"I have confidence that I can produce results if I am used in the game."
After joining Tokyo, Ryotaro ARAKI, who has long been asserting, has made a great performance with 3 goals in the first 2 games of the season. As the playmaker of the Paris Olympics generation, who has established his position as the top attacking midfielder, he is quickly becoming the "face" of the team.
After making a big impact as an individual player from the beginning of the season and gaining attention for being selected for the U-23 Japan national team, he has been shining. However, the team has been struggling with 3 winless games. Entrusted with the role of "number 10", he has taken on the position of leading the blue and red army from the front line in both offense and defense. How does he see his own and the team's current situation?
Let's unravel Ryotaro Araki's thoughts, growth, and changes on and off the pitch.
──At the opening match with Cerezo Osaka, after scoring a goal, I jumped towards the goal end and showed my joy by hitting my chest emblem. It was also illustrated in the opening match's Mecha Coma Review, but are you the type to think about various goal performances?
No, no, I didn't think about it at all. I did want to score in the opening game, but I didn't really think I would, so I didn't have any performance planned (laughs). So the performance in the opening game was really just spontaneous. I was able to score there, so I thought, "Maybe there will be another chance," and I was thinking about doing a bow pose to greet the fans and supporters at Ajinomoto Stadium if I scored again (laughs).
──Have you had a set goal performance until now?
There's nothing in particular. At Kashima Antlers, when we score a goal, we go to the bench and celebrate together. I think it boosts the team's morale, so I'm thinking of doing the same in Tokyo from now on.
──In the first two matches of the season against Cerezo Osaka and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we were able to come back and draw despite conceding the lead. However, in our third match against Vissel Kobe, we unfortunately suffered a disappointing comeback loss after taking the lead for the first time. Personally, I feel like I have been able to produce results, but at the same time, there is a frustration within the team for not being able to secure a win yet. How do you reflect on the matches since the start of the season?
This is something I've been saying to the media, but both our team's offense and defense are improving, and we see that as a positive. However, our game management still needs work.
──Regarding the flow of the game, what specific aspects do you see as challenges? Kashima Antlers, where Araki was a member until last season, has a strong image as a "game master".
For example, in a match against Kobe, the 5-10 minutes after scoring the first goal are crucial, so we must not concede any goals during that time. Instead of focusing on defense, we were discussing being more aggressive in our attack, but we were unable to execute it on the field. That is something we need to work on.
──How can we improve it?
I think it is a good strategy for the team to play at a high position first. The opponent tends to come out after being scored first, so instead of easily kicking the ball forward, Tokyo should build up confidently while connecting passes, and if they can create one or two chances, the opponent will have no choice but to drop back. I believe that this kind of brave play is necessary.
But...there was no lead from the opening of the season, so honestly, I thought it would be a little difficult. However, if you look at it positively, I think it was a good learning experience for the team. In the first three games, we were drawn while being led, and we lost after taking the lead, but from here on, it is absolutely necessary for the team to have the power to win. Among various elements, I want to firmly grasp that power.
To win, it will be necessary for the attacking unit, including Araki, to increase the number of scenes involved in the goal and show a solid defense in coordination.
First of all, the attacking lineup has some really amazing players. Each one has their own unique qualities, and I think as long as they work together well in attack, there shouldn't be any problems. However, one issue is that we have been conceding a lot of goals since the start of the season. It's important for the whole team to defend together, not just the front line. If we can all share the responsibility of not conceding goals at crucial moments and defend well, we should be able to get closer to victory.
──Is it necessary to align the time zone and defensive mindset?
Well, I think if we can all align our thoughts during the time period and fight together, we can reduce the number of goals we concede.
──As an individual, I have scored 3 goals in the first 2 matches of the season. How would you evaluate yourself so far?
Maybe you can just look at the numbers, but I think the performance throughout the 90 minutes of the opening game, where I scored two goals, was not good at all. As we continue to play more games, our performance is improving and I have a strong desire to help the team win with my own goals, so I want to contribute even more by scoring and defending on my own.
──After the opening game, he said, "I had confidence that I could produce results if I was given the chance. I am grateful to coach Peter for calling me to Tokyo and using me." What specific aspects do you feel are fitting after actually joining the team?
