《Kosuke OTA》
I think it was a match that showed both good and bad points.
I believe it was exactly that kind of game. We started poorly, but we managed to recover from there and took control in the second half.
It is very disappointing that we were unable to bring home even one point.

(What instructions were given at halftime?)
"Since we were able to change the flow from the middle of the first half, I was told to continue fighting. I was told that if we could score a goal in the first 5 or 10 minutes of the second half, the game would change, so I think it was significant that we were actually able to score a goal. However, we didn't have the strength to push forward from there."

(Regarding being able to contribute to the score as an individual)
"I believe that being able to score in the few chances I had is one of my strengths."

Was it a corner kick as intended?
"I didn't really have the image of a direct goal, but I thought it would be a chance since players like Watanabe, Niwa, and Yajima were clustered near the near post. I believe set pieces are our strong point, so I'm glad I could contribute to the goal."

(This weekend is a top-of-the-table clash against Nagoya)
"The league is still long, and I think the members fighting in this cup competition need to be more involved in the league, so first, I want to prepare well and aim to defeat Nagoya."

《Rei HIRAKAWA》
"As a team, we made many simple mistakes and couldn't establish a rhythm. This is our ability, so we have no excuses and can only improve."

(The flow improved after changing the system midway through the first half, but what kind of conversations took place on the pitch?)
"After changing the system, we were able to connect the ball better and increased the time we spent pushing forward. That was good, but in the end, we could only score one goal from a set piece, so we need to create more attacking patterns."

(It seemed that there would be more possibilities if we could launch effective attacks after pushing forward)
"The breakdown in front of the goal has become an issue. I think we need to build on that."

(There were noticeable passes to the back from the first half and consistently aggressive plays)
"Since there were speedy players like Tagawa and Na SANGHO, there were many scenes in practice where I could make through passes. I think if we could coordinate more, we could increase the number of higher quality passes at better timing. I want to increase that form from now on."

(The Levain Cup resulted in two consecutive losses, but each player likely had many lessons learned)
"There were several scenes today where I lost the ball in my area. If I don't eliminate those situations, I don't think I can become involved in the league matches. I want to prioritize the attitude of making a difference and carry that into my training."

《Tokyo - Summary of the Press Conference with Director Kenta HASEGAWA》
"I'm sorry that we couldn't meet the expectations of the fans and supporters who came to cheer us on in the cold."

Even with a 2-point deficit, they played calmly and managed to score one goal back. I think they did their best.
I chose the members myself, and it was my decision to let them play in the usual style, so the players are not at fault, and I still feel my own shortcomings.
The Levain Cup started with consecutive losses, but there are still 4 matches left.
And since there are three home games, I want to prepare thoroughly for the next match.
Okazaki, who came on as a substitute, stabilized the team well, and Ota's goal was a significant point for the team.
I believe that unless players like these emerge in a long league season, we cannot expect a deeper player pool, so I want them to compete strongly again from training.

《Sendai - Summary of the Press Conference with Coach Susumu WATANABE》
"Tactically, especially in the first half, we were able to move the ball well and score while maintaining good organization. After the opponent changed their lineup and formation, there were moments of confusion, but I believe we were able to keep an eye on the opponent and break free from our marks, which allowed us to make progress starting from the middle of the second half. If we could have capitalized on that, we could have closed the game with a greater advantage, so even though we won, we need to reflect on this."

(Evaluation of the first half)
"We were able to firmly link the preparations made so far with the phenomena that occurred on the pitch. From there, up until we made it 2-0, I believe we were able to maintain our superiority amidst the constantly changing developments of the match. Even when the opponent changed their system, if we could have identified where spaces were created more quickly and accurately on the pitch, I think we could have likely closed out the game while maintaining our advantage. That is something I want to develop moving forward."