《Kensuke NAGAI》
"We were conscious of actively defending from the front, and at halftime, we confirmed, 'Let's maintain a compact formation and press from the front when we can. Let's continue the way we fought in the first half.' In the end of the match, we defended by falling back, but that was also because everyone was aware that it was important for the team to secure the win. In the scoring scene, I thought Shoya NAKAJIMA would cut in and take a shot. Yoshito OKUBO and I reacted to that, and by closing in together, we created a situation that made it difficult for the opposing defenders to clear the ball. Above all, winning the opening match, which we really wanted, is a very big deal. I want to ride this momentum."

《Kosuke OTA》
"The game went as expected. We had several opportunities for set pieces, and it would have been better if we could have scored from those. I want to increase our goals from set pieces this season. Regarding defense, the players are actively pressing from the front, making it easier for those in the back to target the opponent's ball. We often managed to take the ball from the forwards of Kashima. In the past, we frequently lost the ball afterward, but this season we have been connecting the play carefully from there, often ending with a shot or winning a corner kick. I think it has been a good start to the season."

【Summary of Coach Yoshiyuki SHINODA's Press Conference】
"First of all, it was very good to have secured 3 points."
There were some rigid aspects in the opening match, and such plays were seen during the game, but they approached it with a challenger’s spirit.
When facing Kashima, it is important to pick up the second balls and connect them ourselves, and while it is difficult to break through to the goal, I feel that we have made some progress.
Also, many fans and supporters came to cheer for the players, and this three points is a new step for us.
I want to prepare well for the next match from here.

【Kashima - Masatada ISHII's Press Conference Summary】
Many fans and supporters came to the stadium looking forward to today's opening match and cheered for the players, but it ended in a frustrating loss.
In the first half, we struggled to bring the ball deep into the opponent's territory, giving the impression that we had to endure a bit.
In the second half, there was a prediction that the opponent's pace would drop a bit, and gradually the time spent holding the ball increased, creating many chances, but we were unable to convert them.
We have the ACL coming up in two days, so I want to switch our focus to that.