TOKYOism

Q: Are there any challenges in the offensive aspect for the upcoming season?
I think it was a 50-50 season. However, I believe that achieving change was never an easy task. What I expect for next season is for the new players who will join to quickly adapt to the team. I also want to continue building and growing the style we have been developing this season. I want to continue to persuade the players again. What will lead us to the top is a strong mentality focused on competition. We were able to express good soccer consistently in the last month. I hope we can express that for a longer period next season. I have no doubt that if we continue to play well in soccer, we will continue to win. I want to look forward to that next season. I do not guarantee that we will win a title. This is because there are 17 rival teams in the league, and they are all fighting desperately to win titles. I believe that claiming we will definitely win is lacking respect for our rival teams.

[Player Interview]]
<Akihiro HAYASHI>

Q: You were on the bench for the last match, how do you feel about that?
A, although we lost, I can't say I'm happy about it, but I'm glad that the last match of the season was the Tamagawa Classico. I think it was the best finale, and unless I go to Kawasaki Frontale during my active career, I won't have the chance to participate in the Tamagawa Classico, so I believe that being able to end like this, aside from the result, was a good way to finish.

Q: Was the decision to terminate the contract before the final match made by player Hayashi?
A, yes, I made the decision to announce it myself. After being with the team for six years, I have felt a sense of regret over the past two years. The way of ending the contract often does not work in a positive direction for players, but weighing that against the messages and comments I received during these two years (on social media, etc.), I felt that it was absolutely not possible for me to go silent until my next team was decided. Therefore, I wanted to share this. It was an unusual situation for Tokyo, and as a player, I had the desire to keep it hidden, but I believe I was able to overcome these two years thanks to the fans and supporters, so I announced it as a way of expressing my gratitude. I was offered the opportunity to speak in front of everyone, but I declined because I would end up crying if I did. My feelings are fully expressed in the comments I released.

Q: Did you see a lot of (Hayashi's) uniforms today?
I got too emotional (laughs). I almost cried seeing that, so I tried not to talk too much.

Q, we were able to hear the 'Hayashi Tokyo' call, what do you think about it?
A, I almost cried at that call, so I covered my ears as much as possible and kept it to just a little bit of hearing (laughs).

Q. In your comments upon the expiration of your contract, you mentioned wanting to "bloom one or two more flowers in the remaining soccer life." I believe there are fans and supporters who are looking forward to your future performances.
I feel a great sense of regret about the expiration of this contract, and I believe I still have more to offer. I want to perform well in my next team so that the decision made by this team turns into regret. Of course, I understand the team's judgment. I don't think a player who has been unproductive for two years can have their contract extended just because they returned at the end of the season, so I believe the best way to repay this is to make my next team regret the decision to let me go.

Q: What position does your 6 years at FC Tokyo hold among the many teams you have been a part of?
A, when I came to Tokyo, I felt that there was a lack of team spirit. There were many skilled players, but they played individually and only tried to come together during matches, so I thought that wouldn't lead to victory. It was disappointing that we couldn't compete for the championship with this group. Over the past six years, I have been trying to change that while talking with Masato MORISHIGE, and I feel we have become a bit more human.

Q: Are there any memorable scenes during your time playing with this team?
When a strong personality gathered in the first year, it felt like this was practice. We weren't veterans yet, but there were a few older players, and there was no cohesion. The most memorable part was when we started to talk sincerely together from that situation, which was the beginning.

Q: The communication between the goalkeeper and the back line was smooth, but there seems to be a disconnect between the attacking players up front and the defensive players at the back. I think it was a task to connect those elements. Is the team now one that is well-connected?
First of all, no matter how bad the content is, it is necessary for winning in the league that the defense does not collapse. Even if the attack can ride the wave at that moment, if the defense is unstable, we cannot compete at the top. The players in front and the players in the back were disconnected, and we were trying to defend tightly, but that was not enough. To improve this team, we had to keep discussing specific things like what kind of players can play comfortably, who will take on the connection, and how we should connect. It was a year of trial and error. When we talk about results, they did not remain, and it felt like the trial and error continued into the second year. This team still needs to continue trial and error, and we need to come up with creative solutions. I believe that without players in that position even after I am gone, it will be difficult for the team to take another leap forward, so I want to entrust that responsibility.

