<Last Match・Gamba Osaka Review>
In the previous match against Vissel Kobe, Tokyo suffered a significant defeat in terms of soccer performance. In the match against Yokohama F.Marinos in the previous round, they were defeated but gained a positive response. This season, their soccer performance has been unstable, with many ups and downs, which has also been reflected in their results.
And the Gamba Osaka match also ended up experiencing ups and downs.
In the Yokohama FM match, there were many gains in both offense and defense. Although we conceded possession to the opponent who had the upper hand throughout the day, there were many who found hope in the development of changing attacking methods between quick and slow attacks while observing the opponent's situation.
However, what Tokyo showed one week later was a completely different appearance.
The development from the beginning was a content that could be taken over by either side. However, we were unable to surpass the opponent in accuracy, decision speed, and intensity of each play, and we ended up conceding points. Even if we tried to counterattack, scenes where we lost the ball due to simple mistakes were noticeable, resulting in conceding points on the counter. As a result, we put ourselves in a difficult position.
Unable to launch effective attacks, they entered additional time with a 3-point deficit. In the 45+2 minute of the second half, when it seemed impossible to make a comeback, Shuhei TOKUMOTO made a run on the left side and crossed the ball into the goal area. Koki TSUKAGAWA, who was subbed in during the second half, headed the ball into the goal, finally scoring a goal for the counterattack.
Without any smiles, Tsukagawa player calmly responds to his teammates who come to congratulate him. Although it was a very difficult situation to take the lead considering the remaining time, his eyes were filled with ambition to keep fighting for another goal, and another goal as long as there is time.
For Tokyo, who faced a difficult reality with 3 consecutive losses and 3 goals conceded in 3 games, the quiet burning ambition of player Tsukagawa and the fighting spirit of player Tokumoto, who never gave up until the end, were the only bright spots for the second half of the league.
<Match Preview>
On June 11, Tokyo lost 1-3 to Gamba Osaka in Sec. 17, marking the first league three consecutive losses of the season. On June 14, former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA resigned, and in this match, which is the first game of the second half of the season, the team aims to recover from 12th place under the new coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI. The new coach repeatedly emphasized the term "hard work" during the press conference and continued, "We must work harder than our opponents and win the battles."
For that reason, there is daily practice. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI says, "If we give our all every day and continue at a high level, we can achieve anything."
The new coach's first match will be against Nagoya Grampus. Kenta HASEGAWA, who led Tokyo until the middle of the 2021 season, is in charge and is competing for the championship with a style of soccer that emphasizes "hard work." For coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who demands a fighting spirit from the team, this will be an important match to reaffirm the way Tokyo should fight.
Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI respects Nagoya and says, "For the fans and supporters, we want to give our all for victory." With a full-on battle, Tokyo takes a new step forward.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: After several days of practice, have the characteristics of the players been understood?
A: Of course. This team, which has many good players, wants to improve further by enhancing the content and precision. I believe we are having good training, and step by step, we want to move forward to the place we desire to be.
Q, please tell us your impression of Nagoya Grampus.
A, Nagoya is a very good team, and we have respect for them. Their counterattacks are extremely strong, and we need to understand how to properly respond to them. Nagoya has many highly skilled players, but by strictly following team rules, fighting bravely when in possession of the ball, and accurately finding open spaces, I believe this will lead to scoring goals. Nagoya is also strong in set pieces, including corner kicks. We will need to stay alert and respond appropriately. In this week’s training, we clearly identified areas for improvement and refinement and practiced repeatedly. By continuously enhancing ourselves, I believe we will become the team we have dreamed of.
Q: How long do you think it will take for the playing style and tactics that Coach Klomovski is looking for to become ingrained?
A: Naturally, it will take time to express a perfected style of football. The players are human, after all, so I believe there will be mistakes made on the pitch. First, we are focusing this week’s training on the particularly important aspects of how we fight. We are especially conscious of clearly instilling these so that the players can properly execute their play on the pitch. It is very difficult to display perfect football, but we play striving for perfection. Even if mistakes happen, a positive attitude and a fearless mentality are essential. We want to show the fans and supporters a battle that makes them feel pride and excitement.
Q: Please tell us the specific points you emphasized for the Nagoya match.
A, I particularly emphasized our own style. Football is always connected, so we worked on the rules for offense and defense, the shape of our play, and what we need to express. If we can express what we have shared, I believe we can fight well against Nagoya and also show our attacking moves. By refining what is necessary as a team and taking steps forward, I believe we will become a good team.
