In the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, we were under pressure from the beginning, and the clock ticked away without us being able to find a way to bounce back. However, even in a bad flow, we put our bodies on the line at the end and went into halftime with a scoreless lead, which I took as a positive. Also, we were able to take some chances by switching back to our usual 4-2-3-1 formation midway through the game, and we were united in our determination to create as many chances as possible in the second half. However, in the end, the team's overall energy level dropped in the second half, and we were outplayed and conceded a goal, and we continued to be pushed back after that, so I think that this is something we need to work on.

We are continuing to have a tough battle, including this match against Kashiwa. Last season, as we played more games, the "way to win" became clearer, and I had the impression that the team had a "passion" as it acquired a fighting style that would produce results, but this year, it cannot be denied that the axis is still shaky. It is true that each of us is doing our best to win, and as a result, small "fires" are lit here and there on the team, but they are extinguished before they can spread to other "fires", and they have not yet become a big flame. Given that, we must first make the axis of our fighting style unshakable, and at the same time, we must increase the team's passion. I want everyone to continue striving for that.

We expect that Nagoya Grampus, who we will be facing this week, will use their all-court man-to-man defense, which they have been using since the middle of last year. For Gamba, the key to victory will be how to break through that defense and find an opportunity to attack. Will they apply pressure from the front, or will they allow Nagoya to have the ball a little? We would like to proceed with the game with a unified determination.
Personally, this is a match against my "former club" following the previous match, but we played against them last year and we're playing at Panasonic Stadium Suita, so I'm not as conscious of it as I would be if it were an away game. Having said that, I'm sure I'll get excited whether I like it or not when I see the Nagoya uniform in front of me, so I'm going to try to bring that excitement into my play on the pitch and fight.
We've been frustrating for our supporters in the last four games, but this time, we want to celebrate together after the game. We'll give it our all. Let's win!