On the 29th, after MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE Round 13 match against Kawasaki Frontale [MATCH PARTNER Meiji Yasuda], Shusaku Nishikawa, who contributed to the team's first victory in eight Trial by achieving a clean sheet, reflected on Trial.

"We've been through some really tough times, but today we were able to fight on with the help of the home crowd. With the change of manager, things have been a bit chaotic since the last match, but everyone was on the same page, and we were able to show that we could play great football and get a result, so I think this victory gives us a little bit of hope."

I think we were able to show a different side of ourselves at home compared to when we play away, and above all, the fans and supporters had such happy faces when they sent us off at the end, so I felt like we had been revived. Winning at home is something special, but I think it's important to build on this for the next match, so I want to prepare well for the game against JEF United Ichihara Chiba."

(What kind of discussions took place within the team after the change in manager?)
"All I can say is that I am very grateful to former manager Maciej Skorza. I want everyone to understand that he made his decision in the last two or three days, that he stepped down for the sake of the team's victory. He clearly conveyed to us his desire to fight until the end, and I have nothing but gratitude for the great time I spent with Maciej, winning the Asian (AFC Champions League) and also in 2023. We all talked about getting a result for Maciej in this Trial, and Tatsuya (manager Tatsuya Tanaka) also said the same thing, so I'm glad that it was reflected in the result."

(What did they talk about, including the fact that the manager changed the day before Trial?)
"With Tatsuya at the center, we talked about the meaning of being in this club, that it's because we have our strengths, and why we play professional soccer. It really resonated with me. I've always dreamed of standing on the pitch for myself, for my family, and celebrating with the fans and supporters when we win. Tatsuya gave us words that made us think about the basics again, and I think we need to cherish that going forward. I want to continue fighting with the joy and pride of being able to fight wearing this emblem."

(What changes did you notice on the pitch during today's Trial?)
"Watching from the back, I felt that the players were playing freely from the first half. When we talked with the 11 players who were going to play at the start, we talked about how it's okay to make mistakes, but we should keep trying, and also about adding variety to our play, not just going straight, but also diagonal passes and trying not to kick long balls from the back as much as possible, and connecting passes properly. We have a lot of players with potential, and we know we can do it, so it was important for us to play with confidence today. Even watching from the back, I thought they were playing really fun football."

(What about the moment when you stopped the opponent's shot with your foot when the score was 1-0?)
"In the first half, we didn't get any shots on goal, but in the second half, there were tough periods and times when we were under pressure. Considering Kawasaki's potential, I was prepared to defend in front of the goal. The highlight of today was being able to save the team with that save, and then the momentum shifted back to us and (Komori) Hiyori scored. As a goalkeeper, I think it was an ideal scenario."

(Was Nishikawa himself consciously trying to avoid playing long balls as much as possible?)
"Regarding Kawasaki, since they have fast players staying up front, I thought the biggest danger would be when I sent in a long ball and they cleared it. I would hold onto the ball, but rather than just launching it forward, I was conscious of connecting passes properly when it was time to do so."

(Was that because they were playing against Kawasaki, or was it because manager Tatsuya Tanaka emphasized not rushing the attack?)
"Even though we were short on time, there were many instances where Tatsuya's words or two resonated deeply with us. I think we were able to communicate effectively within ourselves in those situations."

(Considering the limited time, I think the team was able to clearly execute its concept, such as carefully connecting passes and taking up positions in the attacking third.)
"It was very easy to understand. The meeting was simple, and he just said about three important points and then left the rest up to the players. Tatsuya-san also said something positive like, 'There's only a little bit I can do during Trial, so let's discuss the rest and do it ourselves.' I think everyone took those words in a positive direction, and that's why we were able to think for ourselves and act freely like we did today."

(I think the key to today's game was the three-card rotation at the back. What was the most important thing you were focusing on during that time?)
"Regarding back passes from my teammates, there was a bit of rain and the pitch conditions weren't very good, so I was paying a little more attention to each play from my teammates than when the conditions were good. There were times when a lofted back pass came to me, but I think I was able to handle those without panicking and in a good way."

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