Ryoya OGAWA prepared for his journey and flew to Portugal.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE's back, which he had been chasing, is no longer by his side. However, he still holds onto his goal that he wants to achieve. He dreams of one day standing side by side and surpassing it.
The chase between the two continues.
The lineage of side backs that Keishi Fu, who grew up in blue and red, has seen. With gratitude in his heart, he runs towards becoming the best side back in Japan.
Q, What is the image of Tokyo's side back that Kafu player, who aims to be the best side back in Japan, has in mind?
When it comes to side backs in Tokyo, there is an image of the Japan national team. As for playing style, there may not be a specific form. Yuto NAGATOMO, Kosuke OTA, Sei MUROYA, and Ryo YAKA are all different in their strengths and characteristics. However, everyone has their own special weapon. It is because of these outstanding weapons that they are selected for the Japan national team. I also want to develop my own weapon and make up for my weaknesses.
Q, please tell us about the time and circumstances when player Robert was converted to a side back position from an attacking position.
A, I have played various positions, but the first time I played as a side back was in junior high school. Originally, I liked attacking, so I strongly felt, "Why do I have to play as a side back?" and I couldn't really like it at that time. Even after I switched to playing as a side back in my second year of high school, I always thought that I shouldn't neglect my attacking abilities, which are my strengths. So I want to fight and have the confidence to do so. How much can I differentiate myself from others in attack, and how can I lead the team to victory? That's the part I want to compete in as myself.
Q, Is there anyone who has had the most influence on you so far?
My older brother, who played soccer, was the closest and first person I looked up to. It was always expected of me by my parents, but I have also been reminded to be grateful for those around me.
Q, that is the origin that also resonates with the kindness of player Yoshifumi Kashiwagi's heart.
A, my family is much kinder than me. My father is also very kind.
Q, Maybe being treated kindly allows us to be kind to others.
A, I really think so. It may be thanks to the kindness I received from my family.
Q, Speaking of gratitude, it is also a word that Nagatomo has continued to say since his rookie days.
A, I have always cherished those words. In playing soccer, it is extremely important to show gratitude to the referees, respect for opponents, and appreciation for the fans and supporters who cheer us on. This may be a biased opinion, but players who lack a sense of respect will not last long before becoming professionals. It is such an important aspect, and I believe that it is not just about playing soccer, but also about being a good person.
After turning pro, the kind role model Ryoya OGAWA, who always cared for me, always listened to me with concern, asking "How was today's practice?"
Q, Ogawa is often misunderstood as being light or frivolous, but perhaps it was because he had those feelings that he was able to realize his true essence.
A, Ryo is very reliable. Certainly, I had the same impression at first, but I soon realized. I noticed that he was watching me properly. "He's completely different from what everyone thinks" I felt that way when I participated in practice in high school.
Q, I heard that Ogawa-san would give me encouragement when things weren't going well.
When I was in my third year of high school, I was able to participate in the top team's matches during practice, but during my first year as a pro, there was a period of about three months where I couldn't play in the matches even though I was on the bench after the league resumed. It's not that I didn't have the motivation, but I was overthinking things and nothing seemed to go well. During those times, Ryoya would always ask me after practice, "How was today's practice?" He would listen to my concerns about "this isn't going well" or "nothing is going well" with genuine care. We often played together on the left side during practice, and for example, during drills where the attack starts from the fullback, I would make mistakes on all the passes to the back. Once I made a mistake, nothing would go well and it would continue. During those times, he would advise me to "just kick it without thinking." Ryoya was always the one who would talk to me when I was really struggling. He is truly a kind person.
Q, It was strange that player Yoshifumi, who is usually reserved, was able to actively ask questions to his seniors.
A, When I first joined the practice, the relationship between Hirokazu and Ryoya was really good, so I was able to join without any tension. I think it was because of that, I didn't have to hold back with the two of them. It's strange, but I was able to blend in smoothly. I myself have never thought "make a mistake" to Ryoya while I was on the bench. When Ryoya made a good play, I thought "I saw a good play" and my motivation went up. I think it's because I've always been trying to steal good things from Ryoya. Even during the game, there were always discoveries about what to do in this situation. There was also a sense of rivalry, but I always wanted to learn and study.
Learn from Yuto NAGATOMO, who knows the world, and his advice that lightens the heart. "I have confidence that I can learn from these seniors without making mistakes."
Q, What kind of conversation are you having with Nagatomo?
