Akihiro HAYASHI
(Reflecting on the match)
"We felt that we were playing very good football in the first half. However, I think we became a bit fearful of taking risks, and our style of play changed somewhat. If we can maintain the way we played in the first half into the second half, I believe it would be frightening for the opponent, and if we can refine this style of football, I think the team can reach another level."

(How do you feel about this result against a team competing for the top?)
"I think it was good that we didn't lose and that we didn't have consecutive losses. The match against Kashiwa felt like we couldn't do anything and ended up losing, and I personally have regrets about that match. I want to think of today's result as a process to improve for the next match and aim higher, so I want to train hard from here on."

《Kensuke NAGAI》
(Reflecting on the goal)
"Ryōichi-san flicked it well, and I could see that the goalkeeper's position was advanced. I thought about taking a shot to finish it off, so I did."

(You mentioned that movements behind the defense are important before the match, right?)
"By making runs behind the defense, I was able to draw the opponent out, and in the space that was created, both Yoshito and Ryoichi were able to receive the ball in the first half. I was thinking of exploiting the space behind the opponent, and it worked out well, resulting in a goal just as I imagined."

(Regarding the result of 1 point away)
"After conceding a goal, we struggled to attack, and in the end, there were quite a few moments where we were helped by Aki-kun, so I want the attacking players to make sure to score additional goals."

(Personally, is this my first goal in the league?)
"Yes, I'm relieved to have scored."

《Summary of Coach Yoshiyuki SHINODA's Press Conference》
I think we were able to find space in Kobe well from the start and advance the game. I felt that the game progressed as expected until the opponent changed their system to 4-4-2. After scoring, it became a game where we didn't know what would happen if we didn't capitalize on chances for a second or third goal in the first half, or at the start of the second half. Additionally, there were many simple mistakes, and we still lost the ball in several situations, so I want to switch our mindset and carefully determine what kind of support we should provide, whether it’s a personal mistake or something from those around us, and prepare together for the next game.

《Q&A》
Q=About the bench work in the second half
"We have prepared to change the system so that the players on the sides take up higher positions, and we have been gradually implementing this in every game. I wanted (Shoya) Nakajima and (Yu) Okubo to support (Peter) UTAKA and (Ryoichi) MAEDA from a good distance as shadows and to go for the attack. There were good aspects, and by doing that, the game became quite open. We also went for goals, and Kobe did too. There were some open and messy parts, but it must have been enjoyable to watch. Once again, we need to take more initiatives and increase our efforts to score more goals."

《Kobe Coach NELSINHO's Press Conference Summary》
"I think we played well in the first half, but we didn't show the intensity we were looking for, especially in terms of strength in duels during defense. Because of that, we allowed the opponent to have the ball and created space for them. In the second half, we discussed this during halftime, and the players were able to increase their pressing from the front, which led to inducing mistakes from the opponent and allowed us to bring the flow back to our side. Within that flow, there were many chances, but we couldn't convert them. Looking only at the second half, I think it became a big game for both sides. Since we couldn't score, the game ended in a 1-1 draw."

《Q&A》
Q: It was a 1-1 draw between the top teams, but are you viewing it positively?
"Looking at the numbers alone, it's not positive, but regarding the players who played with the desire to win throughout, it was positive. In the second half, I think everyone played with courage, determination, and focus, striving to win until the very end."