<Match Preview>
The final match of the Levain Cup group stage is a crucial match for Tokyo, as it will determine their advancement to the prime stage and serve as a fresh start.
Tokyo, who suffered three consecutive losses in the latter half of the league, has invited Peter CKLAMOVSKI as their new manager. Due to registration issues, he will not be able to sit on the bench for the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match, and interim head coach Takayoshi AMMA will lead the team towards qualifying for the prime stage.
It is a crucial match that directly affects the title, as well as being a match that connects to the new commander. The improvement of the football's content is strongly demanded along with the result. First and foremost, it is urgent to improve the defense, which has conceded 9 goals in the last 3 league matches. It is not something that can be fixed by just focusing on the defensive scenes, but it is necessary to control the balance of the formation, including the attack, and to cut off the flow that leads to conceding goals from simple mistakes.
In terms of attack, there are certainly chances, but they are being interrupted by simple mistakes that could lead to decisive situations. We want to realign the team's direction and make small adjustments on the pitch to prevent mistakes in coordination.
And above all, the Kyoto team is known for its intensity and vertical driving force, making it difficult to take the lead when they gain momentum. As Kei KOIZUMI said after the previous match, "There are many reasons for our defeat, but losing in key moments made the game difficult." Before questioning tactics and strategies, Tokyo's challenge is to show a strong fighting spirit and desire for victory.
The commander made a substitution, but the club aims for a certain continuity. They want to possess the ball and take the initiative, entertaining the viewers with an attacking style of football while winning. While focusing on the results, they want to make the next league game a stepping stone towards a new start, building on the content as much as possible.
[Takayoshi AMMA Head Coach Interview]
Q, please tell us what you emphasized to the players while temporarily taking command.
A, first of all, we reviewed the footage of the recent match against Gamba Osaka. Especially the scene of the second goal conceded. We lost the ball and were counterattacked, and the ball went out over the touchline resulting in a throw-in. Although Gamba Osaka did not restart quickly, they were able to deliver a free cross, and although there were enough players in front of the goal, there was a mismatch in marking. Conceding goals from crosses has been a team issue, and I shared the current situation with the players. With Peter CKLAMOVSKI set to take over as manager, a comeback from here is essential, but first, the players must approach the game with high concentration on transitions between offense and defense and in one-on-one situations; otherwise, no matter the coach or tactics, it won’t work. I told the players that we need to thoroughly work on the basics this week, including preparing for the next match. From Tuesday’s training, we focused thoroughly on the basics of “transitions, one-on-one battles, and hard work.” I also talked about getting the team’s engine running by playing with high intensity in transitions and one-on-one situations.
Q, please tell me the factors that contributed to the weakness in the base.
A, it can be considered from various perspectives, but naturally, they are trying their best to meet the demands. Of course, there are no players who are joking around or lacking motivation. However, I think there was a weakness in how they maintained their motivation. Motivation and drive are limited, and it is necessary for them to work on raising it themselves. To win matches, it is essential to elevate motivation and mental strength to at least a minimum level. Without realizing it, although they are not slacking off, motivation gradually declines—that is human nature. I once again conveyed to the players the importance of approaching matches with high motivation.
Q, please tell us about the tactical aspects you shared with the players.
A, since this is a match that determines whether we advance to the group stage, simply trying hard will obviously not be enough to win. Therefore, we built a “system” for our attack and build-up play. It is very difficult to explain the system with words alone, so we first implemented it during practice. We shared how to design according to different situations on the field, and then explained it through video and verbally, which I believe helped deepen the players’ understanding. For some players, we systematized and communicated their positioning and involvement with the ball in both offense and defense. We also shared the minimum principles for defensive positioning, but we allow creative breaking of these agreements depending on the situations that arise on the pitch, while sharing the core elements as a team. Although there was a coaching change this week, the players approached training with a professional attitude. I can feel their passion to win, and their spirits are lifted.
[Player Interview]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q, what points did you organize this week in preparation for the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match?
A, we have improved our condition for tomorrow's match and confirmed the minimum agreements for both offense and defense. As a fundamental premise, it is important that each player on the pitch works hard in both attack and defense. Watching the review footage of the match, I felt that small misalignments and lapses in concentration were the beginnings of conceding goals. I especially want everyone to be conscious of running through together once again and fighting with full effort.
Q, this is an important match that will determine whether we advance to the group stage.
A, our top priority is to secure a victory, and we want to fight for the fans and supporters who come all the way to the away game. With the coaching change and everything, I think everyone is feeling a bit unsettled. We want to show those who support us our fighting spirit and results.
Q, Takayoshi AMMA Head Coach will temporarily take command in the Kyoto match.
A, YasumaThe head coach, Yasuma, has been communicating with us about the details and nuances of our play as we approach the Kyoto match. We have been able to share our thoughts with Yasuma during practice, and he has been sharing his final decisions with the players. I believe we have good communication.
Q: Please tell us what the team emphasized in training this week.
A, it is about everyone working hard both offensively and defensively. We reviewed everything while watching video footage, starting with transitions between attack and defense. Even plays we thought we executed well during the match were confirmed on video to be more like attempts rather than actual success. We emphasized that we were able to share past plays where we did nothing as a whole team, acknowledged that, and resolved to face the Kyoto match properly.
Q: How will you start as the season reaches the halfway point?
A, Yesterday, it was announced that Peter CKLAMOVSKI has been appointed as the head coach. I believe that fully expressing the style of soccer that Coach CKLAMOVSKI aims for will be the key to our resurgence. We players also feel that we cannot end up like this, so we want to bring out the strengths of the team and each individual player.
Q, this season, we have been playing against Kyoto in the league and Levain Cup. What kind of game do you want to play tomorrow?
A, we have received tactics and instructions for the match from Head Coach Anma, so the players are ready to express them through their play. We want to fully embody this in tomorrow's game and finish with a victory.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q, I have played in every match of the Levain Cup so far. Please give us your personal reflection.
A, with each match, I have been reflecting on my play and, step by step, I feel growth and change. From the first match of the Levain Cup, I was focused on the results, but as the matches progressed, I have also focused on improving the quality of my play, not just the results. Although the changes may be small in each match, I think it has been good to be able to build up and compete steadily.
Q, please tell me what you want to be conscious of as a goalkeeper in the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match, where victory is an absolute condition.
A, I believe it is necessary to bring calmness and stability to the team. At the same time, while expressing proactive play and boldness in attack as a team, I want to particularly focus on risk management and defensive care. The most important thing is to fight with a good balance as a team, but I also want to boost morale by making plays that protect the goal in critical moments.
Q: In the previous Levain Cup match, we won 5-0. Please tell us your impression of Kyoto once again.
A, Kyoto gives the impression of applying high-intensity pressure from the front line. As a team, it is important to withstand the opponent's defense while firmly controlling the ball and dominating the game, and to continue challenging. Against Kyoto, who come aggressively from the front, if we can push their defensive line back even a little, it will become negative for them. We want to increase the time we press forward by playing in ways that annoy the opponent and by not losing battles for the ball.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the game.
A, this is a match where victory is necessary to advance past the group stage. We want to unite as one and approach the game to build momentum for the team.
