<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: Please tell us your honest thoughts about being selected for the U-20 Japan national team.
First of all, I am honored to have been selected. Since I will be fighting on behalf of Japan, I want to ensure that I can deliver solid and good results for Japan.
Q: Please tell us about the achievements and challenges of the AFC U20 Asian Cup held in March.
I believe the team's strength was very strong. I want to demonstrate that firmly at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Regarding the challenges, I felt there were issues with set plays and the way we started. I want to make sure to correct these before the main tournament.
Q, The venue for this tournament has changed from Indonesia to Argentina. Do you have any impressions of Argentina or feelings about the change in host country?
A, in fact, I don't think it matters which country we play in, and playing on the other side of the world from Japan is something that is hard to experience, so I believe it's important to see it as a good experience and to fight with a steady mindset as a team.
Q: Please tell us your impressions of the three countries competing in the group stage and the points you are cautious about.
A, I haven't seen the matches of the three teams, so I don't have an impression yet, but I believe they are teams that are worthy of participating in this tournament, strong teams. Without letting my guard down, I will take each match seriously and fight hard.
Q: Naoki KUMATA, who plays together in Tokyo, was also selected.
During the AFC U20 Asian Cup, he helped the team by becoming the top scorer. I hope he will score again in this tournament, and I also want to play in a way that supports him.
Q: There was also a scene where player Kumada was talking with coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA.
I was told, "First, go have fun," and I was told to expect to play in Argentina for as long as possible.
Q: I believe there is a strong possibility that you will continue as team captain and face the tournament. How do you view your role as a leader?
A, whether I am the captain or not, I believe that what I do will not change. I think my mental strength and my commitment to competition are the strongest. Having lost in the AFC U20 Asian Cup, I want to take the lead and build a good team so that we can compete well against the world.
Q: Is there anything you are looking forward to in the world?
A, I am looking forward to everything. After all, I believe that victory is the most important aspect of enjoyment. Even if the performance is good, losing is not acceptable, so I want to prioritize results first, and then focus on the quality of the match.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show?
I want to continue to play in a way that contributes the most to the team, running freely and actively as usual. Although we haven't been able to achieve results in Tokyo, I want to ensure that we can deliver solid results on such stages.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA evaluates Matsuki's mentality. How do you approach strong opponents in different environments?
A. I believe it is important to maintain a mental state that is no different from usual. I think it is natural to have a strong mindset in tournaments like the Club World Cup, and since I always have a very strong desire for each match, even if the environment or location changes, what I do does not change.
Q: Finally, please tell us the goals of this tournament for both individuals and the team.
A, the team's goal is to achieve what Coach Koichi TOGASHI has set forth, which is to become the best in the world, but first and foremost, it is important to advance past the group stage. Winning the first match is the most crucial, and I believe that results are expected on an individual level as well. While prioritizing the team's results, I also want to seek individual results.
<Naoki KUMATA>
Q: You changed your image significantly with short silver hair.
I wasn't thinking about the U-20 World Cup. I was thinking of getting a haircut, and while looking at images, I liked this hairstyle, so I went with it.
Q: Please tell us how you feel about being selected for the U-20 Japan national team.
After the AFC U20 Asian Cup ended and returning to the team, we haven't been able to achieve results in Tokyo. I want to make sure to achieve results in the U-20 World Cup and continue to grow as a player.
Q: What were the gains and challenges from the AFC U20 Asian Cup in March?
A, the harvest is that I was able to express my feelings towards the goal and the sensation of scoring a goal. Regarding the challenges, I have often been told about the defensive aspect, so while working hard on defense, I want to showcase my strengths in attack.
Q: Please tell us your impressions of each country competing in the group stage.
It feels like we have stronger and faster opponents than those we faced in the Asian qualifiers. First of all, I want to make sure we don't lose in key situations, and if I can utilize my physical strengths, I believe we can compete on equal terms. As a team, I want to express Japan's skill and fight together.
Q: Kuryu MATSUKI has also been selected for the U-20 Japan national team. Is his presence significant for Kumada?
A, I think it's big. Once on the pitch, they play well while also keeping an eye on themselves, so they are a significant presence.
Q: What strengths do you feel the U-20 Japan national team has?
I believe that side attacks are Japan's weapon. We have players on the sides who can break through situations individually, so I want to aim for goals with my strength in heading from crosses.
Q: What kind of tournament do you want this to be?
First of all, I want to aim for being the best in the world and achieve results both as a team and as an individual. I am not particularly thinking about what comes after that.
Q: You mentioned that your strength is heading, but what kind of image do you have for scoring goals?
I want to aim for a goal by connecting with the cross. First, I want to be a solid starting point in the front line and create the flow of the attack.
Q: What kind of tournament do you want it to be for you, Kumada?
A, it will also be shared in the representative meeting, but it is definitely about winning. I believe that if this team is together, we can absolutely win. I will do my best carrying the coach's hopes as well.
Q: I think there will be situations where we are at a disadvantage against foreign countries. Are you particularly aware of your role in maintaining control?
I feel that I have challenges in my play regarding receiving the ball. I want to be aware of the finer details and show solid play in receiving the ball.
