<Match Review>
The second match under the Peter CKLAMOVSKI regime. The opponent is Kashiwa Reysol, who has not won in 7 league matches. Although the opponent has been struggling to win for a while, the coach has tightened the reins of the team, saying that it is precisely because of this that they cannot let their guard down.
In the previous match, the team embodied the intense style of play demanded by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and achieved a 2-0 victory against Nagoya Grampus, who are competing for the top spot. The style of play will not change even if the opponent changes. They faced the rainy match in order to continue their winning streak at home and progress through the second half of the league in a good flow.
1st HALF - Diego's 10th goal of the season gives us the lead
In the early stages, Tokyo struggled against Kashima's sharp defense, but they persisted in moving the ball and pushed their opponents back, creating chances for set plays. In the 6th minute of the first half, Kuryu Matsuki had a direct free kick opportunity, but it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
By quickly transitioning from attack to defense, we do not give the opponent time to move the ball. We aggressively chase the ball from the front line and coordinate with the back line to shift towards the ball side, allowing us to quickly regain possession and take control of the game.
The game started moving in the 35th minute of the first half. Tawaratsumida Kota, who had carefully built up the play, received the ball in a wide open position on the left side and made a sharp turn to shake off his marker before crossing the ball. Diego Oliveira, who was positioned in front of the goal, headed the ball and skillfully placed it into the bottom right corner, giving Tokyo the lead.
Even if they take the lead, Tokyo's strength does not diminish. They firmly chase after the ball and frequently steal it with their physicality in the battle for the ball, leading to an unpredictable attack towards the goal.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, a big cross ball was sent in from the right side, and the ball that the defender couldn't clear fell near the penalty area. Tawara Tsumeta player was there and took a direct shot, but the ball that aimed for the right corner of the goal was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper's great defense.
2ndHALF - Clean sheet without being impatient even when pressed by the opponent
Tokyo's momentum doesn't stop even in the second half. Just 2 minutes into the second half, player Matsuki dribbles and takes a bold shot from the middle range. The ball, blocked by a defender, changes direction and loops towards the goal, but the opposing goalkeeper clears it out of the frame.
As time goes by, scenes where the opponent attacks from behind and receives a counterattack can be seen as they become more aggressive. During the time when they are pushed by the opponent's momentum, they respond by defending with everyone returning to their own half and organizing their defensive formation to eliminate space.
Despite not having possession of the ball, Masato MORISHIGE showed a strong presence in the game by preventing decisive situations and maintaining intensity in duels. However, towards the end of the game, an unfortunate incident occurred when MORISHIGE was injured in a collision just after using up all the substitution slots. After receiving treatment, he returned to the pitch, but with MORISHIGE leading the front line, the team scrambled to reorganize their defensive formation and managed to hold on until the final whistle.
Although it was the smallest point difference, we took control in both offense and defense for most of the game and secured our second victory under the leadership of Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Kei KOIZUMI/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Shuto ABE/Koki TSUKAGAWA (34th minute of the second half: Reo NOZAWA)
FW Ryo WATANABE (40th minute of the second half: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (40th minute of the second half: Perotti)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (15th minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO/Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
35' First Half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Kashiwa Reysol＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kenta MATSUMOTO
DF Hiromu MITSUMARU/Taiyo KOGA/Yugo TATSUTA/Naoki KAWAGUCHI (39th minute: Takumi TSUCHIYA)
MF Keiya SHIIHASHI (30th minute: Keiya SENTO)/Tomoki TAKAMINE (16th minute: Sachiro TOSHIMA)/Riku OCHIAI (0th minute: Tomoya KOYAMATSU)
FW Matheus SAVIO/Yuki MUTO (0th minute: GROT)/Mao HOSOYA
SUBS
GK Tatsuya MORITA
DF Hayato TANAKA
GOAL
―
[Comments from Head Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI's Press Conference]
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, I think we were able to have a very good fight in the first half, and within that, we delivered a very good performance, playing the style of game we had anticipated. I am truly proud of the players who fought for the full 90 minutes. In the second half, there were some tough periods for various reasons, but it was a game from which we learned a lot. I believe there were moments when we could have made it 2-0, but the players fought well with perseverance and dedication, maintaining discipline. In that sense as well, the players really showed their true performance.
Q: After using all the substitution slots in the 40th minute of the second half, there was an accident involving Masato MORISHIGE. Did you make the decision to move Kuryu MATSUKI to center back considering such a situation?
A, in football, you never know what will happen. What I have learned is that the solution lies in what we practice every day. Both as a team and individually, I believe we were able to fight strongly by building on the foundation we have established so far. Honestly, I think the players fought very well. Matsuki did a solid job even as a center back, and Morishige fought through to the end and contributed to the club. The players who came on as substitutes also fought with dedication and fully carried out their roles. I believe this match reflected the beliefs they hold and what they have worked on until now. We have special fans and supporters who pushed us from behind, and I think we were able to fight together until the very end to secure the three points.
Q, the speed of switching and the strength of defense were noticeable.
