In last week's J1 League Sec. 17 match against Sagan Tosu, Kashima Antlers won 1-0, marking their first victory in 5 league matches. Yasuki KIMOTO, who scored the crucial goal and became the hero of the victory, said "I'm happier about keeping a clean sheet than my goal." He also proudly stated, "I am a defensive player, and we haven't had a clean sheet in a while, so this gives me confidence." This was their first clean sheet victory since their match against Kashima Antlers on April 7th.
In addition, in this match, Hotaka NAKAMURA player returned to the pitch for the first time since the Urawa Reds match on April 3rd. After the match, he declared, "This is where Hotaka NAKAMURA's comeback begins," and is determined to fight for his regular position against rivals such as Kosuke SHIRAI and Yuto NAGATOMO.
This round, Sanfrecce Hiroshima will be welcomed to Ajinomoto Stadium to battle in the J.League YBC Levain Cup Playoff Round 1. Tokyo, who has sent a total of 6 players to various national teams, will approach this match as a united force. However, there is no doubt in the words of coach Peter Cklamovski. "I believe in our football. I want us to give everything we have to take one step further," he confidently states, as the team comes together to seize victory.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, Will you continue to play as a team in the Levain Cup, or will you approach home and away games differently?
A, In the recent Sagan Tosu match and the previous few matches, I don't think anything has changed. This includes our ability to move the ball well and control the game. However, there were periods of time where we were able to dominate the game according to our plan. Sagan Tosu, who we played against recently, is a very good team and I think our defense was put to the test. We were able to respond well and efficiently press. There were also moments where our good defense led to good attacks. We thoroughly followed our defensive rules and put on a performance that deserved a clean sheet. We want to continue this good performance and improve in the next match.
On the offensive side, we were able to create chances to score a second goal. Perhaps on a different day, we could have scored that second goal. However, the most important thing is that we were able to earn 3 points in a tough away game. We want to continue building the team with consistency.
Q, this round is a match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the first home game since the opening match.
A, There was a game last Friday and there were 8 official matches in May. I think it's normal to be tired. However, even in such a situation, the entire team worked hard. We want to use the opportunity of 4 days off to refresh our bodies and prepare well for Wednesday's game.
Q, There were also scenes where players were passionately talking to each other on the field before practice.
A, we told them it was a chance to get closer to winning the trophy. We see it as a total of 180 minutes of battle, with the home game on Wednesday being the first half and the away game on the 9th being the second half. We will prepare for everything. We also told them to organize their minds and hearts, and that if we can play our football on the pitch, we can beat any opponent.
Q, There are also activities of the Japan national team, and several players are absent from team activities.
A, I think it's a challenge for ourselves. In the past few days, many people have said to me, "It's tough to have so many players selected for the national team," but if that's what's been given to us, no matter what the situation is, I believe we can do our best here. I believe in our football and in ourselves. We will give our all to take one step further.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, Please tell us your impression of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, the defense is solid and there are players with high scoring abilities in the front line. The balance between offense and defense is well-maintained, and overall, I think they are a strong opponent.
Q, this will be the first home and away match. How do you view the importance of the first match?
A, If we cannot have a good game at home, it will make away games more difficult. It is important to have the mindset of finishing the first game at home firmly. As for the tournament regulations, we will focus on giving our all in this game and aim for a victory after 90 minutes, rather than thinking about it after the first game. I believe that being able to play at home first will work in our favor, but we do not want to have the mindset of having two games, we just want to win at home.
Q, What kind of talk did you receive from coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI before practice?
A, There was a discussion about fighting for the next game with the current members. Some players have left the Japan national team, but I think the same goes for Hiroshima. Even if players leave, I think there are plenty of talented players in Tokyo. I believe that by coming together as one with the current members and winning, we can gain confidence and make the team stronger. And I think it will create a good competition within the team. No player is guaranteed a position and if we lose a game, it will be difficult to play in the next one. Even if we win, it will be the same if individual performances are low. I think all players are able to spend the season with a sense of crisis like that.
＜Player Shuhei TOKUMOTO＞
Q: Please review the previous Levain Cup game against Sagan Tosu.
A, In the first half, we were not able to play the game as we wanted, but we were able to make adjustments at halftime and play the game well in the second half. We were able to score from set pieces and create chances that led to additional points. Including myself, the defense was not able to hold on, and the game went into extra time and penalty kicks. It was a game where we were able to learn the importance of communication until the end and play the game. Including the penalty kicks, it was a game where we were able to express what we had prepared as a team until the day before the game. It was a game where the team fought together as one.
Q, was it thanks to your usual "preparation" that you were able to play in an official game for the first time in a while and fight without being shaken even during the 120 minutes of play time?
A, I was always prepared to play in the game. I also think that it is the minimum thing that I have to do as a professional soccer player. The 120 minutes of playing time was honestly tough, but I always played with Tokyo's victory in mind, and I am happy that those feelings were reflected in the result.
Q, this week's match is against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, I am filled with great motivation. Regardless of left or right, as the fullbacks have been producing solid results this season, both I and Hotaka NAKAMURA have been able to approach training with fighting spirit. Hiroshima is a well-balanced team in both offense and defense, but if we use our heads and communicate with our voices, and express our own 100% play, I believe it will lead to victory. I want to show a sense of unity as a team and challenge the game. It is a home and away game, but winning the first game is an absolute condition. When we play the second game on the 9th, it is important to make the opponent think "Are we playing against Tokyo again?" even in terms of mentality. I want to value each and every play and continue the game.
