Head Coach DANIEL POYATOS : After the match against FC Tokyo, I told the players to make good decisions on each play, including the importance of scoring first in the match. We were able to get the ball to the opponent's final line zone, and we were creating good chances and scoring opportunities, so I think it's important to finish off those opportunities. Kyoto had a bad period last year and had to make some changes to the players, but I think the Head Coach stuck to his style and finished off the game, which is why we're in our current situation. There haven't been any big changes since last year, and we've been applying good pressure from the front, winning one-on-one, and finishing off the scoring opportunities. I think the reason for their good performance this year is Elias's solid scoring, and I want to work with the players to change their good form.

FW7 Takashi USAMI "Kyoto has been building up ever since Cho became the Head Coach. I think that the momentum is coming from the fact that the players have been growing and the new players have been able to ride on that good momentum, creating a really good cycle. I think that if we were to fight Kyoto on the same stage as them, we would struggle, so we need to sort out as a team what Kyoto doesn't like, and do that to increase our chances of winning. When the team is in a difficult mood, it's up to us to think about how to break through it, and I think that the older players, including myself, have that responsibility, so we need to show it through our play."

MF16 Tokuma SUZUKI "I think Kyoto's quality up front has improved compared to last year, and I think they're getting good results because they're in sync as a team. Gamba and I have a different style, but in order to bring out the best in Gamba, I think they need to win with aggressiveness and intensity, and as the opponents are coming forward aggressively, I think it's important to break that arrow. If we can get into our rhythm in that way, I think we can get into our own rhythm and take one step more advantage in the game than the opponents. Also, when it's a close game in set pieces, I think it's possible that we'll score or we'll be scored on, so I think that's also a key point."