Interview with players Tsubasa TERAYAMA and Yuta ARAI on the web

INTERVIEW2023.1.12

Interview with players Tsubasa TERAYAMA and Yuta ARAI on the web

<Tsubasa TERAYAMA>
Q, How do you feel about the intensity of training and the atmosphere of the team so far in this camp?
Both the players and staff have a good atmosphere, and we are able to train in a positive and friendly environment.

Q, What is your current condition, including preparations before camp?
A, I myself fell ill during the off-season, so when I entered the camp, my condition was in a bad state. Also, in college, we played on artificial turf, but in the pros, it's natural grass, so I felt a sense of discomfort on the pitch. However, since coming to Okinawa, I have been gradually improving.

Q, I think you can play various positions, but which position are you likely to play in?
I want to compete as an anchor or inside half.

Q, Do you think that you can see the team building and the play of your seniors, for example, there are players with high intensity as inside half, and when it comes to anchor, Keigo HIGASHI is fixed and there is room in the defense line because the ball is settled. Are there any specific points that you have noticed from watching the characteristics of your seniors, and have you seen any specific points that you can steal or compete with yourself?
When playing as an anchor, I want to absorb the way Higashi player moves and his energy. When playing as an inside half, I want to steal the high intensity and energy that Matsuki and Abe players display throughout the 90 minutes, as that is an area where I am lacking. I want to make it my own and win the position battle.

Q, is it your determination to confront each other head-on in that competition?
A, as I myself also focus on my physicality and ball retrieval, I see it as a good rivalry and I want to aggressively play without hesitation and take the position.

Q, I think you have actually won against Tokyo with that attitude, but how much do you feel the sensation of being able to play professionally when you officially become a member of the team and accompany them again?
A, There are many high-level players and I am constantly motivated every day. However, I still feel that I have a long way to go in this short period of time. But I also believe that I am not doing poorly, so I think that in order to take the starting position, I need to appeal my play a little more. I want to learn and absorb from the good players and show my true abilities.

Q, Even during your time in college, you were still participating in practice, so it may not have felt like you were that far away. However, after experiencing the disappointment of being demoted from the Premier League to the Prince League in U-18, it has been 4 years since then. Does this story connect for you, Terayama player?
I was demoted to the Prince League when I was a third-year student in U-18 and I was frustrated, so I practiced every day for four years in order to return to Tokyo. I am sincerely happy to be able to join the team and be recognized for the efforts I have made. However, I still haven't forgotten the frustration when I was demoted, so I feel a sense of responsibility now that I have entered the professional world. I also want to win the J1 championship and various titles in Tokyo.

Q, please tell me specifically about the parts that are still lacking and the parts that are applicable.
A, there are still areas that need improvement, in terms of quality and physicality. Especially in terms of quality, I feel like I am still lacking. On the other hand, I feel like I am able to show my ability to win the ball during practice, so I have a sense of accomplishment in that aspect.


<Yuta ARAI>
Q, I heard that you are conscious about your diet, what are you paying attention to?
A, I have been eating meat every day since I was in junior high school to make my body bigger. Now, while I'm at camp, I try not to eat fried food too much and eat rice carefully, paying attention to nutrition.

Q, what kind of meat did you incorporate?
A, it was different depending on the day, whether it was lean or black-haired wagyu.

Q, I think your family has been supporting you so far, but now that you have become a professional and your environment has changed, how will you manage it in the future?
A, I don't drink much protein. Now, since I'm living in a dormitory, I'm able to have a well-balanced meal that takes into consideration my nutritional needs, so I'm able to have a balanced diet.

Q, I understand that you do not do muscle training, but do you feel that the impact of your diet was significant? How do you feel about it?
I have been eating meat in the morning, thinking that it would make my body bigger. Also, during my student days, I commuted by bicycle, so I think I was trained in that way.

Q, How long did it take you to commute every day?
A, it takes about 1 hour round trip.

Q, how has the professional camp been going on the 4th day?
A, I also had the experience last year, so, I understand the overall flow. This camp has also increased in intensity, and I think it has become a good camp.

Q, How is your communication with your senior?
A, since I don't know when my seniors will go abroad, I try to actively communicate with them.

Q, Are there any players who are particularly good at speaking?
I often ask about stretching and body care to player Nagatomo. We talked a lot about it after last year's practice.

Q, What kind of period do you want to have towards the opening of the first year of the season?
A, Our goal for this season is to win the title, so I hope to contribute even a little and make a solid appeal from practice.

Q, Matsuki was in his first year last season, but do you have any thoughts on his contribution to the team?
A, Matsuki has been playing since his first year and has continued to produce results, so I hope to play confidently from my first year as well.

Q, Have you ever talked directly with Matsuki or communicated with him? Also, have you received any advice on how to produce results since your first year?
I have a lot of respect for Matsuki as a person, and he often talks to me, so we have good communication. I also want to ask him about strengthening my mental game.