"Learn from each other and want to contribute to the team's strength as soon as possible"
Q. Please tell us about the circumstances of joining Tokyo.
A, I personally like the style of soccer that builds up play from the back, and since Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI took over this season, I have felt that the team is focusing on building up from the back to launch attacks. Previously, Tokyo was known for having fast players up front and scoring quickly through swift counterattacks, but now it seems they are trying to shift to a style that values ball possession more. When I was approached by Tokyo, I thought it matched my style and that I could play the kind of soccer I like, and I felt I could learn a lot, so I decided to join Tokyo.
Q. How is your condition?
A, it is progressing in a good direction without taking as much time as expected. The feeling is also good. During the first week after joining Tokyo, I adjusted with a separate menu, but I was able to join the full practice sessions. My condition is good, so through practice, I just need to regain the sense of play to be able to compete in matches.
Q. Please tell us about the characteristics of your play.
A, I am confident in covering the space behind the defensive line, stopping shots, and feeding the front line.
Q. What kind of experience did you have in Saudi Arabia?
A, first of all, it was very hot. During the day, the outside temperature was over 40 degrees, so both practice and matches were held during the cooler nighttime hours. At that time, honestly, I had a desire to play in Europe, but it did not materialize, so I decided to transfer to Al Shabab Saudi. According to the league rules, out of the 11 players on the field, 10 foreign players are allowed to play, and players who were active in Europe and world-class players had transferred to various clubs in the Saudi Professional League. I believe that being able to play with such high-level players was an invaluable experience.
Q. Was there any player who left a particularly strong impression during the match?
This is Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Serbia national team), who belongs to Al Hilal. He can play anywhere in the midfield position and was a high-quality player in every aspect. When facing him, I thought "This is serious," as he was a world-class player.
Q: As Tokyo conceded a very high number of goals in the first half of the league, what kind of improvements do you think are necessary?
A, as a goalkeeper, of course, many saves are required, but conceding goals is not solely the goalkeeper's responsibility; it is important to defend as a team. The relationship with the defensive line and how to win the ball from the front line must be clearly defined. Playing with good balance is also important. Even with good defense, there will always be times when a shot is taken. At those times, firmly protecting the goal is what we goalkeepers believe is our job.
Q. Tokyo has four goalkeepers. How do you work with the younger players during practice?
A, once on the pitch, I believe age doesn't matter, and I think there is a lot we can learn from each other. Compared to when I was their age, they possess a quality that far surpasses my own at that time. While practicing together, I share what I have felt and my past experiences, and conversely, I learn a lot from them as well. We are able to train while raising each other's level. Especially Go HATANO was a player who left an impression on me even before joining Tokyo, and he is a bright character who livens up the team. What can be said about all four of them is that they are all sincere. I think they make a wonderful goalkeeper team.
Q. You have returned to Japan after about three seasons. How do you feel about being able to play in the J.League again?
I played for Vissel Kobe and Kashiwa Reysol, and I learned a lot at both clubs. The J.League has clubs with various styles of football, which I find very interesting. I personally like the current style of Tokyo and have been eager to play for this team as soon as possible. It was also a major reason why I wanted to play in Japan again.
Q. Please tell us your impressions from past matches against Tokyo, if any.
It might be a bit of an old story, but I have a very strong impression of a team with Masato MORISHIGE and Hyun Soo JANG as center backs, building a solid defense around them, and launching quick counters that make the most of the strengths of players like Diego OLIVEIRA and Kensuke NAGAI.
Q. Many Korean players are playing in the J.League, but are there any players you are close with or matches you are looking forward to facing?
When I belonged to Kobe, I often met with Eui Jeong PARK and Jae Suk OH from Gamba Osaka, and Yong Kwon KIM. Sung Ryong JUNG (Kawasaki Frontale) is a great senior whom I respect, and I am close with Jin Hyeon KIM (Cerezo Osaka) and Sung Yun GU (Kyoto Sanga F.C.), but since both are in Kansai, I can't meet them frequently (laughs). I am also looking forward to the match against Kashiwa Reysol on July 5. The coaching staff from when I belonged to the team are still there, and even after I joined Tokyo, I received many messages saying "Looking forward to the match." I want to do my best to be able to play.
Q. How would you like fans and supporters to call you?
A, please, definitely use "Sun-chan."
Q: Please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A, I am truly honored to join Tokyo. I don't think this is a team that should be sinking in the current standings, and I will do my best to contribute to the team as soon as possible. Thank you for your passionate support.
