Kensuke NAGAI
In the first half, there were many sideways and backward passes, making it difficult to reach the goal area. In the second half, we were able to make adjustments, and we started to make forward passes, allowing us to advance towards the goal.
I want to carry out this development from the start of the match

(Passed through in first place without losing. What we gained is)
"Not losing was significant. I think it's difficult to advance without a loss, so in a tournament where young players will also participate, I believe each of them will gain confidence."

(Looking back at the goal scene)
"The shot went in just as I imagined. It was the same path I practiced. I'm glad I was able to kick it into the side netting."

(It seems that the shooting sensation is very good)
"My shoulder condition has improved quite a bit, so my balance is also returning. I think that includes those aspects and is changing for the better."

(It was a match where veterans and young players merged, but did they communicate with each other?)
"We talked about playing boldly without fearing mistakes, and in the second half, Yasuda came in and applied pressure from the front, and I think we were able to feel a sense of speed that can only be experienced here. In that sense, I believe it was a match that will lead to the next one."

(Did we gain momentum for the next match?)
"Personally, I was able to score for the first time in a while, but it's important to accumulate points in the league. I think we need to change things again, and I want to work hard to show our Tokyo style."

(It was an assist by Higashi, but what was discussed among the experienced players)
"The assist was by Higashi, but the vertical pass before that was made by Shinada."
In the first half, there were many sideways and backward passes, so I told them to play vertical passes even if they made mistakes; otherwise, the attack wouldn't switch on. By playing that pass there, Keigo reacted, and those around him started to move.
I feel that that goal was scored from Shinada's vertical pass.
I feel that we need to create more scenes like that.

I think the young players have skills, but
I felt that the number of back passes has increased due to the mindset of not wanting to make mistakes, so I believe that by continuing to play through even if they make mistakes, they will develop their own sense and skills.
I conveyed that we should continue to challenge ourselves.

《Taishi Brandon NOZAWA》
(Although it was the first appearance for the top team, what kind of feelings were you thinking of while playing?)
"I was able to play without being too nervous.
I thought it was okay to make mistakes in the match, so I wanted to play actively.
Even though I said it's okay to make mistakes, I wanted to minimize judgment errors and keep the goals conceded to zero. I also feel that I wasn't able to be as proactive as I wanted.

(Today's members included many veterans and young players, but was there anything you were careful about while playing among them?)
"As a team, we had the desire to gain momentum in this match, so each of us felt that this would be an important match leading to the next one.
I believe the team was unified in its intentions, so during the match, I made sure to vocalize while being aware of that.

(The sense of achievement gained after today's match)
"I was able to calmly respond to cross balls and shot stops, so I think I need to work a bit more on the coordination with my teammates, the decision-making when in possession of the ball, and moving players to advance the ball."

(Was the big save in the second half expected?)
"I had a prediction that it would come in that direction, but I thought I wouldn't reach it. I'm glad I managed to get a hand on it."

(Although the lineup and members changed significantly, the team was united. One thing I was careful about)
"It is important for the GK to unify the team, but I believe we were able to do well even with the changes in members because not only I, but also my teammates had a high level of awareness and communicated with each other."

(In a situation where we caught up from behind, I was able to play calmly and evaluate myself)
"To be honest, I wanted to challenge myself more in various ways."
I felt it was a bit passive, and since it was a valuable match, I wanted to challenge more.

《Tokyo - Summary of the Press Conference with Director Kenta HASEGAWA》
"In the first half, there were many passive plays, and even when we regained possession, the ball did not move forward, resulting in many back passes."
At halftime, we talked about how we had already secured first place, so we should play more aggressively and positively without worrying about our ranking. In the second half, there were some positional changes, but we aimed for the opponent's goal, and the young players came in and showcased their strengths, making it an exciting match.

(Regarding Takumi NAKAMURA and Kojiro YASUDA, who came on as a substitute at the start of the second half)
"I knew that the side back position was suitable for Takumi, so I challenged him to see how much he could perform at a higher position, but it didn't quite go as we had hoped. I felt again that the side back position might allow him to showcase his strengths and qualities."
There are strengths as a playmaker, but if playing as a full-back, there is still a lack of deeper crosses from a lower position and defensive intensity.
He is aware of it himself and is working on his training, so I hope for his growth in the future, and I believe he has shown his ability to play as both full-backs.
I believe Yasuda showcased his strengths.
However, there were situations where he couldn't keep up with the professional speed, but I believe this will serve as motivation for his growth in the future.
He showed his strengths and glimpses of his potential until he got tired, so I hope for his future growth.

(Arthur SILVA and Joan OUMARI, along with Hasukawa, seemed to be moving smoothly in the center, but does this mean that the defense has been organized?)
"I don't think we played that well in the first half, but I believe they showed their strengths in the second half.
They showed their strength, and I think Renikawa demonstrated physical strength until the end.
If they do not become part of the squad for the recent league match against Kashiwa, they will not be able to strengthen their team for the upcoming battles.
I wonder if they are organizing the parts they sorted out during the losing streak while playing as well.

《Oita - Manager Tomohiro Katano's Press Conference Summary》
In order for us to advance from the group stage in the final match of the Levain Cup, we had no choice but to win.
In the midst of consecutive league matches, I selected today's members and told the players to prepare, saying, 'We must win today.' Although it was disappointing that we couldn't advance past the qualifiers, I believe we were able to create chances against Tokyo, and it was a game where we had the potential to win. It is very regrettable that we couldn't secure the victory there.
The players gave everything they had. Even so, the fact that we couldn't win means something is lacking.
I hope you can use this experience in the league matches.
Since there is an away match against Sendai in the league in two days, I hope the members who played today recover well, switch gears, prepare as well as they have so far for the remaining league matches, and challenge themselves to play games that they can win.