A, this is something we are currently improving and one of the elements in which we are getting better. As I always say, what’s important is the amount of running and fighting with dedication. Also, by clarifying that and having solid positioning, I think the players are able to help each other and fight together. In every aspect, we were able to show good performance in the first half, and we gained a lot from that. I believe there were parts we needed to learn from during the second half, but what makes me most proud of the players is that even in situations where we had to learn lessons, they fought with dedication and managed to secure all three points. However, I think it is necessary to take it step by step to become an even better team.
Q: The first half was one-sided, but the second half became a tough game. What do you think was the cause of that?
A: I think the flow changed in the second half because Kashiwa Reysol pushed forward. Even so, we were able to defend strongly, and finishing with a clean sheet was a very positive point for us. What we learned as a lesson is that we need to control the game more ourselves and move the ball a little better. We had many chances, and if we had scored the second goal then, I believe the stadium would have been even more electrified.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, it was a very difficult match. Kashiwa Reysol is struggling, but they are a very high-quality team, so it was good that we were able to win against them. We also have our struggles, but I think it was good that everyone ran through and fought hard today. There won’t be any easy matches from now on either, so we want to overcome them all together as a team.
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
A, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA is a player whose strength lies in breaking through with dribbling, and he always trusts himself while engaging in tactical battles with opposing players in front of the goal. He delivered a very good cross today as well, so I believe I was able to score because of that. Although I scored and secured the victory today, I think it doesn't matter who scores. What matters most is that the team wins.
Q, it became a goal in three consecutive official matches.
A, scoring a goal is not something that can be done easily. Currently, the team has a good flow and many opportunities are coming, so we are able to score from among numerous chances.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the next match against Urawa Reds.
A, the match against Urawa is expected to be tough. The opponent will be playing at home, and Saitama Stadium 2002 has a different atmosphere compared to other stadiums. It is anticipated that they will come with momentum, but we want to win at all costs and return to Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, it's a home winning streak. Please reflect on the game.
A, we were able to play with high intensity from the start, and at the moment when we wanted to score, Diego OLIVEIRA scored a goal. I believe that taking the lead was the key factor that allowed us to finish the first half in a good shape. What was especially good in the first half was that we were able to keep the opponent’s shots to zero. That was very significant. In the second half, there were tough moments and scenes where we were shot at, but through physical and committed play, we managed to win a close match. While scoring additional goals and winning by multiple goals is the ideal scenario, I think that being able to stubbornly secure a victory in a difficult 1-0 game was a great achievement for the team.
Q, I especially felt the tenacity and hard work in the defensive response in the second half.
A, it is important not to lose in one-on-one situations. Since the opponent's side attacks were particularly frequent, the way the side backs responded became crucial. We want to further refine the fundamental aspects of not allowing easy crosses and not letting them take shots. We also aim to improve the defensive spacing, winning the ball decisively, and the accuracy of our build-up play.
Q, as a side back, I feel that the stability has been increasing with each game.
A, since coming to Tokyo, it has only been a few times, but at the clubs I belonged to in the past, I also had opportunities to play as a side back. It is one of the positions I have experience in, so I can play smoothly without feeling difficulty. There are still parts where I have not reached a level of play that I am personally satisfied with, and there are many scenes where my teammates help me. I want to play with commitment for the sake of victory.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: please review the game.
A, we were able to score early in the first half, and although there were some tough moments in the second half, we managed to keep a clean sheet and secure the win. I think it is significant that we have kept a clean sheet for two consecutive matches.
Q, I felt a strong desire to score, especially through free kicks and offensive participation.
A, Since I play as a defensive midfielder, I was managing risks while aiming to take advantage of any open space ahead. If I can't score in that situation, we can't aim for the top positions, so I want to make sure to score next time.
Q: I think the combination of the double defensive midfielders was good, but what kind of communication do you have with Shuto ABE?
A, we haven't had any particular discussions. We've been playing together since last season and understand each other's strengths, so while it's not exactly a tacit understanding, I believe that in the last two matches we've established plays that cover each other.
Q, it's been two consecutive wins since becoming coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI. Please tell us how you plan to aim higher from here.
A, I believe that not conceding goals is important. If we don't concede, we can earn points. With players in great form like Diego OLIVEIRA who can score goals, if I fulfill my role as a defensive midfielder while aiming for goals, we can secure 3 points. I want to aim for victory in the next match and the one after that as well.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: please review the game.
A, it was good to have achieved a result. I also think it was good for the team to win without conceding any goals.
Q, please look back on Diego OLIVEIRA's goal scene.
A, I have been continuing to practice crosses up to this point, and before the match, I was constantly communicating with Diego, so I believe that led to today's goal.
Q, there were also close shooting scenes.
A, I think the part where I couldn't finish decisively is due to a lack of ability. I don't want to be satisfied with just assists; I want to keep my ambition and be able to score goals. Personally, my defensive skills and physical strength are also insufficient, so I want to make sure I can level up properly.
Q, I started in the lineup for the second consecutive game.
A, I have been given opportunities and have been able to continue playing in matches, so I believe it has contributed to my growth. I want to keep training every day so as not to miss this chance and achieve results.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the next match against Urawa Reds.
A, in the next match, I want to score and help the team win. I hope we can fight as one team and deliver victory to our fans and supporters. Since Sakai is also on the opposing team, I’m looking forward to seeing if my dribbling will work against him, and I want to challenge myself without hesitation.
