It was a really tough game, and I expected it, but Niigata had improved their condition and the team was in good shape, so it was unclear who would win until the end, but I think the players did a good job to get one point and go home. Of course, I think we had a chance to win, but it was the last of the six consecutive games, and some players were pretty exhausted, so the players covered for each other and fought really well. However, the team needs to acquire the strength to win these games, and looking back at the six consecutive games, there were many times when we were leading and then caught up, so we need to prepare well as a team during the break and fight to get more points when we resume.
Many supporters were cheering us on, and it would have been great if we could have shown more and more wins, but I think the players fought well during this series of games despite their fatigue, and Niigata fought aggressively until the end, but I think they ran well despite the ups and downs.
Q: I think Gamba's players were slow in the second ball and restart reactions in the first half. Do you think that fatigue from six consecutive games is a big factor?
A: I think there is accumulated fatigue. Also, when we play at this stadium, there are many really difficult games, and Niigata has won two in a row, so we came in aggressively, and we talked about how the start is important, and the players entered the pitch, but I think Niigata's pressure took the initiative. Since we changed to a double defensive midfielder with Konno and Endo, the game has calmed down a lot and we have been able to pick up second balls, so I think there are still some areas where we are not used to the diamond formation, and I think we need to increase our options as a team in that area in the future.

Q: In preparation for the resumption, six main players will be called up to the national team during this period, and I think you will be forced to play a very tough schedule. How do you think about the difficulty of that?
A: Yes, it is tough. However, by being able to play games, you have become accustomed to consecutive games. We've gotten into a good rhythm, so in that sense we should be happy to be able to play so many games, and it's not easy to play against teams like River Plate in official matches, and although we're representing the domestic team, being selected for the national team and playing against an Asian country is something only selected players can experience, so I think it's a great honor for a player. It's also a great honor for the club, and we'd like to use this experience as a team to prepare thoroughly for the resumption of the season.