Head Coach Poyatos: "First of all, I'm happy and grateful to all the fans and supporters who have supported us through good times and bad, for delivering today's victory. In the first half, I think we were able to hold the ball well and control it. Our defensive line was able to block DF's specialty counterattacks through good discussions, and we almost scored on attacks in front of the goal, but overall I think it was a first half in which we were able to control it well. In the second half, Cerezo was a really good team, which made it difficult. We were under a lot of pressure, and it was a difficult situation. However, we managed to withstand our own DF and crosses from the sides, and we stayed mentally strong, so I think we were able to pull off a solid victory."

Q: Regarding the selection of the lone striker, I believe that Head Coach Poyatos had mentioned that there were options, and that is why he chose JUAN ALANO as the lone striker. What was the aim of using him and what is your assessment of his performance today?
Head Coach Poyatos: "Cerezo is a team whose CBs create a solid block, so I wanted to use Alano there to maintain dynamism. I also wanted to pull out the opposing CBs when I dropped back a little as a false nine, and I wanted to disrupt the opponents by using our numerical advantage with the interior. I really trust Alano, including his daily efforts, his attitude on the field, and the fact that he contributes steadily to the team."

Q: "Today's victory can be said to be a defensive victory in a sense, and I think anchor player Yuki YAMAMOTO and the DF line held their ground very well. Your defensive tenacity has been apparent in recent games, but what do you think is the reason for this, Head Coach Poyatos?"
Head Coach Poyatos: "At least from the very first day, we've been talking and we've thoroughly identified the problems in terms of DF. There are still areas to improve, but the players are working hard every day to improve them, and I think the team has really improved. I think the reason for this improvement is the intensity and the strength with and without the ball, which has led to good form in the defensive part of this team."

Q: "What are your thoughts about being selected to advance to the Prime Stage, and how do you plan to fight from now on?"
Head Coach Poyatos: "Right now, as a Head Coach, I'm really filled with the feeling that I want to savor the joy of having made it through the group stage. However, rather than thinking about the upcoming Levain Cup, I want us to concentrate and think about our next league match against Kashima. So right now, I want everyone to savor this joy, and I'm very happy."

Q: Handa scored a goal following the match against FC Tokyo and showed good defense. What is your assessment of the performance?
Head Coach Poyatos: "I don't really like to evaluate players on individuals, but I think Handa's capacity is immeasurable. I think he is a player who will carry the future of Japan, and I'm sure he has the ability to do well in Europe. However, I would like to praise the team for fighting well as a group today. Even without important players like (Issam) JEBALI and (Neta) Ravi, the group fought as a whole and maintained the same intensity with the same ideas, so I would like to honestly praise all the players."