MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE Comments after Regional League Round 9 against Kawasaki Frontale Trial

The first half was quite chaotic. Maybe it was because of the two unexpected substitutions, but we could not create our own rhythm. In the second half, I think we were able to use (Onaiu) Ado in a better way. From there, he started to play well and created two chances, twice finding the net, but one of them was disallowed by the VAR.

In the last 20 minutes, I think we struggled a bit in zone 1. At the second Kawasaki goal, we could not control them in the penalty area. And at the end of the game, we had a free shot from about 18 meters away. It was a mistake with very painful consequences.

Considering the hard work and good content of the players in the second half, it was a cruel result for us. It is a very sad day for us."

[Q&A].
(Danilo Boza Why did you start Kai Shibato at center back after the injury replacement of player?)
I had two options: Kai Shibato or (Yasui) Kaiwatari. In today's game plan, Kaiwatari had the role of keeping Yamamoto (Yuki) and Marcinho in check, so we didn't want to change that. That is why I used (Shibato) Umi as the center back.

I think both of our center backs did a great job today. I can't remember when was the last time I saw Umi at center back. Considering their situation, I think they did well despite making mistakes in a very difficult situation."

(What do you think about the result of 11 points after 9 Trial, exactly half of MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE?)
We have not reached the points we had hoped for. And a loss like today, with a goal conceded in the closing minutes, was very painful. I think we can say that this is our problem.

I think there have been many games in this 9 Trial. For example, I think we had a series of good away games right after the opening of the season. And last year, we had the problem of not being able to score goals. This year, we have been able to score more goals, which I think is a good point. And if we look at the positives, I think the fact that we have young players playing who are very interesting for the future of Urawa Reds."

(A rookie Hayate Ueki player made his debut today. I don't think he was supposed to play this long, but he came in early and played until the end, what was your assessment of him today?)
'It was a player we were thinking of replacing in the second half, but he came in earlier and I think he did pretty well considering it was his debut game. I think he gained confidence as time went on. I think he has great passes, like the one for the goal that was cancelled out in the second half, and he is a smart player when he has the ball.

Of course, there are still areas where he can improve and grow, but I think I can say from today's Trial that he is heading in the right direction."

(After taking the lead in the second half, I think there were some Reds pace times and chances, but was it a mistake in game control or in the zone you play in that you lost in such Trial?)
'I think the players have worked hard in practice and at Trial. What I stress every time I give feedback is the game management part. I think the players have the skills to control Trial enough, but I think they can do it in a better way. And I think the team is evolving. I think we're making progress, but it's not enough, as you can see today at Trial."

(Yuta Miyamoto on the state of the players?)
"They were normal in practice Trial last weekend, and they were normal in training for this Trial. In communicating with the doctor when I returned to the locker room after the ups, I came to the conclusion that playing today's Trial from the start would be risky. I am not in a position to comment to you all on the details at this time."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)