This week will be GAMBA OSAKA's Shuto ABE debut in the J1 League at Panasonic Stadium Suita. I'm excited to be playing in front of so many people, with such great support and encouragement. What's more, I think it's a wonderful coincidence that the opponent is my former club, FC Tokyo, who have looked after me since my days at the academy and who helped me experience my first title as a professional. While I'm grateful to my former club, I also have a strong feeling that we absolutely have to be the ones to win at Panasonic Stadium Suita, and I will do my best to help Gamba win.

In the previous match against Shimizu S-Pulse, I was able to start even though I had only just joined the team. I had prepared well, so I was able to enter the match smoothly, but to be honest, I struggled with the heat and humidity, especially in the first half, and my body felt heavy. However, as I kept moving around, telling myself "I just want to keep moving," I gradually got used to it and my body started to move, and in the second half, there were some scenes where I was able to take a shot after breaking down the defense well. As a team and as an individual, I needed to finish those goals, and I felt that I still need to improve my physical strength.
In addition, in order to play the "ball-holding football" that Head Coach Poyatos aims for, I reminded him that the defensive midfielders must take part in possession and play forward. Even though there are still not many players who get behind the defense, including in the most recent EMPEROR'S CUP 2nd Leg match against Viatin Mie, I would like to increase the number of dynamic runs from the second row that confuse the opponent's defense in the future.

Our opponent, FC Tokyo, seems to have changed their style of play since the last match, playing with a "4-4-2 solid defense and quick attack". However, even though they have changed, it is a style that Tokyo is used to, and considering the characteristics of each player, I think they will confidently demonstrate their "strengths". Also, even though players like Marcelo Hien, who can run into the back and finish the ball by themselves, are always aiming to finish with a single counter attack, I think that Gamba must be thorough in how they lose the ball and how quickly they switch gears after losing it, so as not to give the opponent time. On top of that, in order to break through the opponent's solid defense and score a goal, I want one of the defensive midfielders, including myself, to provide solid support and change the situation against opponents who put pressure on people with high pressure from the front line.
We will fight with enthusiasm in the hot Panasonic Stadium Suita and under the enthusiastic cheers of the fans. Thank you for your support.