Manager Nakata REVIEW [2025 Meiji Yasuda J3 League Matchweek 10] vs Azul Claro Numazu

[Match Information]
2025 Meiji Yasuda J3 League
Matchweek 10 vs Azul Claro Numazu
Date and Time: April 19, 2025, 14:00 Kick-off
Stadium: Rohto Field Nara
Result: Nara 1-0 Numazu

[Manager Nakata REVIEW]

As a team, we considered the first 9 matches as one phase and the 10th match as the start of a new stage. Since we were able to score the opening goal and it was our first clean sheet, I am very satisfied with the result. However, I do have some complaints about the content of the play. The pitch was very well maintained, much better than our previous home conditions, so I wanted to create longer spells of ball possession. I felt that we leaned a bit too much toward defending that one-goal lead. Also, the temperature rose suddenly, and watching the players from the sidelines, they looked quite exhausted, as if the change in temperature was draining their energy. Even so, I think they ran hard and did a great job.

(From a reporter) Happy Birthday!
- Thank you very much. The players and the fans and supporters gave me a great gift.

Q: With this being a milestone, what were you conscious of?
- The issue of conceding the opening goal and conceding goals in general. We reviewed the last 9 matches, organized our thoughts, and trained as a team on how to play without conceding. Regarding ball possession and our attack, we have been a bit reactive or lacking in aggression against the opponent's press, which happened again today after we scored. We have been working on confirming that we need to intensively improve our precision in those areas.

Q: Last match was in heavy rain, today was high heat. What about the temperature change?
- This change in temperature really drains your stamina. Using energy to adjust your body is completely different from the stamina needed to play a game. I had the impression that the players were more fatigued than it looked, and perhaps they were struggling with the discrepancy in their sense of temperature (between the heat and the cool). When players suddenly stop moving or experience dehydration-like symptoms, their ability to think and make decisions drops. The players ran while understanding the risk that they might stop moving. Well, even if someone did stop, the others played with the desire to support them somehow.