Since the opening match of the Meiji Yasuda J1 J.LEAGUE 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE, we had been unable to win games within 90 minutes, but we were able to celebrate two consecutive wins in the second leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 against Pohang Steelers and the 2nd Leg 3rd Sec. of the league against Fagiano Okayama, concluding our five-match series. While I haven't had much time on the pitch since starting in the opening match, I believe that as a team, we were able to embody what we've been working on since training camp and fight with a unified focus throughout these five matches. Even with injuries, we've been able to fight without losing sight of the football we strive for and the way we want to play, which I think is a testament to the team's strength. Starting with today's match against Shimizu S-Pulse, we have another tough seven-match series with a lot of travel, but I hope we can continue to fight with a unified focus, win, and grow as a team.

This week's opponent, Shimizu, is my former club, where I played for two years, starting in 2022. We played against them twice last year, so I'm not particularly conscious of my "old club" as I was the first time we faced them. However, I think that every moment of my career was a very important time that led to who I am today, so I want to approach the match with a sense of gratitude and hope to show my energetic performance on the pitch. And of course, I want to win! I've been preparing as a fullback this season, so if I do take to the pitch, I want to keep in mind the role that Head Coach JENS WISSING expects me to play, accelerate the team's attack, and contribute to the team's results.

With the appointment of Head Coach Takayuki YOSHIDA to Shimizu this season, I get the impression they're playing a style of football similar to Vissel Kobe, the team he was in charge of until last year. In particular, we need to be careful about long balls targeting OH Se Hun and responding to those second balls, as any delays could lead to the opponents setting the pace. However, Gamba's current style of football relies on their front line making solid runs, applying pressure, and stealing the ball high up the pitch. If we can do that effectively, the opponents shouldn't be able to send good balls to their front line. First of all, I'll focus on our own style of football as we play the game.

This season, we have yet to win a league match at Panasonic Stadium Suita, nor have we been able to score a goal, so I want to make sure those two things happen this time! I would like to play in a way that will help us achieve that. Thank you for your support.