Q: After joining Tokyo, please tell us what you have prepared during this period and what is being asked of you by Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
I believe that being involved in both offense and defense with high intensity is what is required of a defensive midfielder in Tokyo. First, I focused on getting used to that intensity during this period. On the offensive side, I am conscious of being involved with the ball as much as possible. I am gradually getting used to the team. The only match I have played against an opponent in full court was the practice match against Urawa Reds, so I think I will improve further as I play more matches.
Q: How do you want to contribute your strengths to the team?
I believe that my characteristics are somewhat different from the defensive midfield players currently based in Tokyo. I think my style is to add an accent to the attacking side. While doing that, I want to play as a defensive midfielder by working hard as a team in both offense and defense. I want to show my ability to receive the ball and connect passes to the front line, to push forward, and to play defensively by firmly marking opponents and winning the ball back, as well as bringing the defensive switch into play for the team. Since a higher intensity is required, I want to get used to the intensity of play through more matches.
Q: You were unable to participate in the recent match against Cerezo Osaka due to contractual reasons, but how did you perceive the 90 minutes from player Harakawa's perspective?
A, I think it wasn't the match that Tokyo had in mind, but I believe that winning is what matters most. Even if the team couldn't create a good shape, I think the team that can win is the strong team. It's important how we behave on the pitch when we can't play the soccer we want to. Even if we see it as one way to win, I believe it was a good match.
Q: You started your professional career after going through Kyoto SANGA F.C. U-18. Looking back at that time, what kind of player were you?
When I was in Kyoto, the team was in J2 League and we were going through a tough time. There were many players who were promoted from the youth team to the top team, and a lot of young players were on the roster. It is because I trained hard with players close to my age that I have been able to continue as a professional player until now. I believe it was a good thing that I was able to start my professional career in Kyoto. In my last season there, I began to get opportunities to play, and although there were many difficult times, looking back now, I think that such a period was necessary.
Q: Please tell us your impression of the current playing style of Kyoto from the perspective of player Harakawa.
A, we have already faced Cerezo Osaka in several matches while I was with them. In both the first and second halves, they tend to apply pressure with a man-to-man approach at the start. I believe that enduring that period and fighting through it effectively will be key to the outcome of the match.
