《Ryoma WATANABE》
(Looking back at the match)
"Due to an accident, I came on midway through the first half, and it was a tough start as I couldn't catch my breath. As a team, we conceded a goal in the first half, which put us in a difficult situation, but after scoring one goal, we had the momentum to potentially score another one."
I felt that if we could catch up there, the team could take another step forward in our growth.

(What mindset did you have when entering the match)
"First of all, I thought I would start with solid defense and create the team's flow.
I have good stamina, so I entered the match with the thought that if I can keep running and score at the very end, that would be great.

(It became my first goal at Ajinomoto)
"It was a goal I really wanted. I tried not to think about it too much, but now that I've actually scored, I feel relieved and say, 'I'm glad.'"

(Looking back at the scoring scene)
"Adailton was about to head the ball, so I shouted, 'OK!' But at first, I couldn't see the ball, and it was only when I pulled my neck back that I could see it. In the end, I struck it by feel."

(Enthusiasm for the next match)
"Even if I can't score, it's fine as long as the team wins. Anyway, I want to focus on winning.
I believe that even if we score points, it means nothing if we don't win.
I want to leave a mark in the form of goals next, but first, I want to contribute to the team winning.

《Takumi NAKAMURA》
(I recorded an assist, but looking back at that scene)
"I thought Nagatomo's cross would come through, so I decided to get into that position."
Since the first touch went well, I had time to think about the next play, and it was good that I was able to deliver a cross ball while disrupting the opponent's timing.

(I think it was a cross ball from a difficult position)
"I thought that if I lifted the ball as it was, it would hit the opponent, so I adjusted the timing a bit and felt that if I passed it from above, it wouldn't hit the opponent, so I chose that play.
I think they didn't expect someone to come up at that timing, but it was clear that Ryoma WATANABE was open.
However, I think Watanabe's volley for that goal was wonderful.

(In practice matches, he has assisted Ryoma WATANABE, and they seem to have a good connection)
"He is a player who can understand what I want him to do and where he wants to receive the ball without having to speak, just through eye contact."
I find it very easy to play, and I feel it's fun to play soccer together.

(Regarding scoring from the side that the team is focusing on)
"I feel that it would have been great if we could have done this from the beginning of the season, but I want to take the positive from being able to assist and continue to work hard to keep it going."

(After the match, sitting on the pitch, the frustration was palpable)
"Today was very disappointing, but there are still 5 matches left.
"Today, with the tickets sold out, I felt once again that it is important to bring the joy of victory to those watching."

《Tokyo - Summary of the Press Conference with Director Kenta HASEGAWA》
"A frustrating defeat. It was very disappointing, but after going down 0-2, the players showed their determination and managed to score a goal, which I believe will lead to something positive in the future."
They worked hard until the end with the desire to show their feelings to the nearly 10,000 fans and supporters who gathered.
Also, I want to prepare for the upcoming match against Shimizu and win as many home games as possible to finish this season strong.

(Kashima had a lot of long balls, but was it unexpected?)
"I knew that Kashima sometimes uses simple plays in response to the movements of players like Ueda and Doi."
There were times when we were in a difficult situation after losing the ball, but from the start to the midfield, we were able to attack in a good way.
It would have been great if the ball that came to Adailton's feet had connected, but it got intercepted, leading to a counter that resulted in a set piece. Given that it was a long-distance free kick, it was a very regrettable goal to concede.
The defense line couldn't drop back, and the GK couldn't come out, but it was a ball that seemed harmless, so I think it was a conceded goal that could have been prevented if they had communicated with each other.
It was a decent first half, so the last goal conceded was painful for the team.
Recently, we have been conceding many goals during that time period, so we are trying to fix it, but it hasn't stopped. I believe we need to address that somehow.

(Diego was substituted due to injury, but what were your thoughts?)
"He wasn't in the best condition during this week's practice, so I had originally considered using Ryoma."
I think he got better over time.

(If you don't score when the game is going well in the first half, it becomes difficult)
"If we take the lead, there are many game developments that we can build on.
Due to the impact of injuries, it is inevitable that if multiple goals are conceded early, the match will become difficult.
Especially against Kashima, you cannot win unless you take your chances. I thought it would be a significant point as to which team would convert their opportunities first.

(Various players are entering the midfield, but what aspects are being emphasized?)
"Results are important, but if we don't improve the content, it won't lead to results, and that's what we've been working on this season. Today, we created chances but could only score one goal; however, I want to continue doing what we've done so far. Compared to the away match against Kashima in the first half of this season, I believe there has been significant growth."
I want to fight hard for the team's and my personal growth in the remaining 5 matches.

《Kashima - Naoki SOMA Coach Press Conference Summary》
"First of all, many supporters came to cheer us on. In the last match against Yokohama FC, we made everyone feel disappointed. We played a somewhat pathetic game. I want to express my gratitude to those who believed in us and fought alongside us."
I believe that energy contributed to today's victory.
It became a fast-paced game with vertical play, aiming for goals and behind each other, with both sides aware of the importance of winning and fierce battles for the ball.
In that situation, the team that picks up the ball in good condition can create a positive attacking shape. I think that was the flow of the game. The wind was very strong; in the first half, we were against the wind, and in the second half, we had the wind at our backs. There were some uncomfortable balls that dropped behind us in the first half. However, we were also able to quickly attack with the wind at our backs.
I think we gained confidence by scoring during a good period in the first half. It was really good, including the timing.
In the second half, instead of just defending, we will go for it once again.
The energy of Tokyo's power, catching up and turning the game around was very high, but when we overcame that, we were able to score an additional goal in a good form through our counterattack.
It would have been great to finish without conceding a goal, but I truly believe the players expressed their desire to win, and each player came together as one, holding hands as a team; I think it was that kind of game.
I was able to sense those aspects even during the preparations, and I was able to express them well, leading to a solid victory. I really think this game has become something that can connect to the future.
Next is the Emperor's Cup, and I want to make good preparations for it.

(In the first half, it was unusual for Kashima to repeatedly use long balls, but was it according to plan?)
"I had somewhat anticipated that Tokyo would come to steal the ball from the front, based on their recent style of play, which is one factor."
Also, when we thought about wanting to place our center of gravity forward once again, we wanted to create a development that would allow us to move the ball forward rather than having it behind.
Today was a game where we absolutely needed a victory. In that context, we started off by putting our weight forward in that way.