Q: How was the U-20 Japan national team?
It was good to win the match for the U-20 World Cup qualification and secure the right to participate. Although not being able to beat Iraq in the Semifinal Round remained a challenge, overall it was a valuable experience.
Q: Was it a tournament that left you with regrets?
A, I think everyone feels frustration. The only place where we can clear this frustration is on the stage of the U-20 World Cup. I believe individual playing level becomes important when competing on the world stage. We want to power up and face the tournament with strength.
Q: You have been active as a captain. Was it a good experience?
A, I was also the captain during high school, so I continued in the same way. It is very frustrating that I couldn't lead the team to victory while bringing everyone together. If I am entrusted with the captaincy again at the U-20 World Cup, I want to do my best to lead the U-20 Japan national team.
Q: As a captain, what were you conscious of during the activities of the U-20 Japan national team?
A. On the pitch, I focused on concentrating on my own play. Not because I am the captain, but I made sure to carefully observe and interact with all the players. I believe that is important.
Q: I could really feel the sense of responsibility while watching the match.
A, I think all the U-20 Japan national team players, including myself, have a sense of responsibility. Since we are representing Japan, everyone played without giving up until the very end. Although we lost in the end by penalty kicks, I felt that we must win next time.
Q: What did you think about your junior teammate, Kumada?
As the tournament's top scorer, he scored many goals and helped the team win. I have always known Kumada's strengths. He often played in the relationship between the attacking midfielder and the forward, consciously positioning himself to bring out the best in the team.
Q: I believe the young players on the team are also inspired by Matsuki.
A, if I were to name someone in particular, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA has been making impressive plays in the league matches. Besides Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, there are other young players who joined this season, and I was allowed to play freely last season. I am still a young player myself, but I am conscious of letting first-year players play freely. If I lead the young players, the team will naturally become stronger. I want to consciously support the young players.
Q: There were tough situations during the period when Matsuki was absent, as the midfield strength was thin.
A, I don't think it's because I'm not there. Shuto ABE and Ryoma WATANABE got injured, and I just happened to be absent at that time. With fewer players in midfield, we were unable to make substitutions for a while. If I get the chance to play in the Levain Cup, I want to perform in a way that positively influences the team.
Q: I think it was your first representative activity in a while, but did you notice any changes in your awareness throughout the tournament?
A, this kind of experience is quite rare. Since it was a match that determined qualification for the U-20 World Cup finals, I was more motivated than usual. A sense of responsibility not to lose had grown, so it was a tough battle, but securing the qualification was a valuable achievement.
Q: Do you have any new feelings that have emerged?
A, I was entrusted as captain and performed well in Tokyo without any inferiority, but I was able to gain more experience in leadership and leading the team to victory through my own play. I want to make good use of that experience in Tokyo as well.
Q: What kind of presence is Ryunosuke SATO? What do you hope for in the future?
A, I think player Sato is a similar type to me. At that age, being able to play confidently without fear and show his own style of play is a really good thing. I'm still a young player myself, so I don't have much to say, but I hope he continues to grow steadily.
Q: What was 16-year-old Matsuki aware of?
At 16 years old, I didn't have the composure like player Sato. I was just chasing the ball relentlessly, so I think player Sato is amazing.
Q: Do you reach out to others?
A, I contacted you before the match started. I also actually watched the game, and I think it was good because you played well.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show after returning to Tokyo?
I think more results will be expected from A. I want to face myself honestly and always show good play to the fans and supporters.
Q: I think the team is hungry for victory. I believe Matsuki's return will be a plus.
A, I want to focus solely on winning the upcoming match and work towards making the team better.
Q: There is the U-20 World Cup in May. What do you want to build up until then?
A, it is definitely scoring ability. Through this Asian Cup, I realized that a very high individual level is required. I want to work hard to ensure we can achieve solid results.
Q, did you watch the WBC?
A, I haven't watched all of it. They won the championship, didn't they? As a fellow athlete, I felt that the baseball world proved that sports can move and captivate people's hearts. Next, I want to work, including myself, to help the soccer world get excited and energized.
Q: The pepper mill performance was also seen during the tournament.
A, I was thinking of following the trend. Player Kikuchi (Shimizu S-Pulse) started suggesting it. In that sense, the team was very united.
Q: What do you want to challenge the world with?
A, I believe that unless we further level up, we cannot win on the world stage. This time, I was able to feel this by competing against countries in Asia. I want to achieve results in Tokyo so that I can further improve myself.
