where you haven't lost so far?
I feel a strong atmosphere at the Japan National Stadium, and my motivation is also increasing. I am very excited to be able to play against Kobe Univ, who is currently in good form, at the National Stadium. We are the home team, so I want to approach this match with a strong determination to deliver a victory.
