"We must overcome the consecutive away matches to have a chance at the championship"
On July 17, Hirotaka MITA returned to Tokyo after about three and a half years. The left-footed player, who was raised in the academy, has honed both mind and body through extensive experience and proudly donned the red and blue uniform once again. What thoughts did the "Jewel of Tokyo" have upon his return? We asked him about his current feelings and his determination for the upcoming battles.
We have become a winning team, built in a tough atmosphere
— On July 17th, it was announced that you will be returning to Tokyo from Kobe. What were your thoughts when joining?
"When I received the offer, I was told that the team is aiming for the championship, and I wanted to contribute. Also, I had the desire to play under Coach Kenta HASEGAWA, so I decided to join. Although I left the team once, Tokyo, where I was raised in the academy, holds a special place in my heart, and the presence of fans and supporters has always been in my mind. I have always had the feeling that I want to come back and play someday, so I was truly happy when I was approached."
――Returned to Tokyo for the first time in three and a half years.
"During the three and a half years apart, I gained various experiences in Sendai and Kobe, and I believe I was able to return having grown. Continuously being able to participate in matches gave me confidence, and I became able to enter games calmly. Mentally, I was truly strengthened, and technically, I think I improved in not losing the ball easily and working for the team. Also, in Kobe, I played alongside world-class players, including Andres INIESTA, and there were many things I could learn from them. It was challenging to secure a starting position among such highly skilled players, but those experiences were also a positive for me."
――The “Tama” chant during Sec. 21 against C Osaka, which was the “re” debut at Ajinomoto, is one example, but I believe the expectations of the fans and supporters are high.
"That's right. When I talked with the fans and supporters, they said things like 'We're glad you're back' and 'We've been waiting for you,' which really made me feel the great expectations and made me very happy. On the other hand, there is pressure, but if I let the pressure get to me, I can't play well, so I approach the matches with the mindset of 'doing what I can.'"
— It has been over a month since you joined. How do you feel about the team's atmosphere?
"I feel that the team has become a 'winning group' more than when I was with them. The voices demanding more from each other have increased, and sometimes we speak strictly to one another. I think we are training hard and maintaining a good atmosphere on a daily basis. Especially, I believe that the captain, Keigo HIGASHI, is leading the team in a positive direction."
――What did you feel after actually playing?
"Since last season, we have built a foundation under Coach Hasegawa's leadership, and I believe we have solid defense and powerful offense. Especially in defense, the quality has improved several levels compared to when I was previously with the team. Everyone fully understands the defensive agreements, and the presence of Masato MORISHIGE, who leads the defense, is significant. I've felt this for a long time, but in my opinion, MORISHIGE is the best defender in Japan."
— Coach Hasegawa said, "As expected of a player born in Tokyo. He quickly blends into the team and understands soccer." How do you evaluate your own performance?
"There are many players who came from the academy, so it's easy to play, and I think I adapted to the team quickly myself. However, there are plays I am satisfied with and plays I am not, and right now it's about half and half. It is necessary to better align with the team's style in switching between offense and defense, cutting off the opponent's passing lanes, and handing over marking responsibilities. I am reviewing these points with Coach HASEGAWA while watching video footage, so I want to quickly internalize them and, once I can do that, make a difference in attack."
――In terms of making a difference in attack, I recorded an assist from a set piece in Sec. 21 against C Osaka.
"I heard that we have scored few goals from set pieces this season. I have been entrusted with set pieces for the past few years, so I can take them with confidence. It's good that I was able to produce results, but I want to record more assists and goals myself, and improve my combination with my teammates. Of course, I want to be involved in scoring not only from set pieces, but also contribute defensively. I am consciously working hard so that I won't have any regrets when the season ends."
――What kind of play do you want to show outside of set pieces?
"While carrying out the hard work that forms the base of the team, I want to create time and add variety to the attack when the ball comes to me. The key to Tokyo's attack lies with forwards like Diego OLIVEIRA and Kensuke NAGAI, so the opponents will likely prepare strategies to contain them. We players from the second line onward want to support the front players by advancing the ball and making movements that contribute to scoring."
Enjoy the away atmosphere; you need that much composure
――Do you have any goals you set when joining Tokyo?
"Of course, we aim to win the championship. Last season, Tokyo's performance declined in the second half, but because we experienced that, I believe this season we will change for the better. I think I was called here for that reason. When the team is struggling, I want to contribute extra effort and be a source of strength."
――The league's 8 consecutive away matches started from Sec. 24 against Sapporo.
"It's sad not to be able to play matches for a while in the great atmosphere of Ajinomoto. However, we have to overcome that to see the championship. Personally, I don't have a negative feeling towards away games, and I can enjoy the away atmosphere. I think that level of composure and mentality is necessary. It's important not to be overly conscious just because it's an away game, but to firmly fight the match in front of us."
――I think there are difficulties such as the continuous moving.
"Of course, that exists, but we have experienced traveling before and are used to it. The away matches will continue, but since we practice thoroughly in Tokyo before the games, I don't think it will be much of a concern."
―― In September, the only home game is the second leg of the Levain Cup quarterfinals against G Osaka (September 8).
"We were eliminated from the Emperor's Cup, so the only remaining titles are the Levain Cup and the J1 League, and we absolutely want to win those. The NACK5 Stadium Omiya, where this match will be held, is not our home stadium, but personally, it is a stadium I am good at. The Levain Cup is decided over two matches, so playing the second leg at home is a big advantage. We want to secure our advancement firmly in front of everyone, and since there are few home games and this match is held in the Kanto region, we hope many people will come and fight together with us."
――Please give a message to the fans and supporters.
"Tokyo's fans and supporters come in large numbers even at away games, which is very encouraging. We have entered a series of away matches as the top team, and we will fight with all our might to remain in first place when we return to Ajinomoto in November. Even if you cannot come to the venue, please fight alongside us from afar!"
