NEWS
2024 season new system announcement press conference
On the 14th (Sunday), a press conference to announce the new structure for Urawa Reds 2024 season was held at Saitama Stadium, which included the introduction of the new uniforms and partners, the inauguration press conference of Per-Mathias Hoegmo, and the introduction of foreign players among the new players. A press conference was held for nine players, excluding three (including those returning from loan transfers and those promoted from Reds youth).
Natsumi Asai, who is well-known for making announcements in the stadium, was in charge of the whole event, and the event began with the unveiling of the 2024 season uniforms and practice shirts, as well as the introduction of each partner company.
Next, President Makoto Taguchi, who stood up to give a speech, said, ``I think it was a great learning experience last season for us to be able to experience first-hand the top clubs in the world, winning the ACL (AFC Champions League) for the third time and finishing fourth in the FIFA Club World Cup.'' In the domestic competition, they achieved better results than the previous year, but they did not win the title.Also, I think that the concept of what kind of soccer the Reds should play, which they have been working on, will continue to be carried over.Although I can give them a certain level of praise. , I don't think we can just let go of the joy as we were just one step away from winning the title.This season, we want to aim for better results than last season.Also, it's not just the results of a single year, we're always in a position to aim for the championship. We will aim to build a team.I think this will lead to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where we will compete against strong overseas teams and see how much Urawa Reds can demonstrate their presence.'' After talking about his goals, he said that he had brought in new coach Matthias to achieve that goal.
Regarding player reinforcements, he said, ``Last season, we couldn't make a good start because we couldn't fill the final forward position.This season, I think we learned from that and were able to make good reinforcements, so I'm confident that we'll be able to perform in good condition from the start.'' "I'm doing it," he said.
He then talked about the management side, saying, ``We would like to continue building a stable management base.We need the ability to win on the pitch, but the ability to earn money as a club is also a big issue,'' showing their stance towards increasing income. Ta. Regarding match management, he touched on the violation of discipline by supporters during last year's Emperor's Cup, saying, ``This is something that the club must never forget.We will not compromise on our stance of responding strictly to violations of the rules.'' I will continue to do so," he said with strong determination.
He concluded his speech by saying, "We are a strong and attractive team. We will work as one to become an independent, responsible club with a safe, comfortable, and enthusiastic packed stadium."
Technical director (TD) Tsutomu Nishino and team manager Per-Mathias Hoegmo also took to the stage.
First of all, TD Nishino said, ``Last year we took a lot of ``one more steps''.First of all, we kept in mind what we needed to do to become a team that would produce results.On the other hand, we wanted to increase our scoring ability and offensive ability, which we lacked last year. What should we do to achieve this goal?The most important thing is that we have been working hard to make the team an attractive team and a team that can produce results based on the team concept we set at the end of 2019. The direction hasn't changed at all. We've been building up to this point, and I think the team is growing in a healthy way."He then went on to explain how he understands the current situation, saying, "In order to fill that gap, Per-Mathias Hoegmo The director came," he said.
When it came to the team concept that was most important, he said, ``During our conversation, he really resonated with me, and when it came to the last part of attacking, I strongly resonated with the idea that the Reds want to play this kind of attacking football and want to be a team like this. "I'm happy with that," he said, indicating that there was a mutual understanding between him and the director.
He also talked about reinforcing players, saying, ``This season, strengthening our offensive power was a theme in our team composition as well.''
Coach Mathias then took the microphone and greeted the audience, saying, ``First of all, I'm happy to be here in front of you all,'' and then began talking about his grandfather.
“My grandfather was a captain who traveled the world all his life.As a child, I loved sitting on his lap and hearing all the experiences he had while traveling the world. His last trip was to Japan. When he came back, he talked about how great Japan was as a country, the people there, and how good the culture was. He said, ``I learned about Japan from my childhood.''
TD Nishino said that his first encounter with the Reds was ``We met in Oslo and talked about the club and the kind of football we wanted to play.At that point, I thought it was a great project and that we wanted to work together.'' This is because we agree on how to create a culture and how we think about soccer," he said, adding that Urawa's wonderful fans and supporters are number one in Asia. "I think they will create a great atmosphere in the stadium, and with the strong support of our great partners, we will be able to take the next step."
