NEWS
Segawa: "I want to respond to those cheers"
On the 17th, after the 27th Meiji Yasuda J1 League match against Kashima Antlers, Ayumi Niekawa the excitement he felt before the match and the content of the game.
"We entered the game feeling tense, and although we were pushed back a little by the opponents, everyone put their bodies on the line, endured and waited for our time to come. That time came after that, so I think we were able to play well in the first half. In the second half, we just had to endure the pressure from the opponents, so I think that's something we need to improve in practice, but I think it's very positive that we were able to finish with a clean sheet."
(During the pre-match warm-up, there were loud calls for Segawa from the fans and supporters.)
"My first thought was that I wanted to live up to those cheers. I was overwhelmed and moved, but I didn't just feel moved; I returned to the locker room thinking that I had to show my true colors through my play."
(Kashima had some strong forwards, but what kind of advice did your coach give you before the match?)
"I'm always told that it's important to stay calm and concentrate on playing my own game. I was told to focus on my own game, not on how my opponent is doing. I tried to stay calm and focus on playing the games I've been practicing."
(When did you calm down?)
"Before I went out onto the pitch, I would high-five Joao (Millet, the goalkeeping coach), and that gave me time to calm down, so I think I was able to switch my focus onto the pitch and play."
(Did Shusaku Nishikawa say anything?)
"It was, 'Good luck.'"
I think the positioning was excellent.
"That's something I check with the goalkeepers on a regular basis and it's something I have in mind as a theory. I think the fact that I was able to demonstrate that was a good thing for me this time."
(There were many tight spots in the second half.)
"They were known for their cross-based attacks, and their strong centre-backs came up during set pieces, so we communicated with them and made sure to check in on the crosses at all times."
(But there was also a one-on-one stop in the second half.)
"When the other team got away, I watched as Riki (Rikito Inoue) desperately chased after him, so I responded accordingly. I wondered if Riki would be able to make it in time, and I think it's important to be in a position to let him take a shot. Riki chased after me until the end, and I think the other team was in a hurry and had to take a shot, so I tried to respond calmly."
(After the match, there was a big round of applause from the fans and supporters, but what about your enthusiasm for the next match?)
"We haven't won in five games and we've only had one draw away from home, so I'm sure it's frustrating for our fans and supporters. We'll prepare thoroughly again so that we can all work together at home and deliver a victory."
Further comments and match photos can be viewed by site members.
■ Site Membership (330 yen/month/tax included) is here → https://sp.urawa-reds.co.jp/
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[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
"We entered the game feeling tense, and although we were pushed back a little by the opponents, everyone put their bodies on the line, endured and waited for our time to come. That time came after that, so I think we were able to play well in the first half. In the second half, we just had to endure the pressure from the opponents, so I think that's something we need to improve in practice, but I think it's very positive that we were able to finish with a clean sheet."
(During the pre-match warm-up, there were loud calls for Segawa from the fans and supporters.)
"My first thought was that I wanted to live up to those cheers. I was overwhelmed and moved, but I didn't just feel moved; I returned to the locker room thinking that I had to show my true colors through my play."
(Kashima had some strong forwards, but what kind of advice did your coach give you before the match?)
"I'm always told that it's important to stay calm and concentrate on playing my own game. I was told to focus on my own game, not on how my opponent is doing. I tried to stay calm and focus on playing the games I've been practicing."
(When did you calm down?)
"Before I went out onto the pitch, I would high-five Joao (Millet, the goalkeeping coach), and that gave me time to calm down, so I think I was able to switch my focus onto the pitch and play."
(Did Shusaku Nishikawa say anything?)
"It was, 'Good luck.'"
I think the positioning was excellent.
"That's something I check with the goalkeepers on a regular basis and it's something I have in mind as a theory. I think the fact that I was able to demonstrate that was a good thing for me this time."
(There were many tight spots in the second half.)
"They were known for their cross-based attacks, and their strong centre-backs came up during set pieces, so we communicated with them and made sure to check in on the crosses at all times."
(But there was also a one-on-one stop in the second half.)
"When the other team got away, I watched as Riki (Rikito Inoue) desperately chased after him, so I responded accordingly. I wondered if Riki would be able to make it in time, and I think it's important to be in a position to let him take a shot. Riki chased after me until the end, and I think the other team was in a hurry and had to take a shot, so I tried to respond calmly."
(After the match, there was a big round of applause from the fans and supporters, but what about your enthusiasm for the next match?)
"We haven't won in five games and we've only had one draw away from home, so I'm sure it's frustrating for our fans and supporters. We'll prepare thoroughly again so that we can all work together at home and deliver a victory."
Further comments and match photos can be viewed by site members.
■ Site Membership (330 yen/month/tax included) is here → https://sp.urawa-reds.co.jp/
*REX CLUB LOYALTY members can use the service free of charge.
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
