《Hyun Soo JANG》

(It was a difficult match. Reflecting on the game)
"I think today's match was the worst of the games we've played this season.
Despite leading by 2 points at the start of the second half, we conceded 3 goals and lost the match.
The entire team, including myself, must reflect on this. We must become stronger from this match.

(Thoughts on scoring my first goal of the season)
"Ota provided a great ball, and I was able to dive in at the right moment.
I think it was good that we were able to score.
(Looking ahead to the next match)
"There were good aspects in terms of the match content and development. However, looking at the entire 90 minutes, I think we lacked concentration. The same can be said when looking at the last two matches as well.
We must reflect on the match together, address the issues, and prepare for the next game.
It is necessary to become stronger mentally.

Akihiro HAYASHI

(Reflecting on the match)
"The start was good, and it was a good match overall.
The biggest relaxation this season occurred when the score became a two-point difference. We couldn't tighten things up at that moment.
We faced a situation where the opponent approached us in an unconventional manner, and we had to make adjustments during the match. We lacked the ability to prevent them from breaking through at the crucial moments.

(What are the points for improvement moving forward?)
"We have no choice but to take another step forward. This was the first time we experienced three consecutive losses this season, so we have to do our best to recover."
I want to step forward with a new feeling once again.

(I felt that there was a difference in movement in the second half)
"From the back, it seemed that the movement had stopped in the second half."
Everyone had some awareness of having a 2-point lead, but there was no intention to play defensively. However, I feel that our aggressiveness seemed to decrease.
I feel that there was a sense among everyone, including myself, of being a little scared to take risks and wanting to play it as safely as possible.

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

"Losing after being turned around by a two-goal deficit is the most frustrating. The players entered the match with a strong determination to stop the losing streak and played a wonderful game.
However, what was disappointing was the way we started the second half. We talked about going for another goal as we entered the second half, but perhaps we got a bit relaxed considering we had a two-goal lead.
That led to conceding a goal, and I think our response in front of the goal became somewhat lax.
Ultimately, the start of the second half became a major point in today's match.
However, there have been a series of matches where we couldn't score the first goal.
In that sense, I think today's match was a significant achievement for the current team as we were able to create many chances from the first half and take a 2-goal lead. I want to prepare thoroughly so that we can continue to progress in this way and secure a win next time.
Many fans and supporters came all the way to Hokkaido to cheer us on, and the players did their best with the thought of "somehow" achieving victory, but I truly feel sorry that we couldn't present a win to everyone.
On the contrary, I think that for Sapporo, the situation where they had to go out and score a point has greatly contributed to their strength at home.

I want us to do our best to win matches like this, and I want to switch gears and prepare for the next Emperor's Cup match against Yamagata and the weekend match against Shonan over the next week.


《Q&A》
Q=What role did you expect from Maeda? "When Sapporo fell back after taking the lead, it was difficult with just speed players, so I was expecting him to be a starting point in the front line and the final goal scorer. He was in very good form during training, and although he was returning from injury, I used him with the hope that he would score a decisive goal."

Q=Player Shinada made his first appearance in J1.
"Given the flow of the match, we needed a player to carry the ball in midfield. Aito is a player skilled in that kind of play, so I sent him out with the message, 'Go out there with confidence.' He also has the ability to take long shots, so I told him to take a shot whenever he sees an opportunity."

Q=Did the decrease in activity in the second half result from the impact of consecutive matches?
"There were players on the side who seemed to struggle physically, but I think the other players ran until the end. Of course, I believe there were substitutions from Sapporo, but I feel that leading in the first half made things a bit easier in the second half. I think if we had entered the second half firmly and maintained our pressure in front of the goal as we did in the first half, it would have been better. Of course, I think there were tactical changes due to Sapporo's substitutions, but regarding today, I believe it was also a matter of our own mindset."

《Press Conference Summary of Sapporo's Mihailo PETROVIC》
The first half can be counted as one of the worst halves since I became the coach.
The players seemed a bit scared, and the game developed in a way that they couldn't connect the ball well, resulting in either kicking long balls or losing possession, which prevented them from maintaining control of the ball.
After all, I am afraid to kick the ball and fear making mistakes. In that context, the movements to provide support have also decreased.
It was an unsatisfactory first half, having conceded two goals amidst such passive play.
I made some adjustments at halftime and spoke harshly.
In the second half, from the start, the players executed the plays we needed to perform. They applied solid pressure from the front, the transitions between offense and defense became quicker, and it seemed like there were more opportunities to win the ball in one-on-one situations.
I think the players who came on as substitutes did their job well.
I believe that in order to develop the style of football we aim for throughout the match, the team still needs more time to mature.

However, I believe that if the players fully understand the differences between the first half and the second half, we can grow. The team from Sapporo is one that can create chances and has the ideas to score against any opponent.
However, in order to achieve victory among that, the players still have many areas they need to learn.
Up to Sec. 22, the players have fought well, and I am also grateful for the support from the supporters.
The team is making progress. While alternating between wins and losses, the players are advancing step by step. I believe daily practice is important to ensure that progress does not stop. To value that accumulation, I want to build even further from here.
Finally, the consecutive matches are over, and we have time to practice. While savoring this victory, I want to continue from tomorrow.
I believe that being able to come back from a two-goal deficit against a strong Tokyo team proves that we have strength. I think being able to show that we can win against a strong opponent by fighting our own fight will lead to confidence.