Meiji Yasuda J1 League Round 2 match against Tokyo Verdy Post-match comments

“I was looking forward to playing here at Saitama Stadium. It was amazing to play in front of all the fans and supporters.

I think the players looked very good after the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. So I was hoping for a good game today. I think we were able to control the game pretty well in the first half. However, I think we were missing an important play, which was to break through the inside half. Also, there weren't many situations where our wingers got behind the field and posed a threat to the opponent, so I think this made the play a little easier for the opponent to defend.

In the second half, we increased the number of plays we made from behind, and defensively we adopted a 4-4-2. I think we were able to get hold of the ball, but we need to create more opportunities.

I think we were able to show them fighting until the end, just like in the previous match. I think it was important that we were able to get one point today. (Ohata) Ayumu was on the pitch and did very well, leading to a play that would have led to a penalty kick, but it was a play that could have been won by him.

In the end, we introduced Riki (Takahashi) to increase the number of players entering the penalty area. I think we had some moments where we got in there, but we weren't able to create enough chances. I think it's good that we're developing our soccer while enhancing our strengths, but I think we need to improve our play from the moment we get into the final third.''

[Question-and-answer session]
(Why were there so few inside half break-throughs in the first half, and why could it not be resolved in the first half?)
“Atsuki Ito is a player who has that kind of quality to begin with. There were two or three times in the first half where he went through, but those were solid chances. Then there was the scene where (Koizumi) Kaho went through. We had one game, but it was also a chance.The more the players adapt to what we're trying to do, and the more the relationship between the inside half and the wingers deepens, the better it will get. I think.

Until last season, the players were used to playing with the ball at their feet, but now they are looking for ways to extend the game by using the space behind the opponent's backs, and we would like to improve on that. Of course, I think it also depends on the type of player."

(Was there some kind of trouble that caused Naoki Maeda to be removed from the squad?)
``On Friday, he developed a fever and became unwell. He waited for him to recover the next day, but he did not fully recover, so he was unable to play today. Both he and Ola Solbakken were disappointed. I also hope that Tomoaki Okubo) can practice well next week."

(Shoya Nakajima and Ryoma Watanabe were used in very different positions today than they were in practice. I wonder how much of what they did in practice was being used on the pitch, or they were scrambling. )
``When three players in the wing position are sick or injured, things like this become necessary.Ryoma (Watanabe) was originally able to play that position, I decided to raise it to .I thought about the players on the bench and thought about what shape would be best, so I decided to do it this way.''

(Tokyo Verdy manager Hiroshi Jofuku said, `` Samuel Gustafson 's movements were bigger than in the game against Sanfrecce Hiroshima and it was difficult to catch him.'' Have you improved his movements and what is your evaluation today?)
``I waited for my wife to give birth in Sweden before I joined the team, so I think it's good that my physical condition has improved since I was a little late in joining the team.I think I'm heading in the right direction. I also think that once you get used to the team and your teammates, you will be able to develop your tactical skills even more.

I think we have been able to improve on our strengths in play, but I think what we need to focus on from now on is when we get into the final third.”

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]