He also stated that he had his first practice that morning, and stated his thoughts, ``I want to create a strong ``culture of learning.'' I started that from today. I would like our staff to take on the challenge of finding ways to fill in the gaps in their daily practice," he said of his expectations for the team, and concluded by saying, "Offense is a big part of our soccer. This is a team with a lot of players who are exciting to watch.Also, I think the combination of young and experienced players is good.After about three practices, we will head to Okinawa, where we will be camping, and we will spend three weeks there. We will be able to spend time together, so I want to build a good team,'' he said, expressing his determination to practice before the opening day.
This was followed by a question-and-answer session, and TD Nishino said, ``Until last year, it seemed like they were acquiring players with an emphasis on potential, but this year it seems like they focused on performance.I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a major change in direction. ``Were there any small changes with the team?'' He then asked Coach Matthias, ``Please tell me again about the atmosphere in the stadium and the enthusiasm of the fans and supporters.'' ``You said, ``I want to build a good team,'' but Coach Mattias asked, ``Were there any small changes? What does a ``good team'' or ``good player'' mean?'' ``The term ``relationships between players'' was mentioned, but what does a coach place importance on when it comes to improving relationships?'' ``A team that is fast in a 4-3-3 You say you want to play attacking, but which positions are important for playing soccer, and what role do you want players in those positions to play?" "I think Scandinavian players and Asian players have different characteristics. However, how do you perceive the difference?Will the coach change the way he has played soccer in the past?''Questions were asked.
Following Coach Matthias's press conference, a press conference was held for the new players, and nine Japanese players took the stage. Video messages from foreign players Samuel Gustafson and Thiago Santana were also played.
First of all, TD Nishino talked about this season's reinforcements, saying, ``It's something we do every season to improve the team's strength compared to last year, and the team concept remains the same.On the other hand, we have had many meetings with new coach Matthias even before the formation window opened. After thorough discussions on what we wanted from each position, we decided on target players and started recruiting them.Last year, many players were selected by the Reds for their best eleven, but there are players who dare to take on challenges in those positions. After explaining the overall process, each of the nine players introduced themselves.
35 MF Tomoya UGAJIN
“When I left Urawa Reds in 2021, the one thing I regretted was winning the J League Championship.I returned to this club with a strong desire to win the J League Championship with this wonderful team. ”
38 FW Naoki Maeda
"I've been from Urawa since I was a child. Since I was really young, I've been watching real Urawa men and my seniors, so I want to try to become closer to those Urawa men."
13 MF Ryoma Watanabe
``I also grew up watching Urawa Reds since I was a child.I am very happy that my strong desire to play for this team someday has come true in this way.
I want to look at myself again and do what I can to achieve results.”
23 DF Rikito Inoue
``Now that I've come to this club, I feel like I have to broaden my horizons and broaden my horizons, not just focus on my strengths.I want everyone to be able to see me play as soon as possible.'' Masu"
24 MF Yusuke Matsuo
``I've learned a lot of things myself, and I think I'll be able to absorb a lot of things from this team again this year, so I'll do my best to grow.''
20 DF Yota Sato
``There are two center backs who were selected for the J.League Best Eleven last year, but I definitely want to be in the starting lineup, so I will do everything I can to help Urawa Reds win the title. I’ll do my best.”
4 DF Hirokazu Ishihara
“I grew up in Shonan for 17 years, and when I received the offer, I came here because I thought there was no reason to turn down the Reds.I wanted to fit in with the team as quickly as possible, surpassing our great seniors and threatening them. I will do my best to become someone who can help others.”
47 MF Hidetoshi Takeda
“I returned to the Reds for the first time in two and a half years. Previously, there were restrictions on attendance and support due to the coronavirus pandemic, so I am looking forward to being able to play on the pitch in Urawa, listening to the cheers of fans and supporters in a packed stadium. Masu"
39 MF Jumpei Hayakawa
``Last year, I was able to accompany the top team for one year, and I felt blessed to be able to compete with this emblem on my back.I also practiced and watched my seniors for a long time, so this year I will bring out the best in myself and help the team. I will do my best to contribute to the victory.”
