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MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE 1st Sec.
2025.2.14(Fri) 19:00 KICK OFF
vs.Cerezo Osaka
Panasonic Stadium Suita
FULL TIME
GAMBA OSAKA

2

-

5

Cerezo Osaka
1
First Half
1
1
Second Half
4

31 ' NETA LAVI

54 ' Keisuke KUROKAWA

7 ' Sota KITANO

46 ' Sota KITANO

52 ' Shinji KAGAWA

63 ' Shunta TANAKA

90+4 ' Motohiko NAKAJIMA

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Head Coach comments after the match

Head Coach

Head Coach Poyatos: "First of all, as I said in the flash interview, I'm very sorry to all our fans. I'm sorry for such a painful defeat. I think the players were nervous at the beginning of the first half because of the errors, but I think we were able to create some good scoring opportunities in the first half. At the beginning of the second half, we were defeated by a big error, and I think that the pain of that had a big impact on us. I'm not doubting the players, but I think the feeling that this game was difficult played a big role. It was a game in which we were really damaged in various places. I think we just need to switch gears and focus on Fukuoka. Finally, once again, I'd like to say how sorry I am to our fans for such a defeat. We'll show a good reaction and prepare well for Fukuoka."

Q: "The five goals conceded are the highest since you took over as Head Coach, and I think our inability to pick up second balls or close to the ball stood out throughout the game. What Head Coach do you think contributed to these five goals conceded?"
Head Coach Poyatos: "Regarding this, I think that the intensity of the defense at key points, that we were beaten in 50-50 situations, had a big impact on the result. I think the players need to learn from this and show their reaction. I think that I have to stay calm and focus on this, and although we have achieved this result, I want to learn from this, make the team better, and move forward together."

Q: "Nawada was selected as a starter for the opening game. What were your expectations of him and how did he perform today?"
Head Coach Poyatos: "That's right. I think it was a difficult start, but I selected him because he made good progress in the preseason. I don't think it's easy to be perfect, but I personally think he played a good game. The reason I chose him was because he was in a position where he could draw out the opposing center backs, especially Hatanaka, and I wanted to get behind them with (Okuno) Kanji and (Yamashita) Ryoya. I wanted to get behind the opposing center backs. That may not have led to a goal, but I personally think that we were able to do that in a good way."

Q: "Today, it seemed like the defensive midfielders were not filtering the ball well, and we were allowed to take shots. What is your assessment of that and what do you think needs to be improved? Should we change the players or change the way we do things as a team?"
Head Coach Poyatos: "That's right. Well, I think it's difficult to change players. I'm thinking about working closely with the current players. I really don't want to make any excuses about this. I'm a player given to me by the club, and my job is to believe in all the players and bring out their best. I think the club will take care of the contracts. I think it's important for everyone to come together and become one in defense. I think we need to be more compact, with shorter distances between each player, and have a defense that everyone can cover. These players have been moving around a lot, including the new players, so I think we're still in the adjustment phase, so I want to work on that with everyone."

Q: This overlaps a little with your defense, but this year you were trying to apply higher pressure and steal the ball on the same side, but it seemed like there were a lot of instances where the opponent made a side change before you could close the gap and carry the ball away. Do you think you need to work on the timing of your moves as a whole?
Head Coach Poyatos: "I personally think that the pressure in the first half was good. The players were able to take the ball from the opponent and show their dangerous side, and I think that they were able to do that. What I really want everyone to understand is that players are human beings too. There is a plan, and when you execute it, for example, if you score an easy goal, your emotions will waver. In the second half, we made a big error, scored an easy goal, and then we were scored on from a set piece. It's scary to see the ups and downs of human emotions, and there were moments of tension, so I think that's scary. I think that's not just our team, but other teams too. Of course, I think I'm responsible for this. But we'll continue to apply this pressure, and I want to make it even better."

Q: "Today, you lined up Usami alongside Nawada, so you didn't have a typical center forward. I think that has both advantages and disadvantages, but what do you think about that?"
Head Coach Poyatos: "Last year we had a similar format with Issai Sakamoto and Takashi Usami, so of course Gakura Nawada has a really good talent, and I think there are some areas where we need to make adjustments. At the same time, we have JEBALI, and I think he will be able to improve his performance, so I think it's just starting from here."

Player's comments after the match

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