Tsuyoshi WATANABE
(How were you thinking about entering the match)
"First of all, it was an important game to win.
I thought it was important to start strong and not concede a goal early in the match, so I focused on playing and concentrating on the game first.

(Was the second goal in the second half unexpected?)
"At that time, we were being pressed, but as a defense, we were thinking that if we could hold on, we would be fine."
I believe that losing after being broken through with a one-two and conceding the second goal is the responsibility of the entire team, and as a defensive player, it is frustrating that we couldn't hold our ground there. It was a match where we could have finished 1-1 if we had managed to defend that situation.
I think how we defend that area at the end will be important in the battles to come.

(It was a goal from a set piece, but looking back)
"Since practice, Mita and Suzuki have been delivering good balls.
I think the moment I scored was the result of practice, as the ball came just as I aimed and I was able to connect well.

(There were matches during the away consecutive games in the league where I started and others where I did not, but the impact on today's play was)
"As a team, it was a series of consecutive games, but there were matches I did not play.
I was thinking about how to contribute to the team when I came on, along with my feelings of frustration.
Today, I scored, but I couldn't help the team win. In that sense, I didn't achieve the result. Next time, I will definitely win and advance to the quarterfinals, and I want to make my presence known.

(Towards the battle of the second match)
"Sapporo is an attacking team, so they should not be a team that tries to defend and break through.
I believe our way of fighting is to defend firmly when the opponent is attacking and to exploit any gaps they leave. In that sense, there will be times in the second match when we have to endure the opponent's pressure, but conversely, it is also a chance to score, so it will be a difficult match, but we definitely want to win.

《Ryoya OGAWA》
(Reflecting on the entire match)
There were good moments and chances to shoot. However, I felt again that if we couldn't score an additional goal, it would become difficult in the match since Sapporo is also a team with attacking power.
There are still a few areas that are lacking. I think this applies to the moments we conceded goals and also to the times we couldn't score additional points. I want to focus on these aspects, even if it's just for a short time, and carry them over to the next game.

(What did you feel about the individual aspect?)
I don't think there were many situations where I participated in the attack.
I wanted to touch the ball a bit more, and when I received the ball, I had to create chances.
In terms of defense, Coach PETROVIC's style of football involves making dribbles with speed from the sides. I don't think we were able to completely shut that down, so in the second match, I want to focus on not losing to the opponent right in front of us.

(Towards the second match)
"Even with a 1-0, we can still move up."
If we concede a goal, it defeats the purpose, so we want to start with solid defense and then connect that to good attacks. That is also our strength. We want to win decisively and move on to the next stage together.

《Keigo HIGASHI》
(Although I came on as a substitute, what I was conscious of in order to score)
"It was a situation where it was 1-1 and both teams were trying to see who would score the next goal."
As a result of both teams going for goals, we ended up conceding to the opponent. However, if we can win the next 90 minutes without conceding, there will be no problem. I believe that overcoming difficult situations like this is how we can win cup competitions, so I see this situation as an opportunity. I want us to overcome this together and move on to the next stage.

(Towards the second match)
"The presence of away goals is what makes it different from the league matches."
On the contrary, we are in a situation where we must win the next match, so what we need to do is clear. In the previous playoff stage against Shonan, we were also in a situation where we had to win, which made me feel positive.
I want to play with that kind of feeling in the next match as well.

(How to approach the next match)
"We can't rise to the top without winning, but of course, there are times in every match when we need to defend and endure, depending on how the game unfolds. We can't always push forward, but I want to fight while making solid judgments on the pitch."

"Tokyo - Summary of the Press Conference with Director Kenta HASEGAWA"

"In the end, we allowed a comeback, but we were able to score one away goal."
I think we were able to achieve a result that connects to the next step, but I believe it is not easy to turn this situation around.
From here, I want to prepare thoroughly for three days, turn this situation around at home, and get ready to advance to the next round.

(Regarding the match content)
"Compared to the last league match, the content was not bad."
However, I believe we need to make the necessary decisions, and I want to analyze our opponents more to prepare for the next match.

(Towards the second match at home)
I think both teams have players who are not in perfect condition.
I want to pick up energetic players and approach the second match with a competitive team.

Summary of the Press Conference of Sapporo Coach Zoran PETROVIC
It was a very tough game.
In a tight schedule with four matches in ten days, there are many injuries.
It was a really difficult game, but the players fought with their desire to win at the forefront, and the result of their best efforts led to victory.
However, we won, but it's only the end of the first half. To advance, we must achieve results in the second match. I want to prepare as much as possible for the next game.

(Just before the start, Chanathip was removed from the lineup, but I can say this about the situation)
"He got injured during warm-up. I haven't received a detailed report yet, but since he couldn't play today, I personally think it will be difficult for him to play next time as well.
Since it's the same area that was recently injured, it might take some time.