"Kensuke NAGAI"
"We were conscious of defending from an aggressive front line, and at half-time we confirmed to "keep a compact formation and press forward when possible. We wanted to continue the fight in the first half." In the end of the game, we defended with a tight formation, but that was because everyone was aware that it was important for the team to win. I thought that Shoya NAKAJIMA would cut in and take a shot for the scoring opportunity. Yu OKUBO and Yoshito OKUBO reacted to it and sandwiched the opponent's defenders. I think it was difficult for them to clear the ball. Most importantly, winning the opening game was a big deal. We want to keep riding this wave."

"Kosuke OTA"
"It was the game we expected. We had several opportunities from set pieces, so it would have been better if we could have scored from there. We want to increase our goals from set pieces this season. As for defense, our players are actively pressing from the front, making it easier for us in the back to target the opponent's ball. We were able to win the ball back many times, especially against Kashima's FW. In the past, we often lost the ball after winning it, but this season we have been able to carefully connect from there and end with a shot or earn a corner kick. I think it's a good start to the season."

[Coach Yoshiyuki SHINODA's Press Conference Summary]
"First and foremost, it was great to be able to win 3 points."
There were some tough moments in the opening game, and we saw those kinds of plays throughout the game, but Jean approached it with a challenger's mindset.
When facing Kashima, it is important to pick up second balls and connect them ourselves. It is difficult to break through to the goal, but we feel like we have taken a step forward.
In addition, many fans and supporters came to support us, and they gave us a boost, so these 3 points will be a new step for us.
"We want to prepare well for the next game from here."

[Kashima - Masatada ISHII Coach's Press Conference Summary]
"Many fans and supporters came to the stadium looking forward to today's opening game and cheered on the players, but unfortunately we suffered a disappointing loss."
The first half was a tough one as we were unable to bring the ball deep into the opponent's territory, and it was a half where we had to endure a bit.
In the second half, there was a prediction that the opponent's pace would also decrease a little, and as we gradually increased our possession time, we created many chances, but we were unable to finish them off.
We want to switch to the ACL in two days, so we want to switch there.