Q: You experienced winning the Levain Cup as the captain in the 2020 season. Did you feel any changes in yourself and the team after winning the title?
A, it was my first title in my career, so to be honest, there were parts where I didn't fully grasp it. The previous season, we finished 2nd in the J1 League, and it was frustrating to be overtaken at the end, so winning the title made me really feel the difficulty of achieving it. I felt the challenges leading up to it, but after winning, I reaffirmed that winning a title is indeed difficult. The team changes every season with different players, and sometimes the coach changes as well. Naturally, I feel the difficulty of maintaining (title wins), but I believe that rather than the team changing due to winning a title, each year is a battle in itself.
Q: Once you win a title, do you start to desire the next title?
AI want to experience that atmosphere as many times as possible; it truly is something special. The joy of winning a title, both the atmosphere before the match and the one after, is unique. Since I have only experienced it in the Levain Cup, I want to feel the same sensation with the league title. I believe the league is the result of competing throughout a season, so it is definitely a title I want to achieve in my career.
Q: Young players are also getting opportunities in the Levain Cup. What are your impressions of the current young players in Tokyo regarding their play and mentality?
A, I want you to play with all your might. I hope you can feel the joy of being able to play in the match. I feel that even at my age. A serious competition is a place that you have to earn the right to stand in. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA tends to use young players, so I believe there will be opportunities. I hope you can cherish each match and turn it into your experience for growth. In the match against Iwata in the Levain Cup (held on March 15), playing alongside young players was a good stimulus for me, and I would be happy if they were also inspired by watching me. I think there is still a long football life ahead, so I hope you can have various experiences.
Q: Did you have any specific awareness regarding communication with young players during the match against Iwata?
A, while we sometimes talk about tactical aspects, I also want to let the young players play freely. However, I also need to make my own appeal, and since I haven't been able to participate much in the league this season, everyone is a rival regardless of age. Still, I was conscious of playing with some consideration for others and trying to encourage them positively even if I made some mistakes. I don't know how much of that has been conveyed to the young players.
Q: Is it important to notice and be aware of your own play rather than being told by someone else?
A, it applies not only to young players but remains unchanged at any age. If you don't realize it yourself and take action, nothing will change no matter how long you wait. I still have a lot to learn, and it's important to keep thinking for yourself regardless of age.
Q: Since you've gained a chance, it means you should fight positively with all your might.
A, this season, especially Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is actively using young players, and I hope they seize the opportunity. Personally, I felt it was difficult to participate in official matches like the Levain Cup when I was younger, but I believe it's important to take bold actions if there is a chance. Whether in the league or the Levain Cup, fans and supporters are paying to come and watch, and that's what being a professional is about. I think experienced players need to show that they give their all in every match.