Q: I was talking with Go HATANO, did you entrust any thoughts to him?
A, I have known him since he was in the first year of junior high school. We joined at the same time, and he started calling me Coach Hayashi. It was like a coach-player relationship from the beginning. Still, we practiced as goalkeepers together for six years, so I continued to talk about his habits and strengths for those six years. Since I am about the same height as him, there were things I realized because of him, and he was a teammate with whom I have grown together. He also gave me words of encouragement, and I felt the same way at the same time. It was six years where we could both grow together.

<Masato MORISHIGE>

Q: Please tell us what you felt about today's match.
I think the game changed because the opponent had one player sent off. At the beginning of the first half, we were observing the situation, but since we were able to control the ball, we need to eliminate the small mistakes that can affect the outcome as a team.

Q: What aspects of what the team has built up this season were you able to confirm?
A, it’s difficult to say just based on today’s match, but I definitely think we have been growing considering our past battles and everything we have done so far. I believe it’s about accumulating experience in this football, so I want to build on that.

Q: Is it important to continue gaining that experience from next season onwards?
A, that's the most important part, or rather, how the team will be in such situations, and how to respond when these challenges arise. If we can experience this once or twice, I think we will be able to handle it better during the matches.

<Yuto NAGATOMO>

Q: You finished this season without any major injuries, didn't you?
A, it is good that I was able to join the national team without any injuries and can face the World Cup.

Q: This season, you played as a left and right fullback and were utilized in various ways by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. Did you experience any growth or discoveries for yourself?
A, I think we were able to see Nagatomo's growth as a new right back. Until now, he has mostly played by overlapping on the outside and crossing, but under Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, he has learned to play in the center and the relationship with the wingers, which will also benefit the national team, and I want to express my gratitude.

Q: Today, Matsuki filled the space for Nagatomo, allowing Nagatomo to move forward. The variations are increasing, aren't they?
A, the national team will have changes in its members again, so while enhancing our synergy, I believe that with my current self, I can adapt to various positions.

Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA said, "With a player of such a career, he could have easily ignored what I said. He has always humbly done what was asked of him." What is the source of that humility?
A, it's because I want to grow. I am always aiming for growth and striving to improve myself, so there are things I can learn from anyone, whether they are older or younger than me. I am always looking for those hints. Being eager for growth is the root of it all.

Q: This is your fourth World Cup, how will you prepare your condition for it?
A, I understand how to manage my physical condition and mental state from participating in three tournaments, so I am not worried about that. In fact, I perform better under pressure; it brings out my adrenaline and makes my body feel like it's in its 20s again. That's why I seek out pressure. The World Cup provides a significant amount of pressure, and I want to enjoy that experience.

<Keigo HIGASHI>

Q: How do you feel about the final match?
It was a match we had to win, and if we want to be champions next year, I feel that if we play like we did today, it will be tough to secure a title. We had to take all three points against an opponent who was down to ten men.

Q: Was it difficult to adjust your strategy after conceding the first goal and facing a reduced number of opponents?
A, rather than being difficult, I think we are overwhelmingly in a favorable position, so there are no excuses. It comes down to small mistakes or concentration, and those are the parts that ultimately determine the outcome. This was also evident in the last match against Nagoya, where we did not show any weaknesses. However, we must definitely maintain our direction and style without wavering, and while doing that, I believe we still have challenges in critical moments. I personally want to be more and more particular about this.

Q: Please tell us your goals for next season.
I want to win titles in both the league and cup competitions. I believe we need to aim for victories outside of the league as well, so I want to make it a season like that.

Q: This season's opening match was against Kawasaki, and the final match was also against Kawasaki. I believe there were aspects of the year that were based on the Kawasaki match, but how do you feel about the accumulation and progress over the year?
A, to be honest, it's difficult to compare since the opponent had 10 players, but conversely, I think we can view it positively that we forced them to 10 players. I believe that not only in the match against Kawasaki, but as a team, there are parts where we have been able to consistently do what we want to do since the opening. We can't solve everything in one year, and we need to keep working on it for two or three years, so I think we just have to believe in this and keep going without wavering.

