《Takumi NAKAMURA》
(Although it was my second consecutive start, looking back at today's match)
"In the moment of the opening goal, I was able to get the ball through the opponent's legs as I had imagined.
Actually, it was a cross aimed at player Hara, but it hit the opposing DF well and went into the goal, so I think it turned out well in the end.

(Although there are consecutive matches, regarding pace management during the game)
"Rather than saving energy from the start, I play with full effort from the beginning, and if I can't move halfway through, that's just how it is."

(Although the team suffered a comeback defeat)
"I believe that we must focus on the results on the J1 stage."
After taking the lead, we allowed the opponent to score 2 goals and turned the game around.
I think I need to reflect on myself as an individual, and I want to connect today's results to the next.

《Ryoya OGAWA》
(It was a match just two days after the previous round)
"I think there are some tough aspects in terms of physical strength, but the opponent is in the same situation."
I think we need to continue playing as usual under the same conditions.

(Especially in the second half, the game turned into a situation where we allowed a comeback)
"From the middle of the second half, we started losing many battles for the ball against our opponents.
As a result, I feel that there have been many moments where the team has been pushed back.
We have a match against G Osaka in two days, and I want to continue fighting for 90 minutes in terms of ball contests and seize victory.

《Tokyo - Summary of the Press Conference with Director Kenta HASEGAWA》
Looking back at the entire match, we were outperformed by Kashima in the basic aspects, ball contests, second balls, and loose ball battles.
From the middle to the end of the first half, we took the lead and connected it to the opening goal. The start of the second half wasn't bad either, but as time went on, the younger players seemed to slow down. The substitutes also couldn't bring energy to the team, and overall, it wasn't a good performance today.

(The team made significant changes to the lineup from the previous match due to consecutive games. Was the plan to endure in the first half and then go for it in the second half?)
"It wasn't just about enduring in the first half; the starting members today had been activating the attack from the middle of previous matches, so I expected good condition and used them as starters. The movement itself wasn't bad, and I think they played aggressively until the beginning of the second half."

(The evaluation of player Hara, who made his first start in J1)
"I was excited to see how far he could go as it was his first time starting."
If I can start playing well during the match and perform well throughout the game as a starter, I will become 'a proper player.'
I believe that when the opponent is in good form, there is still more to come, and that they are capable of doing even better.
Today, Daichi wasn't able to play in his usual style, but I hope he can use this experience to achieve results next time.

(What are your thoughts on battling with a shuffled lineup like today?)
"Since we didn't get the results, I believe it's the coach's responsibility."

《Kashima - ZAGO Coach Press Conference Summary》
"I used players in as fresh a condition as possible. I think that worked well in that regard."
Against a tough opponent, we demanded a balanced approach and decision-making, and the players executed it well.
I think we could have scored in the first half and managed the game with a bit more composure by not giving up until the end. However, I believe we expressed the parts we demanded through our play, and it reflected in the score.

Please tell us the significance of winning the first match after Atsuto Uchida left.
"Both the players, staff, club, and supporters love Uchida very much.
It remains unchanged, and personally, it pains me to see players retire.
I was especially surprised that the still young Uchida is retiring. He left us with the message that we must continue to win and remain strong. Those who remain must carry that on, and just because he has retired doesn't mean he is a stranger or someone we don't know.
He has a history made at this club. He brought titles, excelled in the Japan national team, and also performed well in Europe.
We must not betray the words left by someone who has achieved that much.
However, we have to move forward without him. We can only continue to win. I think we played with that mindset. Perhaps the players also had the feeling of dedicating today's victory to him.