<Review of the previous match against Vissel Kobe>
Tokyo's National Men were alive and well.
After entering additional time, the game was tied in the 45+2 minute of the second half. A dark cloud looms over Tokyo, who had boasted an undefeated record at the newly renovated Japan National Stadium.
In the second half, we quickly allocated personnel to the back and entered the closing stage with a one-point lead, making it difficult to push forward and aim for a comeback. There were also scenes where our attempts to intercept the ball resulted in the opponent counterattacking.
In the midst of an open and fast-paced exchange, it wouldn't be surprising to see goals rolling in for both Tokyo and Kobe. However, that dark cloud was quickly shattered by a flash of lightning.
After consuming most of the additional time of 13 minutes in the second half, in the 45+10 minute mark, Adailton received the ball in a shallow position on the left side and immediately moved it forward, towards the center and towards the goal.
Kobe's defense was facing a double and triple wall, but Adailton, who charged forward with lightning speed, was unstoppable. The defenders couldn't even touch the ball in front of Adailton, and after passing through the two defenders, a third defender came in to block, but Adailton managed to push through and score a powerful shot into the goal.
Like a bolt of lightning tearing through the lush green pitch. A lightning-fast winning goal was born in Tokyo.
The drama did not end here, and ultimately resulted in the first defeat at the newly renovated Japan National Stadium. However, the strike of the national team left behind the "undefeated national team" on a summer night.
<Match Preview>
Tokyo has been feeling frustrated in the last two games due to conceding goals in additional time in the second half. They lost 1-2 away to Yokohama F.Marinos and were caught up by Vissel Kobe at the Japan National Stadium in the previous match. Looking back at the Kobe game, Kei KOIZUMI said, "We could have won but we couldn't. It was a frustrating draw for everyone involved with Tokyo, not just myself. We didn't lose, but it feels like we did and it's a tough pill to swallow."
The league match this week will kick off with a series of three games against Avispa Fukuoka. First, we want to win the first game and gain momentum for the following Levain Cup quarterfinals. Player Koizumi says, "To overcome this frustration, we have to win. If we can win the first game of the three-game series, we can approach the Levain Cup with a good image. We want to use the home advantage and win here."
Tokyo has faced Fukuoka 7 times in the last 3 seasons, with 3 draws and 4 losses (including Levain Cup), making them a tough opponent. This match is crucial in order to change the negative image from previous encounters. As we head towards the end of the season, Tokyo's intense battles continue.
Matchday Program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Avispa Fukuoka is a team that we have had a difficult time playing against in recent matches. How do you plan to approach this game?
A, I am not a person who looks back, so I am focusing on what will happen today and tomorrow. Of course, I want to respect that the Fukuoka coach is doing a good job and consider them as tough opponents. I am really looking forward to playing against them. I just need to give everything I have to take 3 points.
Q: Do you have the impression that there has been no significant change in Fukuoka since Coach Hasebe took office?
A, the team has a clear way of fighting. It is a wonderful team that fights efficiently. While respecting the opponent, I would like to prepare well for the game and face it.
Q, we have been struggling to break down Fukuoka's solid defense in recent matches.
A, I think it will be a good challenge for us. We are ready to fight tough to score and give everything. The three consecutive matches against the same team are a unique situation, but it is important for us to take 3 points in each game and advance to the next stage of the Levain Cup. We are preparing to be able to respond to everything that may happen in these three matches. We will give our all for the fans and supporters so that we can demonstrate Tokyo football.
Q: In the previous match against Vissel Kobe, we saw the return of Kuryu Matsuki and Kei Koizumi playing as a right full-back. It really showcased the depth of our squad. What are your thoughts?
A, the players face their daily training with a hungry spirit. We want to push that feeling up as a team. We have been able to have good practices, and I am looking forward to the players showing their strength in the weekend's game.
Q, there were two games at the end of the match where there were remaining challenges in the system change. How will you improve?
