"I didn't expect to face each other this soon. Honestly, it's difficult."
Yasusuke Shirai, who joined Tokyo this summer, expressed his inner thoughts.
It's no wonder that his "home debut" was against his former team, Kyoto Sanga F.C., where he had been a member until July. With a strange twist of fate, he also expressed his true feelings and determination for his new team.
Overcoming numerous trials and obstacles -
Shirai, who spent his time in Aichi Prefecture until junior high school, was a formidable presence in soccer, almost as if he never lost in his hometown. After that, he enrolled in Osaka Toin High School.
The world was vast. "There were many members, and I was bullied by my seniors. Honestly, I might have become arrogant." Overwhelmed in terms of playing quality and physical differences, I couldn't match them in any aspect of the game, but I didn't give up. Recognized for my natural speed and dedication, I grew to become the core of the attack as a side midfielder. Gradually, I was called the "Robben of Naniwa" and started to attract attention. And then, I earned an offer from Shonan Bellmare, who was in the J2 League at the time.
At the time of Shirai's joining, the coach leading Shonan was Coach Sō Kisa, who is currently in charge in Kyoto. "At that time, I think Coach Sō was treated as one of the many players who joined (laughs)," he recalled the past jokingly.
In his first year as a professional, he was loaned to Fukushima United FC. The way he balanced his job and soccer, and his sincere approach, greatly contributed to his personal growth. Although it was only for one season, it was a period in which the foundation of his career as a professional soccer player was established.
Although he returned to Shonan the following season, White's position was not available on the team that was riding the momentum with the "Shonan Style" that was being promoted at the time.
"After returning, I couldn't play in matches for about one and a half seasons, but my mental state never wavered." From Coach Cao, I was always asked to play as a wing back and to constantly strive for vertical breakthroughs and running ability. Although I didn't get to play, I felt the satisfaction and growth of being able to compete in the professional world.
However, in his third season as a professional, Shirai had no choice but to seek opportunities elsewhere. In order to play in matches and leave a mark, he joined Ehime FC on a loan transfer for the remainder of the season, and he made a visible impact to showcase his presence. He spent his days playing in matches again after a long time, and he realized that the style of play that Coach Cao had demanded as an average during his time at Shonan had naturally become his own weapon.
In the 2018 season, I achieved personal promotion to Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, and I confronted high-quality J1 players in Sapporo, where talented people gather, without being buried.
Struggle for Evolution and a Single Phone Call
Shirai, who had spent about two seasons in Sapporo, was facing a major turning point.
"I thought that it is more important to expand the width of play than to improve the quality of play." The answer I arrived at was to "compete in the position of a full-back." After careful consideration, I determined that it was an unavoidable path in order to level up as a professional soccer player. Naturally, I have no experience playing as a full-back.
One day, a call came to Shirai. The name of his former coach at Shonan, Director Cao, was displayed on his cell phone's display. He had been appointed as the coach of Kyoto from the 2021 season and was concerned about the whereabouts of his former student.
"How's it been lately?" It started with a casual small talk. As the conversation progressed, I expressed my desire to challenge myself as a side back. Coach Cao believed in my potential and abilities as a side back. "I was prepared to drop down a category from the J1 League and leave Sapporo, but I had confidence that with Coach Cao, we could definitely get promoted to the J1 League in just one season." The passionate desire bore fruit, and from the 2021 season, I transferred to Kyoto. I embarked on a high-stakes gamble with my soccer career.
Support and Farewell from Around
After joining Kyoto, my daily challenge began as a new position called side back. I had doubts in my play and sometimes even got excluded from the team. The view on the pitch changed, and I experienced the fear that the placement of the ball, the choice of pass, and one play could directly lead to conceding a goal. It was truly a trial and error period.
Tetsu NAGASAWA, who used to be the coach of FC Tokyo U-23, always kept an eye on Shiroi. "Terry (Coach Tetsu NAGASAWA) always encouraged me with positive words." Even when there were plays or mistakes that led to conceding goals, he trusted Shiroi and helped him move forward with positive words. Each and every effort paid off and contributed to the promotion of Kyoto, led by Coach Cho, to the J1 league. The days of facing challenges and trial and error led to a new landscape.
When an offer from Tokyo arrived to Shiroi, who had played almost every game as a side back since the start of the season, he visited Coach Cao.
"I thought you were going to Tokyo," he was told. While considering a transfer to Tokyo, he also felt the satisfaction of playing in Kyoto. The presence of his family, who had become accustomed to life in Kyoto, also made Shirai hesitate. However, Coach Cao saw through Shirai's feelings and hesitations.
"I want you to stay as a coach, but as an individual, I can't stop you from wanting to transfer. I understand your desire to think about your family, but even if you compromise and decide to stay in Kyoto, will your family truly be happy?"
There were no words to return to the answer that hit the core. However, I made up my mind. Coach Nagasawa, who has been supporting me quietly for three and a half seasons in Kyoto, also metaphorically compared my efforts and growth to "a good movie, a good work" and said, "You should become a big man." He gave me a push.
In the end, when talking about our enthusiasm in Tokyo, I couldn't help but smile and say, "We always seem to be in good shape when playing against Coach Cao."
It is expected that there will be a matchup on the pitch to nullify Shirai's play and strengths, as Kyoto understands the tactics and playing style of each player better than anyone else. Nevertheless, we hope that many scoring opportunities will still be created from Shirai's side.
Yesterday's friend is today's enemy.
After transferring to Tokyo, the first encounter in the league is with former comrades. Yasusuke Shirai, quietly burning with fighting spirit in the match against his former team, runs around freely and dyes the right side in blue and red.
