(The match against FC Tokyo was your first in the J1 League in about a month and a half. What was the most important thing you kept in mind as you were trying to switch gears after the big FIFA Club World Cup?)
"First of all, I think it's about our sense of the game. I can say from experience that when there have been no official matches for a long time, the first match is very difficult. We conceded goals in a bad way in the match against FC Tokyo, so we would like to improve that as quickly as possible and go into the match against Shonan Bellmare."

(New signing Hiiro Komori had some good plays, including an early shot on goal, but will we really be expecting goals from her?)
"Hiyan is a very interesting player. His debut match against FC Tokyo was in the J1 League, so it may take him some time to get used to the league. FC Tokyo 's center backs were some of the best in the J1 League, so it was a difficult job for him, but I think he'll get better with every game."

(After the 24th round [Urawa Reds have two Trial remaining], they are 12 points behind the league leaders Vissel Kobe. How do you feel about your current position in terms of winning the league?)
"I believe we can compete for the title. We are 12 points behind, but we have two Trial in which we can make up the difference. What I ask of my team is to always think about the next step, and our next step is against Shonan Bellmare, so we want to focus on that match."

(What is your impression of Shonan Bellmare?)
"Although they are currently Pos low, they are a very aggressive team that calmly builds up their attacking play by making short passes from their own half. Lower-ranked teams tend not to take risks, but Shonan has stuck to an aggressive style, scoring three goals in last weekend's match against Cerezo Osaka (3-3). We will respond with solid defense after losing the ball, but as this is our home game, we want to control the ball and play aggressive football."

(This will be the first home game in about two months since June 1st.)
"I was really looking forward to Trial at home. We received such great support in the Club World Cup, even in the faraway land of America. I will do my best to play well in front of our home fans."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]