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MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE 27th Sec.
2025.8.23(Sat) 19:00 KICK OFF

vs.Yokohama FC

Panasonic Stadium Suita

DAZN to watch the match

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2025.8.23［TEAM］

PICKUP PLAYER FW51 Makoto MITSUTA"He took the lead by attacking in a way that the opponent didn't want."

I don't think we played particularly poorly in the previous match against FC Machida Zelvia, but I feel like the difference between Gamba, who haven't won in a while, and Machida, who have been winning, was reflected in the result. For example, even though we made a mistake when we conceded the second goal after tying the tie, Machida had a player who was closing in on the spot, while we didn't have enough players in a similar situation. I felt like it was those little details, like our determination to win and our desire to score, that made the difference in the outcome.

Furthermore, and this is true not only for the Machida match, but also for the two matches prior to that, I think our offense didn't work very well against opponents who played with three or five defenders. We weren't able to find a place to settle in our build-up, and our attacks became monotonous, preventing us from utilizing our strengths in build-up and possession. In both matches, we conceded the opening goal, which I felt created a difficult situation for us.

Of course, things don't always go according to plan in soccer, so even if we try to utilize our strengths, there will always be times when we can't. In those cases, I think it would be a good idea to adopt a more practical approach, like in the matches before the summer, by first defending and then launching short counterattacks. In any case, if we can play with a common understanding of how to proceed as a team, play in a compact formation, and avoid dragging on, I believe we will be able to spend more time playing both offense and defense more efficiently.

Yokohama FC has many unique attacking players with the ability to strike hard up front, and I get the impression that they simply target them in their strategy. They must be feeling confident after defending and defending in the last match against Vissel Kobe, where they converted a single chance at the very last moment to win. Given their defensive tenacity, if we can score the opening goal as quickly as possible, it will put even more pressure on the opponent and give us an advantage in the game. That's why we want to seize the initiative and take the lead, focusing on attacking the areas the opponents don't like. To that end, I'll try to stay on the move and coordinate my movements with those around me.

With that in mind, what we want more than anything right now is a win. With the help of our supporters, we hope to grab a victory at home and use it as an opportunity to improve again from here. No matter who plays, we are ready to give it our all, and together we will lead the team to victory. Please support us.

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