Q, Oita Trinita and Tokyo have each won titles, but do you feel the impact of winning titles for yourself or for the club?
A, by experiencing what it means to win, both for the team and for those involved with the team, we can accumulate successful experiences. Even if it was a cup competition, it remains a valuable experience. In the 2008 season of the Nabisco Cup, while I was with Oita Trinita, the team was performing well and we won the Final Round against Shimizu S-Pulse, allowing both the team and myself to achieve our first title. I clearly remember that, but in the following season, Oita did not perform well, so I was able to gain experience including that aspect. After achieving something, the next challenge becomes even tougher, that is the experience.
Q. Based on that experience, did you have the feeling to tighten your focus and aim for victory in the 2020 Levain Cup, leading into the following season?
A, in the 2020 season, we did not perform well in the league, and while we were able to win the Levain Cup, we did not overestimate that achievement. We understood that we had not achieved results in the league and approached the 2021 season with that in mind.
Q: Regarding the Levain Cup that player Morishige won, young players are getting opportunities to play this season. Do you have any thoughts on the young players in Tokyo?
A, there are many skilled players, so I think it would be good if I could play while thinking more about what I need to do to showcase my strengths. Everyone is much better than we were when we were young. I believe they also have ideas. However, I think they understand that just having that is not enough to succeed in the professional world. If we can think more about what we need for ourselves, what the coach expects from us, and what we need to do to thrive in this environment, I believe we can better utilize our strengths and abilities.
Q: Whether in matches or daily practice, is it the attitude expected of young players to be aware of their situation and what is required of them?
A, it means thinking about your ranking in your position, what you need to do to surpass the player ranked above you, and how to take their position. It reflects your attitude and mindset towards soccer, as well as the skills needed to take a position. I believe that getting to play in matches is the most important thing, and performing well in those matches is the moment of fulfillment as a professional, so I think it's important to consider what you need to do to reach that point.
Q, is it something you want to feel from experienced players?
A, I believe that there are always various pieces of advice from those around you, events that happen, and good encounters, not just self-awareness. Instead of waiting for those opportunities, you have to go out and seize them yourself. If you take such actions, I think the path will naturally open up. If you practice without thinking and just wait for a seat to become available, it won't become available.
