[Director Ricardo Rodriguez]
“I think we played a good game once more. We had two goals ruled out and it was a struggle to score, but overall I think we played a very good game. Despite the fatigue, I played well in the first half, but in the second half, I tried to find a solution to the opponent’s change in defense. I think it was done.
It’s a good run right now, but as I said last time, we still have one game left and we haven’t achieved anything yet. I want to fight hard, win, and reach the final.”
【Atsushi Ito】
“First of all, I am happy that I was selected (for the Player of the Match). I think it led to the result.It was a good performance, and the result came along with it, so I think we were able to play a really good match.However, it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t win the next match, so we’ll have two days to recover. I want to win the next one and advance to the final.”
[質疑応答]
(You were replaced in the second half, how is it?)
Atsuki Ito
“It’s just a cramp, so I’m fine. I want to recover well and head to the next match.”
(Your opponent, Coach Teguramori Makoto, said, “I was overwhelmed by the Reds’ quicker transitions.”)
Atsuki Ito
“In the last few games, everyone has been conscious of switching between offense and defense, and I feel that we are overwhelming the opponent. I think it’s what’s happening, and I think we’re creating opportunities from that. I feel that everyone’s awareness of that right now is one of the major factors that has led to this result.”
(I think the two goals in the second half came from Ito carrying the ball, but what kind of vision did you carry the ball with?)
Atsuki Ito
“Both of them had the same shape, but recently I’ve been conscious of carrying them when there’s space in front of me. Junker) and others were starting to move, so I tried to get a through pass, but I mightn’t get it out, and (Esaka) was free, so I’m glad that it led to the goal in a good way. I’m conscious of aiming for a goal anyway, and that’s led to results in the last few games, so I’d like to continue.”
(In the past few games, you have been playing in front of the fans and supporters cheering you on. How do you feel the difference in the games, and how do you feel regarding the difference as a player?)
Atsuki Ito
“There are wonderful fans and supporters at Saitama Stadium, and the cheering has really boosted me, and they have created a wonderful atmosphere from the warm-up, and I feel that they are really fighting together. I think that everyone can feel that as they compete.”
(Last year, I think there were some games that didn’t go well because we weren’t able to put in a strong start and let the opponent take over, but in the last two games, it looks like we’ve been able to come in strong and overwhelm the opponent first. What do you think? (Do you feel the change?)
Directed by Ricardo Rodriguez
“I think we are in the best period since I took over as manager of Urawa Red Diamonds. Mentally, we are very well prepared. Considering this schedule, it is not 3 games, but 1 game, 1 game, but I think we are doing it while giving our players a break. increase.
Of course, the league is also important, and within that, we have a very good flow, so I think it is important to continue to grow and compete well in all three tournaments, including this one.”
(In the second half, the opponent changed the system, and there was a dangerous scene where they were pushed a little, but did you ever take any measures as a manager?)
Directed by Ricardo Rodriguez
“As for defense, we continued with the same 4-4-2 structure. In the second half, the left-back changed positions, and No. 22 (Worachit Kanisrivamhun) and Diogo (Luis Santo) played shadow. I don’t want to go into too much detail, but in terms of how to keep the opponent off-balance when you have the ball, we chose a method that we have worked on in the past. I think I was able to push the opponent while holding the ball.
And the players who came in from the middle of the match also played a positive role for the team. Thanks to Esaka, Casper, (Takahiro) Akimoto, and others for their great support to the team, I think we were able to successfully continue the plan we were trying to carry out.”
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]