<Review of the previous match against Nagoya Grampus>
All arrows were pointing straight ahead.
Will they be able to continue playing with this momentum and perform the same way in the second half? Will their legs completely stop in the end of the game?
The Tokyo players ran and ran and ran so much that it was worrying to watch from outside the pitch.
If the ball is taken by the opponent, immediately switch to defense, the first defender puts pressure without hesitation, and chase two or three times. The surrounding teammates also predict the origin of the ball, slide forward as a team, and go to cut off the ball.
And then, when they regained the ball, they quickly launched a short counter attack towards the goal. Tokyo outperformed Nagoya Grampus in both positive transitions, which is the switch from defense to offense, and negative transitions, which is the switch from offense to defense.
The start was rough, with the press being loose and allowing for counterattacks from behind. However, in the second half, the press tightened up and any lost balls were quickly recovered. They also continued to be the first to react to second balls, allowing them to keep the ball at their feet throughout the game.
One standout player was Henrique TREVISAN, who intercepted Nagoya's attack with sharp reading. His decision-making in the positive transition after the interception was also impressive, embodying the "attacking defense" and adding brilliance to Peter CKLAMOVSKI's debut as coach.
<Match Preview>
Peter Cklamovski's first game as manager was a 2-0 victory against Nagoya Grampus in the previous round. Despite having a short preparation period since taking over as coach, he was able to fine-tune the team's tactics and all players worked hard to secure the win. While praising the players' attitude, the new manager also has a vision to further evolve the team, saying "There are things we must do in order to reach the place we dream of."
One of those is the build-up. In preparation for the Kashiwa Reysol match, we have started building the build-up. "(The build-up) is one of the areas that can evolve. I think we can improve there, and I want to think about how to score while having the intention to improve." In addition, we have spent time on confirming throw-ins and other rules, and have been preparing for this match by spending more time on them.
Kashiwa's NELSINHO coach resigned in the middle of the season due to poor performance. After Masami IHARA took over as coach, the league continued to struggle with 2 draws and 3 losses. However, coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI is not letting his guard down, saying "Kashiwa will come to take all the points by giving their all. We also want to play aggressively." Tokyo will also do their best to grab a victory this round.
Matchday program here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, does a sustained fight become the key to victory?
A, preparation for the match is important. It is essential to think about how to make the team stronger without wasting a single day, focus on that, and build upon it. This also connects to how we approach and prepare for the next opponent. On the pitch, I try to convey things to the players as clearly as possible. Within that, we aim to enhance our intensity and physical aspects, progressing step by step. Both players and staff are consciously working to continuously raise the limits.
Q, it seems that Coach CKLAMOVSKI is communicating with each player about their play while habituating hard work.
A, we communicate even when it does not clearly show in the play. Especially at the core of expressing our style of play, high concentration and hard work are indispensable. These two points are absolutely essential for the team to demonstrate. Adhering to the team’s rules naturally leads to increased work rate and hard work. Building that mentality and creating a team that other clubs find difficult to compete against Tokyo is the foundation we are aiming for.
Q, please tell us the criteria for evaluating and satisfaction of Coach Klomovski in practice.
A, for me, there are clear rules. The players also understand these standards. I want the players to reach a level where they can express the movements and plays of their teammates even with their eyes closed. In attack, it is required to quickly aim for the goal and coordinate with teammates, and in defense, to build a connected defensive network. We are currently in the process of instilling what I just mentioned into the players, but what they can and cannot express will serve as one of the criteria. In practice, we try to include opportunities to overcome challenges and take on new challenges. Naturally, there will be things they cannot do 100%, but I believe practice is also for that purpose. In such cases, it is important for us staff to provide information and support, such as reviewing footage.
Q, please tell us the key points in the match against Kashiwa Reysol, whether continuity is important or if we should add further changes in our approach.
A, Nagoya and Kashiwa have different styles of play. Although there are some similar phenomena, first and foremost, it is important to fully express our own style of play. It is about expressing the team’s rules and how effectively we can exploit the opponent’s weak points. Ultimately, I believe everything leads back to hard work. To earn the 3 points, we just have to give everything we have.
[Player Interview]
＜Henrique TREVISAN＞
Q: What changed with the coaching change in the first match of Peter Cklamovski, the new coach, against Nagoya Grampus? The match seemed to have a fulfilling content.
A, I believe a major factor is that the fighting spirit has returned, not only in the match against Nagoya but also including the Levain Cup match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. Of course, there are tactical changes as well, but above all, the biggest change is that we have been able to bring our fighting attitude and fighting spirit to the forefront.
Q, Henrique TREVISAN's performance itself also seemed very good. How do you look back on it?
A: I feel that my own play was good, but the entire team showed a very strong performance. The important thing is to continue growing from here. I want to maintain this good performance and show even more consistent matches.
Q: Tokyo's center back position has a deep roster of players, and the competition for the position is tough. How do you prepare for the matches with this in mind?
A: Certainly, there are many good players, and the competition for the position is at a high level. However, the most important thing is the team's victory, and it is natural that the players in good form take the pitch. In that sense, having tough competition for positions is a good thing for the team, and I believe it is important for teammates to compete while respecting each other, which leads to good results for the team.
Q: In set-piece situations, you always show a passionate heading. Do you have a desire to further demonstrate your scoring ability?
A, yes. I have scored two goals in official matches this season, both of which were headers. I take pride in aerial duels being my strong point. From here on, I want to score more goals and contribute to the team.