A, recently we have been changing the number of defenders in the final stages of the game. We need to improve and I think we will continue to evolve from here. The evolution of both the team and the players is important. I want to continue to polish and improve. If we can master the system in the final stages of the game, we will become an even better team. Defense is important, but I think it is also important to master and evolve in terms of more attacking plays and controlling the game, deepening the common understanding as a team, and progressing step by step.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q: Last week, we took the lead in the additional time of the second half but ended up with a 2-2 draw. How do you reflect on that?
Both the players and the fans/supporters, as well as everyone involved with Tokyo, say that they have been affected by a sense of "regret" as if they had lost. Regardless of who did what, there are many challenges both as a team and as individuals. Personally, I hesitated whether to slide or not in the play just before conceding a goal, and it ended up being a bit half-hearted. For example, if I had boldly slid and escaped to the outside in that scene... Of course, it's hindsight, but I want to focus on the details. The fact that we couldn't win in a game like that is reflected in our current ranking. However, we will firmly accept reality and strive together in the remaining 9 league matches and for the Levain Cup title.
Q, Yokohama F.Marinos match, Vissel Kobe match ended in a disappointing result, but on the other hand, do you feel a sense of improvement as a team?
We continued to fight against the top teams in the league, but I don't think we couldn't do anything, and we had a chance to win both games. However, looking at the results, we haven't won either of the two games. I think when we can play soccer with our own rhythm even against top teams who can play at a high intensity, we want to continue that in every game. I keenly felt the "slight difference" between Yokohama FM and Kobe, who are at the top.
Q: In terms of playing intensity, Kei KOIZUMI is known for his high level of physical activity and intense fighting spirit within the team.
A, when I look at the standings, I am not satisfied with anything. Personally, it is especially about stealing the ball. Even if I can go strongly to the ball holder, there are times when I can't steal it. I think it is important to be able to steal it firmly in a one-on-one situation, not only in defense but also in attack, and to play a play that can strip the opponent, etc., "individual power". Of course, it is a team sport, so there are also organizational aspects, but I think that if each individual does not lose with their individual power, the team will not easily lose. I think we need to improve each individual more and more. I want to focus on my own vector for play intensity and attack.
Q: After Avispa Fukuoka's promotion to the J1 League in the 2021 season, they have played 7 matches with 3 draws and 4 losses. What do you think are the key points for Kei Koizumi as a player?
In matches against teams with poor compatibility or image, it is necessary to concentrate even more on how the game starts. Fukuoka sometimes plays with a high intensity and is able to play with a certain degree of detachment. They have many players who can hold the ball and create attacking opportunities, so I think it will be crucial to win second balls and battles in the air. If we can win in those situations and have more possession time, the rhythm will naturally come. If we don't make mistakes in how the game starts, it will definitely be a good game and we want to turn it into a victory.
Henrique TREVISAN
Q: In the last two matches, you played against top teams. What kind of response and challenges did you feel?
A, both matches were against strong contenders in the current league, so they were difficult matches. Unfortunately, we couldn't win, but the content of the matches was not something to be pessimistic about. Not everything led to a goal, but we were able to create many chances. It's disappointing that we couldn't win in these two matches, but we won't dwell on it and will focus on the next match, including the Avispa Fukuoka match.
Q From this round, including the league match and the Levain Cup, it will be a three-match series against Fukuoka. What impression do you have of Fukuoka?
In the league, they are ranked higher than us and are a very strong team with good results in both the Emperor's Cup and the Levain Cup. When playing against Fukuoka, it always feels like a very difficult match, but our current team situation is not bad at all. So, we will continue to train well and look forward to the weekend and the upcoming matches.
Q, is there anything you are conscious of since becoming coach CKLAMOVSKI?
First of all, I am happy that my playing time has increased. On the other hand, I feel a strong sense of responsibility. Of course, in the future, I want to correct my weaknesses, strengthen my strengths, and continue to grow. It is important to keep playing in matches in order to contribute to the team's victory. Tokyo has many wonderful players. There is no guarantee of playing in matches, so I will continue to practice and level up even more.
Q, there are only 9 matches left in the league. What kind of performance do you want to show towards the end?
A, unfortunately, the current results and rankings are not what we desire, but from here on, we want to win as many games as possible and aim for a higher position. And we hope to share the joy with our fans and supporters as much as possible, even in just one game.
