Head Coach Tomokazu MYOJIN : "Including the EMPEROR'S CUP match against Tokushima and the league match against Kobe, I feel that the team's overall defensive strength has increased and the quality of our play has improved. Within that context, we've used this break to thoroughly review our style and work on raising our level in order to further improve precision and intensity. The J.LEAGUE YBC Levain CUP is also an important tournament as we aim for the title, so we've focused on how to win this one-off match against Kashiwa with the current members. I believe Kashiwa is one of the top possession teams in J1, so how we defend against them and how we can maximize our ball possession time will be crucial points in this match."

DF2 Shota FUKUOKA : "During this break, I think we were all able to reaffirm the team's style and strengths, such as pressing from the front and maintaining high intensity in transitions between attack and defense. Kashiwa are in good form, sitting high in the league standings, but the J.LEAGUE YBC Levain CUP is also a title match, so everyone's motivation is high, and I think the team's approach is coming together well. We want to properly demonstrate what we've been working on, based on what we did in the Kobe match. We have to consider the opponent's style, but we have to stick to our own style, and if we can win the ball back successfully, I think it will become our chance, so we want to finish it off in one go and defend intelligently."

DF19 Ginjiro Iketani : "Kashiwa is a high-quality team in attack, and I think they have many talented players, so I think it's necessary for the entire team, not just the defenders, to have a solid defensive structure. If we make any mistakes, we'll concede a goal, so when I get on the field, I want to stay focused and defend to the end. Defense is one of my strengths, so first and foremost, I want to make sure I don't lose in one-on-one situations. If I can do that, I think I can create a rhythm for myself, so first and foremost, I want to make sure I don't lose in one-on-one situations. I think the overall level and awareness of the team has improved in both attack and defense in front of the goal, so I want to make good use of that in the match, and when I get my chance, I'll do my best as always!"