-- These two have exactly the same background as Fukuoka University from Kyushu International University High School. For player Yamashita, player Nagai is a great senior.
Player Yamashita
That's right.
-- So, is it an absolute existence?
Player Nagai
Not really (laughs)
-- Are there any overlaps in enrollment between high school and university?
Player Nagai
It's not overlapping at all.
※ While in high school, player Nagai was from 2004 to 2006, and player Yamashita was from 2011 to 2013
Nagai played from 2007 to 2010, and Yamashita played from 2014 to 2017
Player Yamashita
I have always known this. When I was in high school, of course, Kensuke was active at the forefront and participated in the Olympics (2012). He often visited high schools, so I definitely knew him.
-- Player Nagai used to go to practice at high school, right?
Player Nagai
No, I haven't gone (laughs)
Player Yamashita
He came during the first kick event and it was a huge topic of conversation like "Kensuke NAGAI is here...!!" (laughs)
-- So, Yamashita was the only one who knew about it.
Player Yamashita
Yes, everyone knew after all.
-- Conversely, when did Nagai become aware of Yamashita?
I knew he was my junior
but I didn't expect to be on the same team.
Player Yamashita
Since turning professional, right?
Nagai
Every January, I always do voluntary training with players from Fukuoka University, and since I was a student at that time, I knew him from then.
-- Communication since becoming a professional...
Player Yamashita
There were a few instances, right?
Player Nagai
Yeah.
Player Yamashita
I couldn't talk much, just a brief greeting. Rather than Kensei-san having an aura, it was more like it was just there (laughs)
Does it feel intimidating when there is a significant age difference?
Nagai
Furthermore, there is Yasuki KIMOTO (Yasuki KIMOTO) in between.
* Player Kimoto was enrolled at Fukuoka University from 2012 to 2015.
-- Are both players overlapping with Kimoto?
Player Nagai
I don't even... (laughs)
Player Yamashita
Since Kensei is from a different generation (laughs), I played together with Kyosei when I was a first-year and he was a third-year, and when I was a second-year, he was a fourth-year.
Player Nagai
At the top is Mr. Yugo IIYAMA (affiliated with FC Tokyo Youth Development, attended Fukuoka University from 2003 to 2007), you know? (laughs). He was a senior when I was a freshman.
-- You have started playing on the same team, but what kind of communication did you have when you met with the team?
Player Nagai
We met at the end of the year (2021) before joining the team.
Player Yamashita
When I was thinking about what to do with the team, I consulted with Kensei-san about various things and kept in touch... So when it was decided, I reported it.
Player Nagai
So I knew before the public relations team (laughs)
Player Yamashita
I was able to train and was also taken out for a meal.
-- There was communication even before joining, right? Although we are both forwards, what are your impressions of each other?
Player Nagai
has a completely different type. I imagine he is the type that waits patiently and strikes from within.
Player Yamashita
Mr. Kensuke, you definitely didn't watch the match, did you? (laughs)
Player Nagai
I don't really like watching soccer (laughs)
(I have the impression that I scored a lot of goals in the first half of the 2021 season. You got injured halfway, right?
Player Yamashita
There were muscle strains and injuries... well, simply put, I wasn't used from the start in the second half of the season.
-- Do you have any impressions of player Nagai from player Yamashita?
Player Yamashita
I only have an image of him... (laughs), it's the image that the public knows about his play. It's true for him as a player, but I didn't know that Kenzu-san has the brightest character.
Player Nagai
(calmly) No, this is usually how it is at home. I don't talk at all.
It seems to be player Yamashita
but when he is with the team, he is the best at energizing everyone and has an incredible momentum.
Player Nagai
Young players are still not there yet (laughs). The only energetic one is Go HATANO, and the players below him are not developing, and there are no standout players.
-- So, Nagai is currently taking it on, right?
Player Yamashita
Mr. Kensuke is doing it himself and is also having his juniors do it.
Player Nagai
It's about time for a generational change, I think. But it's impossible for Kyo to do it (laughs). The fact that there are few players who can speak is a challenge for Tokyo. It's okay if they don't hype things up, but when the team is not doing well, they can't speak up. It's been the older generation doing that all along. I'm already 34 this year. (Is Yamashita) 26 years old, right?
Player Yamashita
It's the year of 27 years old.
Player Nagai
It's best to do it around there. I'll just do it casually up top... (laughs)
--Returning to the topic, the forward position is highly competitive within the team, but what impressions do you have as you train during camp?
Player Yamashita
I think each player has their own type, role, and characteristics, so it would be great if we could get to know each other during camp and improve together. After all, I do have the desire to work hard so that we don't lose.
Player Nagai
It is almost never the case that the season ends with the opening members, so I am not in a hurry. We are trying to play football that is the complete opposite of last year, so it will take time, and since the coach demands dedication, I think we will use players who can work hard on defense at key moments and understand the characteristics of each player to fit them in well.
