On the 31st, after the J.League International Series 2024 powered by docomo match against Newcastle United, Samuel Gustafson reflected on the day's match and expressed his enthusiasm for the J1 League, which will resume in a week.

(I think it was a game that showed off Gustafsson's strengths, such as his one-touch ball handling.)
"That's true. We also had a lot of good running as a team. I think we fought well as a team in the first half. There were scenes where we could have scored. But I think we can be confident about our performance."

(Your combination with Rio Nitta was good, but how is your relationship with the new players?)
"He is one of the players who can run to the rear, and it is important that he always runs to the rear and creates space. I think that being able to run well is good for the team."

I think I played well in the first half.
"We were playing with a good feeling. As for the build-up, I thought we were able to do a good job breaking through the opponents' press. I also thought our timing of when to keep the ball and when to attack was very good.
In the first half, I think there were periods when our defense was solid. We conceded some unfortunate goals, but I think we controlled the game well. We can be confident about our performance against a strong opponent like Newcastle United.

(I believe Newcastle also had his Sweden teammates Alexander Isak and Emil Kraft there.)
"They are great players. Newcastle is a great team, and I think they are being well-motivated. I think we proved, especially in the first half, that we can play well even on a team with players like that."

(The J1 League will resume in a week. I think this has had a positive impact on that.)
"Of course, it was a friendly match, but we want to make effective use of what we learned here and continue to improve as a team, and I think this match allowed us to clarify our identity once again."

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