The new players were asked a variety of questions by various media outlets, and the players answered them sincerely.
Click here to watch the video of the press conference announcing the new system for the 2024 season held today.
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
Natsumi Asai, who is well-known for making announcements in the stadium, was in charge of the whole event, and the event began with the unveiling of the 2024 season uniforms and practice shirts, as well as the introduction of each partner company.
Next, President Makoto Taguchi, who stood up to give a speech, said, ``I think it was a great learning experience last season for us to be able to experience first-hand the top clubs in the world, winning the ACL (AFC Champions League) for the third time and finishing fourth in the FIFA Club World Cup.'' In the domestic competition, they achieved better results than the previous year, but they did not win the title.Also, I think that the concept of what kind of soccer the Reds should play, which they have been working on, will continue to be carried over.Although I can give them a certain level of praise. , I don't think we can just let go of the joy as we were just one step away from winning the title.This season, we want to aim for better results than last season.Also, it's not just the results of a single year, we're always in a position to aim for the championship. We will aim to build a team.I think this will lead to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where we will compete against strong overseas teams and see how much Urawa Reds can demonstrate their presence.'' After talking about his goals, he said that he had brought in new coach Matthias to achieve that goal.
Regarding player reinforcements, he said, ``Last season, we couldn't make a good start because we couldn't fill the final forward position.This season, I think we learned from that and were able to make good reinforcements, so I'm confident that we'll be able to perform in good condition from the start.'' "I'm doing it," he said.
He then talked about the management side, saying, ``We would like to continue building a stable management base.We need the ability to win on the pitch, but the ability to earn money as a club is also a big issue,'' showing their stance towards increasing income. Ta. Regarding match management, he touched on the violation of discipline by supporters during last year's Emperor's Cup, saying, ``This is something that the club must never forget.We will not compromise on our stance of responding strictly to violations of the rules.'' I will continue to do so," he said with strong determination.
He concluded his speech by saying, "We are a strong and attractive team. We will work as one to become an independent, responsible club with a safe, comfortable, and enthusiastic packed stadium."
Technical director (TD) Tsutomu Nishino and team manager Per-Mathias Hoegmo also took to the stage.
First of all, TD Nishino said, ``Last year we took a lot of ``one more steps''.First of all, we kept in mind what we needed to do to become a team that would produce results.On the other hand, we wanted to increase our scoring ability and offensive ability, which we lacked last year. What should we do to achieve this goal?The most important thing is that we have been working hard to make the team an attractive team and a team that can produce results based on the team concept we set at the end of 2019. The direction hasn't changed at all. We've been building up to this point, and I think the team is growing in a healthy way."He then went on to explain how he understands the current situation, saying, "In order to fill that gap, Per-Mathias Hoegmo The director came," he said.
When it came to the team concept that was most important, he said, ``During our conversation, he really resonated with me, and when it came to the last part of attacking, I strongly resonated with the idea that the Reds want to play this kind of attacking football and want to be a team like this. "I'm happy with that," he said, indicating that there was a mutual understanding between him and the director.
He also talked about reinforcing players, saying, ``This season, strengthening our offensive power was a theme in our team composition as well.''
Coach Mathias then took the microphone and greeted the audience, saying, ``First of all, I'm happy to be here in front of you all,'' and then began talking about his grandfather.
“My grandfather was a captain who traveled the world all his life.As a child, I loved sitting on his lap and hearing all the experiences he had while traveling the world. His last trip was to Japan. When he came back, he talked about how great Japan was as a country, the people there, and how good the culture was. He said, ``I learned about Japan from my childhood.''
TD Nishino said that his first encounter with the Reds was ``We met in Oslo and talked about the club and the kind of football we wanted to play.At that point, I thought it was a great project and that we wanted to work together.'' This is because we agree on how to create a culture and how we think about soccer," he said, adding that Urawa's wonderful fans and supporters are number one in Asia. "I think they will create a great atmosphere in the stadium, and with the strong support of our great partners, we will be able to take the next step."
