<Match Preview>
The Emperor's Cup has reached the Round of 16. Tokyo, who had a tough battle with Verdy in the previous round that even went to a penalty shootout, will now face Roasso Kumamoto at their opponent's home stadium.
Kumamoto faced off against J1 League's Sagan Tosu in the 3rd round, and despite being down 2 points, they fought hard for 90 minutes and managed to tie the game 3-3. In extra time, they successfully turned the game around and won in a close 4-3 match. Last season, they made a strong showing in the J1 promotion playoffs, even advancing to a match against J1 team Kyoto Sanga F.C. Under the leadership of coach Takeshi OKI, they have established an attacking style of soccer and have made great strides.
The player to watch out for in Tokyo is none other than Rei HIRAKAWA. He grew up in FC Tokyo's academy, starting from the U-15 team, and gained attention early on by playing in the J3 League with the U-23 team during his first year in high school while belonging to FC Tokyo U-18. Although his opportunities to play in the top team were limited, he returned to Tokyo last season after training with Kagoshima United FC and Matsumoto Yamaga F.C., but his playing time was limited and he completed a transfer to Kumamoto in August.
Since joining, he has established himself as a key player in Kumamoto and has become a driving force behind the team's success, and this season he has been entrusted with the role of captain. He is especially motivated for the upcoming match against his former team and is determined to show his best performance.
Kumamoto's style is not dissimilar to the style that PEACE TOKYO is pursuing. It requires a lot of physicality and intensity, with a fierce pressing and duels in the midfield to win the ball and launch quick counterattacks towards the goal. They value possession and aim to control the game in the opponent's half. Kumamoto does not hesitate to play their own style against Tosu, and have come out on top in the battle. Tokyo also wants to challenge them head on and show their superior strength.
With only 3 days left until the 6th, the league will resume, and it is important to gain momentum in both results and performance in this match. It is expected to fully demonstrate the style that coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI has been trying to instill during the break, and to return to Tokyo with intensity, ball possession, and attacking power to secure a spot in the top 8.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, Tokyo, I think the soccer that both teams, Roasso Kumamoto and Tokyo, aspire to is similar.
A, I think it will be an exciting match. We just need to firmly express what we have to do and score goals. Of course, we have respect for Kumamoto, but mentally we want to enter the match properly and clear our minds. There is no easy match anywhere. We also expect periods when Kumamoto will hold possession. During those times, we need to understand what we should do and how to stop their attacks. For example, if such situations occur on the pitch, counterattacks might be effective, and when we have possession, we need to quickly find the open spaces on the field. We want to create many scoring opportunities to take goals. I believe it is important to play with the awareness of scoring goals.
Q, it will be a night game, but I think there will also be a battle against the heat.
A, preparation is essential to work hard. We will give everything on the pitch and fight to lift the championship cup. As long as that goal remains with us, we want to push each other and give our all.
Q, during practice, each session was very short and focused training was observed.
A, the reason we keep the intervals between each practice session compact is to simulate match conditions. There is no time to rest leisurely during a game. Of course, there are times when we carefully set aside time to prepare. It may seem like a small detail, but I want the players to firmly adopt this mindset, which also connects to the method of "not stopping during the match." On the pitch, you must not stop thinking. The time between practice sessions is also part of the training, so I want them to always keep their mental switch on. I often talk to everyone about the term "hard work," but I expect the players to maintain concentration even during the breaks between practice. The aim is to enable them to make sharp and correct decisions even when they are tired.
Q, training was also conducted assuming Kumamoto's formation.
A, no matter the opponent, it is important to understand what is necessary for that match and play accordingly. Today's practice was conducted to visualize Kumamoto's style. As we face them, we want to share where spaces will open up and which areas the opponent dislikes. We will proceed with preparations in every aspect.
[Player Interview]
＜Kosuke SHIRAI＞
Q, as Kosuke SHIRAI of Tokyo, I have the chance to play in an official match.
Since joining Tokyo about a month ago, there haven't been any official matches, so it has been a very difficult period. However, we were able to make good preparations. Playing in Tokyo feels like starting a new season for me in a way. I want to show what I have prepared well in the game. I am hungry for the match (laughs).
Q, Urawa Reds showed a high performance in the practice match.
A, I think it was a game where there were remaining challenges regarding fine positioning, but there were also plays that contributed to the minimum performance and scoring. I was able to get a long playing time and play with my teammates, so I think it was good overall.
Q, I was particularly impressed with how organized the offensive side is.
A, the basic parts are influenced by the experience of playing for Kyoto Sanga F.C. The number of times I take the inside has increased, and there are some differences in risk management during attacks, but in terms of the competitiveness and hard work that Coach Klamskovski always demands, I was able to play without any discomfort, utilizing what I have cultivated so far.
Q, what kind of instructions and demands for play are you receiving from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI?
A, as a team, it is important to prioritize discipline and the plays that must be done. Personally, I think it is important to be able to fully demonstrate the plus alpha plays and characteristics. I want to show plays where we don't lose in terms of offense and defense, and win in individual plays.
Q, please tell us your impression of Roasso Kumamoto.
When it comes to Kumamoto, I remember the match in the J1 promotion playoffs last season when I was with Kyoto. We have played many official matches so far, but that match remains in my memory as it had a unique atmosphere and was very tense. I think the members have changed since last season when we played against each other, but it is certain that they are not an easy opponent. However, we want to show the difference in class as a J1 club through our results. We want to approach the match with the anticipation that it will be a difficult game.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q, I played in all 6 matches of the group stage in the Levain Cup. How is your current condition?
A, it's in pretty good condition. I think I can play without any major problems.
Q, good plays were seen even in the practice match with Urawa.
A, I was able to play in a way that I think is good for myself. Even though it was a practice match, I believe I was able to show plays that will lead to confidence in the future.
Q, please tell us your impression of Roasso Kumamoto, who you will be playing against this time.
A, Kumamoto has played against Iwate Grulla Morioka in the last two seasons. They are a team that excels at passing the ball, and their defenders, including Makoto Okazaki and Rimu Matsuoka, are constantly moving and making it difficult to catch them. I am especially looking forward to playing against Rei Hirakawa. With players like Hirakawa, Okazaki, and Matsuoka, who are all alumni of Tokyo's academy, I am excited to see what they can do.
Q, I think there are high expectations for each play that saves the team and creates the starting point for the attack.
A, the Emperor's Cup is a tournament, so there is only winning or losing. I think it is a test of how to compete with different regulations from the league. I also think that the choice of play will change each time.
Q, do you want to use your experience in the Levain Cup to your advantage in the game?
Although it is a different tournament from the A-League, I thought I could compete well in the Levain Cup. I believe that I can play confidently without any particular worries from my usual practice. I think I am in a good state where I have organized what I should do, including the mental aspect, during the break period.
