On the 22nd, after the final match of MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE, the Regional League Round 18 against FC Machida Zelvia, Shusaku Nishikawa reflected on the Trial and the league as a whole, and spoke about his enthusiasm for the playoffs that will begin next week.

(What are your impressions of competing in the regional league of the 100-Year Vision League?)
"I think everyone feels that the results weren't satisfactory. There was a change in manager, and it felt like a special league with a lot going on."

We conceded 18 goals in 18 Trial. While we did the bare minimum, I think there were still things we could have done earlier. I'm taking the fact that everyone is able to play freely now as a positive, and although we don't know who we'll be playing against in the remaining two matches, we'll do our best."

(The Reds are currently in 5th place and haven't beaten any team in 4th place or higher. While the football direction differs between former manager Maciej Skorza and current manager Tatsuya Tanaka, the results haven't changed much. What are your thoughts on the relationship between the results and the team's approach?)
"From what I saw from behind, I felt that everyone was genuinely enjoying playing soccer. The level of fatigue was different, and that's why they were able to defend and put their bodies on the line during periods when we needed to hold on, and they still had the energy to go on the attack. Everyone has solid technical skills, so Tatsuya-san encouraged them to make the most of those strengths, and he also encouraged them to take risks, so because they were enjoying themselves, they felt a sense of accomplishment, and that's how we were able to win consecutive matches."

(Even though they have the same ball, under manager Mihailo Petrović everyone goes forward, and I feel the atmosphere is closer to that under managers like Per-Mathias Hoegmo or Ricardo Rodriguez?)
"I think the balance is definitely similar. Having players positioned at a good distance up front is something the opponent dislikes, and I think it leads to us being able to build up play effectively while making good use of the defensive midfielders. I also feel that the view I see when I have the ball has changed."

(You couldn't beat the top teams, but you earned points from the lower-ranked ones. Do you feel there's a significant difference in quality between you and your opponents?)
"The content of the game was good, but the fact that we're losing in the end means it comes down to quality. Today we had possession of the ball for a long time, but I think we still have a lot of room for improvement in terms of quality in front of goal. We felt that top teams like Machida have the ability to finish the job in one go, the ability to score no matter what."

(Does that largely depend on individual effort?)
"Yes, I think it's very important to break through on an individual level in the end. There are various tactics, but I think being able to outperform the opponent individually is what's best for the team, and that's something everyone needs to be aware of and work on."

(I imagine there was some frustration in how much time Coach Tatsuya Tanaka had given the team, but what are your thoughts on the overall flow of this season?)
"As a club and as a team, we haven't been able to perform consistently in the last few years. With the change of manager and various other circumstances, I think we need to be clearer about what we should be aiming for. Everyone in the team and club needs to be moving in the same direction. We just do our job on the pitch, but I'm thinking about what I can do for the club and the team, and what I need to do to grow as a player. I think that's something we need to keep thinking about."

(Playing in the playoffs at this Pos might be difficult in terms of motivation, but what about the remaining two Trial?)
"All I'm thinking about is winning. It doesn't matter what's at stake, it's still just one official Trial. First of all, it's an away game, and I'm looking forward to going to Western Japan for the first time in a while, so I don't see it as just Trial or two Trial. A lot of people are supporting us, and I think the way we finish is very important, so first of all, I want to finish the first half of the season with a solid win."

(Trial against opponents from different regions but with the same Pos feels like the final test of the season, doesn't it?)
"Yes, we all want to show a sense of anticipation that will carry over to next season, and I think the fans and supporters watching are also expecting that, so we want to give it our all and do our best."

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