<Previous Match Review: Urawa Reds>
This was the first away game under Peter CKLAMOVSKI's management. The opponent was Urawa Reds. On that day, over 49,000 spectators gathered at Saitama Stadium 2002, and the stadium was filled with excitement from the pitch's warm-up.
At the same time, the humidity was also a challenge for both teams. The rain that had been falling intermittently since morning was hovering over the stadium like steam.
The first half was a heated battle between both teams. Tokyo maintained a compact formation while increasing their pressing from the front, while Urawa attempted quick counterattacks by targeting Tokyo's backline.
On this day, Tokyo's big chance came in the 20th minute of the first half. Kuryu MATSUKI picked up a loose ball in the midfield and played a through pass to the half space on the left side (the middle point between the center and the side). Kota TAWARATSUMIDA made an inner lap and broke through, returning the ball to MATSUKI who had run into the penalty area. Before the opponent could catch up, MATSUKI took a direct shot, which unfortunately hit the right post and went out of bounds after being touched by the opponent's goalkeeper. However, Tokyo's quick counterattack, which opened up the narrow area and created a scoring opportunity, shone.
At the end of the first half, they faced a big pinch. The ball changed course due to a block from Sekine's middle shot and flew towards the corner of the goal, but Jakub SLOWIK, who sensed the trajectory of the ball, made a big save by changing the direction of his body and deflecting it with his right hand. With his amazing reflexes as a guardian, he defended the goal and ended the first half.
As the second half begins, the hot and humid environment starts to affect the intense Tokyo football. In the 11th minute of the second half, Ryoma WATANABE's individual skill created a decisive scene, but gradually the physical stamina decreased and the formation became stretched, making it difficult to apply pressure from the front line.
As the team struggled to come out of their own half, Seiji KIMURA was brought on in the final stages to manage the risk of conceding. On the other hand, they were always ready to counter and continued to create chances, including a free kick opportunity towards the end of the game.
Despite being at a slight disadvantage compared to the two home games, the intensity and fighting spirit were not lost until the end, leaving a strong impression of a transformed group of fighters.
<Match Preview>
Since Peter CKLAMOVSKI took over as manager in June, the team has kept a clean sheet for 3 consecutive league matches, with 2 wins and 1 draw. In the 3rd round of the Emperor's Cup, they advanced to the round of 16 by winning in a penalty shootout. The team's form is on a steep upward trend.
Manager Peter CKLAMOVSKI praised the team's strong start, saying "I think the actions of every member of the club are reflected in our results. We are united and that is also reflected in our performance." However, he continued with a shake of his head.
"There is still much we can do. I believe that by not letting our guard down and taking one step at a time, we can get closer to our dreams."
The final match before the league break this round will welcome Kashima Antlers to Ajinomoto. While it is not an easy mission to shut down the powerful two-top of Yuma SUZUKI and Yuki KAKITA in the front line and break through the opponent's solid defense, the momentum of the team is in Tokyo's favor. Given that both teams engaged in a fierce battle that went to a penalty shootout in the recent Emperor's Cup, conditioning leading up to the match will be a key factor in determining the outcome.
Tokyo's summer has just begun. From here, the team will continue to evolve, and the passionate "Peter Tokyo" will play the leading role in the midsummer.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, we were able to secure a victory after a fierce battle against Verdy. Please take a moment to reflect on the match.
A, it was a cup match, and various things could happen. We didn’t know what would happen until the very end; it was truly an intense game. I believe the team was able to perform at its maximum capacity. Of course, I also think it would have been better if we could have decided the match within 90 minutes, and there were several chances to do so.
The players' efforts and the game itself will surely remain in the memories of the fans and supporters. In the Verdy match, each player showed their mentality, character, and love for the club. They showed us that "blue and red is Tokyo" and played in a way that everyone can be proud of.
Q, please tell us your impression of Kashima Antlers, who you will be playing against this round.
A, I think it will be a tough match. We want to prepare thoroughly as usual and give everything we have to secure the three points. No matter who is in the lineup, I believe they will prepare well for the battle. We will prepare with all our might and aim to make it a match that leaves our fans and supporters smiling as they go home.
Q, is it your stance to focus on the game in front of you and give it your all?
A, if we do not focus on the game in front of us, we might lose sight of what is important. I hope we can give our best in the next match and move forward step by step.