Q: As a player, did you have any expectations about what you could achieve this year up to this point? Do you feel like you have accomplished what you set out to do so far?
A, regardless of whether it is good or bad in terms of style, I think it has clearly changed. In that sense, I feel a sense of achievement, but as I mentioned earlier, in soccer, the finer details make the difference, and I believe that is a part that cannot be overlooked regardless of the style. Whether we can focus on that or not is something that can be changed by the players' awareness and collectively, and I think it can be transformed into competitiveness. That is still a challenge, and I believe that I, due to my age, must take the lead, so I think we need to eliminate matches like today’s.

<Adailton>

Q, please review the game. The team finished the season with the top number of goals. Please reflect on today's goal.
A. Looking back on this season, I was able to start the season in good condition. I believe that contributed to being the team's top scorer, and I was able to enter matches with a positive mindset. It's very disappointing that we couldn't win today's match, but I think scoring points is a positive aspect.

Q, the first goal was connected to the net through a narrow path from a loose ball.
A, since we were in a losing situation, I wanted to first catch up and equalize. While playing with that mindset, the ball happened to drop right in front of me, and I struck it, resulting in a goal, so I’m glad about that.

Q: It seemed that you were well prepared for the header on the second goal during the return.
I think today I was ready to score in a good way. Not just with headers, but also for the first goal, I was prepared to throw my body out there to score, whether it was with my right, left, head, or any loose balls. So rather than just being ready for headers, I believe it was the result of being well prepared.

Q: Please reflect on the scene where you broke through in a one-on-one with the opposing goalkeeper in the first half.
Throughout the season, finding space while connecting the ball was a challenge, but thanks to the results of our daily practice, we were able to connect the ball well on the right side and send it to the opposite space, which was the space I wanted. It came at the right moment when I wanted the ball, so it went as I imagined, and I think it's the result of our practice.

Q: Looking back on the entire season, how do you feel about your sense of achievement?
A, as I mentioned earlier, I am satisfied that I was able to enter this season in good condition and score many goals. It is a proud moment for me to have shared joy with fans and supporters in several matches through my goals, and I believe this will support me in the future. I want to continue to focus on results. Thank you for your support throughout the year.

<Koki TSUKAGAWA>

Q: How did it feel to play against your former team?
I can only say that I am frustrated. There were parts where I was too tense, but it was truly a fun time, and I am glad to have come to this team. I was also happy to be able to have such a passionate battle again.

Q: Although it was a match between teams that advocate similar styles of football, what do you think were the factors that determined the outcome?
It was a situation where the opponent was down to 10 players, which gave us an advantage, but perhaps the determination and spirit were stronger on Kawasaki's side. The opponent had the championship at stake, while we honestly had nothing to lose, but I could feel that determination from them.

Q: After the match, you were talking with your former teammates. What kind of conversation did you have?
A, everyone gave me encouragement like "Do your best!", so I thought I need to work harder.

Q: There have been voices from Kawasaki Frontale fans and supporters.
A, I am really happy.

Q: How do you feel looking back on your transfer this season?
As an individual, I have been fulfilling for three months since the transfer. I have started to get involved in matches, and next, I want to work hard to grow more so that I can perform well throughout the entire season, help the team achieve a higher ranking, and become a player who can win the championship.

Q: Today, was it that you were focused, or did you overexert yourself?
A, I think I could have been calmer in those situations, as my shot went off target due to tension.

Q, on the contrary, wasn't there a part where the tension saved the team from a crisis? I thought it was good that you put your body in to regain possession, made decisive passes, and showed a willingness to take risks.
I want to showcase my strengths while also applying what I've learned to grow even more.

Q: What did you feel the most when facing Kawasaki?
A, today has turned into a special development, but as expected, each individual is skilled at stopping and kicking, and I felt that they have confidence in themselves and in their core.

Q: In terms of style, I think there is a lot to learn. How do you feel about that as we head into next season?
There is a lot to learn, but now that we have established a foundation as a team, I believe each team has its strengths and the players have their own characteristics. While learning, I hope we can further develop the strengths of Tokyo.

Q, I think the feed from the moment when Sung Ryong JUNG was sent off and the ball was taken was really good, but what do you think when you look back at that play?
I thought it was a foul when Kento TACHIBANADA fell, but it wasn't that strong of a hit, so I assumed Kento was looking for it. The referee was also watching closely. In that situation, I could clearly see the opening, so it was just a matter of making the pass, and Adah was truly superb.

