We returned to Osaka after winning the 2nd Leg of the AFC Champions League 2 2025/26 semi-final against Bangkok United 3-0, securing our place in the final. Given that we lost the first leg 0-1, everyone, including myself, went into the match feeling the fear and pressure of "if we don't win, our ACL 2 campaign will end here," so I'm relieved that we were able to get the result.

In that match against Bangkok, we all had the common understanding that we needed to score at least one goal, and we talked about going on the offensive from the start no matter how deep the opponent's defense was. When I took a shot early in the game (6 minutes in), it was simply to express my feeling that we were going to attack, that nothing would start if we didn't take a shot. It didn't lead to a goal, but when Ryoya (Yamashita) scored the opening goal in the 19th minute, I felt a great sense of relief, but I also felt that we needed one more goal to win, and I think the team's attitude of "let's score one more goal" became even stronger. That didn't change even after the second goal was scored, and it wasn't until we had a three-goal lead that we finally felt like "all we had to do was defend it."

As a result, we achieved a great victory, but the final is still about a month away. In order to steadily improve our team strength and the morale of the entire team towards that goal, we want to play a game in this match against Fagiano Okayama in the 11th Sec. of the J1 J.LEAGUE 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE that will serve as a catalyst and give us momentum.

Okayama's style of football is fast and direct, with powerful FW creating time, and quality players like Ataru ESAKA in the second line getting involved to add depth to the attack. However, even before that, if our gegenpressing works properly, the opponent shouldn't be able to attack freely, and that will also allow us to control the pace of the game. That's why, first and foremost, we want to start the game with everyone conscious of defending from the front line, and I myself will, of course, be able to win individual duels, but I also intend to play a role in moving the team forward by pressing back and pushing the defensive line up properly.

As Jens (Visching, the Head Coach) said, what's important for us right now is "continuing." I believe that it's not just about winning, but about continuing to win that will turn into true confidence. In order to seize that victory, I want to contribute to the team with passion rather than skill, with plays that will thrill the spectators. If we want to aim for the top in the J.LEAGUE 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE, we can't afford to lose consecutive league matches, so we will win no matter what! We appreciate your support.