＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA player＞
It was truly an honor to be able to participate in this tournament as a player for FC Tokyo. Thank you for your support.
Q, What kind of tournament was this one?
We ended up with a disappointing result both as individuals and as a team. However, being able to compete as a member of the Japan national team on that stage was a special experience.
Q, have you noticed any differences from previous international tournaments?
A, I didn't particularly feel anything. However, the schedule was tough and I felt that the travel was quite a burden.
Q, Did you have any feelings of frustration without any playing opportunities, and did you have any thoughts during this representative period?
A, I felt that I still have to grow in various aspects and I was reminded that I need more effort to go higher.
Q, the battle in Tokyo begins again from here. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
I think it's important to value each and every game. Time passes quickly, so I believe it's about how much we can cherish this moment and also raise our awareness and approach from practice to games.
Q, What kind of efforts do you want to make to aim higher from here?
A, the league will start from here again. I think it's important to contribute to the team's victory as a matter of course and to produce results as a matter of course, but I don't think my playing level is high enough yet, so I need to raise the overall level.I think there are things I can improve in practice and things I can grow in by continuing to play in games. Anyway, I want to cherish each day.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Thank you very much for all the support from Japan.
Q, What was it like for player Araki this time?
A, I feel that it was a valuable experience when I think about my future soccer life.
Q, Wasn't the regret bigger?
A, yes. The frustration is honestly bigger and there were parts where I thought I could have done more. But I have to switch gears and as an individual, I want to level up and there is a big tournament, the World Cup, for the Japan national team in two years, so I want to grow even more towards that.
Q, there were also scenes of tears after the match.
I didn't think I would cry myself. However, I was more frustrated than I imagined, and when I went to Reo Kukubo's (Bryan LINSSEN) place, I couldn't bear to see him breaking down.
Q: How do you plan to utilize this experience going forward?
A, I think my new first step towards the next goal will begin from here. I want to take one step at a time, working on what I feel is lacking and tackling what I need to do more.
