Q: How was the U-20 Japan national team?
It was great to win the match that secured our spot in the U-20 World Cup. Although we couldn't defeat Iraq in the Semifinal Round, it remains a challenge, but overall it was a good experience.
Q: Was it a tournament that left you with regrets?
A, I believe everyone feels regret. The only place where we can clear this regret is on the stage of the U-20 World Cup. Once we go global, I think individual play level will become important. I want to power up and approach the tournament.
Q: You have been active as a captain. Was it a good experience?
I was the captain in high school as well, so I continued to do it just like back then. I feel very regretful 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: As a captain, what were you conscious of during the activities of the U-20 Japan national team?
A. On the pitch, I was conscious of focusing on my own play. It's not just because I'm the captain, but it's important to observe and engage with all the players properly. I believe that is crucial.
Q: I could really feel the sense of responsibility while watching the match.
A, I believe that everyone, including myself, has a sense of responsibility as members of the U-20 Japan national team. Since we are representing Japan, we all played with the determination to never give up until the end. Although we lost in the end by penalty kicks, I thought we must ensure that we can win next time.
Q: What did you think about your junior teammate, Kumada?
A, as you seem to be the top scorer of the tournament, you helped the team win by scoring many goals. I already knew about Kumada's strengths. We often played together in the relationship between the attacking midfielder and the forward, and I was conscious of positioning to bring out his strengths.
Q: I believe the young players on the team are also inspired by Matsuki.
A, if I were to mention a name, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA has been making impressive plays in the league matches. Alongside Kota, there are also young players who joined this season, and I was allowed to play freely last season. I am still young myself, but I am conscious of allowing first-year players to play freely. I believe that if I can lead the younger players, the team will naturally become stronger. I want to consciously support the younger players.
Q: There were tough situations during the period when Matsuki was absent, as the midfield strength was thin.
A, I don't think it's because I'm not there. Shuto ABE and Ryoma WATANABE got injured, and I just happened to not be there at that time. With a limited number of players in the midfield, we were in a situation where we couldn't change the lineup. If I have the opportunity to participate in the Levain Cup, I want to play in a way that positively impacts the team.
Q: I think it was your first representative activity in a while, but did you notice any changes in your awareness throughout the tournament?
A, experiences like this are hard to come by. Since it was a match that determined qualification for the U-20 World Cup, I was more motivated than usual. I felt a sense of responsibility that we couldn't lose, so it was a tough battle, but it was good that we were able to secure our spot.
Q: Do you have any new feelings that have emerged?
A, I was entrusted as captain and was doing well in Tokyo as well, but I gained more leadership experience and the ability to lead the team to victory with my play. I want to effectively utilize that in Tokyo as well.
Q: What kind of presence is Ryunosuke SATO? What do you hope for in the future?
A, I think player Sato is a type similar to myself. At that age, being able to play confidently without hesitation is really great. I'm still young myself, so I can't say much, but I hope to grow steadily.
Q: What was 16-year-old Matsuki aware of?
A, when I was 16 years old, I didn't have the luxury like player Sato. I was just chasing the ball, so I think player Sato is amazing.
Q: Do you reach out to others?
A, I contacted you before the match started. I also watched the match, 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 results will be more sought after. I want to face myself properly and always show good plays to the fans and supporters.
Q: I think the team is hungry for victory. I believe Matsuki's return will be a plus.
A. I want to focus only on winning the match in front of us and work towards improving the team in a better direction.
Q: There is the U-20 World Cup in May. What do you want to build up until then?
A, it is indeed the scoring ability. Throughout this Asian Cup, I felt that a very high level of individual skill is necessary. I want to work hard to ensure we can achieve solid results.
Q, did you watch the WBC?
A, I haven't seen everything. They won the championship. As a fellow athlete, I felt that the baseball world has proven that sports can move and captivate people's hearts. Next, I want to do my part, including myself, to help elevate the soccer world.
Q: The pepper mill performance was also seen during the tournament.
A, I was thinking of going with the trend. Player Kikuchi (Shimizu S-Pulse) started saying he wanted to do it. In that regard, the team was really united.
Q: What do you want to challenge the world with?
A, I believe that if I don't level up further, I won't be able to win in the world. This time, I was able to feel this while competing against Asian countries. I want to achieve results in Tokyo so that I can level up even more.
