2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Kashima Antlers [MATCH PARTNER: Mitsubishi Foods 100th Anniversary] Trial-match comments

"Earlier in the first half, we conceded another goal due to our own mistake. One of our themes today was to exploit the space behind the defense, so we had Yusuke (Matsuo) as our striker. Conceding the goal was shocking for us, but after a few minutes, I think we started to play well. We were able to win the ball back in Zone 2 and launch counterattacks, and we were also able to create chances while maintaining possession. Among those chances, Yusuke and Takuro Kaneko also had opportunities."

In the second half, we brought in some fresh players and switched to a two-striker formation. That created two clear scoring opportunities. The opponent also had one chance, but (Nishikawa) Shusaku made the save.

Considering the number of chances we created today, the way we conceded the goal, and the fact that our opponent was Kashima, this was a very painful defeat. However, there isn't much time until the next Trial. Within that timeframe, we want to continue fighting until the very end."

[Questions and Answers]
(There was a similar mistake that led to a goal conceded in the YBC Levain Cup match against Kawasaki Frontale. What are your thoughts on this happening multiple times in such a short period of time?)
"For me, this is an unacceptable situation. We are also fighting for the title. If we want to win the title, we cannot afford to lose like this. And we are smart, and when we make a mistake, we must learn from it, but we were unable to do that in today's Trial."

(We were on the brink of elimination when we lost to Gamba Osaka and Kashima. Up until now, the team was united by the goal of winning the championship, but what do you want to work on with the team and what do you want to prioritize going forward?)
"After today's Trial, I spoke with the players in the locker room. I told them that the first thing we need to do is go for the win in the next Trial. I think that's the job we have to do. We need to keep fighting until the very end."

(Towards the end of the match, Isaac Kiese Thelin and Hiiro Komori were lined up at the front to increase the number of players up front, but this reduced the ability to carry the ball from the back, and the ball didn't reach the players up front. What was the plan to get the ball to the strong players?)
"In the second half, I think we were able to play using the same system as our opponent. We aimed for the wingers to move into the half-spaces and link up with the defensive midfielders and fullbacks there. We were also considering the possibility of using two strikers in the second half, and we have been practicing this formation in training this week. We used a two-striker formation with Yusuke (Matsuo) and Komori, and also with Komori and Isaac (Kiese Thelin), in today's Trial, and I think it is an interesting option for us."

(I don't think your attitude of wanting to win every match will change, but given the change in your position in the league Standings, will there be any changes leading up to the next match against Shimizu S-Pulse?)
"Our approach to Trial remains the same. We're going to fight hard in this away game and bring home as many points as possible."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]