Q, Oita Trinita and Tokyo have both won titles, but do you feel any impact for yourself or the club from winning the title?
A, Winning the championship allows the team and those involved with the team to experience what it feels like to succeed. Even if it is a cup tournament, it is still a valuable experience. In the 2008 Nabisco Cup while playing for Oita Trinita, our team was in good form and we were able to defeat Shimizu S-Pulse in the final, earning both the team and myself our first title. I remember it clearly, but the following season Oita did not perform well, so it was also a learning experience. After achieving something, it is an experience to prepare for an even tougher battle next time.
Q, Based on that experience, did you have the desire to win the Levain Cup in the 2020 season and tighten your focus for the following season?
A, In the 2020 season, our performance in the league was not very good, but we were able to win the Levain Cup. However, instead of overestimating that, we understood that we were not getting results in the league and approached the 2021 season.
Q, The Levain Cup, which Morishige won the title, is now giving young players the opportunity to play this season. Do you have any image of young players in Tokyo?
A, I think it would be good if I could think more about what I need to do to show my strengths, because there are many skilled players. Everyone is much better than when we were young. I think they also have ideas. However, I also understand that just that is not enough to succeed in the professional world. With that understanding, if I can think more about what I need, what the coach expects from me, and what I need to do to survive in this environment, I think I can better utilize my strengths and abilities.
Q, Is it the attitude required for young players to be conscious of their own situation and what is expected of them, not just in games but also in daily practice?
A, It is about thinking about what is necessary for yourself to take the position from the player in the higher position in the hierarchy, such as what number you are in the hierarchy of your own position. It can also be said as an attitude and way of thinking towards soccer, and a way to take the position. I think it is important to think about what you need to do to reach the moment of being fulfilled as a professional by playing in the game, and playing an active role in the game is the most important thing.
Q, is it something you want experienced players to feel?
A, It's not just about the person's self-awareness, but also about the various advice from the people around them, events that happen, good encounters, and there is always a chance. Instead of waiting for that chance, you have to reach out and grab it yourself. If you take that action, I think the path will naturally open up. Even if you practice without thinking and wait for a seat to open up, it won't open up, that's what it means.
