《Kensuke NAGAI》
(The opening goal was a significant step towards victory)
"I was very pleased to score in the first chance as we started the match very well."

I think it was a fight according to our plan.
"Since it was at home, we talked with Diego OLIVEIRA about how to move forward regardless of the ball that came. Even after scoring the first goal, we were able to push forward, so I believe we fought according to our plan."

(Diego OLIVEIRA's second goal was a result of a flowing quick attack)
"The through pass was well executed considering the timing, strength, and direction. It was a goal from Diego OLIVEIRA after he broke free and made a cutback, but he was just excellent in that final moment."

(There was a wonderful pass from Kubo)
"I thought a pass was coming from Kubo, so I checked the position of the opposing center-back. Since there was no one around me, I just watched Diego OLIVEIRA's movement."
I think the attacking players were able to coordinate their plays in various situations.

(Today, I was able to score my 50th goal in J1 history)
"The ball from Ogawa was very good. Higashi collapsed at the near post, so I was able to connect well. This is my first headed goal since coming to Tokyo."

(Today, both starting forwards were able to score)
"Before the match started, I was talking with Diego OLIVEIRA about how great it would be if we could both score. In the end, I'm really happy that both of us were able to score goals after the match."

Akihiro HAYASHI
(The scene of the conceded goal showed a very regretful expression)
"I was able to react to the course, but conceding the goal gave the opponent momentum. By putting ourselves in that situation early on, we left the possibility of being at a disadvantage, so I think it was a waste."

(After that, he was fiercely defending the goal with passionate play. In the scene where he stopped a shot with his face, it seemed like he had taken a step towards the near side in advance)
"I felt the opponent FW might touch the ball first, so my body reacted. I'm glad I was able to stop it."

(Is that something you can stop even without reaching out?)
"I just made sure not to instinctively avoid it and moved my body firmly. I'm relieved that I was able to protect the goal with my whole body."

It became a difficult score of 3-1. It was impressive to see the players being actively encouraged.
Since there were many times we had to endure, it was important to see how we could maintain that. I think the second half was a situation where we had to endure for a long time, so I frequently talked to the DF line about adjusting their positions to hold the defense.
As a result, we were able to continue playing without losing our concentration even after conceding a goal. I wanted to maintain the score of 3-0 a bit more effectively. There were times when we were pushed back by Kashima's momentum. I want to use the attacks we faced in the second half as a lesson for the next match.

(In terms of calling out, I was also frequently communicating with players on the opposite side)
"There are agreements regarding defense with the defensive line, and from my position where I can see from the back, I try to communicate effectively.
As the match approaches its final stages, we need to clarify who will step in when the FW player cannot return, and how to prevent that situation. We want to be able to respond flexibly depending on the circumstances.
Anyone can give praise, but we need to establish a relationship where we can intentionally say difficult things during the match. I believe that this stance tightens the team, and I want to maintain this tension as we prepare for the next challenge.

Masato MORISHIGE
(The key points of the second half battle are)
"First, don't panic. Since we were able to score 3 goals in the first half, we could anticipate that the second half would unfold like that.
Since we cannot fight like we did in the first half for 90 minutes, if I were to be greedy, I thought it would be good to let them attack in that way and to be able to launch a few counterattacks.
We desperately wanted the 3 points, so we ended up defending with all 11 players, but it was by no means a bad way to fight.

(Was there any anxiety about holding on? I felt the team's resilience)
"In the future, as it gets hotter, I think there will be situations where we will have to fight like we did in the second half today, so we talked about not panicking and that once we decide to defend, we all defend together. There was no sign of panic on the pitch."

(This season, we are undefeated at home at Ajinomoto)
"What is important is that we have not grasped anything at this point and that we are always challengers."
I don't want to repeat the same thing as last season, so while we are winning, I want everyone to gradually contribute a little extra effort.
If we only try to work hard together after the team has fallen apart, it will require many times more power. In order to keep winning, it is necessary for the entire team to unite and fight while sharing opinions.

《Tokyo - Summary of the Press Conference with Director Kenta HASEGAWA》
"I'm glad we could win in front of many fans and supporters at home."
In the first half, we were very good, but I think Kashima also had fatigue from the ACL. Being able to score three goals in that situation became a significant point that allowed us to hold on until the end.
At halftime, I told the players that this is not what Kashima is about. Even after conceding three goals, it is no small feat to regroup and refocus for the match. It was impressive to witness a club that has won numerous titles, including last year's ACL.
We conceded a goal in the second half, but I believe that by putting our bodies on the line and doing what we needed to do, we prevented them from scoring a second goal. If they had scored a second goal, I felt that Kashima had the potential to score a third and possibly even turn the game around.
Still, I thought I couldn't just defend, so I wanted to bring in Jael and push back the game once more. There were parts that didn't go as planned, but I think the players who won did well, and we have a match against a strong Hiroshima team in four days. I want to prepare well again.

(In the second half, we were mostly on the defensive. However, around the 80th minute, the scene where player Higashi put his body on the line to win the ball was impressive)
"Higashi, Takahagi, and Omori worked hard in the midfield and were able to push back. Keigo's leadership, his passion for this match, and his talk about going in with grit before the game made me feel that his presence is quite significant."

(Kubo was substituted)
"I think he probably hit his head during the contact. After that, the intensity dropped, so when I wanted to bring in Omori to push back, Kubo himself signaled that he was out. I haven't heard the details yet, so I can't say much, but for now, he seemed fine, so I think he will be okay."

(Kubo was also the starting point for two long counterattacks)
"In the first half, he showed an impeccable performance. In defense, he played without fear even when matched up against national team players. Despite the schedule being just three days after the Levain Cup, he played solidly and contributed to scoring plays. I think he had a significant impact today as well."

《Kashima - Go OIWA Coach Press Conference Summary》
"As you all saw, the first half was the entire match, I think. The first goal conceded. In the last few matches, we have often conceded goals at the start of the game or at the beginning of the second half, but I believe the balance between making them aware and being overly conscious may have led to our approach being too strong."
This is just hindsight, but it is important to pay attention and enter properly, and to take positioning that counters the opponent's momentum. I think we were a bit lacking in that area in the first half. That led to conceding a goal, and I reflect that the first half was everything.

(Did we receive too much momentum from the opponent until the moment we conceded a goal?)
"We analyzed that the opponent would come out aggressively. However, we were a bit lacking in positioning to counter that and in how we responded in those situations. This includes our response to cross balls, which I think was a bit weak."

(Kashima was unable to break through the space, but was it because Tokyo's defense was strong, or was Kashima fatigued?)
"Condition is something I have to manage myself, so I feel I need to reflect on that properly. However, I placed great importance on this match, and we discussed analyzing Tokyo's defensive methods and weaknesses, and making sure to exploit them."
However, it felt like we became anxious due to conceding a goal, and our attacks became concentrated in the center. To neutralize their pressure, we obviously needed to make runs into space, but our inability to do so was our own issue.
First, we need to take positioning to create running space. There was little connectivity and movement. If the cause is that the body feels heavy, then it must be a failure of my management, and if the players were hesitant, then we need to reorganize how to create and enter space.