[Player Interview]
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, Peter CKLAMOVSKI has been appointed as the coach. How do you feel about the coaching change?
A, I have experienced coaching changes in my career before, and I thought I would take it as usual. However, this time I had mixed feelings. I believe this shows that I have grown personally to the point where I can think more about the team. What I learned from former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is something I want to continue to make use of going forward.
Q, please tell us your impression of Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
A, we have only done a few days of training so far, but the intense practice continues, and it is impressive that there is no relaxed time even between drills. I find the clear contrasts very refreshing. I feel that these aspects will come alive in the matches.
Q, how do you feel about the playing style that Coach CKLAMOVSKI aims for?
A, I get the impression that he particularly emphasizes the fighting spirit and mentality. Tactics don’t take root immediately, so we need to build them up from now on. As for myself, I want to make sure I don’t miss even a small remark from Coach CKLAMOVSKI and fully understand what he is thinking and what kind of soccer he wants to play.
Q, what kind of play do you want to appeal to coach Klamovski?
A, I don't know which position I will be used in, but first, as I have done so far, I want to show that I don't lose the ball and that I can participate in the attack from anywhere.
Q: I would like to ask about tomorrow's Nagoya Grampus match. It will be the first match of the second half of the league. Please tell us your impression of Nagoya.
A, Nagoya gives the impression of a solid defense and quick counterattack, with rapid transitions after winning the ball. By being mindful not to lose the ball in a bad way and by switching between offense and defense more effectively than the opponent, I believe this will lead to victory.
Q: Where do you think the key points that determine victory or defeat will be?
A: I believe the key to winning is scoring the first goal. Probably, as the time we hold the ball gets longer, scoring early will naturally increase our chances. If we only hold the ball without scoring, it plays right into the opponent’s hands, and the most frightening situation is being in a position where we are just "being made to hold the ball." Scoring as early as possible is one of the strategies for breaking through.
Q: There is Kensuke NAGAI, who played in Tokyo until the middle of last season, in Nagoya.
A: Nagai is skilled at plays that directly lead to goals, so we must be cautious. Even when we have possession of the ball, he seizes any brief opportunity to attack it, so I want to play while paying attention to Nagai’s defensive movements as well.
Q: Is there anything you are conscious of when facing the match this season, as Ryoma WATANABE is now wearing the number 11 jersey that Ryo NAGAI used to wear until last season?
A: This is the first time facing Nagai since I took the number 11 jersey. I look forward to enjoying it on the pitch, and although my playing style is different from Nagai’s, I would be happy if I can show my own version of number 11.
Q: Earlier, you mentioned that you have become a player who can think about the team. Do you also have the consciousness of leading the team?
A: Gradually, with age, that awareness has increased. I always have the mindset of "for this team."
Q: This will be an important match for Tokyo, not only in terms of making a comeback in the second half of the season. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, of course, it is important to show fans and supporters that we are giving our best, but I want to show a team that steadily accumulates points. As the first step, I want to show a team that has changed and become stronger. In the Levain Cup match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., I believe we were able to show at least some change in attitude and spirit, but to break into the top ranks, the team needs points. From now on, we want to focus on results and fight to accumulate points even in matches where the content is not good.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, how do you want to turn things around with Coach Klomovski taking over?
A, my position as a young player remains unchanged, so I want to take initiative and express myself confidently through my play. There are many areas where I am lacking, but if given the chance to play, I want to deliver results and showcase my own strengths.
Q, please tell us your impression of Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
A, he is a coach who especially emphasizes "fighting" and conveys it through words. He gives a very strong impression of being a passionate coach. To perform well in matches, he constantly communicates the importance of "fighting" starting from practice.
Q, what kind of play do you want to contribute to the team when you participate in a match?
A, I want to use my strength in dribbling breakthroughs to contribute with goals and assists. I believe that if I can dribble past opposing defenders, chances will be created, so I want to create many opportunities. I aim to become a player who can lead the side attacks.
Q, how was your performance in the first half of the league?
A, looking back on the first half of the league, the defensive intensity was low, and I was unable to make the starting lineup. There were opportunities during matches, but I regret not being able to convert them into goals. Including defense, I do feel that I have been gradually improving. However, there are still many areas that need improvement, so I want to continue raising my level.
