NEWS
Coach Maciej Skorza press conference after the match against Niigata
Meiji Yasuda J1 League Matchday 5 Albirex Niigata match Comment after the game
“Today we played against a very good team. I once again felt that it was no coincidence that Albirex Niigata has been undefeated so far. We conceded a goal in 2018, but I'm really glad that we were able to come back with two goals and win the match.
Overall, it wasn't the best match, but I think we got off to a good start. (Ito) Atsushi had a goal just after the start, so we conceded a goal early in the match. After that, we got a little nervous, so we switched sides and kept the ball for a long time, which ended up letting the opponent do what they were trying to do. In the midst of this trend, we stole the ball in the opponent's half and attacked while changing sides. I think that goal gave hope to the team.
After scoring the goal, we were able to create more chances and dangerous situations around the opponent's penalty area. We saw such a scene especially in a set piece, and Akimoto (Takahiro) was able to score the second goal. I think Akimoto played well throughout the match today.
Today was a match where both full-backs scored goals. I am very happy that our full-backs have scored, but I hope there will be more goals from our attackers in future games.”
[Question-and-answer session]
(What kind of game did you send the players out in the second half?)
“From the beginning of the second half, we planned to apply high pressures after setting up in the middle zone. Our opponent was good at build-ups, so when it comes to defense in low positions, we can easily create dangerous situations. I thought that I would end up getting overwhelmed, so I tried to go as far forward as possible while setting in the middle.
I tried to wait in the middle, but there were scenes where I was pushed in, and there were many times when it became a low defense. Even there, we kept our form, and I think the center backs in particular did a great job. In that sense, I think there was also a plus part.
Then, in order to increase the high pressing, we changed four players up front. It may not have been that many after that, but I think we were able to create dangerous situations by stealing the ball in the opposing half. Also, I think I was able to prevent the opponent from playing easily.”
(I think he was having a hard time with the opponent's anchor, Yuzuru Shimada, in the early stages, but from a little before the equalizer goal, I think he started to catch and push in more often in defense. What kind of improvements did you make in the middle of the first half? ?)
“Today there was a little bit of pressure in the high press. Especially in the goal kick, the Niigata players moved to create space for Ito Ryotaro. Maybe it wasn't, it wasn't going so well, so we went back to the normal way of defending, but I think it made it easier for the center backs and defensive players."
(They only had two shots in the second half, do you think they'll improve if they can steal the ball in a better way, or do they want to do better from behind?)
“I think we have to improve on almost every aspect of our performance. I think it's getting better, but in regards to the previous question, I think we need to be more solid with the build-up."
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
“Today we played against a very good team. I once again felt that it was no coincidence that Albirex Niigata has been undefeated so far. We conceded a goal in 2018, but I'm really glad that we were able to come back with two goals and win the match.
Overall, it wasn't the best match, but I think we got off to a good start. (Ito) Atsushi had a goal just after the start, so we conceded a goal early in the match. After that, we got a little nervous, so we switched sides and kept the ball for a long time, which ended up letting the opponent do what they were trying to do. In the midst of this trend, we stole the ball in the opponent's half and attacked while changing sides. I think that goal gave hope to the team.
After scoring the goal, we were able to create more chances and dangerous situations around the opponent's penalty area. We saw such a scene especially in a set piece, and Akimoto (Takahiro) was able to score the second goal. I think Akimoto played well throughout the match today.
Today was a match where both full-backs scored goals. I am very happy that our full-backs have scored, but I hope there will be more goals from our attackers in future games.”
[Question-and-answer session]
(What kind of game did you send the players out in the second half?)
“From the beginning of the second half, we planned to apply high pressures after setting up in the middle zone. Our opponent was good at build-ups, so when it comes to defense in low positions, we can easily create dangerous situations. I thought that I would end up getting overwhelmed, so I tried to go as far forward as possible while setting in the middle.
I tried to wait in the middle, but there were scenes where I was pushed in, and there were many times when it became a low defense. Even there, we kept our form, and I think the center backs in particular did a great job. In that sense, I think there was also a plus part.
Then, in order to increase the high pressing, we changed four players up front. It may not have been that many after that, but I think we were able to create dangerous situations by stealing the ball in the opposing half. Also, I think I was able to prevent the opponent from playing easily.”
(I think he was having a hard time with the opponent's anchor, Yuzuru Shimada, in the early stages, but from a little before the equalizer goal, I think he started to catch and push in more often in defense. What kind of improvements did you make in the middle of the first half? ?)
“Today there was a little bit of pressure in the high press. Especially in the goal kick, the Niigata players moved to create space for Ito Ryotaro. Maybe it wasn't, it wasn't going so well, so we went back to the normal way of defending, but I think it made it easier for the center backs and defensive players."
(They only had two shots in the second half, do you think they'll improve if they can steal the ball in a better way, or do they want to do better from behind?)
“I think we have to improve on almost every aspect of our performance. I think it's getting better, but in regards to the previous question, I think we need to be more solid with the build-up."
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
