2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Round 28 match Albirex Niigata [MATCH PARTNER Kokudai Seminar] Post-Trial comments

"The scenario turned out to be similar to the match against FC Tokyo (in the Emperor's Cup). The first half was very good. We dominated the game, created chances and scored goals. We struggled in the second half, but I would like to pay tribute to the players for their hard work. With fatigue building up, we knew the second half would be tough. In that difficult second half, the players worked hard with determination and I would like to reiterate my admiration for that.

Today, (Nakajima) Shoya played as an attacking midfielder, and I think he brought a lot to the team, especially in zone 3. The build-up structure changes slightly when (Matheus) Savio is playing as an attacking midfielder and when Shoya is playing as an attacking midfielder. We played a practice Trial against a university a few days ago, and Shoya was in very good form. We were also considering using a fresh player in the starting lineup, and this time it was Shoya. Ogi (Takuya Ogiwara) was one of them. I thought both of them played very well, and Ogi created some chances in the first half. I think the first half left a very good impression.

Our aim at the start of the second half was to apply high pressure and create chances if we could steal the ball. However, our players' stamina began to decline early on, so we made our substitutions earlier today. The return of Kai Shibato is also good news for us. He has been out for a long time, so he was brought on at a difficult time in this Trial, but I think he did a good job. Shibato 's skills and experience are also very important to us, so we are very pleased to have him back in the J.League.

This Trial came after a week of two very tough losses for us. We came into this Trial against Niigata feeling a lot of pressure. But the players showed in this Trial that they hadn't given up, that the fight wasn't over, and that was a great spirit on their part.

[Question and Answer Session]
(Regarding the use of Shoya Nakajima, was there also an intention to stimulate or change the team after Trial tough losses in a row?)
"By using Shoya, we wanted to increase our possession rate in zone 3 and increase the number of chances. He had been doing very well in training, and we were well aware of his skills. Our aim in Trial was the same as in the match against Nagoya Grampus, which was to press hard and score in the first half. I'd like to have scored two goals, not just one."

(Was Shoya Nakajima and Samuel Gustafson substituted early because of fatigue or with the YBC Levain Cup in mind? Also, why did you keep Matheus Savio?)
"Today's Trial was extremely difficult to manage in the second half. Many of our players were tired, and some had medical issues. Yesterday, together with our physical coaches, we predicted who would be able to play for the full 90 minutes, but in reality, the substitutions we made were different from what we had predicted. For example, there was a situation where Ogiwara was unable to play for the full 90 minutes. There were also flow of Trial and tactical reasons for the substitutions, but the main reason for the substitutions today was fatigue.

The final substitution was for Taka (Takahiro Sekine), and I think he's been in great form recently. However, we decided to make the substitution after assessing who could play for the full 90 minutes. (Komori) Hiyane, Savio, and (Kaneko) Takuro were all tired, so we made the substitutions after assessing their performance until the very end. Taka was in good form, so I wanted to use him for a longer period of time.

(The YBC Levain Cup Trial is just two days away. How much thought have you given to the lineup for Trial?)
"That's too difficult a question to answer at this time. There were medical issues in the Trial so we'll have to wait and see who's available tomorrow morning.

Our original plan was to play the Levain Cup with young players who are usually on the bench. However, after being eliminated in the Emperor's Cup, I think the importance of this title has increased even more. I think this is a chance for us to win the title, so I would like to reconsider what strategy we should use."

(The YBC Levain Cup is a title that you have come so close to winning in recent years, but have not been able to win. What are your thoughts on this tournament?)
"After the match against FC Tokyo, I felt very sad. In this situation, I have to do the best job I can while managing the team. Two years ago, we came in fourth in the league and second in the Levain Cup. We were just one step away from making it into the top three in the league, and we came very close to winning the Levain Cup, but we missed out, so I hope we can overturn that image from two years ago this year."

(Message to fans and supporters ahead of the remaining 10 league Trial)
"I have only one message for our fans and supporters: look at the Trial Standings for our home games (we are ranked first in the league in terms of home points). It's all thanks to our fans and supporters.

He is a very important player who has been a big part of our victory. There were some difficult periods today, but I still wonder if we could have won if this had been an away game. I would like to express my respect to the fans and supporters who bring positive energy to this team."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]