A, I listen to various stories every day about mental and technical aspects of soccer, including interpersonal relationships and positioning. The most impressive thing is the way they hold themselves mentally. Even just watching from the side, I think it's amazing. I think to myself, "This person could succeed in any world." I see everything from their behavior in games and practices to their behavior in the training room.
Q, there must be a lot to learn for player Yoshifumi Suke in aiming for the world.
A, as a player who has experienced the top level of the world, there is a lot to learn. Recently, I have been playing in a league at that level, so it is grateful to be able to hear from someone who knows what kind of meals young players overseas are having and knows the real story.
Q, where does that learning attitude and desire for improvement come from?
A, Tokyo's fullbacks are probably the best players at the national team level. Being here, you can definitely grow and have the desire to surpass these players. From the achievements left by the seniors, there is also a belief that you can learn from these players without a doubt.
Q, Ogawa also said that he often imitated Ota.
A, I started by imitating how Ryoya-kun was doing and trying to make it my own. I myself tend to get mentally down or drag it into the next day when I'm not feeling well. But Ryoya-kun was good at switching his mindset even when the team wasn't doing well. It's the opposite for me, but even when the team situation was bad, Ryoya-kun didn't bring a negative atmosphere to practice. That was the most valuable lesson for me, something I didn't have. I want to be like that too, and Ryoya-kun also told me, "Don't think too much. Try to think more lightly."
Q, just having those words said to me made me feel a little lighter.
A, Hi. And, watching Ryo-kun behave like that, I started to think that there is also this way of doing things.
An original weapon that no one else has, polished for the player suitable for the blue and red side back. The goal is to be known as "Tokyo's side back, Kajifu".
Q, and please tell us about your determination as the new left-back for Tokyo, as Ogawa has transferred to Portugal.
A, "When it comes to Tokyo's side backs, it's Kashiho," I don't think I can honestly play in a way that everyone thinks. First of all, the most important thing is to play in a way that makes people think that way and be able to say it with pride. My ideal is to be a side back that everyone finds interesting. Being able to defend is a given, but also being able to show differences in attack compared to others. Whether it's in vertical movement, game control, or crosses, it doesn't matter. This player has unique qualities that set them apart from others. I want to be that kind of side back.
Q, Ota met coach Popovic and started taking free kicks for the first time. He honed it to become his one and only weapon. Ogawa also said that he practiced 100 free kicks every day in high school. Do you want to become a set piece kicker, not just for crosses?
A, I have kicked free kicks and corner kicks in several games this year as well. Yuki-san (Yukihiko SATO coach) also asked if I could kick them, so I want to try kicking them myself. I'm still not confident, but crosses have become one of my weapons as I have been watched by Yuki-san and Tetsu-san (current Kyoto Sanga F.C. head coach). I am grateful to Yuki-san and Tetsu-san, and I want to polish this weapon even more.
Q, Tokyo's number 6 is also a number that has been worn by players such as Yasuyuki KONNO, Ota, and Ogawa, who are all members of the Japan national team. Do you hope to wear it someday?
A, I know that the number 6 in Tokyo has been worn by amazing players. I don't know if it will be this season or next season, or when it will be. If I feel like I am a suitable player, I might want to wear it. But right now, I think it's more important to be a suitable player for Tokyo's side back than the number on my back. If I can do that and feel like I fit in, I would want to wear it.
Q, I think it's time to stand on my own when the player who was chasing my back is no longer there.
A, Now that the player we looked up to is gone, it's time to step up. Even though Ryoya is gone, there's Yuto, Junya, Hotaka, and Shuto Okaniwa. I don't think there's an open position, so the competition will only get tougher. It's all about getting results from here on out. It's also important for the team to get results, so we have to be hungry. That's something I've been lacking, so I want to focus on my goal and assist numbers.
The journey to the promised stage continues. A reunion with the Japan national team, a competition to surpass the backs that I want to overtake. "I've always wanted to surpass them with all my heart."
Q, do you still want to compete with Ogawa in the future?
A, although Ryo-kun went abroad first, I want to reunite in a higher level place. First, I want to contribute to Tokyo and see how much results I can produce. That's the only thing I'm thinking about. If I give my all to it, I believe I can reach that place. If we can reunite there, there's nothing more I could ask for. It's also one of my goals, so I definitely want to make it happen.
Q, and do you want to surpass it someday?
A, because I have always wanted to surpass it seriously. I still haven't been able to surpass it at all, so I went abroad. Since that goal is not yet finished, I definitely want to achieve it someday.
Text by Kohei Baba (Football Writer)
