Q: How did you spend the 3-week camp?
A, we have all been able to challenge ourselves with a new philosophy and a new style at the new club. These three weeks have been a fulfilling camp. I feel that we are all working hard every day and heading in a new direction together. However, it is important to continue to strive for the next step from here, so we will work hard again starting tomorrow.
Q, in a play style that values ball possession, the role required of the goalkeeper is also broad.
A. What the coach is currently asking from the goalkeeper is not just to stop shots, but also to move the ball as the first player in the attack. This is a new challenge for me, so while I focus on that aspect, I also want to remember to diligently work on my main job of stopping shots and protecting the goal.
Q: It is impressive to see the coaching done in Japanese while following the team's approach.
In both offense and defense, you cannot play alone, so it is important to work closely with the players around you. The goalkeeper has a position where they can see everything, so I believe that communicating is one of my responsibilities, and since communication is an important element of soccer, I consciously focus on it.
Q: I believe it is necessary to understand the individual characteristics of each player in coaching. Were you able to get to know your teammates through the camp?
A, coming to a new club means that I need to know more about the players and the team. During the camp, I made an effort to understand each player's playing style and personality. There are aspects I have come to understand, and I believe that this is leading the team in a positive direction. The most important thing is not only to know the good points of my teammates but also how to unite as one team and work together.
Q: You seem to excel at shot stops from close range, such as shots from inside the box. What type of play do you think you are best at?
I think I'm a goalkeeper who can do everything (laughs). I always strive for perfection and work hard every day to be a goalkeeper who can do anything.
Q: It seems that you are making big saves in every match in the J-League.
To achieve good results as a team, it's essential not only for the goalkeeper like myself but also for the support of the field players. Sometimes I may help, and at other times I may need help. The most important thing is not just to do a good job myself, but how well the team can achieve good results. With that in mind, I am very happy when my saves contribute to the team's results, and I want to continue doing so.
Q: What kind of image did you have of Tokyo before joining the club?
Last season, while playing for Vegalta Sendai, I unfortunately faced relegation to J2. At that time, I received an offer from Tokyo, and I was happy to have the opportunity to take on a challenge that would help me improve myself. I came to Tokyo to respond to the offer, so I want to give my all in daily practice for that purpose.
Q: There are high expectations from fans and supporters, but is there pressure?
I don't feel any pressure. I want to continue enjoying soccer and loving it just like when I was a child dreaming of becoming a soccer player, and I enjoy new challenges every day to achieve the results that fans and supporters desire.
Q: What do you want to work on in the two weeks leading up to the opening match?
I believe that the opening match will be a very exciting and important game, but it is just one match in a long season. Just as a fast long-distance runner may not achieve results only at the start, I want to always prepare the best for the upcoming match in order to achieve good results throughout the year. Since the opening match is the next game ahead, both as an individual and as a team, I will prepare thoroughly for it.
Interview Date: February 5, 2022
