On the 9th, after the 16th match of MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE against Mito Hollyhock, Isaac Kiese Thelin, who scored two goals, spoke about his joy at getting results in his first appearance in a while, the preparation he continued despite limited playing opportunities, and his confidence in the team's four-game winning streak.

"It was a difficult season. I didn't get much playing time, but I'm very happy to be back on the pitch. What I do, and what I love to do, is score goals. I think we put together a great Trial for the team as well. Everyone is happy."

(How did you feel when you scored two goals?)
"The first goal felt really good. The best part was the moment the ball went into the goal. I hadn't had much playing time, so I was really happy."

I've scored a lot of goals up until now. Sometimes they go in, and sometimes no matter how hard I try, they just don't go in. Today, the ball just seemed to go into the net naturally, so I'm very satisfied."

(I think it was a really good feeling, considering it had been a while since I last played a game.)
"I've been training hard and diligently. I've always wanted to be ready for any opportunity that came my way, and today was that day, so I feel like my hard work has paid off."

(As the team gains more possession of the ball, perhaps they'll start to show a different side to their game?)
"Right now, we definitely have a lot of possession time. We have many players who are suited to that style, so I think we're able to control the game. Today, the manager told us to 'be ready for crosses in the middle, or if there's space behind the defense, aim for that and create chances,' and that led to our two goals."

(I think you and Jumpei Hayakawa made a good team, didn't you?)
"I think it was a great Trial for Hayakawa Junpei as well. He's been training hard and has been waiting for this chance for a long time. I think everyone is happy for Junpei. He's a talented young player, and I thought it was fantastic."

(Shusaku Nishikawa said, "Even though he wasn't playing in Trial, he didn't get discouraged and behaved properly, which I think led to today's goal.")
"Those are very kind words. No matter what happens, I've always made various preparations and maintained my attitude of working hard even when I couldn't play. Of course, it's to help the team. We're currently on a four-game winning streak. It's a great situation, so I want to keep this momentum going."

(Coach Tatsuya Tanaka said that Isaac's third goal was his favorite play, but does Isaac himself like that kind of play?)
"Of course, as a box striker, I'm used to various situations. However, I find possession football easier to play. I think we're now able to successfully mix and express elements of troubling and tiring out the opponent before scoring a goal. I also find the manager's ideas very easy to implement. We're all really enjoying it right now."

(Coach Tanaka said, "I'm so happy that Isaac's dedication to training has paid off like this.")
"Of course, it was a difficult time. However, I have maintained my professional attitude. I have always maintained this attitude throughout my career, so whether I am playing or not, I am always working hard. I am very happy that the manager recognized that. I believe that hard work should be rewarded."

(The remaining two Trial will be against good teams like FC Tokyo and FC Machida Zelvia. What will be important in those matches?)
"After going through a difficult period, these four consecutive wins have given us a lot of confidence. Of course, we must not forget to be humble, and we must continue to work hard so that everyone can feel satisfied. We will work hard again starting next week and prepare for Trial."

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