Player comments can be found here

"Tokyo U-23 Tetsu Nagasawa Manager Press Conference Summary"

"We are grateful to all the fans and supporters who came to support us yesterday in the J1 League, following our previous match. However, we deeply apologize for not being able to win."

The match was surprising because the opponent had a 3-back formation, but in the first half, we lost the ball inside the opponent's defensive block and were often caught on the counter. We couldn't play according to the priority of attacking moves such as making uncomfortable movements for the opponent and taking advantage of the defensive space. We lost the ball to the opponent's 3-back formation and were cleared many times, so we were often under attack without being able to change the flow. However, the young defense line worked hard in the final part. I think it's a good thing that we were able to withstand even in a difficult situation, and I believe it's because the U-18 players have grown compared to the early season.

I was hoping to score after conceding a goal, but when the defense formation was set up in the backline, I had to move the three center backs, but the play continued in front of them. I took several shots, but they were all limited in shooting lanes, so it was difficult to score. Once, Riku Kobayashi managed to get behind the opponent's defense line and create a chance, but we needed to repeat such plays more and confuse the opponent or make them uncomfortable, but we couldn't do that. We ended up choosing only safe plays and fell into the typical game development where the opponent scored a second goal while we were trying to score. Even though we knew in our heads what we needed to do in a situation like today, it is important for young players to be able to demonstrate it in their play, regardless of whether they receive a pass from their teammates or not. In terms of perseverance and cunningness to continue taking action, the opponent was superior.

We are very disappointed to have lost to the U-23 team, but it is our mission to use this as a stepping stone. I have just conveyed harsh words to the players in the locker room, but I want to firmly accept this game and prepare for the next one.