Q: It was announced that Shuto ABE has agreed to a full transfer to RWD Molenbeek (Belgium). How did Coach CKLAMOVSKI see ABE as a player?
A, I am glad to have been able to fight on the same team as Abe. As you can tell from his current hair color, I know how much he loved Tokyo. I believe he made a big decision to pursue his own dream. I wholeheartedly support his success 100 percent.
[Player Interview]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, on July 12th, Verdy was defeated in the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round after a penalty shootout.
A: Since the opponent was Verdy, I believe the fans and supporters were highly motivated, and we ourselves approached the match intending to show a game that would overwhelm them. Verdy also worked hard, so it became a tough match, but the fans and supporters delivered very passionate cheers, which helped push us forward, so I think it was good that we were able to secure the victory.
Q, Peter CKLAMOVSKI has become undefeated in 4 official matches since becoming the coach. What do you feel has changed significantly due to the change in coach?
A, the coach demands that all players change their mindset, especially emphasizing a strict defensive awareness. I believe that since Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI took over, the team has been thoroughly committed to sprinting back whenever possession is lost and physically defending in front of their own goal. The attacking aspect has not changed drastically yet; it seems the coach is blending his style while retaining the strengths of the previous style of play. I think we are gradually approaching the style of football we aim for. So far, we have kept clean sheets in the league matches, and it is very important now to continue playing these kinds of games and accumulate points. By suppressing the opponent without conceding and fighting to score even one more goal, I believe our ranking will improve.
Q, Coach Klamovski emphasizes not only the tactical aspect but also the mental aspect of approaching the game.
A, I think he is a coach who is deeply passionate about the game and approaches us with strong feelings and enthusiasm. He is not always intense; when talking one-on-one, he sometimes includes jokes, creating a relaxed atmosphere as well.
Q: Since Coach CKLAMOVSKI came, the number of shots by Player Matsuki has increased. Are there any changes in the attacking aspect that you are aware of?
A, I haven't changed my awareness of attacking much, but since the system has shifted to a double defensive midfield, I try to maintain balance and go forward boldly when I can. What has changed more in my awareness is the countermeasure against counterattacks and risk management. The defensive midfielders and center backs must cooperate and always be careful, or else we will be caught on the counter, so I am strongly conscious of maintaining that balance.
Q: After this match, Shuto ABE will transfer to RWD Molenbeek (Belgium). What kind of player is Shuto ABE to Matsuki?
A, Since joining Tokyo, I have had many opportunities to play together with Abe in midfield, learning various things and being inspired. So, honestly, I do feel a sense of loneliness, but at the same time, I also feel that we cannot afford to lose. For the sake of the team and for Abe, we are only aiming for victory in this match. First, our goal is to finish without conceding any goals, and then to secure the win, and I want to fight with all my strength.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Kashima Antlers match.
A: We are only aiming for victory. I think it is very significant to be able to play at home before the break, so first, we want to finish without conceding any goals and secure the win as our foundation, while building up the quality of our play.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, in the Emperor's Cup match against Verdy, both fullbacks embodied hard work on both sides.
A, I still have a long way to go myself, but Yuto NAGATOMO, the left fullback, led the team by playing for the full 120 minutes at 37 years old. I can only say it was truly amazing. I believed that in cup matches, the result is more important than the content. Since it was a match against Verdy, it went into extra time, but I think we were able to focus solely on winning.
Q: Do you feel that you are adjusting your condition well during consecutive matches?
A, I always focus on making good preparations. Since the Emperor's Cup is a knockout tournament, I believed there would be no easy matches. I prepare so that I am ready for whatever may happen.
Q, this round will be a match against Kashima Antlers, his former team.
A, we have played against each other many times, and many of the members who were with us at that time are still playing for Kashima. They know a lot about my play and personal aspects.However, I myself also know what kind of team Kashima is and how the players play. As I mentioned before, I only have good memories and a grateful feeling towards the team Kashima. It's an exciting match.
Q, becoming Coach Klamovski, it seems that the intensity and other aspects have been sharpened. Compared to the previous match, do you feel confident about approaching it?
A, I believe the high intensity demanded in practice is also reflected in the matches. Since this is a match against Kashima during consecutive games, it is important that all players prepare thoroughly before the match, which will lead to a good battle. We had a 120-minute battle with Verdy in the Emperor's Cup, so we want to prepare to fight without letting our guard down.
