Tsuyoshi WATANABE
(Regarding the collaboration with player Makoto OKAZAKI, who played as a center back)
"As we play more games, I am gradually understanding Makoto OKAZAKI's characteristics. I feel that we are able to play the game in a good relationship with each other."

(Although we couldn't score in today's match)
"There are other teams like Sendai that defend by sitting back. In such matches, I think set plays become effective, so I want to aim for goals by utilizing my strengths."

(Regarding the attack)
"Due to the influence of the wind, I didn't think long balls from the defensive line to the front line would be effective. As a team, we had the image of distributing the ball to the fullbacks and midfielders and building up the game. However, we had two fast players in the front line, so there were also situations where it would have been good to be more proactive in carrying the ball forward and challenging. I felt that it was also necessary to assess the situation and make judgments."


(About player Tagawa, who was selected for the national team)
"We were trying to create a situation where Tagawa's characteristics would stand out as a team. I think he also feels frustrated about not being able to score. Before the U-20 World Cup, we wanted him to score in games like this and build momentum, but today we couldn't bring the team into a good shape."

(Although we couldn't score, we were able to finish the game without conceding any goals)
"Now, as a team, it has become normal for us to keep a clean sheet in both league and cup matches. I think it was good that we were able to finish the game without conceding any goals."

"Makoto OKAZAKI"
(About the combination with Watanabe)
"Both players have clear characteristics. Watanabe is strong in aerial battles and can also go tightly in duels."
I have confidence in defense, but I also want to show my characteristics in attack. Today, I was able to play while communicating with each other to bring out the good aspects.

(During the game, without any major issues, if we were to point out areas for improvement)
"We were able to concentrate for most of the time and work together with player Lin without creating any gaps."
However, as the second half progressed, the number of times we were caught on the short counter or lost the second ball increased. I think the reason is that we couldn't raise our line and couldn't pick up the second ball. But here, we reflected on it so that we can both improve."

(I want to control the line a little more)
"During the tough period in the second half, the opponent's simple clearance ball connected to their attack, and we ended up conceding. If we had played more clearly in the second half, I think we could have created more opportunities for our own attack."

(Still no goals conceded)
"I thought we had to keep it at 0, and I talked to Ota. We had Na SANGHO, Diego OLIVEIRA, Tagawa, Kubo, and Nagai in the front line, and we were able to attack so much in the second half because we defended at 0. Keeping it at 0 had a synergistic effect on both offense and defense."

"Tokyo - Summary of Coach Kenta HASEGAWA's Press Conference"
"How to interpret the result of 1 point. I wanted to get 3 points, but I think it's difficult considering today's performance. The players played with passion, but there were moments when they put too much effort. I told the players in the meeting that we have lost 5 consecutive games against Sendai, so the overall soccer became unsettled."
Among them, I think it is a very reliable result that the young defense line completely shut out the experienced attacking line of the opponent, just like the previous Levain Cup.
The decision to advance to the playoff stage will be carried over until the final round, and although it is difficult in terms of schedule, I told the players to accumulate points against Tosu and aim to finish the group stage. Since there is a league match in 3 days, I would like to prepare properly with everyone again."

(Although we substituted two players at the start of the second half, the flow of the game didn't change much)
"I wanted Ken'ei to receive the ball in a more flexible position, but the game didn't develop as I intended."
Diego OLIVEIRA did not change much. He showed some power and had about two scoring opportunities, but he was effectively stopped by Sendai's experienced defense line.

"Summary of Sendai - Susumu WATANABE Coach's Press Conference"
"Our mission today is to earn 1 point. We have prepared to secure the top spot by getting at least a draw. There were challenging moments, but the players fought smartly and decisively, and I think it's a significant achievement that we earned 1 point without conceding any goals."

(Reason for having one less player on the bench)
"We were thinking about the next league match. The players who played for a long time in the previous away match against Kawasaki were still tired. After considering everything, we decided to approach the game with 17 players."