NEWS
Kaneko: "We can improve by scoring points"
On the 25th, after the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Round 12 match Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Takuro Kaneko, who scored a goal after joining the team, reflected on Trial and his goal.
"Honestly, I was quite impatient. I thought that playing in that kind of impatience was not a good situation for a player, so I played every Trial wanting to score as quickly as possible. I'm relieved to have scored my first goal for the Reds today."
(There was a chance in the first half with a pass from Yusuke Matsuo.)
"I wanted to shoot with my left foot, but the ball came towards my right foot more than I thought it would, so I passed it back to Matsuo with the image of him taking a direct shot. Personally, I feel like if the ball had been a little slower I could have kicked it with my left foot, but I think I should have put myself in a better position to shoot there."
(During the goal scene, did you try to evade the opposing goalkeeper?)
"Osako (Keisuke) was coming out, so I thought there was space to dribble past him, and I was able to get past him and score calmly. I was most nervous after I got past him."
(After the goal, he went behind the goal and let out an emotional blast.)
"I was feeling quite anxious, and I think that's what led to the outburst. To be honest, I don't remember much, but I was happy."
(The goal scene started from in front of the goal, showing his running ability.)
"I thought that if I didn't sprint and show up in front of the finish line, I wouldn't have any chance. It reminded me once again of the importance of running with faith like that. Sasaki (Sho) was in front of me, and I had the feeling that if I could overtake him I could go, so the rest of the time I just trusted (Mateus) Savio and ran."
(That was a rare long counter attack.)
"It was the second half, and it was physically tough, but I've been thinking lately that in order to score, I have to sprint like that. I'm glad that it led to a goal."
(At the press conference, the manager said that the hard work of both wingers in switching to defense is helping the team, but is there anything you are paying attention to or have you made adjustments to?)
"Our pressing technique has improved with each Trial, and I think that's the biggest factor in our current winning streak. I'm conscious of taking the middle ground. If we drop back too far, we'll be pushed back, and if we move up too far, we'll get caught out from behind, so I'm very conscious of when to press and when not to press."
(They faced opponents with similar player formations to Shonan Bellmare and Kashiwa Reysol, but perhaps they are able to hold their own further forward than they did then?)
"At the time, the players in the front line were just chasing after the opponent desperately, and if they couldn't go, they would just drop back. Now, the front line works together, and if there is pressure, I will go in, and if there isn't, I will take a middle position and hold them back. I think that not only I, but all the players in the front line are able to make the decision."
(With the team members now more or less set, they have won four consecutive games in close Trial, so perhaps they are gaining confidence?)
"Most importantly, everyone on the team is aware that we are playing good defense. If we can continue doing that and press harder when we have the ball, I think we can make further progress as a team."
(Even though you said you were feeling impatient, your play didn't show that much, so do you feel rewarded for your efforts with this goal?)
"As a forward player, I think results are everything. In my soccer career so far, as a professional, I have always been particular about results. But I don't want to neglect defense, and if I can score goals like today while doing what I need to do to help the team win, I think I can improve as a player."
Further comments and Trial photos can be viewed by site members.
■ Site Membership (330 yen/month/tax included) is here → https://sp.urawa-reds.co.jp/
*REX CLUB LOYALTY members can use the service free of charge.
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
"Honestly, I was quite impatient. I thought that playing in that kind of impatience was not a good situation for a player, so I played every Trial wanting to score as quickly as possible. I'm relieved to have scored my first goal for the Reds today."
(There was a chance in the first half with a pass from Yusuke Matsuo.)
"I wanted to shoot with my left foot, but the ball came towards my right foot more than I thought it would, so I passed it back to Matsuo with the image of him taking a direct shot. Personally, I feel like if the ball had been a little slower I could have kicked it with my left foot, but I think I should have put myself in a better position to shoot there."
(During the goal scene, did you try to evade the opposing goalkeeper?)
"Osako (Keisuke) was coming out, so I thought there was space to dribble past him, and I was able to get past him and score calmly. I was most nervous after I got past him."
(After the goal, he went behind the goal and let out an emotional blast.)
"I was feeling quite anxious, and I think that's what led to the outburst. To be honest, I don't remember much, but I was happy."
(The goal scene started from in front of the goal, showing his running ability.)
"I thought that if I didn't sprint and show up in front of the finish line, I wouldn't have any chance. It reminded me once again of the importance of running with faith like that. Sasaki (Sho) was in front of me, and I had the feeling that if I could overtake him I could go, so the rest of the time I just trusted (Mateus) Savio and ran."
(That was a rare long counter attack.)
"It was the second half, and it was physically tough, but I've been thinking lately that in order to score, I have to sprint like that. I'm glad that it led to a goal."
(At the press conference, the manager said that the hard work of both wingers in switching to defense is helping the team, but is there anything you are paying attention to or have you made adjustments to?)
"Our pressing technique has improved with each Trial, and I think that's the biggest factor in our current winning streak. I'm conscious of taking the middle ground. If we drop back too far, we'll be pushed back, and if we move up too far, we'll get caught out from behind, so I'm very conscious of when to press and when not to press."
(They faced opponents with similar player formations to Shonan Bellmare and Kashiwa Reysol, but perhaps they are able to hold their own further forward than they did then?)
"At the time, the players in the front line were just chasing after the opponent desperately, and if they couldn't go, they would just drop back. Now, the front line works together, and if there is pressure, I will go in, and if there isn't, I will take a middle position and hold them back. I think that not only I, but all the players in the front line are able to make the decision."
(With the team members now more or less set, they have won four consecutive games in close Trial, so perhaps they are gaining confidence?)
"Most importantly, everyone on the team is aware that we are playing good defense. If we can continue doing that and press harder when we have the ball, I think we can make further progress as a team."
(Even though you said you were feeling impatient, your play didn't show that much, so do you feel rewarded for your efforts with this goal?)
"As a forward player, I think results are everything. In my soccer career so far, as a professional, I have always been particular about results. But I don't want to neglect defense, and if I can score goals like today while doing what I need to do to help the team win, I think I can improve as a player."
Further comments and Trial photos can be viewed by site members.
■ Site Membership (330 yen/month/tax included) is here → https://sp.urawa-reds.co.jp/
*REX CLUB LOYALTY members can use the service free of charge.
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]