Head Coach Poyatos: "I would like to congratulate the players from the bottom of my heart, and I think it was a really great game. I think we were able to play about 70 to 80 percent of our game in the first half. We conceded a goal from a set piece and struggled at the end, but I personally feel that the players have really matured as a team. Today, I think we were able to be more aggressive than Kashima Antlers. I'm really happy about this win, and although we've had some bad moments, this is a good moment, so I want to enjoy it to the fullest. And I'd like to rest up tomorrow and think about the next game."

Q: As Head Coach Poyatos said, your performance in the first half was particularly outstanding. What do you think was the reason for this? Was it because you were able to pick up the second balls from the opponent's long balls, or was the way you prepared to move the ball working well?
Head Coach Poyatos: "I personally think that this is because the players' understanding has improved. What kind of understanding has improved? I think the players' understanding of where the space is has improved, and where there is space while organizing the game. This is not about tactical aspects, but the important thing is that, in my opinion, it is more important to recognize where the space is than tactics, and I think the players have expressed that."

Q: "Yuki YAMAMOTO played as the anchor and gave a great performance. Were there any tasks you entrusted to him for this match?"
Head Coach Poyatos: "I've talked about (Yamamoto) Yuki in front of you all before, or rather I think I've told you all about it, but I personally think he's a really special player. If you ask what makes him special, it's the speed at which he thinks, his ability to read ahead on both offense and defense, and his incredibly quick wit. I think that was on display in today's match. He's a really important player for Gamba for the future, and he's recently gained confidence, and he's developed an awareness of himself as a leader, so I think that's why he's able to express himself well in matches. I really think he's a fantastic player."

Q: As Head Coach Poyatos said, awareness of space is improving, and I think that not only Yuki YAMAMOTO, but also Fukuoka on the back line is effective in moving the ball. What is your evaluation of Fukuoka and what effect does having him there have?
Head Coach Poyatos: "I've known Shota (Fukuoka) well since his time in Tokushima, and he's a player with real potential. However, he was lacking a bit of composure in his play, but I think he's recently developed the ability to read plays and become more composed. Today, I was able to communicate clearly to him where Kashima's space is and where damage can be done, that he should pass to the space in front of the opposing fullback, not to the space behind the opposing side half, but to the space in front of him. He expressed that clearly, and used passes to the right and left. I think he's having a really good time right now, and he's getting more and more sure, fast, and composed day by day, and I think that's clearly showing in his performance."

Q: In terms of space awareness, it seems like you're using the sides more widely and there are a lot more players in the penalty area. Does that also have an important relationship with space awareness?
Head Coach Poyatos: "You're right. The players have improved a lot in terms of recognizing the space on the side, getting behind the defense, and the space. I think they're doing what I've been told. I'm happy about that. However, we're still in the process of crawling out of a difficult situation, and I personally feel we're only 30 to 40 percent complete. However, the players have been controlling the game well, and this victory is very important, but I still feel that we haven't reached the level of football that DANIEL POYATOS has in mind, so I want to keep practicing every day, every day."