<Match Preview>
It will be the first match in 12 seasons since the 2011 season on the official stage.
In soccer matches, there is an opponent, differences in the category they belong to, the lineup of players they belong to, the style of soccer they aim for, and various other differences, and taking all of that into account, there are various strategies and tactics involved.
During the 11 seasons, both teams have gained various experiences on their respective paths. The situation they face now is completely different from back then.
However, there is no strategy in this match. We will paint the stadium in blue and red, overwhelm the opposing team on and off the pitch, and make the "city that never sleeps" resonate.
After Peter CKLAMOVSKI took over as coach, Tokyo has shown a strong defense with 3 consecutive games without conceding a goal. However, the true strength of the team lies in their attacking mindset, always aiming forward. Combining individual skills with high intensity and momentum, they relentlessly push towards the opponent's goal.
If you have the leeway to play tricks, play them all. Seeking only victory, we will face the fourth match of Peter CKLAMOVSKI Tokyo.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: What kind of approach do you take with the players in order to advance in the Emperor's Cup?
A: It is important to focus on the match in front of us and progress step by step. Of course, I understand that the match against Verdy is also important. On the other hand, I want the players to always carry the significance and importance of representing this beautiful blue and red club color, no matter which club we face, as well as to maintain this motivation and mentality. I repeat, I understand how important tomorrow’s match against Verdy is, and it is a game we absolutely must win. However, for me, every match we play as Tokyo is important. I believe that always having a high mentality is an indispensable element to becoming a strong club.
Q, please tell us your impression of Verdy.
A: I think they are a strong club positioned near the top of the J2 League. While we have respect for them as opponents, this will also be a very important match for us. I understand how significant the match against Verdy is for the fans and supporters. I believe the club, players, fans, supporters, and everyone involved recognizes the importance of this match. To take a step forward in lifting the Emperor's Cup, winning this match is an absolute requirement. We will prepare thoroughly for the game and go for the win.
Q, how do you perceive tomorrow's match in this unique atmosphere?
A, I understand how important tomorrow's match is. I don't have a genius mind like Einstein, but I do know how crucial this match is. I want to win this important game, show a strength that makes others not want to face Tokyo, and accelerate our growth so that Tokyo becomes a club to be admired. I promise to play with the understanding of how meaningful tomorrow's match is to our fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
＜Yuto NAGATOMO＞
Q, we will be playing against Verdy in the tournament-style Emperor's Cup. What is your motivation for tomorrow's match?
A, my motivation is, needless to say, very high. Personally, this will be our first match since the 2008 season, and I vividly remember that game; it was such a memorable and passionate match. There are many rivalries in Japan, but I feel such passion that I believe nothing surpasses this particular match.
Q, have you also experienced the Milan Derby during your time in Italy? Is there anything special about the atmosphere and feelings towards the Verdy match?
A, when I was with Inter Milan, I experienced the Milan Derby against AC Milan and the Italian Derby against Juventus. I felt the atmosphere of the city change from a week before, experiencing an environment where not only the football world but the entire city transforms in anticipation of the match. That is why I want tomorrow’s match to be even more exciting, making it a day that energizes not only Japanese football but the entire city of Tokyo. As a club representing Tokyo, we want to fight with the pride of “Blue-Red Tokyo.”
Q, how is the condition of player Nagatomo himself as the game continues?
A, my condition is definitely improving. Consecutive matches during the hot season are not easy, but I believe I must face them with a strong mindset to mentally overcome the physical fatigue.
Q, finally, please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
A, let's win tomorrow's match and dye the stadium blue and red.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q, please tell us about your current feeling after increasing your playing time from the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match in the Levain Cup.
A, personally, I think I have been gradually able to express the tasks assigned to me as individual responsibilities according to the team’s situation and the content of the matches. Within that, I want to bring out more of my own strengths and character, and moving forward, to increase my playing time, I want to thoroughly explore not only the tasks given to me but also what extra contributions I can make. There are still many challenges ahead.
Q, please tell us the parts where you feel you can express yourself through your play and the areas you feel are challenges that you have encountered while getting playing opportunities.
A, the parts I am doing well include playing with full effort both offensively and defensively, and the defensive duties the team must perform. Although not yet perfect, I feel I am improving. The challenges are that I lack plays where I use my dribbling skills to get past opponents and runs behind the defense to create chances, which are my strengths. The biggest challenge is that, as a forward, I have not yet produced results in terms of scoring goals. To grow as a striker from here on, I want to focus more on scoring goals.
Q, tomorrow's Emperor's Cup is a match against Verdy. Please tell us your thoughts and enthusiasm for this game.
A, I have faced Verdy since my academy days, and back then, both the staff and my teammates fought with a strong determination not to lose to Verdy. That feeling has not changed even now. Having gone through the academy and now fighting as a professional player representing Tokyo, I have a special sense of responsibility, and we absolutely cannot afford to lose if we want to show that we are a club representing Tokyo. To show Tokyo’s pride, if I get the chance to step onto the pitch, I want to play with a focus on the results. Especially in attack, I want everyone to see my speed of play, breakthrough ability, and involvement in scoring opportunities. I will do my best to respond to everyone’s support with solid results, so please keep cheering for us.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q, it's a match against Verdy in the Emperor's Cup. What are you conscious of for tomorrow's game?
A, I want to show a fight that focuses more on winning than on the content of the match. We absolutely cannot afford to lose, as we need to demonstrate that we are the club representing Tokyo.
Q, Did you have a strong awareness of Verdy since your academy days, going through FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa and FC Tokyo U-18?
A, I have faced them in the Kanto League and the Prince League. From back then, there was also the teaching of "Never lose to Verdy." Personally, since I am from Chiba Prefecture and played as a player for FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa, there were many things I didn’t understand about the rivalry between the two clubs. However, as I spent more time playing as a member of Tokyo’s academy, special feelings and emotions began to grow. With the teachings from those around me, the sense of rivalry against Verdy, and the awareness that they are an opponent we absolutely cannot lose to, I want to demonstrate this through my play whenever I get the chance to appear on the field.
Q, it is a tournament format different from the league match and a match with Verdy.
A, I believe that the future will change significantly depending on whether we win or lose this match. Since it is a tournament called the Emperor's Cup, if we lose, the tournament itself will be over. We want to firmly secure victory at the timing we participate and show through the results that "we are the club representing Tokyo" with pride until the day we face Verdy again.
Q, I think fans and supporters are also expecting players who have been promoted from the academy to the top team to represent "Tokyo Blue-Red" and show their dynamic presence on the pitch.
A, While being aware that this is an opponent we must not lose to, I also want to express my play in a way that allows me to firmly compete for my position going forward. As a defensive player, I want to contribute to keeping a clean sheet, and if there is a chance from a set play, I want to aim to score. I will do my best to play well and connect that to positive results.
