《Kosuke OTA》

(It was a difficult match. Reflecting on today's game)
"After making it 2-0, I think we needed to score a third goal to pull away. It was the first match of the Emperor's Cup, and since the opponent was a university team, the rhythm was different than usual.
I think we made the match difficult for ourselves, but since we needed a victory today, I'm glad we achieved that goal.

(What did you focus on in the pitch from being caught up to taking the lead?)
"We talked about playing strongly at the ball because we didn't start the second half well. I think we were a little swayed by the different atmosphere of a tournament compared to a league match."
If we were to be honest, we should have dominated. It was a match that made us recognize many issues, so we want to reflect on it properly and make corrections.

(Looking ahead)
"Today, winning is everything. I want to positively embrace the fact that we won and be able to fight well after the break."
I want to refresh both my mind and body, and be conscious of building up as a team.

Masato MORISHIGE

(I think it was expected that it would be a difficult match since it was the first round of the Emperor's Cup, but looking back at the match)
"The second half became a difficult situation.
Other than the start of the second half, I don't think there were many problems."

(It has been since the practice match against Meiji, but what are your personal thoughts including your game sense?)
"I was able to win solidly. The atmosphere of the first match each year is unique, and I don't have many memories of winning easily."
We were able to win, for better or worse, and since winning was the main objective of today's match, I believe we achieved that.

(There will be a gap between matches again from today's game)
"Since there will be a gap between matches again from here, I think we will work on the issues that arose in the first half during training.
In the second half, I believe our opponents will be cautious about various aspects, so we need to create something that surpasses that in order to win. I want to make sure we prepare well for that."

Summary of the press conference by Kenta HASEGAWA, Tokyo's coach

I sincerely admire the efforts of Ryukyu University Dragons.
They caught up from 0-2, and the determination to turn the game around was very evident.
I think that in the last 15 minutes, everyone on the pitch felt the need to give their all.
I think the players and staff of Ryukoku University who brought it this far played a wonderful match.
In comparison, we were only able to play with our usual intensity in the last 15 minutes today, but other than that, it felt like we were playing as if we were asleep.
In the halftime locker room, the players expressed, "A two-goal lead is dangerous, so let's focus and properly enter the match again in the second half." However, when the match actually started, we couldn't close down, couldn't pick up the second balls, and missed a penalty, so I think it was good that we were caught up at a two-goal difference. Even if we had won 2-1, I don't think it would have led to a meaningful next match, and it lit a fire under us, allowing us to play a solid game.
I knew that the first match of the Emperor's Cup would be difficult, so regardless of the content, I believe I managed to achieve the initial goal of advancing to the next round, but I was reminded that there is still a lot to be done.
I want to prepare thoroughly so that we can win the next third round as well.

《Q&A》
Q=What was the reason for not making a substitution immediately after conceding the two goals?
"The opponent was also very strong, so I was prepared for extra time. That's why I couldn't easily make substitutions."
It took some time to determine which FW to substitute, and even for the midfield substitutions, I observed a bit to decide which one to keep.
However, I believe that the starting 11 players are strong. There was also a desire for them to manage things with their own strength.
However, with only 10 minutes left, there was a desire to decide the match within 90 minutes if possible, rather than going into extra time, so I made the substitution.

《Summary of the press conference by Katsuaki Teronai, coach of Ryukyu University Dragons Ryugasaki》

"We had been discussing the need to pay attention to the opponent's set plays throughout the match, but we conceded the opening goal from one of those set plays, which created a bit of a bad flow for us."
The second goal conceded was also due to our own mistake, resulting in a score of 0-2 at halftime.
At halftime, since midfielders Sato and Honda were unsettled and unable to play their game, we talked about playing with confidence.
As the second half began, those two were able to establish a calm relationship, connect the ball, and pick up the second balls. I believe that scoring two goals will boost the players' confidence.

《Q&A》
Q=What is the significance of having today's match as Ryukyu Dragons?
"Usually, the Dragons compete in the JFL category.
I believe that in terms of truly developing players, it would be great to have as many official match opportunities as possible.
I believe that being able to compete against FC Tokyo, including participating in the Emperor's Cup, has given the players confidence. Most of them are in their second or third year, and they have dreams of becoming professional soccer players in the future. Although they may not have been fully prepared to face professional players, I think they fought well.