"If I am given the chance to play in the match, I am confident I can deliver results."
Since joining Tokyo, Ryotaro ARAKI has made a remarkable impact with 3 goals in the first 2 matches, as he has long asserted. The game maker of the Paris Olympic generation, who has established himself in the attacking midfield position, is rapidly becoming the team's "face".
As an individual player, he made a significant impact since the opening match and has been in the spotlight for selection to the U-23 Japan national team, shining brightly. However, the team has struggled without a win in three matches. Entrusted with the role of 'number 10', he has taken on the responsibility of leading the blue-red squad from the front in both offense and defense. How does he view his own situation and that of the team?
Let's unravel Ryotaro ARAKI's thoughts, growth, and changes both on and off the pitch.
──In the opening match against Cerezo Osaka, after scoring, he expressed his joy by jumping towards the goal stand while tapping the emblem on his chest. It was also illustrated in the opening match's Mecha Koma review, but is he the type to think a lot about his goal celebrations?
No, no, I wasn't thinking about it at all. For the opening match, I did want to score a goal, but I really didn't expect to, so I wasn't thinking about my performance at all (laughs). That's why my performance in the opening match just came out spontaneously. Since I was able to score there, I thought, "Maybe there will be another chance," and if I scored again, I planned to greet the fans and supporters at Ajinomoto Stadium, so I prepared a "bowing pose," and I was able to score properly (laughs).
──Have you had a usual goal celebration until now?
There isn't anything in particular. At Kashima Antlers, when I scored a goal, I would go to the bench and celebrate with everyone. I believe that boosts the team's morale, so I think I'll do the same in Tokyo from now on.
──Cerezo Osaka, in the first two matches from the opening against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, both times they showed resilience by coming back from behind to draw. In the third match against Vissel Kobe, they took the lead for the first time but suffered a frustrating come-from-behind loss. Personally, while I think they have been able to deliver results individually, there must also be some frustration that the team has yet to secure a win. First, how do you look back on the battles since the opening?
This is something I often tell the media as well, but both our team's offense and defense are steadily improving, and we view that positively. However, our game management is still lacking.
── Regarding the way the game is managed, what specific aspects do you see as challenges? Kashima Antlers, where Araki played until last season, has a strong image of being a "smart team" in matches.
For example, in the match against Kobe, the 5 to 10 minutes after scoring the first goal become crucial, so it is absolutely essential not to concede a goal during that time. We talked about not just defending but pushing forward more aggressively, but we couldn't execute that well and couldn't express it on the pitch. That is an area for improvement.
──How can that be improved?
First of all, I think playing at a high position as a team is one strategy. The opponent often pushes forward after conceding the first goal, so Tokyo should not simply kick the ball long but build up carefully without fear. If we can break through once or twice there, the opponent will have to drop back a bit. I believe such courageous play is necessary.
However... I honestly thought it would be a bit difficult since there was no lead from the start of the season. But if we take that positively, I believe it has been a good learning experience for the team. In the first three matches, we managed to draw while being behind, and we lost after taking the lead, but from here on, it is absolutely necessary for the team to have the ability to win. With various factors at play, I want to firmly acquire that kind of strength.
──To secure the win, it will be necessary for the attacking players, including Araki, to increase their involvement in goal-scoring opportunities while demonstrating well-coordinated defense.
First of all, regarding the offense, we really have some amazing players. Each one has their own unique qualities, and I think there will be no problem as long as our offensive coordination clicks. However, the issue is that we have been conceding many goals since the start of the season. It is important for the entire team to defend together, and of course, defense from the front line is crucial. If the whole team can share the critical moments when conceding goals must be avoided and defend firmly, we should be able to get closer to victory.
──Does that mean it is necessary to align the timing and defensive awareness?
That's right, I think if everyone properly aligns their thinking about the timing and fights together, the number of goals conceded will decrease.
──As an individual, you have scored 3 goals in the first 2 matches of the season. How do you evaluate your performance so far?
It might be enough to just look at the numbers, but I think my overall play during the 90 minutes of the opening match, where I scored 2 goals, was not good at all. My performance has been improving with each game, and I have a strong desire to help the team win with my goals, so I want to contribute much more with the mindset of scoring goals myself and defending myself.
──After the opening match, you said, "I was confident that if I was given a chance, I could deliver results. I am grateful to Coach Peter for calling me to Tokyo and giving me the opportunity to play." Now that you have actually joined, what specific aspects do you feel you fit well with?
