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《FC Tokyo U-23 Coach Tetsu NAGASAWA Press Conference Summary 》

I would like to thank those who chose to come and watch the U-23 game despite the J1 match in Matsumoto, and I sincerely apologize for not being able to secure any points.

The game started with a bit of influence from the wind, resembling a contest for second balls. At the beginning, we were slightly confused by the condition of the grass and the wind, but once we settled down, we were able to progress the game without any issues, leading to a situation where it was a matter of whether we could convert our chances. While the opponent scored beautifully from a cross to the far side, we also had opportunities in the first half with Miyazaki's volley and shots in front of the goal, including a couple from Takumi NAKAMURA. I believe it came down to those moments.

It is currently a challenge for the top team as well, but they are able to reach the shooting stage. From a competitive standpoint, whether or not they can finish is something that the U-23 group must demonstrate individually, rather than as a team, in terms of their tasks and presence, so in that sense, it is still unsatisfactory.

After all, during difficult periods, not only scoring but also being able to apply pressure two or three times when pushed back can help us regain control. However, we somehow ended up retreating completely, leading to a conceded goal that was forced through. I want to learn from these situations and seek to understand what I can do as an individual. Regarding today's game, we approached it with the theme of battles for the ball, and while we were overwhelming at certain times, I wonder how we can perform during tough periods. I believe that a player who can dominate in those moments can survive on their own in this world. I want to maintain high standards as we move forward.

However, in the U-23, we are working to connect to Coach Hasegawa's style of football, so if we can achieve results here, the path to the top team will open up. Especially in the crucial games towards the end of the league, where rankings are at stake, if even one player can step up from here and perform in games like today, opportunities will come quickly. In that sense, the performance wasn't bad, but in terms of individual progression, it felt like we needed one more step in this game.

We haven't won in a while, so I want to somehow win the next match against Kumamoto.