Q, Tokyo won the Levain Cup title in the 2020 season. Player Nagatomo also contributed to winning the same title in the 2009 season. What impact does winning the title have on the team?
A, of course, I think we had a lot of confidence. We thought we could do it. But if we don't build up that confidence, we can't grow as a team or as a club. Even if we just win one, we can gain confidence, but only by building it up can true confidence take root in the team.
Q, Did you feel the tradition and confidence of the club that has been building up titles even when you were playing for Inter Milan?
A, clubs with a tradition of always winning or constantly winning titles have confidence somewhere. This applies not only to players, but also to staff. And they are always aiming high. That's why they can be strict, and I also felt that. That's why I think we have to keep winning and keep building on our success.
Q, of course, we will also aim for the league title, but as Tokyo, we have won titles in cup competitions such as the Levain Cup and the Emperor's Cup. Is it important to continue this trend?
A, of course it is important to win the league title, and I think the impact is significant, but I also believe that there are things that can only be obtained by continuously winning titles, including cup competitions.
Q, Young players are getting opportunities to play in the Levain Cup this season. Do they need to have the awareness of winning the title, not just as a place for growth?
A, I think that young players will gain playing opportunities and grow by gaining confidence there, and competition will arise within the team. In any form, everything will lead to the growth of the team and become an asset for Tokyo.
Q, What is your impression of the young players who will lead Tokyo in the future?
A, (Matsuki) Kuryu, who joined this season, is also a good player.Of course, I want him to play in Tokyo for a long time, but I also think he has aspirations to play overseas and grow as a player. However, by playing with a strong desire to grow, it can also be a source of motivation for him.
Q, I think there are also cases where players like Nagatomo gain experience overseas and then return to Tokyo to give back.
A, I think that is a wonderful cycle, to have an attachment to the team called Tokyo, to pass on the experiences of Tokyo in their youth and the experiences gained overseas to the young players, and for the young players to be stimulated and grow. That is the ideal, isn't it?
Q, What is the atmosphere like among the young players now?
A, I think it's good to be more aggressive. By being proactive, I also receive energy and fighting spirit. It's not just about the young players being aggressive, we also need to be aggressive. I think the real strength of the team is born when we clash with each other. There may be a part where we try to be smart, but I think it's okay to be rough when we're young. However, we need to have that fighting spirit. It's difficult to develop that later on. Even if a player tries to have it in their 30s, they may not be able to. I want them to express that on the pitch.