First of all, having the "number 10" (attacking midfielder) position in the formation was very important for me. In the actual game, the style of play involves progressing the attack through me on the pitch, and I truly feel that suits me well. After finishing the camp and practicing daily, I gradually gained the trust of those around me, started receiving passes, and was able to help create attacks. That made me realize once again that this role really fits me.
──By the way, when deciding to transfer to Tokyo, I believe there were various options. Was there any persuasive phrase from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI that became the deciding factor?
First of all, I really felt that the coach's style suits me. Also, I've been told this all along, "I love your play" (laughs). Since I can actually show my strengths, I truly think it was great to come to Coach Peter's team.
──It seems that you have completely become the attacking linkman since the opening. I think a big part of it is that you have gained the trust of those around you, but what kind of ingenuity do you actually use on the pitch?
I always show my face to the ball holder, signaling with movement and voice that "I'm here," and passes have started coming from there. There are many players up front who make their movements easy to read, so I want to draw out the ball more and increase passes that make the front players effective. Overall, there are many players who are easy to play with. Players in the back positions look at me and keep passing the ball to me. Personally, I am the type who creates rhythm while touching the ball, so it has become easier for me to play.
──In short, what I am like when I am playing well.
It's definitely when I get to touch the ball a lot. When I touch the ball, I can create chances, and I also think that by touching it myself, I can help set the team's rhythm.
──On the contrary, I think there are times when both the team and individuals face difficult situations during a match. What are the solutions in such cases?
That is something we want to resolve by playing more matches. Until now, I was in a younger position, and the seniors led the way, so I hadn't really been conscious of such things. However, I am no longer a young player, and how I conduct myself... while there are difficulties, to be honest, I am still exploring that.
──From here, what kind of things do you want to do to rebuild the team?
First of all, calling out to those around you is absolutely necessary. Also, as a player, you want to become someone who can break through difficult situations on your own. That's the easiest way.
──Has your position within the team, your awareness, and the situation you are in changed little by little?
That's right. It's not just about age; I do feel that things have changed. Since this team has many young players, perhaps that has also contributed to a change in mindset.
──Since transferring to Tokyo, have you also developed a sense of responsibility to meet expectations and deliver results?
No... I don't really feel that way (laughs). First, I want to work hard to shine properly as a soccer player.
── In April, there will be two consecutive matches at Japan National Stadium against Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers. First, what is your impression of Urawa Reds?
We played a practice match just before the opening, and I thought it was quite a good team. I also watched the league matches, and I have the impression that once they are fully developed, they will be formidable.
──From this season, Swedish national team player Gustafsson has joined as the anchor. Position-wise, I think he will be the exact opponent to match up against Araki.
We struggled quite a bit even in practice matches there. Gustafson is good at positioning himself, and the triangle including the two center backs has high technical skills with the ball at their feet, so it gives the impression that it won't be easy to take the ball from them. How we respond to that will probably be the key point. I think Urawa will come up with various countermeasures, and once the match starts, it will be necessary to adapt flexibly while observing how the opponent plays.
──You cannot participate in the Kashima match due to the terms of your loan contract, but what is your impression of Kashima this season?
Since the coach has changed, the team is different from when I was there, but I thought the way they caught up at the last moment and earned points in Sec. 2 against Cerezo Osaka showed the strong fighting spirit typical of Kashima. When facing them, it is absolutely necessary to stay focused for the entire 90 minutes.
──Is there any information you want to convey to the players in Tokyo?
The style has changed, so there isn't much information about the team as a whole. However, I think there are things we can talk about regarding individual players' characteristics and finer details.
──Finally, what are your thoughts on playing at the National Stadium?
I want to have an intense match on the pitch and celebrate the victory together with everyone. Personally, I like playing in front of a large crowd, so it really excites me.
If we can win these two matches, I believe it will give us momentum and confidence as a team and as players, and I want to focus on winning wholeheartedly. Scoring goals would be the best, but I also want to showcase my strengths in other areas, so I hope people will notice that. I want to make this a great opportunity for many people to get to know my play, and for the team, these two matches are crucial for our rise, so I want to fight with a strong focus on the results.
Text by Tomoo Aoyama
An interview with Araki is also available on Sports Navi.
The article is here
