NEWS
Sakai "I want to move forward together with everyone, including the fans and supporters."
On the 18th, after the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Round 1 match against F.C.Tokyo, Hiroki Sakai talked about the game, the support of fans and supporters, and his future enthusiasm.
(You seem to be limping after being replaced?)
“I was in the midst of an injury, but I was able to do well today, and I think I will be in better shape for the next match. It didn't turn out like this, but it was against a big opponent like F.C.Tokyo, and whoever wins or loses is a game. I think we were able to show at least the ability to move forward.In the end, it comes down to the quality of the individual.I think the attitude as a team was somewhat positive in the first half.However, the results did not come with it. I think I have to reflect on the fact that I couldn't be happy with the fans and supporters who came and the team."
(What was it like fighting as a captain?)
“There is absolutely no change in what we need to do, and just like last year, we will just focus on winning. There are many other players who are candidates for captain, so I would like to build it up together.”
(For the first time in 3 years, all the seats were able to speak out, how did you feel?)
“I was trembling when I went to the first greeting, and (Alexander) Scholz also talked about that. It's very frustrating that we weren't able to leave the stadium with a smile on our faces. We want everyone, including the fans and supporters, to get involved and move forward together, so we want to show our attitude.”
(In the second half, what do you think is the reason why you were often stripped off in defense and couldn't keep the ball?)
“In the first half, there were parts where we were aiming and parts where we weren’t aiming. In the second half, there were scenes where we were unlucky enough to cross over where we were aiming. In the end, it was an own goal, but there are a number of reasons that lead to an own goal, so I think we have to pursue them.”
(The result was 0-2, but did you have any feelings about the fans and supporters applauding after the match?)
“It means that they supported us, and there are many things we have to give. As I said earlier, I want Urawa Reds to move forward as a team, including the fans and supporters. I want to give you three points.I want to give you a better match."
(Isn't the scene where he got the yellow card the scene where he showed his determination to fight for the season opener?)
"It's important not to get a yellow card, and for me it was one of the communication with the referee, so I'm still not convinced about the yellow card, but I'll talk to you when halftime is over. I did so, so I'm not protesting. I just wanted to move forward while acknowledging each other, and I think there was a misunderstanding there."
(Is it because he became captain?)
"No, I've been doing it since last year."
(There was also a scene where it wouldn't be strange if Keigo Azuma got a second yellow card?)
“I talked about that, but it’s the first match, and not only the players but also the referees and everyone at the venue are stiff, and it’s not a machine, so I want to respect that as well.”
(Did you talk to Yuto Nagatomo?)
“We talked a little bit before the game. I think it’s been a while since I joined the team, and I’m glad I didn’t start. It also stimulates me, and I myself am happy.I want to keep improving each other.”
(What do you want to improve for the next match against Yokohama F･Marinos?)
“I haven’t been training for the team, so I think I have to improve. From now on, I want to give back to the team. It's great to see them play solidly in the back, but I want to improve my condition so that I can let the juniors play in their respective positions."
More comments and match photos can be viewed at Site Members.
■ Click here for site members (330 yen per month / tax included) → https://sp.urawa-reds.co.jp/
*Free for REX CLUB LOYALTY members.
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
(You seem to be limping after being replaced?)
“I was in the midst of an injury, but I was able to do well today, and I think I will be in better shape for the next match. It didn't turn out like this, but it was against a big opponent like F.C.Tokyo, and whoever wins or loses is a game. I think we were able to show at least the ability to move forward.In the end, it comes down to the quality of the individual.I think the attitude as a team was somewhat positive in the first half.However, the results did not come with it. I think I have to reflect on the fact that I couldn't be happy with the fans and supporters who came and the team."
(What was it like fighting as a captain?)
“There is absolutely no change in what we need to do, and just like last year, we will just focus on winning. There are many other players who are candidates for captain, so I would like to build it up together.”
(For the first time in 3 years, all the seats were able to speak out, how did you feel?)
“I was trembling when I went to the first greeting, and (Alexander) Scholz also talked about that. It's very frustrating that we weren't able to leave the stadium with a smile on our faces. We want everyone, including the fans and supporters, to get involved and move forward together, so we want to show our attitude.”
(In the second half, what do you think is the reason why you were often stripped off in defense and couldn't keep the ball?)
“In the first half, there were parts where we were aiming and parts where we weren’t aiming. In the second half, there were scenes where we were unlucky enough to cross over where we were aiming. In the end, it was an own goal, but there are a number of reasons that lead to an own goal, so I think we have to pursue them.”
(The result was 0-2, but did you have any feelings about the fans and supporters applauding after the match?)
“It means that they supported us, and there are many things we have to give. As I said earlier, I want Urawa Reds to move forward as a team, including the fans and supporters. I want to give you three points.I want to give you a better match."
(Isn't the scene where he got the yellow card the scene where he showed his determination to fight for the season opener?)
"It's important not to get a yellow card, and for me it was one of the communication with the referee, so I'm still not convinced about the yellow card, but I'll talk to you when halftime is over. I did so, so I'm not protesting. I just wanted to move forward while acknowledging each other, and I think there was a misunderstanding there."
(Is it because he became captain?)
"No, I've been doing it since last year."
(There was also a scene where it wouldn't be strange if Keigo Azuma got a second yellow card?)
“I talked about that, but it’s the first match, and not only the players but also the referees and everyone at the venue are stiff, and it’s not a machine, so I want to respect that as well.”
(Did you talk to Yuto Nagatomo?)
“We talked a little bit before the game. I think it’s been a while since I joined the team, and I’m glad I didn’t start. It also stimulates me, and I myself am happy.I want to keep improving each other.”
(What do you want to improve for the next match against Yokohama F･Marinos?)
“I haven’t been training for the team, so I think I have to improve. From now on, I want to give back to the team. It's great to see them play solidly in the back, but I want to improve my condition so that I can let the juniors play in their respective positions."
More comments and match photos can be viewed at Site Members.
■ Click here for site members (330 yen per month / tax included) → https://sp.urawa-reds.co.jp/
*Free for REX CLUB LOYALTY members.
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
