《Tsuyoshi WATANABE》
(On the collaboration with center-back player Okazaki)
"As we play more matches, I am gradually understanding Okazaki's characteristics. I feel that we are able to play in a good relationship with each other."

(We couldn't score in today's match)
"There are other teams that defend like Sendai. In such matches, I think set plays will become effective, so I want to utilize my strengths and aim to score."

(Regarding the attack)
"Considering the influence of the wind, I thought long balls from the defensive line to the front line would not be effective. As a team, we envisioned distributing the ball to the full-backs and midfielders to build up the game. However, since there were two fast players in the front line, there were also moments where we could have been more proactive in advancing the ball and challenging. I felt it was necessary to observe the situation more and make better judgments."


(About player Tagawa, who was selected for the national team)
"We were trying to create situations where Tagawa's characteristics could shine as a team. I believe he himself feels frustrated about not scoring. Before the U-20 World Cup, I wanted him to score in matches like this to build momentum, but today we couldn't bring the team into a good shape."

(Although we couldn't score, we were able to finish without conceding a goal)
"Now, as a team, it has become normal to keep a clean sheet in both league and cup matches. In that context, I think it was good that we finished the match without conceding a goal."

《Makoto OKAZAKI》
(About the combination with Watanabe)
"We both have clear characteristics. Watanabe is strong in aerial battles and can be tight in one-on-one situations.
I am confident in my defense, but I also want to showcase my strengths in attack. Today, I was able to play while communicating with each other to bring out our good points.

(While progressing through the match without major issues, when pointing out areas for improvement)
"We were able to stay focused for most of the time and work in coordination with player Hayashi, without creating any gaps.
However, as the second half progressed, the number of times we were caught on short counters and lost second balls increased. I believe the reason is that we could no longer push up the line and were unable to pick up second balls, but here we reflected on it so that we can improve together.

(I want to control the line a bit more)
"During the tough moments in the second half, a simple clearance ball from the opponent connected with them, and we were attacked from there. If we had played more clearly in the second half, I think we could have created a bit more time for our own attacks."

(Still, no goals conceded)
"I thought we had to keep it at zero or there would be no next time, and I talked about it with Ota. Up front, we had Na SANGHO, Diego OLIVEIRA, Tagawa, Kubo, and Nagai, and by keeping it at zero, we were able to attack like that in the second half. Keeping it at zero created a synergistic effect in both offense and defense."

《Tokyo - Summary of the Press Conference with Director Kenta HASEGAWA》
"How do we interpret the result of 1 point? We wanted to secure 3 points, but given today's performance, I think it was difficult. The players played with a lot of heart, but there were moments when they were too tense. I talked to the players in the meeting about the fact that we have lost five consecutive times to Sendai, which led to a lack of composure in our overall play."
In that match, I believe that the young DF players did a great job of completely shutting down the opponent's experienced attacking line, which is a very reassuring result, just like in the previous Levain Cup.
The decision to advance to the playoff stage has been postponed until the final match, and while the schedule is tight, I spoke to the players about adding points against Tosu and finishing the group stage successfully. Since there is a league match in three days, I hope we can all prepare thoroughly again.

(Two players were brought in after the start of the second half, but the flow did not change much)
"Takefusa should have received the ball in a more flexible position, but it did not develop as intended.
Even with the addition of Diego OLIVEIRA, not much changed. There was a bit more intensity, and there were about two clear chances, but they were skillfully dealt with by Sendai's experienced defense line.

《Sendai - Summary of the Press Conference with Coach Susumu WATANABE》
"Our mission today is to secure 1 point. We have prepared to ensure at least a draw to secure the top position. There were very difficult moments during the match, but I think it's significant that the players kept their composure, fought tenaciously, and managed to earn 1 point without conceding any goals."

(Reason for having one less bench member)
"I was thinking about the next league match. The players who played for a long time in the away game against Kawasaki in the previous league match were still feeling the fatigue. After considering everything, we approached the match with 17 players."