Q: What is your impression of FC Tokyo U-18?
A: Personally, they were the last team I wanted to face, but I really enjoyed today's match (Takamado Cup Premier League EAST Sec. 18 FC Tokyo U-18 vs. Aomori Yamada High School), and I think I was able to have a good match against the players who are already confirmed for promotion (Kojiro YASUDA, Yuki KAJIURA, Leon NOZAWA).
Q, you really didn't want to face this opponent, did you?
A, actually, since I was in middle school, I've always felt that I didn't want to play against FC Tokyo. I thought they were a team that stood out in skill and strength.
Q: What is your impression of the FC Tokyo top team?
A: The fans and supporters are incredibly passionate, and I think it's a rare opportunity for professional players to play in a stadium like Ajinomoto Stadium. Of course, I believe there are responsibilities and expectations as a player on the top team, so I want to actively engage in those aspects.
Q: Do you have an image of FC Tokyo's soccer style?
A: Recently, I have a strong image of solid defense and quick counterattacks. While watching the games, I thought, "There are really powerful players in the front line, and the defensive midfielders have very high intensity." The intensity of the defensive midfielders is also a strength of mine, and breaking out while maintaining balance is one of my strengths as well.
Q: Are there any players you are personally aware of?
A: I am aware of Shuto ABE. Even though he is small, he has great ball recovery ability and his passing skills are outstanding. However, I believe that in order to gain playing opportunities, I need to win the competition, and as a player with similar characteristics, I want to improve while competing with him.
Q: Do you have any image of Ajinomoto Stadium, which will be your home ground?
A: The stands are somewhat far from the pitch, but it's a stadium that can hold a lot of spectators, and I tend to perform better with a larger crowd (laughs), so I'm looking forward to that.
Q: In the past two years, we haven't been able to play in front of many spectators.
A: That's right. I believe that players should play in front of people and that fans and supporters should enjoy it, which is the essence of soccer. The current situation may be tough, but personally, I look forward to being able to showcase my play to many people in the stadium.
Q, Do you have an image of FC Tokyo's fans and supporters?
A, I think they have one of the hottest atmospheres in Japan. I've also seen the "Yuruneva" before the matches.
Q: You have lived in Hokkaido and Aomori until now, but what do you think about living in Tokyo?
A: I don't have any particular worries. I think Kodaira is a great environment to really focus on soccer, so I think it will be good.
Q: What image comes to mind when you hear Tokyo?
A: For people in Aomori or Hokkaido, the image is probably the city center? (laughs). I guess it's that there are a lot of people.
Q: You really feel that there are a lot of people, don't you?
A: It's true that Aomori has fewer people. That's part of it (laughs), but that's the image.
Q: Have you ever been to Tokyo on a trip?
A: No, I haven't. Not at all. I've been focused on soccer since elementary school and have hardly left Hokkaido.
Q: Are there any spots you want to visit when you come to Tokyo?
A: Hmm, not particularly at the moment.
Q, then let's go with Ajinomoto (laughs)
A, yes. First, it's important to get playing opportunities at Ajinomoto and become a player who can deliver solid results, so I think that's something we must not forget.
Q: What kind of play do you want FC Tokyo fans and supporters to see?
A: My strength is being able to contribute to scoring even as a defensive midfielder, and I believe I can also play strong defense and effectively use my teammates while overlapping, so I hope you will pay attention to my 'box-to-box' movements.
Q: This year, there have been quite a few plays that contribute to scoring.
A: I am not satisfied because I haven't been scoring recently, but I have been able to achieve results in terms of assists, and I believe I can do my job as a playmaker. I am particular about producing results like goals and assists.
Q: How has the sprinting aspect you have been working on as a challenge this year been going?
A: Sprinting is still a challenge for me, but in terms of physical activity, I believe I am not inferior to others, and I think that is the foundation I have developed at Aomori Yamada, so I do not want to lose in that regard.
Q: How do you perceive your mental state?
A: I really enjoy playing soccer at a high level. That's where I find the most joy, and of course, I'm excited to jump into that stage starting next season. I think that's one of the characteristics of my mental state.
Q: They say you have a strong mentality, right?
