We've returned to our home ground, Panasonic Stadium Suita, after a three-match absence. We haven't won since the opening match, but no one is downcast, and none of the players are pessimistic. This week, we've reviewed our shortcomings once again and prepared for the match against FC Tokyo. We want to translate the "we're going to do it!" atmosphere that permeates the team into a victory.

Looking back at the matches so far, I think it's undeniable that there has been a general lack of intensity. Of course, intensity is essential for effective pressing from the front line and quickly attacking vertically, but I think the fact that the team as a whole is lacking in that area, rather than any one person being at fault, is what's holding us back and resulting in the current situation. We have the mindset of "going forward," but with the season starting in the hot summer, there is still a lot of variation in individual players' physical condition, and I feel that we are gradually winning the ball back in deeper positions, and as time goes on, the whole team is getting more and more exhausted.

Of course, we were prepared for the fact that it would be difficult to play our ideal style of football for 90 minutes in this intense heat, and that's why we had a shared understanding, led by Head Coach Myojin Tomokazu MYOJIN , about what kind of ball possession strategy we would use to control the game if we couldn't do that. We're still working on that together, but I think it hasn't quite taken shape yet. However, I don't think that just because we haven't won, it's all a no. So I don't think anyone is being pessimistic, and I think we should re-examine what we need to do individually and as a team, and then come out in unity for the FC Tokyo match.

FC Tokyo also gives the impression of being an active and energetic team, with a high work rate and frequent action from their forward players.
Especially on the flanks, there are many players with distinctive characteristics and driving force, so when they keep pushing forward, it means we're being pushed back. To prevent that from happening, I think the key is for us to press forward firmly and force the opponent's flank players to run defensively.

We've had a string of disappointing results, but we haven't lost at home this season, and I think not losing at home is incredibly important in a long league season. I believe that securing a solid win this match, while maintaining our home advantage, will help raise the team's level, making opposing teams think, "Panasonic Stadium Suita Stadium is a difficult place to play" and "It's hard to beat Gamba at home." We will give it our all, both as a team and individually. Thank you for your support.