“The excitement in the stadium is transmitted to the players.”
The excitement in the stadium is relayed to the players.
During last year’s third round of the Emperor’s Cup, the match against FC Tokyo, held for the first time in 12 years as an official game, took place in an exceptionally spirited atmosphere, even though it was a Wednesday night. Before the game, the players mentioned, “We can’t do anything to provoke the opposing team’s supporters,” but during the penalty shootout, they dramatically put their hands to their ears and celebrated with fist pumps towards the blue and red stands. The various cheers and excitement directed at the players on the field were felt and resulted in a passionate performance. Even the backup players watching from the stands stood up and joined in the chanting, something I had never witnessed before. Kosuke Saito, the team leader, reflected, “That sense of excitement… The players watching from the stands were getting pumped up too. That one match made me realize why we couldn’t lose.”
“That’s why we understand that the next game is crucial. We’ll prepare to win.”
Like Saito, the players have gained insights into what the “Tokyo Derby” entails and the importance of victory from their experiences in the two matches played last season and this one.
The 122-year-old tradition of El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona also amplifies the excitement of the crowd due to the historical significance in each region. This fervor translates onto the pitch, making it the most significant derby match in the sports world, drawing attention globally. The Tokyo Derby boasts its own rich history and rivalry, igniting passion among fans and supporters of both teams. As manager Hiroshi Jofuku mentioned, it has the potential to become a national spectacle.
Looking ahead to this match, Yuto Tsunashima stated, “It’s finally time to move past that disappointment.” In the Emperor’s Cup, he made a critical header following Alhan’s long throw but failed to score, which led him to think, “If I had scored that, we might have won.” In the previous match, he found himself disheartened when the equalizer came right before him. “Having grown up in the academy, I’ve been told not to lose to that team for over a decade. Knowing all the different backgrounds, I feel even more compelled not to lose.”
Tokyo Verdy fans and supporters do not direct their anger toward the opposition through chants. The players on the pitch understand this best. “Verdy supporters empower the players and fight alongside them. This is true not only for this match but for every game. We want to show our support through results and celebrate together,” Saito expressed. The sentiments of those wearing green are certainly felt.
Approximately 40,000 people are expected to attend the match against FC Tokyo. Being the opponent’s home ground, there is bound to be loud jeering. “There is an experience unique to this match that you can’t find elsewhere. I believe they will create an atmosphere that truly embodies that,” said manager Hiroshi Jofuku, who was involved in the founding of FC Tokyo and has served as the opposing team’s manager twice, and knows better than anyone what fuels the intensity of the “Tokyo Derby.”
As a supporter of Tokyo Verdy, there will be no match more exhilarating than this one. As always, and even more so now, let’s rally our support for the courageous green warriors.
Your heartfelt support will be conveyed to the players.
(Text by Naoki Tanaka and El Gracia Tokyo Verdy / Photos by Atsushi Kondo)
“The excitement in the stadium is transmitted to the players.”
The excitement in the stadium is transmitted to the players.
The Thrill of the Tokyo Derby
Last year’s third round of the Emperor’s Cup marked a significant moment for Tokyo Verdy as they faced off against FC Tokyo for the first time in 12 years in an official match. The game, held on a Wednesday night, was filled with an unusually enthusiastic atmosphere. Players had expressed their desire not to incite the opposing fans, yet during the penalty shootout, they couldn’t help but engage, raising their hands to their ears and performing fist pumps toward the fervent blue and red stands. The charged atmosphere fueled their performance, transforming the event into a dynamic display of skill and passion.
Backup players, witnessing this fervor from the stands, joined in the chants, underlining the incredible synergy between the crowd and the players on the pitch. Team leader Saito Kosuke observed, “That sense of excitement… The players watching from the stands were also getting excited. That one match made me understand why we couldn’t lose.”
Understanding the Weight of the Rivalry
“That’s why we know the next game is important. We’ll prepare to win,” Saito stated, reflecting on the intense atmosphere surrounding the Tokyo Derby. In the two matches played over the last season and this season, players have immersed themselves into the rich history behind the rivalry and understood the weight of this competition.
The Global Allure of Derbies
The dramatic excitement inherent in matches like the Tokyo Derby finds parallels in other storied rivalries around the world, such as the 122-year-old tradition of El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Historical factors in each region amplify the emotional stakes, translating crowd excitement into high-stress performances on the pitch. As manager Hiroshi Jofuku emphasized, the Tokyo Derby possesses the potential to captivate national attention, mirroring the intensity of other legendary matches.
Building Up to the Clash
Looking forward to the intense matchup, Tsunashima Yuto remarked, “It’s finally time to get over that disappointment.” Past encounters left him contemplating missed opportunities; for example, during the Emperor’s Cup, he narrowly missed a decisive goal, highlighting the pressure stemming from his deep-rooted connection with the academy. “As someone who grew up in the academy, I’ve been told not to lose to that team for over 10 years. Knowing all the different backgrounds, I feel even more strongly that I can’t lose,” he stated.
Fans: The Heartbeat of the Team
Uniquely, Tokyo Verdy fans do not direct their chants toward the opposition with anger. This sentiment resonates with the players on the field. “Verdy supporters lend their strength to the players and fight alongside them. That’s true not just for this match, but for every game,” Saito explained. The connection between the supporters and players amplifies the atmosphere and motivation during matches.
Game Day Expectations
With approximately 40,000 spectators expected to attend the upcoming match against FC Tokyo, a vibrant atmosphere is inevitable. Aware of the opponent’s home-ground advantage, Jofuku anticipates a unique experience: “There is something that cannot be experienced or created in other matches. I think they will create an atmosphere that will make you feel that.” Having been part of both teams, his insights into what fuels the “Tokyo Derby” make him a vital figure in appreciating its significance.
Heartfelt Support Amplifies Performance
As fans of Tokyo Verdy prepare for the thrilling match, it is crucial to recognize that no game carries more excitement than this one. The collective spirit and camaraderie present within the fanbase will undoubtedly be a driving force for the players as they take to the pitch.
Key Takeaways for Supporters
- Understand the history of the rivalry to enhance your experience as a fan.
- Engage with players without directing negative energy toward opponents.
- Prepare for high-energy atmospheres that fuel player performance.
- Support your team wholeheartedly to create an uplifting experience for everyone involved.
Your heartfelt support will be conveyed to the players.
(Text by Naoki Tanaka and El Gracia Tokyo Verdy / Photos by Atsushi Kondo)
