2025 J.League YBC Levain Cup Prime Round Quarterfinal First Match vs. Kawasaki Frontale Post Trial Comments

"The start of the game was a little difficult for us. Perhaps because they saw that we had made some substitutions in our lineup, they applied very aggressive high pressure. However, we were able to organize ourselves in a middle block and play low defense, and gradually take control of Trial.

We expected them to struggle a bit at the start of the game, but the players gradually started to be able to build up their plays, and after about 15 to 20 minutes, I think they were able to make good use of the half-spaces.

I think everyone worked hard and did a good job, but the goal was particularly great thanks to the combined efforts of two players: Taka (Takahiro Sekine) with his clever pass and (Nakajima) Shoya with his good shot.

After we scored, we changed sides to move the opponents around and were able to keep the ball while making them run. In the second half, we aimed to do the same by increasing the speed of our play.

However, today we had some injuries that prevented us from executing our game plan. By game plan, I mean substitutions. Marius (Højbraten) was substituted in the first half, and then we had some issues with Taka in the second half, so we had to replace some unexpected players. However, I think we had plenty of chances to score the second goal in the second half, especially when (Matheus) Savio and (Matsuo) Yusuke came on the pitch. I think both of them could have taken more shots. There were moments like that for each of them.

As the match entered added time, the players began to show signs of fatigue and were no longer able to perform at a high level. A single mistake in the penalty area allowed the opponent to score, putting us in a difficult position for the second leg.

However, the quarterfinals are only half over. I want to fight to advance to the semifinals in my next Trial. And the positive message for me from today's Trial is the performance of Kenta Nemoto and Kai Shibato."

[Question and Answer Session]
(Especially in the first half, I think today's team had more players moving around from their positions and playing fluidly than any previous team. Was that due to instructions from the manager, or was he just letting the players in the middle play in a way that was easy for them?)
"The wingers rotate and switch positions with the attacking midfielder, something that is done in normal Trial. When players switch positions, we require them to defend in the same place after losing the ball.

Of course, it's difficult to plan each and every position change. The position of the ball is different each time, so it's up to the players to make decisions on the spot. The coordination between the number 9 (centre forward) and number 10 (attacking midfielder), as well as the combinations and movements of the wingers, one player goes up and the other drops back, are things we practice in practice. It's not something that just happened by chance."

I think Thiago Santana was unable to keep the ball up front too often. It must have been difficult for the team if he couldn't keep the ball in the second half when the team started to tire. Did you ever consider substituting him earlier?
"Our original game plan was to use Hiiro Komori for the last 25 to 30 minutes. Thiago (Santana) did his best in the first half and played with a high level of intensity, but it was clear that he wouldn't last the full 90 minutes. However, we had some accidents and were unable to use a fresh striker.

Kai Shibato was performing extremely well, but after returning from injury and increasing his playing time, he was substituted in the 70th minute.

(You made some pretty drastic changes to the team members, but do you think this result is not a bad situation?)
"Of course, the second game is an away game, so the next Trial may be more difficult, but I don't see this situation as a bad thing. We will go out there to win against Kawasaki, and I believe that is possible."

(The players who came on in the middle of the game were a little too hasty, and Kawasaki were tired, so it felt like we were the ones who started the war of attrition.)
"After the substitutions, we aimed to keep the ball for longer and create chances. Both teams were tired, so it was a game of who could hold on until the end. But considering what happened with (Matsuo) Yusuke and (Matheus) Savio, I think there were certainly some moments when we panicked."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]