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Also, Leonardo, who was invited by Barcelona, watched the La Liga match between Barcelona and Getafe at Camp Nou. The day after the match, he sent a message saying, "Keep up the good work!"
Daisuke Otsuka
"Through this Spanish expedition, playing against Spanish players made me acutely aware of the difference in skill and our own shortcomings. From the very basics, like stopping and kicking the ball, the level was different. Also, Spanish players were superior in making the most of limited opportunities and scoring goals decisively. However, while I felt the difference in skill, I also believed that this gap could be closed, and perhaps even overturned. To overturn that difference, it's essential to accumulate small improvements in daily training, focusing on every pass, every trap, every shot. So, I plan to start doing that now. Furthermore, watching the Champions League and La Liga games and seeing the world's top players in action made me seriously want to play on the same stage, and it also clarified what I need to do from now on. Off the pitch, it was great to experience Spanish culture and the atmosphere of the city through sightseeing. This expedition allowed us to do things that are not normally possible, such as playing against strong Spanish teams and watching Champions League matches. This was only possible thanks to the cooperation of many people, and I will never forget that. I will repay their gratitude through my performance."
Takashin Nishimoto
"This Spanish expedition made me realize my own lack of skill once again. Even in practice matches against teams like Barcelona and Atlético, there was a significant difference in the speed of decision-making and the basic techniques of stopping and kicking. What differentiated them from Japanese teams was their incredibly strong goal-oriented mindset, no matter the situation. Even if we maintained possession, they would capitalize on a single chance and defeat us completely. In such situations, I couldn't lead the team to victory or contribute effectively. I realized that to compete at the global level, I need to elevate my commitment to every play and my technical skills, becoming a player who can make decisive contributions. I also watched the Real Madrid vs AS Roma Champions League game and a Barcelona match. It was thrilling to see world-class players perform under immense pressure without changing their style. If I were to become a professional, I would have to compete against such players, so I need to confront my weaknesses and grow every day. To achieve this, I want to do my best in the upcoming Premier League and various tournaments and produce results, not only for those who have supported us in the past but also for the future of Antlers. I want to become a professional at Antlers and a player who can support the team. I want to express my gratitude for being able to play practice matches against strong teams in Spain, and for being able to watch and feel the Champions League and La Liga matches, all thanks to the invisible cooperation of many people, and I will never forget this gratitude."
Koyo Matsuura
"Through the Spanish expedition, I was able to experience many things that I couldn't in Japan. On the pitch, we played against Spanish teams in 6 matches, and I strongly felt our lack of power and the low level of our play. Also, we had no plays that would be effective globally, and I wasn't able to demonstrate my得意なプレー (strongest plays). I will not turn away from the team's and individual challenges that emerged from this Spanish expedition, and I will cherish each day and each play as I work towards my goals after returning to Japan. Off the pitch, I had the opportunity to watch Champions League and La Liga matches, and I experienced the play of players I had only seen on TV or in videos, as well as the atmosphere of the stadiums. My goal is to be promoted to the top team, and when I consider playing on the same stage as the Champions League and La Liga players, I truly realized my own lack of ability, just as I did on the pitch. I feel that this Spanish expedition was a very good one for both the team and individuals, especially with the Premier League opening in less than a month. I am truly happy that I was able to experience things that ordinary high school students cannot, such as watching the Champions League and La Liga, playing training matches against Spanish teams, and sightseeing in Barcelona. I want to thank everyone who was involved in this expedition and will do my best after returning to Japan. Thank you very much."