He also stated that he had his first practice that morning, and stated his thoughts, ``I want to create a strong ``culture of learning.'' I started that from today. I would like our staff to take on the challenge of finding ways to fill in the gaps in their daily practice," he said of his expectations for the team, and concluded by saying, "Offense is a big part of our soccer. This is a team with a lot of players who are exciting to watch.Also, I think the combination of young and experienced players is good.After about three practices, we will head to Okinawa, where we will be camping, and we will spend three weeks there. We will be able to spend time together, so I want to build a good team,'' he said, expressing his determination to practice before the opening day.
This was followed by a question-and-answer session, and TD Nishino said, ``Until last year, it seemed like they were acquiring players with an emphasis on potential, but this year it seems like they focused on performance.I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a major change in direction. ``Were there any small changes with the team?'' He then asked Coach Matthias, ``Please tell me again about the atmosphere in the stadium and the enthusiasm of the fans and supporters.'' ``You said, ``I want to build a good team,'' but Coach Mattias asked, ``Were there any small changes? What does a ``good team'' or ``good player'' mean?'' ``The term ``relationships between players'' was mentioned, but what does a coach place importance on when it comes to improving relationships?'' ``A team that is fast in a 4-3-3 You say you want to play attacking, but which positions are important for playing soccer, and what role do you want players in those positions to play?" "I think Scandinavian players and Asian players have different characteristics. However, how do you perceive the difference?Will the coach change the way he has played soccer in the past?''Questions were asked.
Following Coach Matthias's press conference, a press conference was held for the new players, and nine Japanese players took the stage. Video messages from foreign players Samuel Gustafson and Thiago Santana were also played.
First of all, TD Nishino talked about this season's reinforcements, saying, ``It's something we do every season to improve the team's strength compared to last year, and the team concept remains the same.On the other hand, we have had many meetings with new coach Matthias even before the formation window opened. After thorough discussions on what we wanted from each position, we decided on target players and started recruiting them.Last year, many players were selected by the Reds for their best eleven, but there are players who dare to take on challenges in those positions. After explaining the overall process, each of the nine players introduced themselves.
35 MF Tomoya UGAJIN
“When I left Urawa Reds in 2021, the one thing I regretted was winning the J League Championship.I returned to this club with a strong desire to win the J League Championship with this wonderful team. ”
38 FW Naoki Maeda
"I've been from Urawa since I was a child. Since I was really young, I've been watching real Urawa men and my seniors, so I want to try to become closer to those Urawa men."
13 MF Ryoma Watanabe
``I also grew up watching Urawa Reds since I was a child.I am very happy that my strong desire to play for this team someday has come true in this way.
I want to look at myself again and do what I can to achieve results.”
23 DF Rikito Inoue
``Now that I've come to this club, I feel like I have to broaden my horizons and broaden my horizons, not just focus on my strengths.I want everyone to be able to see me play as soon as possible.'' Masu"
24 MF Yusuke Matsuo
``I've learned a lot of things myself, and I think I'll be able to absorb a lot of things from this team again this year, so I'll do my best to grow.''
20 DF Yota Sato
``There are two center backs who were selected for the J.League Best Eleven last year, but I definitely want to be in the starting lineup, so I will do everything I can to help Urawa Reds win the title. I’ll do my best.”
4 DF Hirokazu Ishihara
“I grew up in Shonan for 17 years, and when I received the offer, I came here because I thought there was no reason to turn down the Reds.I wanted to fit in with the team as quickly as possible, surpassing our great seniors and threatening them. I will do my best to become someone who can help others.”
47 MF Hidetoshi Takeda
“I returned to the Reds for the first time in two and a half years. Previously, there were restrictions on attendance and support due to the coronavirus pandemic, so I am looking forward to being able to play on the pitch in Urawa, listening to the cheers of fans and supporters in a packed stadium. Masu"
39 MF Jumpei Hayakawa
``Last year, I was able to accompany the top team for one year, and I felt blessed to be able to compete with this emblem on my back.I also practiced and watched my seniors for a long time, so this year I will bring out the best in myself and help the team. I will do my best to contribute to the victory.”
The new players were asked a variety of questions by various media outlets, and the players answered them sincerely.
Click here to watch the video of the press conference announcing the new system for the 2024 season held today.
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
