Q: Looking back at the first half of the season, how do you analyze the battles so far?
A new season has begun under a new coach, challenging a new style, and every day has been full of new discoveries and realizations for us. The first half of the season is coming to an end, but the most important thing is for us to actively and enthusiastically engage in the new things we work on during practice and to improve ourselves daily starting from practice. I believe it is crucial to have the mindset of gradually improving both team tactics and individual tactics through practice. In that sense, I feel that we are not heading in the wrong direction but moving in a positive direction.
Q: You commented that the new style is a new challenge for yourself. Do you feel your growth in adapting to the new style during the matches?
A. First of all, I personally strive every day in practice to improve a little more than yesterday, and tomorrow more than today. Therefore, I have a very positive attitude towards the new style, and I am constantly working every day to get better and want to continue doing so. The difficulty of the new style is that it doesn't progress easily as a team, but if you think back to the first week of the preseason camp at the beginning of the season, we have gradually improved, and we feel that ourselves. I believe time is necessary, and for the team to mature further, each individual must spend more time focusing on the finer details and working hard. However, as we compete this season, good aspects are emerging, so by taking a positive approach and each person working to win matches and secure the title, I believe the team will mature even more.
Q: Many in the media have mentioned Jakub SLOWIK as a key player in the first half of the season. How do you feel about your performance?
A, I train every day with the mindset of becoming a better goalkeeper today than I was yesterday, and aiming to improve tomorrow compared to today. Of course, this season there have been matches where I earned points by saving shots, and I have prevented several decisive chances, but I believe it is not just my individual effort, but the combined strength of the entire team including the defenders. I also think that goals scored are a reflection of the entire team's effort, not just the player who scored. In that sense, I believe the whole team is moving in a better direction. I play as a representative of the team, but I have the support of the goalkeeper group including Kodama and Go HATANO, who train with me, as well as the coaching staff who support the matches. Thanks to the support of many people, we have achieved good results so far. With gratitude to everyone fighting alongside me, I want to continue preparing thoroughly so that when I stand on the pitch as the team's representative, I can deliver a good performance.
Q: What is necessary for the team to improve as we head into the second half of the season?
A, soccer is a sport where the outcome can change with just a small factor. To achieve good results, it is important to believe in what you are currently working on and continue. Sometimes, it is essential to be patient and keep going despite difficulties. In that sense, I am confident that Tokyo will be able to achieve good results soon. I also want to do my best to win the next match. Truly, the path we are on is not wrong, so I believe it all comes down to every team member believing in what we are doing now and continuing to work hard.
