On the 2nd, after the home opening match of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Round 4 against Kashiwa Reysol [MATCH PARTNER Polas Group], Takuro Kaneko reflected on the match and shared his determination for the next match.

(You created a few chances in the second half, how do you feel about that?)
"Today, we started playing in the second half, so I was just conscious of changing the flow and atmosphere. I think that one play, whether it be my own breakthrough or pressing from the front, can change the flow and give us momentum, so I was conscious of that."

(How did you press in the second half?)
"We were losing, and our wingers were slowly being pushed back into our own half for a long time in the first half, so we were conscious of having both wingers go to the opposing defense, and we all worked on that. Sometimes we were able to push back, and sometimes we were pushed back, but when that happens, we just need to go back with all our might. I think we started the second half well."

(As an individual, how much are you able to play the way you want to right now?)
"I've been able to show my strengths to some extent, but I think I can show even more and I'm not satisfied at all. When two or three people come at me, it means more players are left open, so I can use them easily, and when I think I can go one-on-one, I'm confident that I can break through, so that's one of my strengths, and I want to actively show it."

(If Kaneko could sense his teammates coming when he was surrounded by opponents, wouldn't things be even better?)
"Connections between players are very important, and if I could be more conscious of my surroundings and if the other players could also connect with each other, I think we would become a better team. I think we have a lot of high-quality players, so I would like to work more on teamwork."

Do you think it would be better if you worked as a team?
"I don't think that we aren't working hard, but with the current lack of wins, the players have not lost their confidence, and although I wouldn't go so far as to say, I think that their impatience is showing in the games. When we conceded a goal today, it was important to create an atmosphere where everyone lifted their heads and shouted louder to push back. I came on in the second half and wanted to generate momentum with my voice or play, but we couldn't score, so it was difficult. If we had been able to do that, I think today would have been better."

(What about that big crowd and the cheers?)
"It was our first home game after three consecutive away games, and it was my first time playing at Saitama Stadium since joining the team, so those huge cheers were exciting and should have given us strength, but the game ended like that. I can only feel very sorry."

(Will that also be a pressure?)
"I don't feel any pressure, but there is a lot of responsibility in playing with the support of so many fans and supporters. I don't feel excessive pressure, but I do feel a great sense of responsibility in fighting with this emblem on my back.

I had heard those cheers as an opposing team, but it was the first time I was playing as the home team. It was a wonderful support, and I am very grateful."

There's a home game next week too.
"We can't play any more disappointing games. We need to win one game first, and it's not the time to move on to the next one. If we keep thinking about the next one, the season will be over. We will go into the game with only one win in mind."

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