Q. Please start by summarizing the entire season.
A. Throughout the season, I felt that the team was growing. There were several matches during the season where I felt we were able to demonstrate the foundation and performance that Rikizo MATSUHASHI, our head coach, has been building since his appointment. Although we did not reach the ranking we aimed for, I believe we were able to show matches and performances full of potential, and I am very proud of that. I also think we were able to compete with confidence heading into next season.
Q. Was what you felt on the pitch a result of the progress made since last season, or was it a change that started this season?
A, I personally felt the aspect of building up. I believe the foundational part has especially been established since the latter half of last season. In addition to that, this season we have become able to express the team's character, such as by maintaining possession of the ball. I think that was successfully added as a plus alpha to the team.
Q. Earlier, you mentioned that there were matches where you were able to deliver performances close to your best since Coach Matsuhashi took over. Could you tell us if there was a turning point or any particularly memorable matches?
A, matches where I think 'we could have won' easily come to mind, but since we ultimately could not finish in first place, there is nothing I can clearly say was 'the turning point.' However, the match against Yokohama F.Marinos at MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium) and the Tokyo Verdy match where we managed a comeback victory in a difficult situation remain memorable. Before the Yokohama FM match, we lost to Kashiwa Reysol, but after dropping that game despite the team being in good form, we won against Yokohama FM, showed a strong performance, and were able to regain momentum ourselves. The fact that we no longer sank after a defeat shows the team's mental strength and growth.
One of the reasons the team was in good form was that we did not suffer consecutive losses. We were able to quickly make corrections because we firmly held onto the base that we value. Thanks to the accumulation from last season and the fact that we share a common understanding as a team about the important aspects we cherish, we were able to avoid major collapses.
Q. From the start of this season, Coach Matsuhashi kept encouraging us with the words, "Let's become a team worthy of winning the championship," and as the season progressed, I felt that players often expressed sentiments like "I really want to win" and "We aim to be champions." This special half-year tournament felt within reach. How did you face and approach your desire to win the championship during this time?
A, Coach Matsuhashi also mentioned this, and personally, I was seriously determined to win a title. Along with that feeling, I also wanted to continuously be part of the top-tier competition and maintain a position where I could be involved in the championship race. I wanted to win the title, and throughout the season, I felt that the team was becoming one that could aim for it. However, at the same time, I also realized that unless we become a team that can compete at the top every year, it would be difficult to actually win a title.
Q. What did you feel was necessary to actually win the championship after competing this season?
A, I once again felt that maintaining a high level of performance and minimizing ups and downs is crucial. Watching teams like the Kashima Antlers strongly reinforces this point. From next season onward, it will be a battle over the course of a full year, not just half a year. I feel that unless we become a team that can consistently perform at this base level throughout the year and compete every season for the championship or a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite, the title will not come any closer.
Q. You scored 4 goals individually, marking a career-high. How do you feel about the reasons you were able to play more offensively?
A. There are tactical details and personal positioning reasons as well, but simply put, the team as a whole has been able to push deeper up the field. Advancing forward as a side back carries some risk, but since the team can maintain solid ball possession in the opponent’s final third, the number of times I can enter the penalty area has increased significantly, which is a major factor.
Q. You spent this season as the captain. How do you reflect on your role as captain, how you were perceived, and your own behavior?
A. It might be misleading to say I wasn’t conscious of it at all, but I believe I was able to play and conduct myself naturally throughout the season without being overly conscious of being the captain. Coach Matsuhashi also values a natural approach, and the players treat me in a friendly manner. I never thought, "I have to behave like this as a captain," and with everyone’s support, I think it was a season where we fought together, supporting each other on the same level.
Among them, the older players, such as Masato MORISHIGE, Keigo HIGASHI, and Yuto NAGATOMO, quietly supported me. I believe they behaved in a way that made it easier for me to remain natural and comfortable. It was precisely because of that support that I felt reassured and was able to serve as captain in a natural manner.
Q. Keigo HIGASHI, who had long led the club from the front, has reached the end of his contract, and Kei KOIZUMI, who captained the team last season, has left the team. What kind of respect do you have for their achievements and their behavior towards their teammates?
A, Keigo HIGASHI played continuously for Tokyo for 14 years. Any soccer player can understand how difficult that is, and I truly respect him from the bottom of my heart. Farewells are inevitable in the world of soccer and are always sad. I will eventually face the same situation myself. I hope the players who move on to new teams will do their best. Kei KOIZUMI also served as captain and led the team from the front. I am proud to have played alongside such players as teammates and to have shared wonderful times together.
Q. As has been the case before, I believe that the cheers and support from fans and supporters were an especially great source of strength this season.
A, Not only at home but also at away games, many fans and supporters have always come to cheer us on, pushing us forward with their voices. I am truly grateful. That is why we strongly feel that we must demonstrate our behavior on the pitch and our attitude toward soccer in a way that makes people want to watch and support us. Next season, we want to show an even stronger side of ourselves and make it a season where even more people will want to support Tokyo.
