Q, Wasn't winning the Levain Cup in 2020 your first title, and a major event in your career, for player Nagai?
A, The final round was held in January, which was unusual because it usually takes place before the end of the league season, but this time it was after all the other official matches had finished, so it had a unique feeling. I had never played soccer until that time of year, so it felt strange to still be moving my body even though the year had already passed (laughs). Personally, I had also undergone shoulder surgery and was focused on the final, so it remains a memorable experience for me.
Q, How was the moment you won the title?
A, it was a great feeling. It wasn't just about myself, but seeing how happy the fans and supporters were made me happy as well.
Q, I think you have experienced the big stage as a representative, but was the joy of winning different there?
A, it's the championship. It's different from each game in the league. It's a one-shot deal, and it has a unique atmosphere. It was my first final, and it was special to be able to play at the new Japan National Stadium. It's a game where nothing is left if you lose, so there was a sense of relief in winning.
Q: Did winning the title bring about any changes within yourself?
A, Honestly, there isn't anything in particular. I was over 30 years old and had already formed a certain way of thinking as a soccer player. I thought that maybe it was because of what I had built up towards that I was able to win the title. It's a feeling of finally reaching this point after building up and persevering.
Q, Does winning one title make you more eager for the next one?
A, it's the league title. It's difficult to win it without working hard throughout the year, and I was able to reach second place while I was here. That's why the desire to win it becomes stronger, right?
Q, young players are actively used in the Levain Cup. What is your impression of their play?
A, I was watching the Iwata game from the stands, and I thought maybe it would be okay to play more aggressively. It's like Yuta ARAI's PREMIST-style play. Watching him, I thought it's nice to be young. Youth is the strongest weapon (laughs). I think the young players around him also have it, and I want them to make use of it. The way they play, whether they have that aggressiveness or not, changes how others see them and the experiences they gain. In reality, I think they are trying to express their feelings, so maybe their way of expressing it is still cute.
Q, I want Araki to play as hard as he can.
A, I think it's nice to have a name like Yuta (laughs). When I was around the same age as them, I was going all out and when I was young, I was always trying to make things happen. There was a sense that if you didn't produce results, you couldn't survive in this world. The young players of today may have a sense that if they wait, they will have a chance to play. But I believe that you have to go after your chances and if you don't produce results there, there won't be another chance.
Q, do you think that sense of crisis is something that seniors teach or something that young people feel?
A, Recently, there are few young players who go to veteran players on their own. I feel that communication can only be born when we come closer to each other. I myself have had the experience that young players have to be more aggressive in order to make an impact, so I want them to come more and more without hesitation. Of course, depending on the game situation, it may be difficult to show aggressiveness. As a player, I also have to focus on my own performance, but there are many players who have experiences that they can convey to others besides me, and I hope that more young players will come to the team actively and leave various things behind.
