Head Coach Hasegawa: "I think the players really did their best until the end. I had heard that Buriram was winning in the first half, so we had no choice but to win today's game, and Seongnam really fought with all their heart. It was a very tough game after they conceded the opening goal, but we believed in our football and in winning until the very end, and for the sake of the supporters, and because Kashima lost yesterday, we couldn't lose to the K League again, so I think the players went into the game with a strong feeling.
As a result, we had a very tough start and were barely making it through the qualifying rounds. It was a tough game away from home in the extremely hot weather in Buriram, but we won. We had a tough opponent in Guangzhou, but we won. Today, we were able to carry that win into the finals, and I'm very happy that we've made it to the finals. I'm really proud of the players. Thank you for today.

Q: "At the start of the ACL, you made a great comeback from a difficult situation, but I don't think that was how you wanted it to turn out. Could you tell us what was difficult about it?"
Head Coach Hasegawa: "First of all, I felt that the level of the Asian team has risen significantly. Of course, it was before the J.League season started, and we were not in top condition, but I think we were not prepared enough. I really put the players through a lot of hardship, and I think we worried the supporters. The association and the J.League also supported us very enthusiastically, and I could really feel their desire to come together and somehow win the ACL, and I gradually felt that we had to respond to that feeling. We had a very difficult start after losing, and it's too late to realize it from that point, but the first two consecutive games were difficult for the team. I really regret that. I think the players fought well under difficult circumstances.

Q: "The way you substituted players and made moves in the second half seemed to show the Head Coach's determination, but what were your thoughts and aims in cutting those three players?"
Head Coach Hasegawa: "In terms of building up from the back, GAMBA OSAKA wasn't able to do what they usually do when they're in good form, so Iwashita was scrambling, but he was available to a certain extent, so I wanted to bring a bit more feeds and composure from the back line, and (Niwa) Taiki was a full-back when we were in J2 and we played a few times last season, so by bringing them in we can also add some height, and Taiki is the type of player who just keeps coming up without thinking, so I was hoping that he would be able to show that well. As for Kurata, Fujiharu had been playing consecutive games and looked a bit spacey from the outside, which made us worry about his condition, so we had prepared Kurata as a right fullback, but when it came to left fullback, it was like, "Eh, left?" But we just had to go for it, and from a short corner, LINS Lima De Brito picked up the loose ball from Aki's cross, and although it was really a scramble, I think the players played with a strong desire to win for the remaining time, which led to this victory."


Usami: "I was selected as the MVP, but I don't think I played particularly overwhelmingly to deserve that award, and I think it was good that I was able to score the goal that gave the team momentum and encouraged them in some way."

Q: "The team started off with two straight losses, but in the end we came out on top of the group stage and advanced to the next round. What do you think was the biggest factor in your recovery?"
Usami: "I think one of the reasons for this is that each player's condition has improved, and we have the finer details in the game that we didn't have in the early stages. We were able to play our usual style of football, and we also had the determination that we can't let it end like this, and we're playing as J League champions, so I think we were able to show that pride in the game that we can't just end it in the group stage."

Q: "In the first half, Jonan's DF was stiff and there was a period of time when there was no space in front, but after Usami dropped back to the left and played in midfield, there was space in front and it seemed like they were able to make a lot of progress. How did that feel when you were playing, and how do you feel you were able to change your play after actually playing in the midfield?"
Usami: "I think there were few instances where we moved the ball from the back and came forward, and with a tough schedule and little overall movement, if we had been able to move more in tandem and bring the ball forward, I think we would have been able to break down the defense more easily. However, with that being the case, I was instructed by the Head Coach to drop back to the left wing, play the role of connecting the back and front, and was conscious of attacking from the side and shooting, creating decisive opportunities, so there were many instances where the ball came in easily when we dropped back a line, and personally, being placed on the side made it easier for me, so I think the team was able to break down the defense quite well from there."

Q: "How do you feel about scoring a goal on your birthday and being able to advance to the final tournament so dramatically? And how are you feeling about the final tournament?"
Usami: "Before the match, I said that I wanted to make the decision and celebrate by myself, and that the team's advancement to the final tournament would be a present for myself, and that's exactly what happened. Although we didn't get off to a good start, I feel very fulfilled now, and today's result is thanks to everyone on the team, but I feel like I've had a really good birthday. We struggled a lot in the early stages, but we managed to make it to the final tournament. We have nothing to lose, so I want to show that Gamba spirit in the final tournament and do my best to become Asian champions."

Q: You played against a K League team. How did you feel about playing against a K League team? You will also be playing against FC Seoul in the final round. What are your thoughts on that?
Usami: "Regarding Seongnam, both when we played them away and at home, they have many skilled players and they had the ball for many periods of time, so we had a lot of trouble, and I'm honored to have played against a team that really deserves to advance to the final tournament. As for FC Seoul, I don't have any particular impression of them yet...I haven't even seen any footage of them, so once it's decided we'll analyze the team and the way the players play, and then I hope we can fight in our own style. We know that FC Seoul is a prestigious team, so I'm very proud to be able to play against such a team."