-- Player Yamashita is in his first year after the transfer, but does he have experience in a style of play similar to that pursued by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA in his football career so far?
Yamashita
In terms of positional play, I did it last year in Tosu, and that is part of the reason I decided to transfer. However, even in that positional play, there are different aspects such as how to build up the ball from the back, positioning, and stance, so I think I need to incorporate what Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA requires while doing that.
But, as Kenyu said, if we are going to play positional football, we need to communicate more. I feel like there are not many players who talk during the match.
Player Nagai
There is not much conversation. There are parts that can be resolved by talking, and it would be good if younger players, like Shuto ABE, could talk more now.
-- I want the younger generation of players to assert themselves more on the pitch.
Player Nagai
I feel that players like Hirato and Ryoya OGAWA need to communicate more. If we want to play the style of football we aim for, we need to talk. If we are aiming for ball possession, switching to defense is important, as is maintaining the right distance, and it’s tough if we can’t communicate. If the forwards don’t push up, the line will drop, and the players in the back need to take the initiative and communicate.
Player Yamashita
A shout from behind, like "move to the right" or "move to the left" or "if you drop back next, I'm going" is really helpful. If one person shifts, it can lead to being separated even more.
-- Right now, there is a lot of thinking and adjustments, so I don't have the luxury to enjoy new football.
Player Nagai
No, I'm actually having quite a bit of fun.
Player Yamashita
That's right, you're enjoying it, aren't you?
-- It has just begun, but can you see what it might look like as it becomes more established?
Player Nagai
The time spent with the ball increased during yesterday's (1/29) practice match. However, if the ball is taken away poorly, the fatigue in defense is still significant. There were many easy turnovers yesterday.
-- How does player Yamashita feel about the atmosphere in Tokyo since transferring?
Yamashita
It's my fifth year as a professional and my fourth team, but I feel this is the team I can adapt to the most. With Kensei and Kyosei here, I really felt that. In the teams I've been with so far, I felt like I was jumping into an environment where almost no one knew me. I'm not particularly good at blending in right away, but they've created an accepting environment, which has been a great help.
-- How do you feel about the atmosphere in Tokyo after being with us for a long time, Nagai?
Player Nagai
There are many quiet players (laughs)
Player Yamashita
has been saying it all along. Even before I joined.
Player Nagai
Especially the players from the academy seem quiet. Right, Koyama-kun? (laughs)
*Takuya KOYAMA (FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi - FC Tokyo U-18 - Senshu University) currently belongs to the FC Tokyo Public Relations Promotion Department
Player Yamashita
There may be some hesitation from the youth players when a seasoned veteran is present, both on and off the field. Perhaps it was because there weren't many senior players when I was in Tosu last year, but the younger players were very lively.
Player Nagai
They are all quiet players. I've been saying this for 5 years (laughs) It's a shame though.
-- During practice, I see Nagai encouraging various players, including Matsuki.
Nagai
is shouting for everyone. Well, I would like everyone to perform like Kuryu MATSUKI. I want them to be that passionate. It's cute, isn't it, when they are that enthusiastic?
-- If you have any advice for Yamashita, who is in his first year after transferring from Nagai, please share.
Player Nagai
Don't call me Efto.
Player Yamashita
Yes (laughs). I properly say Tokyo.
-- Finally, please share your enthusiasm for this season.
Yamashita
This year is my first year after transferring, and at 27 years old, I believe it's a crucial age for me, so I want to focus on achieving results. I want to leave my mark as an individual, and as long as I'm playing football, I want to win titles. Since I have no experience in winning titles, I have a strong desire to seriously aim for the league championship in Tokyo.
Personally, I never thought I would be on the same team as Kensuke during high school, and I want to play in matches together and make an impact.
Player Nagai
I'm just going at my own pace. The season is long.
Yamashita
Do you feel that way when you become a veteran? I came up from the lower categories, and although it's not exactly a weed spirit, I had the feeling that I needed to produce results, so I worked hard... I want to have some composure in a few years (laughs). Kensei is quite steady, isn't he?
Player Nagai
(At this moment) just hasn't switched on. He doesn't perform unless he switches on.
Yamashita
is amazing on and off the field. At home and with the team.
Player Nagai
I don't think about soccer at all during my time off (laughs). I only talk about soccer right after the match when I'm switched on (laughs).
Interviews will be conducted the day after the practice match, during the afternoon off time.
Player Yamashita
Mr. Kensuke is laid-back, but he is incredibly caring. I was surprised by that. I didn't expect someone like him.
Player Nagai
Oh, let's go eat sometime (laughs)
Player Yamashita
I only knew Kensuke NAGAI as a football player, so when I contacted him and interacted with him, he said, "If you have any questions when you come to Tokyo, feel free to reach out," and I thought, "Wow, he's so kind."
Player Nagai
is really, really kind.
Player Yamashita
Seems to be kind to his juniors.
-- Thank you for today. Please continue to do your best as we head towards the opening.
Discussion Date: January 30, 2022
