MF16 Tokuma SUZUKI "It's the opening Osaka Derby, so it's getting a lot of attention, and the match starting at 7pm will be difficult due to the cold weather. However, I think both teams are in the same situation, so I think it's important to win this match by making small differences, such as defensive strength and set plays. Also, if we get too excited, we'll just spin out of control, so we need to fight calmly while maintaining our passion, enthusiasm and energy as a team. If we can do that, I think everyone will be able to perform well. Personally, I didn't have much to do with the results last year, so this year I want to build on my performance from last year and help the team with goals and assists. I want to do that in this derby, and I want to win even more because it's a home derby. I feel that way."

FW17 Ryoya YAMASHITA "I myself am fully prepared, or rather, I have been well prepared both mentally and physically until today, so I am very excited. In the preseason, I scored a goal in a practice match, made an assist, and was awarded a penalty kick, so I have been able to have more opportunities to appear in chance scenes, so I can start the season with a good image. In order to win this opening Osaka Derby, it is really important to fight. We need to be tough on the ball and be stronger than our opponents in terms of intensity, and I think that if we can play Gamba football and spend more time holding the ball, we will have a greater chance of winning, so I would like to play aggressive football, holding the ball firmly while being stronger than our opponents. I felt the value of the derby and the weight of this one win last year, so I want to do my best to win and be in the top ranks from the start. I want to get results with passionate play and celebrate with everyone after the game."

DF20 Shinnosuke NAKATANI "As it is an important opening game, plus the Osaka Derby, I think it will be a very important game (for the future). Since we won the derby last year, the team has been in great form, so if we can do that from the opening game, I think we can get on a good flow. To that end, how we start the game and set plays are important, and since we know that the opponent wants to play soccer like (Yokohama F.) Marinos with a Head Coach, I think it's okay to play in a fairly clear manner. Just the opening game is enough to get the adrenaline pumping, but this year, with the Osaka Derby on top of that, I think the fans and supporters will also be on board, so I want to play calmly and not get too excited."