Kento HASHIMOTO

(What are your thoughts on the match?)
"The Mainz players were skilled with the ball at their feet and launched powerful attacks, but we managed to defend well and kept a clean sheet."

(What challenges were visible in today's match?)
"I felt that we still lack the judgment of whether to counterattack after winning the ball when the opponent is attacking, or to maintain possession. The opposing team had a strong attitude of committing numbers forward when going for a counter, so I think we need to learn from that."

(Enthusiasm for the second half of the season)
"I want to make use of the experiences gained in Germany. Personally, I want to show more powerful plays both in attack and defense that will lead to the team's victory."

Makoto OKAZAKI

(What did you feel after experiencing matches against overseas clubs?)
"I think I need to reflect on the personal mistakes that led to conceding goals. Not being able to keep a clean sheet in the matches I played is a significant challenge as a defender.
However, there were several areas where I was able to hold my own in one-on-one situations and in terms of feeding the ball, so I want to work on those while addressing the challenges I felt during this expedition in my daily training.

(Enthusiasm for the second half of the season)
"Hyun Soo JANG has also joined, and the depth of our defense has become stronger than ever.
I want to always be well prepared to fight so that I can seize any opportunity that comes my way.

Summary of the Press Conference by Coach Yoshiyuki SHINODA

"Regarding the first half, I think we were able to effectively suppress the opponent's build-up. Our attacking play was better than in the Augsburg match, and although we couldn't score, I see that as a positive aspect."
In the second half, we changed the lineup, but we conceded goals due to individual mistakes, so we need to proceed with the match more carefully. I think it was good that we were able to score from the flow of the game, but I believe the part that led to conceding goals from a series of mistakes was not good.

Q&A

Q=About the scoring scene
"I think it was good. After that, we were able to create a couple of scenes breaking through the opponent's left side, but I believe the key point is whether we can score in those situations. Mainz was able to score in those moments, so I felt they were impressive."

Q=What are your expectations and effects on today's system?
"I think we did well in the first half. We were able to prevent the opponent from entering dangerous areas as a team. In terms of our attack, our spacing was good, and I feel that we were able to create several chances starting from Nakajima."

What is the evaluation of players Utaka, Nagai, Maeda, and Nakajima who were used as forwards?
"Each person has their own individuality, and of course, they need to contribute to both offense and defense, but if we can combine them well, I believe they will show a good performance."

What did you gain from the expedition to Germany?
"I wanted to finish by winning both matches, but there were mistakes in various areas. The long travel cannot be an excuse, and facing such opponents was a very good experience. I believe it was an experience that will lead to future growth, but I think we need to connect this experience to the league matches, so I want to refine that when I get back."

Q=What stimulation did this expedition bring?
"One thing is that I think it's great that young players have emerged. It leads to competition within the team, and for them, being able to compete against opponents at this level will boost their confidence, so I hope for their growth moving forward."