Head Coach DANIEL POYATOS : "We had a short preparation period after the Niigata match, but I think we were able to do what we had in mind. Machida tends to attack from the front line, or rather, they play man-to-man, so we focused on how to break down the first line and counter them. If we play too many long balls, that's exactly what they want, so we've been focusing on that. This year, Machida is using a three-back formation, and I think they've added talented players to the front line. However, against teams that press from the front, we play long balls to the front line and pick up the second ball, so I don't think our play has changed much from last year. Second balls will be the key in this match, but we also need to think carefully about balance."

FW11 ISSAM JEBALI : "I'm happy that I scored two goals in the last match against Niigata, and I hope to continue doing that, but what's more important to me is for the team to get three points. I'm also expected to put my body on the line in defense, but I want to contribute to the team, and the trend in the J.LEAGUE is for everyone to defend and attack together, and if we don't do that we won't be able to compete, so I'm doing my best there. I think it's important to show my strengths in order to create time for Gamba, so I'll do my best to complete the tasks assigned to me in the match against Machida. I'm in good shape, and I've been feeling good so far this year in terms of condition, so I'll work hard to get even better."

GK22 Jun ICHIMORI: "Machida is a shrewd team, and if we show even the slightest bit of weakness, they will take advantage. Also, set pieces are their strength, and if we are pushed back we can only clear the ball in an awkward position, so if that happens, it will be in their favor, so I want to focus on the quality of our clears and our positioning. It would be great if we could keep possession of the ball, but I think we need to keep a good balance in that area. Since we are facing teams with completely opposite styles in the J.LEAGUE, going from Niigata to Machida, I think the ability to adapt is very important, and I think we need to get used to Machida's style quickly, so I think the first 15 minutes will be key. It's not good to concede so many goals, so I want to close it out as a team."