"Sei MUROYA"
"The scene where I assisted the opening goal was when I sent the ball into the space in front of the goal. I believed that one of my teammates would run into it."

(Did you already have that image when you received the back pass from Kubo?)
"We were able to create several good opportunities together besides this situation. We were able to create space in a high position, deliver a cross ball freely, and score an important opening goal, which was good."

(In the previous match, we couldn't play a good game, but today we achieved victory with our own football)
"I always thought that someday we would lose, so I thought this next match was very important. It was good that we were able to earn 3 points."

(The match after the first loss of a team that had not lost until now, there was also difficulty in facing the formidable opponent Oita)
"Basically, we were thinking of not breaking our own style. The opponent was a team that connected passes, but we were talking about putting pressure on them from the front in a way that would take it away from them. Today, we were able to earn 3 points by sticking to our own style. I felt that we had to continue playing soccer like we did today, and I gained confidence because we were able to win with our strong points."

(Kubo seems to have a good sense of defense when viewed from behind, but how does it look from the back?)
"Personally, I want him to play as far forward as possible, and we communicate while playing. While respecting Kubo's judgment, we are considering positioning in defense."

(This makes it 8 consecutive home wins)
"Oh, I see. That's the feeling. I want to continue doing as usual from now on."

(I can join the national team with a good feeling)
"Both Kubo and Hashimoto scored goals, so we will all go with a good feeling!"

Kento HASHIMOTO
(In the previous match against C Osaka, it was the first loss in the league, but how did you approach this match?)
"In the previous match, it was a frustrating defeat, but we have been preparing until today by switching our mindset. This match was an important game as it was a top-level match, and I am very happy that we were able to earn 3 points."

(Scored the opening goal in an important match)
"It was my first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium in a long time, but I was able to score as planned. Going into the box from the second row is one of my strong points, and I'm really happy to be able to contribute to the team's victory."

(This round, the first goal was crucial)
"As a team, I believed that if we could score early, we would be able to take control and fight. I think the team gained momentum after scoring the first goal."

(The league enters the break period in first place)
"We were able to win without being burdened by the loss. As a team, we hope to further enhance our cooperation during the break period and improve the accuracy of each play. Personally, I want to absorb a lot of things in the national team, grow, and rejoin the team."

(Once again, expressing my enthusiasm for the Japan national team)
"I want to firmly express my play and give my all to leave a mark."

"Tokyo - Summary of Coach Kenta HASEGAWA's Press Conference"
"Since we lost the previous match, the players ran well and fought from the kickoff today."
In a situation where Oita does not move unless we initiate, the forward players also ended up getting cramps.
They couldn't have scored 3 goals without their effort. I think it's a result of everyone, including the bench members, fighting well.

(A proactive attitude was often seen from us. Perhaps based on the reflection from the previous match)
"There were various circumstances and factors in the previous match, but if we only look at the game, we lost to C Osaka in terms of switching and ball contests, and we were unable to launch wave attacks."
No team can stop our fast attack without being cautious and prepared for fouls. If we stop there, we won't be able to create a scary attack for the opponent.
Oita is also a team that switches and competes for the ball. We talked about not being able to lose there. The other theme was how to control their unique build-up.
If you make a mistake in the way you press, you will be completely taken out, so the players manifested it on the pitch.
This time, we didn't allow the opponent to build up comfortably, but I think Oita will come prepared for the next match under the guidance of Coach Tomohiro KATANOSAKA.
I think the biggest factor in today's victory was that the forward players sprinted and put pressure on the opponents.

(Yu Okubo scored 2 goals. What is your evaluation of him?)
"At the beginning of the game, I was worried because the opponent took the ball from me, but after that, I regained my confidence by dribbling."
He showed a proactive attitude and touched the ball many times, playing in his own rhythm until the end.
Shot technique is indeed impressive. He scored the first goal in a difficult situation and calmly slotted in the second goal.

"Summary of Oita Katanosaka Tomohiro Coach's Press Conference against Tokyo, the Top Team"
"We have been talking about challenging ourselves by utilizing what we have built up so far and preparing for today's Tokyo match. Playing aggressively and having a good game will lead to future success. We sent the players off with the message of focusing on the game and playing well, without paying attention to the outcome or score."
The start was tough, and the opponent's possession was good. It seems that Tokyo has thoroughly analyzed us. There were many dangerous situations, and it was a very tough start to the game. In the first half, we couldn't quite execute our attacking plan. The players may have felt some tension and pressure playing against the top-ranked Tokyo, and it became a bit wasteful first half.
In the second half, we tried to be more aggressive after falling behind 0-2, and managed to score a goal to make it 1-2. However, Tokyo's defense, their ability to win the ball, and their ability to close down key areas made it very difficult for us. We had the intention to surpass them in those aspects, but they didn't allow us to.
On the contrary, Tokyo has taken advantage of our momentary weakness and produced results. I felt that this difference is the missing piece to go higher in J1.
The upcoming opponents from here on are also very tough opponents, so we have no choice but to challenge ourselves. During this two-week break, we want to somehow recover the players' condition and mental state in a positive way and in a good direction, and prepare for the next match.