-- Both players graduated from their respective academies. Did they know each other?
Sota MIURA "Nice to meet you."
Takahiro KO I met you for the first time in today's discussion project.
-- Today's discussion is being held at Kodaira Ground, but is this your first time back at Kodaira in a while, Miura?
Miura I have been to Kodaira many times, and I feel nostalgic. The journey from Kawasaki to Kodaira also brought back very nostalgic feelings. When I was in elementary school, I attended the Tokyo Advanced Class that was held in Kokubunji. The location of the school changed from Kokubunji to Kodaira, and I played soccer on this field.
――During your time at school and the academy, what kind of players did you interact with?
Miura was a classmate and teammate of Tsubasa TERAYAMA, who is now part of the top team, when he played for FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi. This season, we were both injured at the same time, so we kept in touch a bit.
High I know Yasuto WAKIZAKA, who is currently with Kawasaki, to a certain extent. All the players I was close with have transferred overseas...
――During your academy days, how did you view each other's clubs?
Taka I went to many matches and felt the excitement of the Tamagawa Classico at the venue. I have memories of booing Tokyo. (laugh)
At that time, I had a desire to play and excel as a player for Kawasaki, and I loved the atmosphere of the Tamagawa Classico. I never imagined that more than a decade later, I would wear the Tokyo uniform.
Miura I was cheering for my parents and Tokyo from the stands behind the goal. Of course, I was booing Kawasaki too. (laughs)
――It is said that you also participated in the Tamagawa "C"lassico.
High I don't remember what grade I was in elementary school, but I remember participating. I was happiest to be able to play soccer on natural grass.
Miura I was excited to be able to play soccer on a natural grass pitch where professional players compete, just like Takahashi. I remember playing on the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium.
-- For both players, is the Tamagawa Classico positioned differently from other matches?
High It seems so. There is a sense that the enthusiasm of the fans and supporters is a notch higher than usual matches, and I felt the atmosphere of a "battle we absolutely cannot lose" both when I was a child and in the last match against them.
Miura This is a very exciting match, isn't it? It feels like a lot of effort has been put into the pre-match promotional videos and promotions. I seem to recall that there used to be a promotional video featuring dolphins and raccoons. I'm starting to remember a bit about those times.
-- Was there a player you admired at that time?
Takahashi It was JUNINHO who was leading Kawasaki's attack. As a forward myself, I found JUNINHO, who possesses both speed and scoring ability, to be very cool. He was an object of admiration for me.
Miura I wonder who I liked... It wasn't just one person; I was supporting the team.
――The two of you stood on the pitch for the Tamagawa Classico during the first half of the league. Did anything significantly change in your image or impression of both clubs or the Classico up to that point?
High When I was in the Kawasaki academy, I had the impression that they often finished as runners-up. In fact, I was watching in the stadium when Tokyo defeated Kawasaki to win the Nabisco Cup at that time. In the most recent season, they have become a club that frequently wins championships, and my impression has changed to that of a very strong team.
Miura From either club's perspective, the Tamagawa Classico seems to be very exciting. The Tamagawa Classico I experienced for the first time after transferring from Ventforet Kofu to Kawasaki, as well as the ones I watched in the past, were matches where I felt the intensity and clash of both teams.
-- Please tell us your impressions of each other's play.
Taka He gives the impression of a left-footed, dynamic full-back. I felt the strength in his play.
Miura I thought he was a smart player when we faced each other last time. He gives the impression of being a defensive midfielder who takes up positions that are uncomfortable for the opponent.
Taka was beaten badly with a score of 0-3, though (laughs).
-- In the last Tamagawa Classico, Kawasaki won 0-3.
Takahashi In the early matches of the league, it was my second official match since joining Tokyo. Losing 0-3 was very frustrating.
Miura This was our first home victory of the season. The fact that the opponent was Tokyo left a strong impression on me personally. It was also a match where we could express our team's objectives, and personally, I was very focused on the match because I had a matchup against Yuto NAGATOMO.
――Does the Tamagawa Classico also get the players high tension?
High Yes, that's right. I feel a different atmosphere before the match, like the discussions prepared for today. The passion of the fans and supporters is also stronger than usual, isn't it?
Miura For me, it was my first experience of the Tamagawa Classico at Todoroki, and I could feel the atmosphere and excitement from the pitch. The next match is at Ajinomoto Stadium, and I look forward to enjoying a different atmosphere there.
-- Please tell each other about the plays where you absolutely do not want to lose.
Miura I don't want to lose my "breakthrough ability." It's one of my strengths, and more than anything, I feel it's meaningful to express that play at Ajinomoto Stadium. I want to show it off.
High I chose 'Takeaway'. It means playing to take the ball from the opponent. Both individually and as a team, we have lost in the first half of the league, so it also carries the meaning of taking away 3 points.
-- Finally, please share your enthusiasm for the 44th Tamagawa Classico.
Taka Let's all unite, players, staff, and fans/supporters, and win the 44th Tamagawa Classico. Thank you for your support.
Miura In an exciting match, we aim for a season double. This is a match we want to win at all costs. Thank you for your support.
