Post-match comments for the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Round 31 Trial against Shimizu S-Pulse

"Our high pressure didn't work very well early on. There were two reasons for this. One was that our high pressure wasn't intense enough, and the other was that we weren't able to respond when the opposing defensive midfielder dropped back into the defensive line. We made mistakes in those areas and allowed them to create several chances early on.

However, we made some adjustments after that and were able to control the game. As time went on, we were able to keep the ball in the opponent's half for longer periods of time, and I think we became a more dangerous presence for our opponents.

At halftime, we moved some of the players' positions, placing (Watanabe) Ryoma in the attacking midfielder position. In the second half, the players also executed the tactical rules well and played a good game. I think we played with enough intensity, and when we lost the ball, I think Isaac (Kise Thelin) and others were able to switch gears. Also, each and every one of the substitutes added positive energy to the team.

I've said that we played very well, but it didn't translate into a good result. We lacked decisiveness today. In today's Trial, we created the most scoring opportunities of the season, but we were unable to score. I think this is the first time that our expected goals score has exceeded 3.9. That means we were creating that many chances, so this is a very disappointing result.

It's disappointing that at such a crucial time in the season when so much is being decided, we're losing points due to simple mistakes and not being able to finish the chances we've created."

[Question and Answer Session]
(Considering how many chances they created in the second half, it seemed a shame that they had so few chances in the first half. Did they want to make a move from the first half onwards, or did they just stay put in the first half as a matter of judgement?)
"I had been talking with the staff about my positioning before Trial. In the first half, we had some issues with our high pressure, and the left winger was being pushed back. However, I think Taka (Takahiro Sekine) was defending well even when he was being pushed back. Seeing that situation, I changed my position at halftime."

What do you want to demand in order to score a goal?
"Lack of decisiveness may mean that we need to practice that area more. Of course, it's not exactly the same as in practice, as you can't recreate the pressure of an official match.

We haven't been able to score despite creating chances up until now, and in the match against Kashima Antlers, we didn't score despite having a goal expectation of 1.6. The players are trying hard to win, but this situation may be putting pressure on them. However, I don't want to use that as an excuse. I believe this team has enough power to win."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]