Q: How did you spend the 3-week camp?
A, having joined a new club, everyone is able to challenge the new philosophy and new style together. These past three weeks have been a fulfilling camp. We work hard every day and feel that everyone is moving in a new direction. However, it is important to continue making efforts from here on, so we will keep doing our best starting tomorrow.
Q, in a play style that values ball possession, the role required of the goalkeeper is also broad.
A, what is now required from the goalkeeper by the coach is not only shot-stopping but also moving the ball as the first player in the attack. Since this is a new challenge for me, I want to work on that aspect thoroughly, while not forgetting my main job of stopping shots and protecting the goal, and continue to focus on it seriously.
Q: It is impressive to see the coaching done in Japanese while following the team's approach.
In both offense and defense, you cannot play alone, so the important thing is to work closely with the surrounding players. The goalkeeper has a position where they can see everything, so I believe that calling out is one of my duties. Communication is an important element of soccer, so I consciously work on it.
Q: I believe it is necessary to understand the individual characteristics of each player in coaching. Were you able to get to know your teammates through the camp?
A, coming to a new club means that I need to know more about the players and the team. During the camp, I made an effort to understand each player's playing style and personality. There are aspects I have come to understand, and I believe that this is leading the team in a positive direction. The most important thing is not only to know the good points of my teammates but also how to unite as one team and work together.
Q: You seem to excel at shot stops from close range, such as shots from inside the box. What type of play do you think you are best at?
A, I think I am a goalkeeper who can do everything (laughs). I always aim for perfection and strive every day to become a goalkeeper who can do anything.
Q: It seems that you are making big saves in every match in the J-League.
A. For the team to achieve good results, it is essential not only for me as the goalkeeper but also for the field players to support each other. Sometimes I help others, and sometimes I am helped. The most important thing is not how well I perform individually, but how the team can achieve good results. With that in mind, I am very happy when my saves contribute to the team's success, and I want to continue doing so.
Q: What kind of image did you have of Tokyo before joining the club?
Last season, when I was playing for Vegalta Sendai, we unfortunately faced relegation to J2. At that time, I received an offer from Tokyo, and I was happy to have the opportunity to take on a challenge that would help me improve myself further. I came to Tokyo to respond to that offer, so I want to give my all in daily training for that purpose.
Q: There are high expectations from fans and supporters, but is there pressure?
A, I do not feel any pressure. Just like when I was a child dreaming of becoming a soccer player, I want to continue enjoying soccer and loving the game. I also enjoy taking on new challenges every day to achieve the results that fans and supporters hope for.
Q: What do you want to work on in the two weeks leading up to the opening match?
A, I think the opening match will be a very exciting and important game, but it is just one match in a long season. Just as a fast long-distance runner cannot achieve results only at the beginning, I want to always prepare as best as possible for the match in front of me in order to achieve good results throughout the year. Right now, the opening match is the match in front of us, so both I and the team will prepare thoroughly for it.
Interview Date: February 5, 2022
