On the 5th, after MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE Round 9 match against Kawasaki Frontale, Kai Shibato, who played in a position other than his usual one, center back, due to an accident involving a teammate, reflected on the defeat.

(Was it mentioned before Trial that you might play center back if something happened?)
"Yes, I was told to do that. But I never got to do it during regular practice."

(What was it like when you actually tried it?)
"I feel responsible for the three goals we conceded."

(I think you exchanged passes with Shusaku Nishikawa quite often, didn't you?)
"We did something similar a few years ago, so we understand each other. (Nishikawa) has a great kick, and I thought we could develop the play from there, so I think there were many instances where we were able to successfully take over to a certain extent."

(What about the fact that you were able to communicate well despite being hastily assembled?)
"I think it came down to communication, and since we've both been here for a long time, it was a result of what we've been working on together."

(What are your thoughts on the reasons for conceding two goals in the final stages and losing the game?)
"We still can't seem to reduce the number of goals we concede at those times, and I think it's difficult to win when we concede three goals in a single Trial. We need to do more to improve our handling of crosses and second balls after rebounds."

(The third goal conceded came from a throw-in, the ball was stolen, and they easily connected passes to score. The opponent was free in the shooting opportunity, what kind of management do you think was needed?)
"Even when our stamina is depleted, we need to be able to persevere, to run and fight one more time in the final stages. I think we need players like that, both as a team and individually, so the players who are able to play just have to do that. There are quite a few things that can be changed with a change in mindset, so I want to try to change that."

(Do you feel like Trial is becoming too open?)
"Considering the resulting empty space, I think there are certainly some areas where that's the case."

(What was the team's mindset when the score was 2-1 and there was still time left?)
"When we're winning, our primary focus is on not conceding goals. Even if the opponent has possession to some extent, and even if we're being pushed back, we tend to adopt a zone defense, or rather, a slightly dropped-back stance, and I think we have good communication within the team about that. However, when the ball is played into the box like that, because we're defending in a zone, I think we lack the strength to hold the ball to the opponent, which is something we need to work on. But even when we were being pushed back, we were creating chances, and I don't think we played the game badly in that situation. However, considering the result of conceding a goal, I think we could have played more intelligently."

(When the game was tied in the final stages, was the team's shared understanding that they should aim for the win rather than just trying to get two or one point?)
"While we are willing to take on challenges and go for goals as a team, given that we conceded so many goals at that time, I think we need to play a bit more intelligently. I think we still need to improve not only at the individual level but also in terms of how we communicate as a team."

(With Danilo Boza and Yuta Miyamoto injured, it seems likely that Shibato will continue to play as a center back. Based on this Trial, how do you want to contribute to reducing goals conceded?)
"First, we need to communicate more about how to defend against crosses. Also, when a cross is made, we need to communicate more about who should be positioned to recover the second ball. And we also need to work on how aggressively we can challenge for the ball."

Other comments and Trial photos can be viewed by site members.
■Site Membership (330 yen/month including tax) is available here → https://sp.urawa-reds.co.jp/
*REX CLUB LOYALTY members can use this service free of charge.

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]