A: Well, they say I have a strong will (laughs)
Q, for example, when you participated in training with overseas clubs, didn't that mental approach play a significant role?
A, it's the same in Japan, but when you go abroad, younger players are increasingly getting game time. It's absolutely impossible to not be able to say anything when your play doesn't match with those around you. I think it's a bit difficult in high school where there is some hierarchy, but I'm the type who doesn't worry about that at all and have always tried to speak up whenever I have thoughts. Of course, listening to others is also important, so I believe that properly hearing what I lack and improving on that is the way to be as a player, and I make sure to work on that diligently.
Q: There are players who are 10 or 15 years older in the professional league, but you seem like the type who can quickly get along with them.
A: I don't know yet (laughs), but I want to communicate through soccer in those situations, and I think the older players have more life experience, so I want to keep accumulating knowledge that I can gain from them.
Q: During the press conference when you joined the team, you mentioned that you wanted to talk to Yuto NAGATOMO. What kind of conversation would you like to have?
A: I believe he has a much higher mental strength than I do, so I want to learn from his experiences and maintain a learning attitude in everything.
Q: What kind of image do you have of player Nagatomo?
A: I have the image that he is the one who works the hardest in the Japan national team.
Q: What kind of person is Kuryu MATSUKI?
A: He is very competitive. Also, he is strong-willed. In soccer and in my personal life... they are quite different (laughs). When it comes to soccer, he gets really passionate and has a strong desire not to lose, but during his off time, he enjoys spending time with his friends, so in that sense, I think there is quite a difference between on and off.
Q: You seem to be having a lot of fun during practice at Aomori Yamada.
A: That's right (laughs). I like that kind of thing.
Q: You seem to have a natural personality, don't your friends say that about you?
A: Yes, I do get told that.
Q: Do you have any natural episodes?
A: I don't think I have any, but when I ask my friends, they say I do. They tell me, "You're a bit absent-minded." I often make mistakes in what I say. With those who are really close to me, they just let it slide. It's like, "Oh, here we go again" (laughs)
Q: Do you have any favorite or disliked subjects in school life?
A: I used to like math, but it has become difficult lately, so I dislike it a bit now (laughs). Also, I am trying to work on English. Recently, there is a subject called Information, where we use computers, and I like that.
Q: The high school championship is coming up next, what kind of play do you want to show on that stage?
A: Since this is my third championship, I don't know if the audience will be able to watch in the stadium, but first and foremost, I hope to enjoy myself. However, I also want to be serious about the competition within that enjoyment, and I want to seek results as well.
Q: Is there a play you want to showcase as an individual?
A: Not particularly. I want to fight as a team.
Q: In the past two championships, we were national runners-up. How do you feel about approaching this third championship in that sense?
A: For me, this time it's less about winning and more about valuing each match, so if we keep winning each match, we will become champions. My focus is strongly on the match right in front of us. First, I want to fight well from the opening match.
Q: This year, you have won the Inter-High and achieved good results in the Premier League. What are your thoughts on being the captain of that team?
A: I need to have a perspective that allows me to see the whole picture, just like the coach and staff. While training hard in my role as captain, I am grateful that my teammates are also keeping up with me.
Q: What kind of team is Aomori Yamada this year?
A: It is a team that can do anything. Until now, I think the aspects of side attacks and counterattacks have shone, but this year, the two forwards are also strong, and they can break through from the center as well as being strong in set plays. Including side attacks, I believe they have strengths in all areas.
Q: The Semifinal Round and Final Round will be held at the Japan National Stadium. What are your thoughts on that?
A: I am filled with gratitude towards those who have provided such an opportunity for the 100th tournament, and I believe everyone wants to stand on that pitch, so I want to give my all towards that goal.
Q: Finally, please give a message to the FC Tokyo fans and supporters.
A: I am Kuryu MATSUKI, who will be joining FC Tokyo from next season. I believe FC Tokyo has the goal of winning J1, and I want to become a player who can contribute the most to that. Of course, the support from the fans and supporters will also be our strength, and I hope that with the strength of everyone involved with FC Tokyo, we can progress daily towards the goal of winning J1. Thank you for your support.
text by Masashi Tsuchiya
