"I didn't expect to face them this soon. Honestly, it's a bit difficult to deal with."
Kosuke SHIRAI, who joined Tokyo this summer, revealed his true feelings.
It is no surprise that his "home debut" was a match against his former club, Kyoto SANGA F.C., where he had been until July. With an unusual twist of fate approaching, he also expressed another true feeling, his determination and resolve in the new environment.
Overcoming numerous trials and obstacles -
Shirai, who spent his childhood in Aichi Prefecture until middle school, was a presence in soccer that could be described as "unbeaten in his hometown." He then went on to attend Osaka Toin High School.
The world was vast. "There were many club members, and I was humbled by my seniors. To be honest, I might have been a bit arrogant." I was overwhelmed in terms of the quality of play and physical differences, and I couldn't match them in play, but I didn't get discouraged. Recognized for my inherent speed and dedication, I grew to become a core part of the attack as a side half. Gradually, I was referred to as the 'Robben of Naniwa,' and I began to attract attention. Then, I received an offer from Shonan Bellmare, who were in J2 League at the time.
The coach who was leading Shonan when Shirai joined was CHO Kwi Jae, who is currently in charge of Kyoto. "At the time of joining, I think Mr. CHO was treated as just one of the many players who joined (laughs)," he recalled jokingly about that time.
In his first year as a professional, he was loaned to Fukushima United FC. The way the players balance their work and soccer, and their sincere dedication, greatly contributed to Shirai's personal growth. Although it was only for one season, it was a period that laid the foundation for his career as a professional soccer player.
Although he returned to Shonan the following season, there was no position available for Shirai in the team that was riding high on the "Shonan Style" that they had been promoting at the time.
"After about one and a half seasons since my return, I was unable to participate in matches, but my mental state never wavered." Coach Cho always demanded that I play as a wing-back, excelling in vertical breakthroughs and speed. Although I did not get to play, I felt a sense of progress and the confidence that I could compete in the professional world.
However, having entered his third season as a professional and with limited opportunities to play, Shirai had no choice but to take action. To leave a mark by playing in matches, he joined Ehime FC on a half-season loan, showcasing his presence with visible results. He spent days continuously participating in matches and realized that the play that had been naturally required of him as an average by Coach Cho during his time at Shonan had become his own weapon.
In the 2018 season, I achieved individual promotion to Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, and without being overshadowed in Sapporo, where talents gather, I faced high-quality J1 players head-on.
Struggle for Evolution and a Phone Call
After finishing about two seasons in Sapporo, Shirai was facing a significant turning point.
"I thought it was more important to broaden the range of play rather than to enhance the quality of play." The conclusion reached was to "compete in the position of a side back." After careful consideration, it was determined that this was an unavoidable path to level up as a professional soccer player. Naturally, there is no prior experience playing as a side back.
One day, Shirai received a phone call. The name displayed on his mobile screen was that of his former coach, Coach Cho, from his time in Shonan. He had been appointed as the coach of Kyoto starting from the 2021 season and was concerned about the progress of his former students.
It started with a casual conversation, "How have you been lately?" The discussion progressed, and I expressed my desire to challenge myself as a side back. Coach Cho believed in my qualities and potential as a side back. "There was a significant determination to drop a category from J1 League and leave Sapporo, but I was confident that with Coach Cho, we could definitely be promoted back to J1 League in one season." My passionate feelings bore fruit, and I made a complete transfer to Kyoto starting from the 2021 season. I took a big gamble for my soccer career.
Support from those around and farewell
After joining Kyoto, the days of challenging a new position as a side back began. There were times when I hesitated in my play and was left out of the lineup. The view on the pitch changed, and I experienced the fear that one play could directly lead to a goal against, including where to place the ball and the choices for passing. It was truly a time of trial and error.
The one who always cared about Shirai was Coach Tetsu NAGASAWA, who once served as the manager of FC Tokyo U-23. "TERRY (Coach Tetsu NAGASAWA) always encouraged me with positive words." Even when there were plays or mistakes that led to conceding goals, he trusted Shirai and helped him look forward with positive words. Each effort took shape and contributed to the promotion of Kyoto to the J1 League under Coach Cho. The days of imposing challenges on himself and going through trial and error led to a new perspective.
This season, Shirai, who had played almost every match as a side back since the opening, received an offer from Tokyo and visited Coach Cho.
"I thought you were going to Tokyo," it was conveyed. While considering a transfer to Tokyo, he felt a sense of fulfillment playing in Kyoto. The presence of his family, who had adapted to life in Kyoto, also made Shirai hesitate. However, Coach Cho saw through Shirai's thoughts and doubts.
"As a coach, I want you to stay, but as a person, I cannot stop your desire to transfer. I understand your feelings about your family, but if you compromise and stay in Kyoto, will your family really be happy?"
I had no words to respond to the penetrating answer. However, I made up my mind. Coach Nagasawa, who has quietly supported me throughout my three and a half seasons in Kyoto, metaphorically said about my efforts and growth so far, "I have seen a good movie, a good work," and encouraged me by saying, "Go become a great man."
At the end of the discussion about his enthusiasm in Tokyo, he smiled and said, "I always perform well when facing Coach Cho."
While they understand Kyoto's tactics and each player's playing style better than anyone else, it is expected that matchups that neutralize Shirai's play and strengths will unfold on the pitch. Still, we hope that many scoring opportunities will arise from Shirai's side.
Yesterday's friend is today's enemy.
After transferring to Tokyo, the first opponents he encounters in the league are his former comrades. Kosuke SHIRAI, quietly igniting his fighting spirit for the match against his old club, runs freely and colors the right side in blue and red.
