TOKYOism

It was the most troubled decision of my life. The midfielder, who returned to his hometown of Tokyo, expressed a goal he absolutely wants to achieve at the cost of his career. To see a new landscape with this club, Kei KOIZUMI put on the blue and red uniform.

Q: First, please tell us how you felt when you received an offer from FC Tokyo.
A, I was honestly happy when I received the offer. I was approached by a team from Tokyo, the capital. I am pleased to be recognized and it has boosted my confidence. However, I have experienced transfers several times before, and to be honest, this was the most difficult decision I have faced. It might have been the most troubled I have ever been in my life.

Q: What was the deciding factor for that decision?
A, one of the deciding factors was that I myself had never won a title before. FC Tokyo has won cup titles before, but has never won a league title. I heard from the club that while clubs from capital cities around the world have experienced league championships, Tokyo has not yet won the leagueand I felt a sense of challenge there. I thought that if I joined here and won a title, I might be able to etch my name into FC Tokyo's history. I also have a strong desire to win the league before I retire. Another big reason was that the only players I knew were Keita YAMASHITA, who played for Sagan Tosu last year, and Leandro from my Kashima Antlers days. I am from Adachi Ward in Tokyo, but I am not very familiar with the area. I am at the best age as a player now, and I thought this would be my last chance to take on a challenge in an unfamiliar place. Those two were the reasons I decided on this transfer.

Q: Have you consulted with anyone?
A, TeammatesI couldn't say much to my teammates, but I consulted a lot with Ryota NAGAKI, my teammate from my time at Kashima, who is now with Nagoya Grampus.

Q: I am from Adachi Ward, but have you had any involvement with FC Tokyo so far?
I had the experience of participating in practice when I was a third-year high school student. I was allowed to participate in both practice and practice matches, but at that time I couldn't secure an offer, and I went straight to Albirex Niigata. I am from Tokyo and grew up in Tokyo, but until now I hadn't had many connections. However, I think this time it was a good opportunity that came at the right moment.

Q: Please tell us your impression of FC Tokyo from an outsider's perspective.
I have the impression that there are many good players with national team experience. Also, I thought that the 2022 season was a year in which the club, under the direction of Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, became part of the MIXI, Inc. group and is taking on various challenges.

Q: What impression do you have of Ajinomoto Stadium?
Although it is not exclusively a soccer stadium, it gives the impression of being a large and good stadium. It was a challenging place for away players, and I felt the pressure from the excitement when goals were scored. It still feels strange that this will become our home, but I want to experience various things once it starts.

Q: What impression do you have of the soccer style?
I felt that the coach's emphasis on valuing the ball was evident even from the outside. However, I believe that it's not just about holding onto the ball, but also about maintaining the intensity of play. Even during the match, I heard voices from the players expressing this. I thought that this is what they were looking for.

Q: Looking back on your career so far, you progressed from the Yokohama F.Marinos youth academy to Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School. Can you tell us about that journey?
I was unable to move up to the youth team, and I felt quite frustrated. At that time, I was looking for a high school strong enough to defeat the Marinos youth team, and since Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School was strong and commutable from my home, I chose it as my school.

Q: I think there were also encounters there. There was also Ryoya OGAWA (currently belonging to Vitoria Sport Clube in Portugal) who is a year below. What was your relationship like?
I often had to shave my head because of Ryoya (laughs). However, he was one grade below me, but he was involved with our generation and played in matches. He had high physical abilities even back then.

Q: Since I moved to Portugal this summer, there has been a change, but did you want to play in the same team again?
A, that's right. I think it would have been interesting if we could have played on the same team. However, this is also a matter of timing, so there are parts that can't be helped. I believe he is pursuing his dreams overseas, so personally, I want to support that wholeheartedly.

Q: How do you feel about playing in your hometown of Tokyo?
I lived in Kyushu for a year and a half and have returned here. Although it was a short time, I do feel like I have come back. There are definitely differences between Kyushu and Tokyo, even though they are both in Japan. My family often came to support me at Ajinomoto during away games, so I think they are happy.

Q: As you are approaching the best age as a player, what kind of career do you envision for the future?
A, I want to win a title anyway. I want at least one trophy in my career. FC Tokyo has won cup competitions, but they have never won the league, which resonates with my feelings. I thought it would be great to achieve that together, so I made my decision with that in mind. If we win, I believe we will see a different perspective, so I want to keep that in mind at all times.

Q: Looking back on your career, you have been utilized in various positions. Is there a position you want to compete in here?
A, to be honest, in my early twenties, I had a specific position I wanted to play here. However, after starting to play with Matsuki, whom I met during my time at Kashima, my perspective changed. Watching Matsuki play as a defensive midfielder, right back, and side half, I felt that he was playing for the team to win, no matter where he was positioned. The way he fought for the team in the role he was entrusted with looked cool to me. Since I was a similar type of player, I felt that I needed to become that kind of player, and I started to aspire to be like him. After meeting him, my fixation on a specific position diminished. I believe it’s about what I can do when entrusted with a role. I have my own thoughts on positions where I can shine, and I’ve also been told by others. Still, no matter where I play, I believe I will just fight for the team to win.

Q: What is necessary to play in various positions?
A, you must never lose in one-on-one situations or in the intensity of play. I believe this is undoubtedly important in any position. If you maintain that intensity, you naturally feel that you can perform well anywhere. There were times when I felt it was difficult if I could show intensity as a defensive midfielder but not as a fullback. I now believe that as long as you maintain your intensity, your strengths will come out in both attack and defense.

Q: What is the one thing you absolutely do not want to lose?
I believe that winning the ball is one of my strengths. As a professional, I have fought in that area, so if I can't win the ball there, it diminishes my value. I want to continue to cherish that aspect moving forward.

Q: Please tell us if there have been any changes you could make by joining this team.
I am not the type to speak out specially, so I want to show it through my play. There are many young players in Tokyo, so I want to create an atmosphere where we have to show a high level of play intensity. I want to make sure to demonstrate this not only in matches but also in practice. I believe we need to show these aspects.

Q, then please give a message to the fans and supporters.
As I mentioned in my joining announcement, I will exert my utmost strength to help FC Tokyo win titles. I would be happy if you could support that. I am a player from the so-called mid-career generation. Since there are many young players in this team, I want to do my best to have a positive influence on the club not only in matches but also in daily training.

Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)