We've returned home after a series of four away games. I'm really looking forward to playing at Panasonic Stadium Suita again after so long.

In the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, we were able to add three points, following the one point we earned against Shimizu S-Pulse. With several teams at the bottom of the standings competing closely with similar point totals, these three points were crucial in helping us pull ahead.
In order to not let this victory go to waste and to use it to build confidence, a "consecutive win" in this week's match against Kyoto Sanga FC is crucial. Our opponents will undoubtedly be coming to Panasonic Stadium Suita with the strong desire to secure three points, but we believe we must fight with even greater strength for our fans and supporters and turn that into a victory.

Since Popovic took over as Head Coach, Kyoto's style of play has changed, and especially when they are on the defensive, they seem to adopt a completely defensive formation with 5 players in the backline, 4 in the center, and 1 up front.
Breaking through that kind of defense is by no means easy, but in the Fukuoka match, we faced a similar style of football and managed to score twice. I think we were able to show how we can break through using our strengths, such as attacking and passing coordination. We want to continue that in the Kyoto match, and combine the individual abilities and energy of each player to break through and score. To do that, I think it's important that we all understand the style of football that Head Coach Myojin (Tomokazu) wants, and that we fight as a united team, making the right decisions at the right times.

As was the case in the Fukuoka match, scoring the first goal gives the team a sense of calm and is crucial for the team to play the game as they want. That's why we would love to score the first goal in this match as well, but considering that we have conceded a lot of goals this season, I think we should also be thinking carefully about our defense. In the last two matches, we have shown the strength to come back even after conceding the first goal, and we have pulled away after being tied once, but such situations require a lot of energy. In this closely contested J.League, it is by no means the best strategy. That's why, in the Kyoto match as well, we want to score the first goal while keeping a clean sheet.

Although we won the match against Fukuoka, we are still hungry for more wins. I believe our fans and supporters feel the same way. Your presence is a great source of strength for us, and it is because of you that we can play our own game. In today's match against Kyoto, we will fight with all our might as a team so that we can celebrate a victory together with all of you. Thank you for your support.