2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Round 22 match Cerezo Osaka [MATCH PARTNER Meiji Yasuda] Post-Trial comments

"The start was difficult for us and we couldn't get into a rhythm. But as time went on, we started to play better and as a result, I think we were able to control the game in the first half. However, I think there were many instances where we retreated to zone 1 and couldn't get out of there.

However, the opponent only created one clear chance, and in the last 10 to 20 minutes of the first half we started to perform better, with some chances coming from (Matheus) Savio's shots and some great passes.

In the second half, we tried to move the ball faster and use the spaces between the lines, and we tried to speed up the game, and I think we started off pretty well. And then, from that good flow of play, Hiro (Hirokazu Ishihara) had a chance to score with a header.

And, I felt like our stamina was dropping a little, so I made substitutions to inject some energy into the team, but today's substitutions didn't bring enough power to the team.

The opponents dominated the final 15 to 20 minutes, and we had to play low defence to try and avoid conceding any goals.

I think we were able to play well while we had the physical strength, but once our physical strength declined we were unable to control the game, so I think we need to make sure our players are fully recovered for Sunday's Trial.

One positive thing about today was that Thiago (Santana) returned after a long absence. Of course, he still needs some time to get back to his normal condition. I hope we can increase his playing time even more in the run up to the Club World Cup."

[Question and Answer Session]
(What was the purpose of switching the positions of Matheus Savio and Ryoma Watanabe during the first half?)
"I felt that Cerezo OSAKA 's right flank was dangerous. If anything, Cerezo OSAKA launched attacks from the right flank. Lucas (Fernandez) in particular was in good form and I think he was the best player today. The left winger had to drop back quite low to defend, so I left that position to (Watanabe) Ryoma. It was also to position Savio further forward."

(I think that Thiago Santana is a completely different type of player from Yusuke Matsuo, who played as the lone striker when the team was doing well. To make the most of him in the team, I think the players in the back will have to change their mindset considerably. How do you plan to adjust that?)
"I think that's true. Yusuke (Matsuo) and Thiago have completely different playing styles. And there is no one like Yusuke on this team. Our strikers each have different styles. And we can't use Yusuke as a striker for 90 minutes every Trial.

"I think Thiago's performance in the first half of this season was quite good. I think he is a player who can contribute to the team, and I want to improve his condition as much as possible. However, I think today's Trial made it clear that it will take time for him to regain that condition."

(With the Club World Cup coming up, you need to avoid injuries, so perhaps you're in a dilemma where you want to win Trial in front of you, but you can't give it your all?)
"I think it's going to be a difficult situation to find a balance in. We have to continue as best we can with good management. All staff will be closely watching the data and analysing it. The medical staff do not decide on the starting lineup, but their opinion will have a big influence.

We've only managed to get two points from our last three Trial, so it's been a bad period for us with a lot of slip-ups."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]