Q: Henrique TREVISAN joined Japan in the 2021 season during the COVID-19 pandemic. How do you feel about the atmosphere at Ajinomoto Stadium this season, where vocal support has been fully allowed?
A: The opening match of this season against the Urawa Reds left a strong impression on me. Since I was away from the team due to injury during the latter half of last season, the Urawa match was the first time I experienced such loud cheers since coming to Japan. I was moved by the atmosphere at Ajinomoto Stadium, and I truly felt how the stadium’s atmosphere completely changes when fans and supporters cheer us on.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Kashiwa Reysol match.
A: Right now, Tokyo has developed strong team cohesion, and we are able to conduct rigorous, high-quality training. I am confident that we can show you a good match. From here, to improve our ranking even a little, we absolutely want to earn 3 points and bring joy to our fans and supporters.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, Coach CKLAMOVSKI took office and achieved victory in the Nagoya Grampus match. Please tell us what has changed as a team and what we have been able to continue.
A, with the change of coach, it feels like the players who had been playing and those who hadn't were reset, and competition within the team has started again. This internal competition has arisen, and each player is practicing with a strong sense of urgency and high intensity. I also feel a different tension and atmosphere than before. I believe it is necessary to continue the good aspects we have been able to express since the season opener, but from the perspective that we haven't been winning, I also recognize that there were many parts that were not good. Over the past few matches, I have keenly felt that the accumulation of daily training and awareness shows up in the games, and I think I myself had almost forgotten that. Even the things we were able to do as a team during camp seemed to have loosened as the season started and several matches passed. Now, I believe each player is reaffirming the fundamental parts necessary for playing and is working on them seriously.
Q, did you feel a high intensity in terms of awareness and pressure towards moving forward in the Nagoya match? In the early stages of Coach Klamovski's appointment, was the ability to express the aim and the resulting play connected?
A, I believe that the high-intensity training conducted over a short period has produced results that were demonstrated in the match. I think the players also felt the strength required in transitions between offense and defense and in one-on-one battles, but this is due to each individual's awareness, not just because the coach changed. There were matches in the first half of the league where we were able to express ourselves like in the Nagoya match, but continuity is necessary. From here on, winning consecutive matches becomes the most important thing. To seriously aim for the championship or a position within the ACL qualification zone, accumulating 3 points per match is essential. It is us players who have caused this difficult situation, so we want to show matches where we ourselves recover from this frustrating feeling.
Q, in the past few games you have played as a right back, but Kei KOIZUMI, do you have the same stance that there isn't much that needs to be changed?
A, no matter which position I play, a high level of intensity is required. That is the one point I am always conscious of, whether I am playing as a defensive midfielder or a side back. Naturally, each positioning and the way the ball is moved differ depending on the position, so I believe smart play is required.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for this round, which will be a showdown against your former team.
A, although my tenure was not very long, I believe there were fans and supporters who cheered for me. Now, as a member of Tokyo, I want to demonstrate to the fullest through my play what I can do to help Tokyo win, without being overly conscious of facing my former team. No matter what has happened, I believe that as long as Tokyo wins in the end, that’s all that matters. Regardless of the opponent, if we express the kind of play necessary to secure victory, it will lead to “for Tokyo.” I also think that showing good play on the pitch is a way to repay my former team, so first, I want to firmly focus on myself and approach the match with that mindset.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q: How do you feel about the good form so far, with goals being scored in the previous match against Nagoya Grampus?
A, my condition is very good. Last season, I had a long period of struggling with injuries, but this season, being able to play without injury so far has contributed to my good condition. I am also happy to have been able to score goals while focusing on playing as usual, and I want to further level up from here.
Q, it seems that the feelings for this season are even stronger than usual, as we struggled a lot last season.
A: I always focus on fulfilling the plays the team needs to execute and contributing, while also being conscious of scoring goals. Last season, I got injured during the pre-season camp and was unable to perform well throughout the season. I have come to realize once again that by training hard without getting injured, I can deliver good performances in matches, and I want to continue making thorough preparations.
Q: You have scored 9 goals so far, but how would you describe your current sense of scoring?
A, unlike last season, I feel a good flow toward scoring goals. Since I have been able to score goals with a good rhythm, I believe it is important to continue this momentum.
Q, what are your feelings as you approach the match against Kashiwa Reysol?
A, there are various clubs in the J.League, but I always have a feeling of respect for Kashiwa Reysol. This is because, as some of you may know, they are the club that gave me the chance to play in Japan. I was able to play in a good environment at Kashiwa, and I still maintain good relationships with the staff and players who were there at the time. I will play with respect, but right now, I am only focused on playing for Tokyo’s victory.
Q, as a player who is loved by fans and supporters as a symbol of Tokyo, how do you feel about yourself, Diego Taba?
A, I was 25 years old when I first came to Japan. I think it was a very good timing in terms of age. I am who I am now because Kashiwa gave me the opportunity to play, and even after transferring to Tokyo, there are fans and supporters who continue to cheer for me. I am grateful for the wonderful times both on and off the pitch that I spent at Kashiwa. After transferring to Tokyo, I have been able to play for a long time. We professional players need to act as role models both on and off the pitch, in my opinion.However, since we are football players, we must achieve results on the pitch. I think that such consistent efforts are recognized by the fans and supporters. The reason I am who I am now is because of the support from everyone involved with Tokyo. Considering my own age, I do not have a long future as a football player. It is quite possible that I will conclude my career as a professional player in Tokyo and return to Brazil. Until then, I want to show my best performance with all my strength.
