Q, How was the U-20 Japan national team?
It was great to win the match that determined our spot in the U-20 World Cup. Although we couldn't beat Iraq in the semifinal round, it was a good experience overall.
Q: Was it a disappointing tournament?
A, I think everyone has regrets. The only place we can vent this frustration on the pitch is at the U-20 World Cup. I think individual performance will be important when we go to the world. I want to power up and face the tournament.
Q, were you active as a captain? Was it a good experience?
A, I was also a captain during high school, so I did it the same way as back then. It's really frustrating that I couldn't lead the team to victory. If I am given the opportunity to be captain again at the U-20 World Cup, I want to do my best to lead the U-20 Japan national team.
Q, What were you conscious of as captain when you were active in the U-20 Japan national team?
A, on the pitch, I was conscious of focusing on my own play. Not because I am the captain, but to observe and interact with all players. I think that is important.
Q, I felt a strong sense of responsibility while watching the game.
A, I think all of the U-20 Japan national team players, including myself, have a sense of responsibility. As we are representing Japan, we all played until the end without giving up. We lost in the end due to a penalty kick, but I thought we need to win next time.
Q: How was it like playing with your junior teammate, Kumada?
A, thanks to scoring many goals and leading the team to victory as the top scorer of the tournament. I have always known the strengths of player Kumada. We have played together many times as attacking midfielder and top, and I have been conscious of positioning that can bring out his strengths.
Q, I think the young players on the team are also inspired by Matsuki.
A, if I were to mention a name in particular, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA has been making impressive plays in the league. Among the young players who joined this season, I was able to play freely last season. I am still a young player, but I am conscious of giving first-year players the freedom to play. If I can lead the young players, I believe the team will naturally become stronger. I want to be conscious of supporting the young players.
Q, During the period when Matsuki was absent, the midfield became weak and the situation was tough.
A: I don't think it's because I wasn't there. Shuto ABE and Ryoma WATANABE were injured, and I just happened to not be there at that time. With a shortage of players in the midfield, we were unable to make any substitutions. If I have the opportunity to play in the Levain Cup, I want to play in a way that will have a positive impact on the team.
Q: I think it was your first time representing the team in a while. Did you notice any changes in your mindset throughout the tournament?
A, this kind of experience is not easy to come by. It was a game that determined our participation in the U-20 World Cup, so we were more fired up than usual. We felt a sense of responsibility that we couldn't afford to lose, so it was a difficult battle, but it was good to have earned our spot as one of the rewards.
Q: Do you have any new feelings?
A, I was entrusted with the captaincy and performed just as well in Tokyo, but I was able to gain more experience in leadership and leading the team to victory through my own play. I want to make good use of that in Tokyo as well.
Q: What kind of player is Ryunosuke Sato? What can we expect from him in the future?
A, I also think that Sato is a similar type to myself. It's great that he can play without fear at that age and show his own play. I'm still a young player, so I don't have much to say, but I think it's good if he continues to grow.
Q: What was 16-year-old Matsuki conscious of?
When I was 16 years old, I didn't have the composure like player Sato. I think Sato is amazing because he was just chasing after the ball.
Q: Do you call out to players?
A, I contacted before the game started. I also watched the game and I think it was good because they played well.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show after returning to Tokyo?
A, I think the results will be more demanded. I want to face myself firmly and always show good plays to the fans and supporters.
Q, I think the team is hungry for victory. I think Matsuki's return will be a plus.
A, we want to focus only on winning the upcoming game and work towards improving the team in a positive direction.
Q, In May, there will be the U-20 World Cup. What do you want to achieve before then?
A, it's all about scoring. Through this Asia Cup, I realized the importance of individual skill. I want to continue to produce good results.
Q: Have you watched the WBC?
A, I haven't seen everything. Congratulations on winning. As an athlete, I felt that the baseball world proved that sports can move and fascinate people's hearts. I want to continue to contribute, including myself, to the excitement of the soccer world.
Q, Pepper Mill performance was also seen during the tournament.
I was thinking of jumping on the bandwagon. Kikuchi (Shimizu S-Pulse) started saying he wanted to do it. In that sense, the team was really well organized.
Q, What do you want to challenge for the world?
A, I think I can't win in the world unless I level up even more. This time, I was able to feel it by playing against countries in Asia. I want to leave results in Tokyo so that I can level up even more.
