《Kento HASHIMOTO》

(What did you think of the game?)
"Mainz players were good at controlling the ball and launched powerful attacks, but we were able to defend well and keep a clean sheet."

(What were the challenges you saw in today's match?)
"I felt that we still lack the decision-making when it comes to whether to launch a counterattack or maintain possession after winning the ball when the opponent attacks. The opposing team had a strong attitude of sending multiple players forward when going on a counterattack, so we need to learn from that."

(Eagerness for the second half)
"I want to make use of the experience I gained in Germany. As an individual, I want to show more powerful plays in both attack and defense, and contribute to the team's victory."

"Makoto OKAZAKI"

(What did you feel from experiencing matches with overseas clubs?)
"I think I need to reflect on being involved in conceding goals due to personal mistakes. It is a big challenge as a defender to not be able to keep a clean sheet in the matches I played in."
However, there were a few areas where I was able to make use of my 1-on-1 skills and in the feed, so I want to work on those and improve on the challenges I felt during this expedition through daily training.

(Enthusiasm for the second half of the season)
"With the addition of Hyun Soo JANG, our defense has become even stronger than before."
"I always want to be prepared to fight so that I can seize any opportunity that comes my way."

"Summary of Manager Yoshiyuki SHINODA's Press Conference"

"Regarding the first half, I think we were able to control the opponent's build-up well. Our attack was also better than the Augsburg match, and the players' distance was good, so we couldn't score, but I am taking that as a positive."
In the second half, we changed the members, but we conceded a goal due to individual mistakes, so we need to be more careful and progress the game. I think it was good that we were able to score a goal from the flow of the game, but I don't think it was good that we conceded goals from continuous mistakes."

"Q&A"

Q=About the scoring scene
"I think it was good. We were able to create two scenes where we broke through the opponent's left side, but I think the turning point of the game was whether we could score in that situation. Mainz was able to score solidly in those situations, so I felt impressed."

Q=What are the expectations and effects of today's system?
"I think the first half was good. We were able to prevent everyone from entering dangerous areas. In terms of attack, the distance was good and we were able to create some chances with Nakajima as the starting point, which I feel was good."

What is the evaluation of Utaka, Nagai, Maeda, and Nakajima, who were appointed as FW?
"Each individual has their own personality, and of course, they have to do both attacking and defending, but if they can combine them well, I think they will show a good performance."

Q=What did you gain from your trip to Germany?
"We wanted to end both games with a win, but there were mistakes in various areas. The long travel is not an excuse, and it was a very good experience to be able to play against such opponents. I think it was an experience that will lead to future growth, but we need to connect this experience to the league games, so I want to finish it when we return."

Q=What is the stimulation brought by this expedition?
"It was good that a young player came out. It will lead to competition within the team, and I think it will give them confidence to be able to compete against opponents at this level. I hope for their growth from now on."