On the 6th, after the 15th match of the MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE against Kashiwa Kashiwa Reysol, Ryoma Watanabe, who scored Pts, reflected on his goal, the way the team played in the final stages, and the factors that allowed the team to hold on to the lead.

(Looking back at Trial since switching to a five-man defense?)
"After we scored, from around the 75th minute, we were constantly under pressure, and we switched to a five-man defense at the end. I think we could have played more in our own style. But I think it was good that we were able to keep a clean sheet for those 15 or 20 minutes."

(I think the inability to hold on to the lead at the end was the weakest point of the season. This is the first time we've managed to hold on and win 1-0, so what do you think were the factors behind that?)
"We've clearly been controlling the game for longer periods, so personally, I've started to feel tired around the 80-minute mark. I don't feel that kind of fatigue, which I think is one of the reasons we've been able to hold on. I think there are different factors for each individual, but I can see that the speed at which we can get to the ball is different, and that might be one of the differences."

(They didn't score any goals, but perhaps the way they handled the first half led to the energy they had in the second half?)
"Yes, that's right. Everyone else was playing in consecutive matches, and I was the only one who didn't play last time, so I was wondering how well I could carry the team. While I think I could have done a little more, I'm glad I was able to defend my position."

(Since your defensive midfield partner is Hayate Ueki, how did you envision the division of roles between you?)
"Regarding today's game, when we were defending, (Ueki) Hayate was going to the right, forward, and looking towards the center, and my task today was to contain (Koizumi) Kaho, so he understood that and had a good defensive range as a defensive midfielder, which I think allowed me to get to Kaho as well."

(The transition from good defense to good offense seemed really well done, didn't it?)
"Yes, I believe that good offense leads to good defense, so I want to continue that cycle going forward."

(It's another series of matches, but do you think you can maintain good momentum?)
"We're all equally tired, so I think one of the key points for a team to succeed is how well we can deliver quality in the details and how we fight when we're tired. I hope we can do that well."

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