Q, Did you feel any changes in yourself and the team after winning the Levain Cup in Tokyo as captain during the 2020 season?
A, It was my first title in my career, so to be honest, there were parts where I didn't feel the reality. In the previous season, we finished 2nd in the J1 league and were defeated in the end, so I really felt the difficulty of winning a title. Even before winning it, I felt the difficulty, but after winning it, I realized once again how difficult it is to win a title. The team changes its players and coaches every season. Of course, I feel the difficulty of continuing to win titles, but I think that each year is a battle rather than the team changing after winning a title.
Q: When you win one title, do you still have the desire to go for the next one?
A, I want to experience that atmosphere over and over again, and it's definitely something special. The joy of winning the title, the atmosphere before the game, and the atmosphere after it's all over are all special, and since I've only experienced it in the Levain Cup, I want to experience the same feeling in the league title. I think the league title is a result of fighting throughout the season, so it's definitely a title I want to win in my career.
Q, young players are also getting opportunities in the Levain Cup. What is your impression of the current young players in Tokyo in terms of their play and mentality?
A, I want you to play with enthusiasm. I want you to play while feeling the joy of being able to play in a game. I feel that even at my age. The place of serious competition is a place where you cannot stand unless you win. Coach Albert is also someone who uses young players, so I think there are opportunities. I want you to cherish each game and turn it into an experience for your growth. Even in the game against Iwata in the Levain Cup (held on March 15), I was able to play with young players and it was a good stimulus for me. I would be happy if you could watch me and get stimulated again. I think my soccer career is still long, so I want you to have various experiences.
Q, Have you been conscious of communicating with young players in the Iwata match?
A, We also talk about tactical aspects, but there are also times when we want to let young players play freely. However, I also have to appeal myself, and this season, I haven't been able to play in the league matches, so everyone is a rival regardless of age. Still, I was conscious of playing with some consideration and giving positive encouragement even if I made some mistakes. I don't know how much of that is getting through to the young players.
Q, Is it important to realize and play with self-awareness, rather than being told by someone else?
A, it is not just young players, but it does not change at any age. You have to realize it yourself and take action, otherwise it will never change. I still have a lot to learn and it is important to continue thinking for yourself regardless of age.
Q, now that you have the chance, you have to fight with all your might and stay positive.
A, this season, coach Albert Puig Ortoneda is particularly proactive in using young players, so I hope they will seize the opportunity. Personally, when I was a young player, I felt it was difficult to play in official matches even in the Levain Cup, but I think it is important to take the chance if it is there. Whether it's in the league or in the Levain Cup, fans and supporters are paying to come and watch, and that's what being a professional is all about. Players who have experienced giving their all in any match need to show that.
