Takefusa KUBO

"I wanted to play more involved with the ball and threaten the opponent, but overall I think it was a passing performance."

(Including Kubo, we were conscious as a team of picking up second balls and developing our attacks)
"Rather than picking up second balls, I believe that my teammates won the aerial duels against long balls, which is why the ball comes to that position. So I just trust my teammates and move, so there’s nothing particularly about myself."
After all, soccer is a team sport, so it can't just be about oneself. While prioritizing the team's victory, we must utilize each individual's strengths and adhere to the team's concept; otherwise, we won't be able to participate in the matches. I believe it has been very beneficial to learn this now. In that context, during attacks, I hope to showcase my strengths in a way that contributes to the team's victory.

(Reflecting on the scene where the free kick hit the post)
"I don't remember much, but it was a good position for a free kick, so I thought I could aim for it. I also considered crossing the ball to the center once. In that moment, player Higashi told me, 'I think you can shoot,' so I aimed for it."

(It was probably as I imagined)
"I was aiming more to the left"

(In the first half, I made a through pass to Nagai, and conversely, in the second half, I carried the ball myself and had scenes where I used my teammates among various options. I think playing to utilize my teammates is one of my strengths, but how was today's performance?)
"In both the first and second halves, there were moments when I carried the ball and created chances. Once I passed to Diego OLIVEIRA, and in the second half, I passed to Takahagi. In the first half, considering the timing, I intended to pass to Diego OLIVEIRA, but in the second half, there were various options, and I hesitated a bit. I could have aimed for a shot, but I chose to pass because I thought it had a higher chance of resulting in a goal. A pass to Tagawa was also an option, and in the end, I hesitated a little."

(The current team has many players who are good at passing, but in the future, it will be necessary to aim for goals as well)
"In that scene, if the play connects, I think it could lead to a goal, so I want to focus on finishing with a good pass or shot."

(There were moments when I had to drop deep into my own half to defend, but is that kind of play something I usually keep in mind?)
"Last season, I was in a different position, so I didn't have to drop back that far to defend. I'm glad that I was able to switch my mindset and win the ball back effectively."

(Coach HASEGAWA mentioned in the press conference that his ability to win the ball through physical play has grown significantly over the past year. Do you feel that?)
"I am very happy to hear that. I believe it is important to be evaluated by others rather than just focusing on what I can do myself. I want to work hard to earn the recognition of the coach and my teammates."

(In yesterday's press conference, he commented, "I think standing on this pitch allows me to see a new perspective," but how did he feel after participating in the opening match)
"Standing on the pitch of Kawasaki, where I played during elementary school, and receiving applause from the Kawasaki supporters made me feel warm. I believe that such experiences are a driving force behind achieving back-to-back league championships. Conversely, it was very pleasing to see the stands in Tokyo filled with many fans and supporters in blue and red, who came all the way to the away game. It was good to secure at least one point in a difficult away match, but I don't think we should be satisfied. Next will be another away game, but I want to ensure we secure a victory to connect it to the home opening match."

《Kyosuke TAGAWA》
"I regret very much that I was unable to score despite having chances to do so. This is my honest feeling right now."

(Looking back at the scene in front of the goal in the second half)
"In my mind, I had the image of tapping it in with one touch, but after looking at the situation around me and the opponent, I think I could have trapped it and calmly aimed for the goal. The decision-making in front of the goal is something the coach has mentioned, so I think I need to make corrections on that."

(After Tagawa participated, there was an impression that chances began to gather)
"It was that kind of development, and there were situations where we had chances to score, so it's unfortunate that we couldn't achieve results there. I feel that if I had kept my mind fresh, I could have played calmly in that situation. I hope to make use of this for the next time."

(I had the opportunity to play from the opening match as a player from Tokyo)
"I think that is a result of my strengths being recognized, and I hope to improve my shooting accuracy without losing that and earn trust."

(I think improving accuracy in front of the goal has been a challenge since last season, but are there any efforts or awareness regarding that?)
"I am focusing on preparing in front of the goal and being aware of the timing to enter. If I enter too early or too late, it can get congested. In practice, there are times when I can play at the right timing for crosses, so I believe continuing that and improving my judgment will lead to scoring goals."

《Tokyo - Summary of Director Kenta HASEGAWA's Press Conference》

"One point away is not a bad result. The players have been training with high concentration since camp to win against Kawasaki. I believe it was a match where we wanted to bring home three points if possible."
However, there were times when we were pushed back heavily by Kawasaki. We were able to endure that today. Since we managed to earn 1 point away against Kawasaki, we want to aim for victory in the next match against Shonan and continue focused training.
In the final stages, even as the offense and defense exchanged positions fiercely, the defensive line managed risks while aiming for 3 points, ultimately securing 1 point. We have become capable of fighting in that way. Although we didn't start with a win, we want to prepare to aim for victory in the next match.

(Regarding Kubo's evaluation)
"Simply wonderful."
In the first half, the ball was unsettled due to the wind, and it was a situation where we couldn't create attacking opportunities without building up play somewhere. We were able to build up play on the eastern side, and I think we were able to create time on Takefusa's side as well, which allowed us to launch some uncomfortable attacks against the opponent. We effectively utilized the wind and delivered good balls behind the defense. At the same time, we played selflessly on the defensive side. I believe we were able to show everyone the growth we've made since last season.

(Kubo has completely changed his image in the last six months)
"Everything is growing. Mentally, he went on loan to Yokohama FM and got to know a world outside of Tokyo. There, his mentality was still quite immature, but it is gradually changing to a more mature mindset.
In terms of physicality, last season I was quickly dispossessed or knocked down, but now I can carry the ball myself, take it away, and make plays. I am once again feeling how incredible the growth in this age group is over the course of a year.
This season, from the beginning of camp, there has been a different level of enthusiasm, and we have seen growth even in practice matches. I believe we have reached a level similar to that of Doan (Ritsu) before he went to Europe. If we gain experience in the J-League and can play in the U-20 World Cup, I think we will be at a level that can immediately compete in Europe.

Summary of the Press Conference with Kawasaki Coach Toru ONIKI

"First of all, I am disappointed that we couldn't secure a win despite many supporters gathering for the opening match."
The match ended in a draw, but I believe it could have gone either way. Reflecting on our team, I think if we had scored a goal during our good period in the second half, we could have changed the course of the match. Overall, I feel there were not many moments where we played like ourselves. In that sense, I want to keep working towards the next match.

(The reason for having less of our own time)
"In terms of moving the ball, the number of passes may have had an impact, but including the opponent's pressure, I think we lacked a bit of stability. I think that's how we ended up moving the ball. However, once we pushed forward, we were quite confident in moving it around, and I think that was the most important factor."

(I had the impression that there was a bit too much focus on individual battles)
"I don't think it was that extreme, but I felt there was a lack of movement towards breaking through. Overall, I believe there were some issues with movements to overtake, initiate plays, and take advantage of space behind."