Takuo OKUBO

"Throughout the match, while we were pressing, we were careful of Nagano's counterattacks."
They were also wary of their strong point, which is set plays.
I knew it, but it was really a waste to have it happen even knowing that...

In the final moments of the match, I think it would have been a game we could have won without any problems if we had just held on for the last 5 minutes...

But we were overall too lenient.

We need to be able to secure victories and also refine how we close out games after taking the lead.
Before conceding the goal, there were several instances during set pieces where the opponent touched the ball first.

Therefore, each individual must reflect again on not losing in one-on-one situations, how to mark opponents, and the tactics involved with the opponent, and I believe we need to regroup.

Of course, I wanted to stop the penalty shootout, and I wish I could have... But the opponent was calm as well...

Shoya NAKAJIMA

I didn't feel that it was such a difficult match.
It's just that the categories are different.
I didn't think there was such a huge difference in strength between Nagano and us.

Therefore, for me who came on as a substitute, it seemed like a situation where I could easily showcase my abilities and perform well.

I was conscious of expressing my style, taking shots, and changing the flow of the game.
The goal came from a good ball from Ryoichi.
It was just a matter of touching it. It was mostly Ryoichi's goal, but I think it was a good goal scored as a team.

It was certainly a game that we had to win.

However, even though we lost today, even if it ended 1-0, I had a strong desire to score an additional goal.
Especially when we are in the lead, the entire team tends to fall back, so I personally wanted to score additional points without fail.

There were also two shots that hit the bar and the post.

I want to be able to make decisions in those situations.

The loss cannot be undone.

I want to play well in the league and Levain Cup to achieve victory.

Summary of the Press Conference by Coach Yoshiyuki SHINODA

"I am truly sorry to all the fans and supporters for the disappointing and regrettable outcome."
There are some issues, but the fact that we couldn't score was indeed a problem. Also, the stagnation at the beginning of the first half was very unfavorable.
The gear shifted up midway, and there were several decisive chances, but we had to convert those opportunities, and in terms of how to defend during that time to avoid conceding, we were still lacking.
The Emperor's Cup has come to an end, so there's no point in saying anything. I want to make good preparations for the league matches.

《Q&A》
Q=What were the factors that led to being dominated by the opponent at the beginning of the first and second halves?
"The timing of the approach to the ball was not in sync between the players in front and the players behind. When we had the ball, we tried to break through in tight spaces by connecting passes several times, but we couldn't break through successfully."

《Press Conference Summary of Tetsuya ASANO, Nagano Coach》
"Regarding the Emperor's Cup, no matter the form or the category of the opponent, we have been working with the players over the past two days after the league match this weekend to advance to the next round. It was certainly a tough battle in terms of content, and there were some lucky moments, but I believe that the players' desire to win and their determination to run until the end contributed to today's result."

There were several close calls, but I believe our tenacious defense brought us to the penalty shootout. Today's lineup was made up of players who did not participate in the league match over the weekend. However, we believe that the players on the field are the best. The players who have not had many chances in the league fought desperately against a formidable opponent. I am truly proud of their performance.

In terms of content, there may have been some defensive aspects, but considering the power dynamics with the opponent, the players understood and performed to advance to the next round. However, we were also able to create opportunities that seemed likely to reach the goal during the flow of the game. I believe it was a game where the players' intentions were felt in those aspects. Anyway, I want to praise the players who achieved results in this tournament, as they will undoubtedly connect to the league matches.

《Q&A》
Q=What energy does today's victory give to the team?
"The players who don't often get chances in league matches showed their heart against a stronger team. I believe this will also have an impact on the players who weren't on the field today. It creates a sense of competition within the team, which I think will lead to the league matches."

Q=What was the intention behind changing the system during the match?
"As we entered extra time, the players in the back were struggling to make their final decisions, so I wanted to increase the number of players in the back."
However, that would shift the center of gravity backward, but I had confidence in our ability to bounce back even when playing in our own half during the league matches, so at worst, I wanted to get through extra time at 0-0.
I really wanted to go for a goal, but ultimately I made the decision to defend.