MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE Playoff Round, Match 2 Fagiano Okayama [MATCH PARTNER DHL] Post-Trial comments

"Honestly, I think the first half went according to Okayama 's plan. We conceded a goal from a set piece, and from then on we had a period of pressing forward, and the same was true in the second half. However, we couldn't score then, and in the end we conceded a goal from a counter-attack, which I think was also according to Okayama 's plan."

I'm very grateful that the players executed the plan we had in mind. However, I feel that my ability to respond effectively was lacking."

[Questions and Answers]
(Throughout the first and second matches, Okayama put pressure on our backline, and today we were going head-to-head with them throughout Trial. How satisfied are you with that aspect and what level of execution did you find?)
"Today's plan was to play short and execute the possession-based style we've been practicing. Of course, there were mistakes, but I'm very satisfied with how many times we were able to break through. Towards the end, when we entered the opponent's attacking third, we had a chance. I talked to the players after Trial about how we should have finished that chance."

(Regarding the eight Trial you have managed since taking charge, you achieved victories in the first four Trial, but failed to secure a win in the subsequent four Trial. Looking at this period as a whole, how do you feel about the team's overall growth and your own experience as a coach?)
"I don't think of it in terms of the first four Trial and the last four Trial. I think this is just how football is, and as I said earlier, I think it's due to my own shortcomings. Also, I don't think they've figured out a strategy for us. We'll work on improving the individual aspects together from now on, and that will be something for next season."

As a team, we conceded two goals again today. I also have some regrets, such as not being able to present a more organized approach in set pieces and aerial situations."

(What was the reason for including young players like Toshikazu Teruuchi and Rio Nitta, who haven't been able to make the bench recently, in the squad?)
"The reason is that this week's training went very well. Since I became manager, that has been a very important factor in my decision-making. I use how much playing time there is as a basis for my judgment."

(What do you expect from young players?)
"I don't think of them as young or veteran players. Age doesn't matter when you're on the pitch. Of course, younger players may have more room to grow, but over the past month and a half, I've been watching how much they do on the pitch, how much of their play and strengths they can show."

I believe that personal growth is a lifelong goal and challenge for professional athletes."

(What aspects of your work as a director went well, and what areas do you see as challenges for the future?)
"The challenges boil down to defending the goal and scoring goals."

(I think the fans and supporters are not satisfied with this Pos, but what do you think is most necessary for Urawa Reds to be in contention for the championship and win a title, Manager Tanaka?)
"I've strongly emphasized to the players, 'Always move forward,' and 'Nothing but positive words.' That's because I believe that only positive words can produce good results. Of course, negative words can lead to improvements, but during my month and a half, I only used those two phrases with the players. I'm incredibly grateful to the players who followed along with that."

I think there will be times in the Reds' history when things don't go well. What's important then is how well everyone on the team can look forward and communicate positively. Even with negative things, it's all about how you say them. If you just express your feelings, they won't get through to the other person, so I think the way you say things and how you communicate is extremely important. If we do that, I believe the team will improve."

(Since Manager Tanaka took over, Shoya Nakajima has been used as a starter more often. What did the manager ask of him, what did he value, and what did he expect from him throughout these eight Trial?)
"As you can see if you've watched Trial, I think he's a genius. His imagination is still among the best in the J.League, and I was planning to use him unless something came up. Of course, it's not just (Nakajima) Shoya. I like players like him, and I definitely want to include him in the squad of 20 players."

Shoya has been performing well in every Trial, so there was absolutely no reason to change him."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]