Q: When did you realize you were free?
When Mr. Akira (Ienaga) approached, I was thinking of passing it over there.

Q: How was the first cross?
If there are enough players inside and a good ball is delivered, FELIPE, Adá, and (Kimoto) Kyou-kun were there, so I thought I would lift it up.

Q: How was the match against Wakisaka?
A, there wasn't much of a matchup in terms of development, but it was still skillful as always.

Q, was it nostalgic?
A, there was no room for nostalgia, was there? (laughs)

Q: Do you feel that your reproducible plays are leading to opportunities?
I always want to make passes that directly lead to goals and do things that the opponent dislikes. If I am thought to be playing soccer with that mindset, then I am happy.

Q: There were many wonderful breakthroughs. I believe what I learned in Kawasaki is being utilized at FC Tokyo, but how was today's performance?
The tasks assigned to me are different from when I was in Kawasaki, but since coming to Tokyo, what is expected of me has changed, and I believe my strengths are coming out even more. I hope to focus on improving the quality and connecting it to results.

<Kuryu MATSUKI>

Q: What was your mindset going into this year?
I definitely wanted to be a starting member in J1, and I felt I had a good sense of my performance during the camp. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA trusted me and gave me the opportunity, so throughout the season, I may not have met the high expectations, but I think we were able to do what we needed to do as a team.

Q: What are the differences between the year you fought in high school and the year you fought in the J-League?
A, in the J-League, since there is also the Club World Cup this year, I thought the period was a bit early, but it felt even earlier than that. I had the impression that the season ended quickly.

Q: This season, as a particularly noteworthy young player, you have been featured in the media, and many senior players have mentioned Matsuki's name. How did you feel about that?
The ones who help me the most on the pitch are the seniors around me, so there were things I could absorb from those seniors, and of course, there were things to learn as well. Since I am the youngest playing in the matches, I felt I had to express that on the pitch.

Q: This year was your first year as a rookie, but starting next year, it will be a season after a year of fighting. Please share your aspirations.
I want to be more eager for results and take on challenges next season.

Q: Please give a message to the fans and supporters who have supported you for a year.
Thank you for your support throughout the season.

<Ryoma WATANABE>

Q, I think the second goal was a one-touch cross back, but that play looks easy yet is actually very difficult. I believe it showcased a high level of skill; what do you think?
I only remember that I turned back aiming for Adailton, so I'm glad he scored.

Q: I think it was because I was playing on the left side that I was able to take that position. Also, I believe it showed my ability to get involved in chances from any position. What do you think?
When playing on the left side, I am conscious of waiting wide outside, so I thought it would be good if chances could be created with the balls from Kazuya KONNO and Hotaka NAKAMURA. There was a moment when I didn't connect with a cross from Mita, but I was able to grasp the distance and approach to the ball during that play, so I kept that image in mind for the next play.

Q: Was that play the reason for the goal?
A, that's right.

Q: You scored an own goal, how do you reflect on that?
Returning to that position is one of my strengths, so I want to use today's experience as a valuable lesson for the next time. I believe that plays like that can be improved with experience, so I think I've learned something there.

Q: Kawasaki plays soccer by taking positions while observing the opponent's positions. I think FC Tokyo could have countered with a similar playing style, but what do you think?
A, because we have the same style of football, I was able to play while somewhat understanding the opponent's position, location, direction, and how they would come at us, so I want to make sure to connect that to opportunities.

Q: This season started and ended in Kawasaki. How do you reflect on the year?
In the first match, I played as a full-back, and it was a somewhat frustrating start at that time. I believe it was a season where I could have done much more throughout.

Q: Since it's the same soccer style, do you feel there is a difference?
A, because we have the same style of soccer, I was able to play while somewhat understanding the opponent's position, location, direction, and approach, so I want to make sure to connect that to opportunities. One point is that we do not take risks, whether in a good or bad sense. It’s soccer where we connect from the back and kick long, and if we can control the ball even after a long kick, we can transition to an attack. However, I believe we are different from Kawasaki because we maintain possession of the ball, including the goalkeeper.
Regarding the scene of the second goal conceded, I believe that it was a mistake that happened because it was us, so I think this is a challenge for the entire team, not just for each individual player. I hope we can continue to work on it.