《Kensuke NAGAI》
(There was an incident with the national team, so I missed the recent league match)
"Since I was able to watch the match from the stands once, I was able to organize various things. I could think about where to position myself to attract the ball and create chances in my own way.
I'm glad I was able to score a goal today.

(About the goal)
"Yajima was on the near side and did a great job of drawing the opponent in."
I was glad to be able to demonstrate something I had tried many times in practice on the field.
We were able to take the lead, but there were also several chances to add more goals. I think if we could have converted those, we could have progressed through the match more easily.

(About the combination with player Yajima)
"I think it was a good collaboration overall, as we were able to advance into the opponent's territory with our teamwork."
There were moments when we were pushed back by the opponent, but we talked about applying pressure aggressively from the front again, including the midfield players.
"I'm relieved that we were able to win in the end."

《Keigo HIGASHI》
(Reflecting on the opening goal that led to the assist)
"I think we were able to score at a good time just before the end of the first half. It was great that Nagai also scored in his first match back. We were able to win the first match and approach the second match with an advantage. I believe this momentum will carry over into the league matches, so I'm relieved that we were able to win today."

(It was a match to avoid consecutive losses since the match against Kobe)
"With consecutive matches, I think managing the members and the strategies involved is what the Levain Cup is about."
Next, we have a league match in three days, so I think all the players need to fight together, and having fresh players involved in the match will add depth to the team, so I want us to fight together in the upcoming consecutive matches as well.

(We talked about the need to take control of the match against C Osaka, who will strengthen their defense)
"Scoring a goal is what moves the match. However, there was also a chance to score a second goal. We couldn't capitalize on our chances in the match against Kobe, so today we challenged ourselves in that area. Being able to achieve victory in a match after a loss was a significant gain."

(However, we wanted to score one more goal)
"We wanted to score an additional goal, but first and foremost, winning is important. The challenges will arise as we play more matches. We want to review each one, reflect as a team, and prepare for the next match against Sendai. Since it's a sport with opponents, some research is necessary, but we want to pursue our own style of football."

(Do you have a mental block against Sendai?)
"No matter who the opponent is, I think it depends on us. What we want to achieve and how we proceed is the most important. There are 2 league matches left in the first half, and I want to win them solidly and head into the second half with confidence."

《Tokyo - Summary of the Press Conference with Director Kenta HASEGAWA》
"It was very good to achieve victory. I wanted to score a second goal if possible, but in the end, it became a battle of attrition for both sides during the consecutive matches."
I think the fact that we didn't give the opponent an away goal is a result of the DF line holding strong. We brought in attacking players to score one more goal, but we couldn't finish it.
The team has been working hard in the Levain Cup so far. I want to proceed while monitoring the players' condition to ensure we can advance to the next stage.

(There were no goals conceded, but the focus on the players)
"If we worry about away goals, we can't move forward. What was needed today was to win.
It was necessary to win while not conceding an away goal. The opponent came into the match with the mindset that a draw would be acceptable, and they ended up with just a single goal conceded, which was the minimum damage. The second match will be a fierce battle.

(Considering the flow of the league match, today's attack evaluation is)
"In the previous league match against Kobe, we had chances but couldn't score. Today, we were able to get one goal. Nagai returned and showed a performance worthy of the Japan national team. I wondered if he was that good."
There was also a consideration to limit the playing time a bit more, but I felt that this could work, so I let him play until the end. I believe that being able to play until the end is a significant achievement for the team.

(Evaluation of Na SANGHO and Yajima)
"SANGHO showed his strengths. I think he can score more if our senses align. It was a performance that gives hope for the future.
Yajima often becomes a focal point in the front line and is able to play for the team.
Moreover, being able to shoot as well is a sign of growth. It was the same in the last league match against Kobe, but I think today was also a satisfactory performance.

《C Osaka - LOTINA Coach Press Conference Summary》
It was a hard-fought match, but we wanted to score an away goal. Despite having several chances, we were unable to secure a single point.
Tokyo had several chances to score a second goal, and they were able to create opportunities by moving the ball well during the match. As a result, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either.

(Although we lost, there are positive aspects as we kept the score to a minimum for the second match)
"Aside from the result, in terms of content, we rotated players from the league match today, but we were able to play in the same way. This shows that the players who have had fewer opportunities in the league are also able to train well on a regular basis. In that regard, I am taking today's match positively."

(How did you feel about Tokyo today compared to the match in the league?)
"In the last match, we struggled, but we took our chances."
However, the opponent also had chances. In terms of being closely contested, there was no difference, and I didn't feel a significant gap. If there is a difference, it is that in the previous match we scored one goal, while in today's match they scored one goal. Basically, I think it was a similar match.