First of all, it was a big deal for me to have the "number 10" (attacking midfielder) in the formation. In fact, in soccer where we advance the attack through me on the pitch, I feel that it really suits me. After finishing the camp and practicing daily, I gradually gained the trust of those around me and started receiving passes, which allowed me to create attacks. So, I think it's a good fit for me.
──By the way, when deciding to transfer to Tokyo, I think there were various options. Did you have any persuasive words from coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI that became the deciding factor?
First of all, I thought that the coach's style really suited me. And even now, I'm always told, "I love your play" (laughs). I think it's really good that I came to Peter's place because I can actually show my strengths.
──It seems that you have become a complete attacking linkman since the opening. I think that there is also a big part that has gained trust from the surroundings, but what kind of ingenuity are you actually making on the pitch?
Always show your face to the ball holder and keep indicating with your movements and voice, "I am here," and now passes are coming out from there. There are many players who are easy to understand in terms of movement in the front line, so I want to pull out a lot of balls and increase the number of passes that can make use of the players in the front line. Overall, there are many players who are easy to play with. The players in the back position look at me and keep passing the ball to me. Personally, I am the type to create rhythm while touching the ball, so it is easier for me to play.
──Exactly, who am I when I'm playing well.
It's definitely when I'm touching the ball a lot. By touching the ball, I can create chances and also create a rhythm for the team.
──There may be difficult situations during the game, both as a team and personally. What is the solution in such cases?
That's where we want to solve the problem by playing more games. Until now, I was in a position where I was younger and my seniors were pulling me along, so I didn't really think about that. But now I'm not a young player anymore, and I'm still exploring what kind of behavior I can do... It's still difficult, but honestly, I'm still exploring.
──What do you want to do to rebuild the team from here?
First of all, it is absolutely necessary to communicate with those around you. As a player, I want to become someone who can overcome difficult situations on my own. That is the easiest way.
──Has your position within the team, your mindset, and the situation you are in changed little by little?
Yes, that's right. Both in terms of age and experience, I feel like things have changed. This team has a lot of young players, so I think that also contributes to a change in mindset.
──Has the sense of responsibility to live up to expectations and produce results also emerged since moving to Tokyo?
No...I don't really feel that way (bitter smile). First and foremost, I want to work hard to shine as a soccer player.
There will be two consecutive games at the Japan National Stadium in April against Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers. What is your impression of Urawa Reds first?
I had a practice match just before the opening, and I thought it was a pretty good team. I also watched the league match, and I have the impression that it will be scary once it is completed.
──Gustafsson, a member of the Swedish national team, joined as an anchor from this season. I think he will be a perfect match for Araki in terms of position.
There was quite a struggle even in the practice match. Trasta player has a good way of showing his face, and the triangle including the two center backs has a high level of footwork, so there is an impression that it is not easy to take the ball. How to deal with that will be the key point. I think Urawa will come up with various countermeasures, and it will be necessary to respond flexibly while watching how the opponent comes out during the actual match.
──Unfortunately, I cannot play in the Kashima game due to my temporary transfer contract, but what is your impression of Kashima this season?
With a change in coach, the team has become different from when I was there, but I thought that the fighting spirit of Kashima was evident in the last-minute equalizer and victory against Cerezo Osaka in the second match. In order to face them, it is absolutely necessary to stay focused for the full 90 minutes.
──Do you have any information you want to convey to Tokyo players?
The style has changed, so there isn't much information as a team. I think there are things that can be said about individual players' characteristics and details.
──What I think about playing at National Stadium in the end.
I want to have an intense match on the pitch and win together with everyone. Personally, I enjoy playing in front of a large crowd, so my motivation increases.
If we can win these two games, I think it will give us momentum and confidence as a team and as players, and I want to focus on winning with all my might. It would be great if I could show off with a goal, but I also want to showcase my strengths in other areas, so I hope people will see that. I want to take this opportunity to make my play known to many people, and for the team, these two important consecutive games will be crucial for our comeback, so I just want to fight with a strong determination for results.
Text by Tomo Aoyama
An interview with Matsuki is now available on SportsNavi.
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