Post-match comments for the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Round 34 Trial against Yokohama F･Marinos

"I think the main reason for today's overall poor performance was the poor opening 15 minutes. F.Marinos were pressing hard, so we aimed to exploit the space behind them, but we were unable to produce any of that play.

After that, we tried to control the game, and while we had possession, we created some chances, but our performance in zones 2 and 3 was not very good. We also made some easy mistakes in zone 1, which led to us conceding a goal. The first half was below our standards in every aspect.

In the second half, we brought on Ryoma (Watanabe) and Takuro (Kaneko), and we aimed for Ryoma to get behind the defense and for Takuro to send his signature crosses to Isaac (Kise Thelin). However, today, that didn't translate into goals. I think the second half was difficult for the players after conceding four goals.

In recent Trial, I've seen them controlling the game and making steady progress. However, today's Trial gave me the impression that they took two steps back. For example, there were some things they were able to do in the match against Vissel Kobe that they just couldn't do today."

[Question and Answer Session]
(You made a lot of changes to the starting lineup today. What was the intention behind your selection?)
"Our aim has been the same since before the fourth round. We need to control the game well, and if we lose control, we can switch gears and apply high pressure. That's the same as what we were aiming for in the Kobe match."

(In the selection of the starting lineup, why were Shusaku Nishikawa and Marius Hoibraten replaced? And with their absence, you think the team lacked a defensive leader. What impact did that have?)
"Danilo (Boza) and (Nemoto) Kenta played together for over 60 minutes in the YBC Levain Cup match against Kawasaki Frontale. There was one thing I wanted to see them do together. Kenta is left-footed and Danilo is right-footed, so I think it was a natural combination.

Also, giving Nie (Ayumi Niekawa) a chance to play in the league has been something we've been thinking about for a few weeks now. And then, in the training Trial against Tokyo Verdy (Nishikawa) Shusaku had a slight medical issue, so that's another reason why Segawa is playing today."

(What about Hiroki Abe 's return to the pitch?)
"Hiroki Abe 's return is very good news for those who have looked after him over the past few seasons. He has been waiting for this situation for a long time. Of course, we wish he could have been brought in under better circumstances, but I think it's good that he's back."

(Kenta Nemoto showed good performance in the previous match, but made some unfortunate mistakes today. What should he focus on to recover, including his mental state?)
"I think this is a normal period of adjustment for young players, especially those in a position like (Nemoto) Kenta. I think he will continue to make mistakes and grow, so we must be patient as we watch over him. He is a very talented player, so I think this kind of experience will be very good for him. I also think that those around him have provided him with solid support.

At this point, I don't know if he will be in the starting lineup for the next Trial, but I would like to give him playing time and provide the support I mentioned earlier."

(What about Takuro Kaneko 's ejection?)
"Honestly, I didn't see it at the time, but I heard about it from the staff. Takuro apologized to the whole team in the locker room. What I told him was to go to the referee and apologize. This kind of thing shouldn't have happened, and I'm not happy that it happened."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]