-- Both players graduated from their respective academies they will be competing against. Did you 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 interview is being held at Kodaira Ground, 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 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 used to go watch many matches, and I felt the excitement of the Tamagawa Clasico at the venue. I remember booing Tokyo. (laughs)
At that time, I also had the desire to play and make an impact as a Kawasaki player, and I liked the atmosphere of the Tamagawa Clasico. I never imagined that more than ten years later, I would be wearing Tokyo's uniform.
Miura I was cheering for my parents and Tokyo from the stands behind the goal. Of course, I was booing Kawasaki too. (laughs)
-- You also participated in the Tamagawa "Ko" Clasico, right?
High I don't remember what grade I was in elementary school, but I do remember participating. More than anything, I was happy 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.
――Is the Tamagawa Clasico a different kind of match for both players compared to other games?
Taka That's right. I feel that the passion of the fans and supporters is a notch higher than usual matches, and I sensed the atmosphere of an "absolutely must-win battle" both when I was a child and in the previous match as well.
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.
――At that time, was there a player you admired?
Taka JUNINHO was leading Kawasaki's attack. Since I was also a forward, JUNINHO, who combined speed and scoring ability, was very cool. He was someone I admired.
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 Clasico in the first half of the league. Up until then, was there anything that significantly changed in your image or impression of the two clubs or the Clasico?
Taka When I was enrolled in Kawasaki's academy, I had the impression that Kawasaki often finished as runners-up. In fact, I watched at the stadium when Tokyo defeated Kawasaki to win the Nabisco Cup back then. In recent seasons, they have become a club that frequently wins championships, and my impression has changed to seeing them as 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 previous Tamagawa Clasico, Kawasaki won 3-0.
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 Clasico also get players highly energized?
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 upcoming 44th Tamagawa Clasico.
Tak players, staff, fans, and supporters, let's unite as one and win the 44th Tamagawa Clasico. 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.
