Sei MUROYA

I want to see this as a positive point gained.

(Was it enjoyable to watch?)
……I found it tough (bitter smile).
I think there were many counterattacks and chances for the spectators to enjoy.
However, it was a rewarding match with many opportunities to be involved in goals, so in that sense, it might be said that it was enjoyable.

(What was tough?)
It was definitely the final stages.
Everyone must have been exhausted, and it was tough to be isolated in a high position on the side.
Moreover, I have the impression that when I was in a good flow, Sapporo substituted their wingbacks with more defensive players, and they handled it well.
I want to be able to show more "differences" in places like that.

《Keigo HIGASHI》

When facing Coach Petrovic's team, it always becomes a tense and closely contested game.
I think we both had a good match today.
I want to positively view not losing and grow so that we can win in matches like this in the future.

In terms of offense, we were able to not only create opportunities on the sides but also build plays in the center.
However, I felt that Sapporo was also putting their bodies on the line at the end, and their defensive strength was unlike any opponent we have faced before.

Until now, we often conceded goals in such situations, but everyone was united in their determination to 'not lose.' Isn't that a sign of growth as a team?
Of course, it was also significant that player Hayashi stopped it.
In terms of defense, it was a gain that we were able to contain players with height and strength, including FW Jay, MF Tokura, and Hiroshima's FW PATRIC.
I think we all managed to respond well, such as controlling the source before that play, not allowing strong competition by making physical contact.

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

"It was a very tense match."
There were chances, so of course we wanted to take all 3 points, but Sapporo had players up front who could strike at any moment, so not losing to a team in 3rd place can be seen as a positive, but it was also disappointing to end with just 1 point.
However, I believe that continuing to have matches like this is important for the league, so I want to take the positive aspect of being able to earn points at home and prepare for the next match.
There is also the Levain Cup on Wednesday. Although we have already been eliminated from the qualifiers, since it is our final home game, we want to prepare for it with all our might.

《Q&A》
Q=It felt like the two strikers known for their speed were not given much space.
"The game opened up during the second half.
I believe there was a chance to utilize our strengths at that moment, and if we could have capitalized on it, the outcome would have been different.
Of course, Sapporo analyzed us and was wary of the speed of our two forwards. I think that showed Sapporo's determination for today's match.
However, Ohmori received the ball just before the two forwards and created several chances. While the two forwards didn't have many significant opportunities, the players around them effectively utilized their momentum to create scenes approaching the goal. Moving forward, the team needs to develop the ability to finish these chances.

Summary of the press conference of Sapporo's Zoran PETROVIC

I think Tokyo has become a very disciplined team.
I thought it would be a difficult match because they launched counterattacks utilizing their speed from very good defense.
A defensive strategy in a top match between 2nd and 3rd place in the capital Tokyo is not my style. That's why I used player Jay, who has just returned from injury, at the top and approached today's match with an offensive formation. I believe both teams played well in the match. We both worked hard, maintained a fast tempo, and fought for the ball.
Although the score was 0-0, I think it was a very exciting match.
I think the final result of a draw is reasonable.

《Q&A》
Q=It felt like you were successfully containing the two top players from Tokyo.
"We are a team that builds up from the back and organizes our attacks. Therefore, I knew that if we lost the ball, the opponent would aim for a counterattack from there."
What has been communicated during this week's training is how important it is to switch gears after a loss.
I think we did relatively well in not giving time and space regarding today's match.