Q, What is your impression of FC Tokyo U-18?
A, Personally, they were the team I least wanted to face, but I really enjoyed today's match (High School Emperor's Cup Premier League EAST Sec. 18 FC Tokyo U-18 vs. Aomori Yamada High School), and I think I had a good game with players who have already been promoted (Kojiro YASUDA, Yuki KAJIURA, Leon NOZAWA).

Q, You didn't want to play against them the most, right?
A, Actually, since I was in junior high school, I've always had the feeling of "I don't want to play against FC Tokyo". I thought they were a team that lacked skill and strength.

Q, What is your impression of FC Tokyo's top team?
A, The fans and supporters are very passionate, and I think it's not often that professional players have the opportunity to play in a stadium like Ajinomoto. Of course, there are things that are expected of us as top team players, and I want to actively work towards those things.

Q, Do you have any image of FC Tokyo's soccer?
A, Recently, I have a strong image of solid defense and quick attack. While watching the game, I thought, "There are very strong players in the front line, and the defensive midfield is also very strong." The strength of the defensive midfield is also my strong point, and it is also my strength to jump out while maintaining balance.

Q, Are there any players you are personally aware of?
A, I am aware of Shuto ABE. Despite being small, he has the ability to steal the ball and his passing skills are exceptional. However, I think that in order to get playing time, you have to win the competition and I also want to compete and improve with players who have similar characteristics.

Q, Do you have any image of Ajinomoto Stadium, which will be your home?
A, The distance between the stands and the pitch is quite far, but it is a stadium where a lot of spectators can come in, and I am the type who can perform well when there are a lot of spectators (laughs), so I am looking forward to it.

Q, It's been difficult to play in front of many spectators for the past two years.
A, Yes, that's right. I think it's important for players to play in front of people and for fans and supporters to enjoy it. The current situation may be tough, but personally, I'm looking forward to showing my play to many people at the stadium.

Q, Do you have an image of FC Tokyo fans and supporters?
A, I think they have the same level of passion as the top fans in Japan. I have also seen the pre-game "Yuruneva".

Q, I have lived in Hokkaido and Aomori until now, but what do you think about living in Tokyo?
A, I don't have any particular concerns. I think Kokubunji is a great environment for getting involved in soccer, so I think it's good.

Q, What is your image when you hear Tokyo?
A, For people in Aomori or Hokkaido, is it like the city center? (laughs). Is it a place with a lot of people?

Q, I feel like there are a lot of people after all.
A, Aomori has a small population. That's also part of it (laughs), that's the image.

Q, Have you ever been to Tokyo on a trip?
A, No, I haven't. Not at all. Since elementary school, I've only been playing soccer and haven't left Hokkaido much.

Q, Do you have any spots you want to visit when you come to Tokyo?
A, Hmm, not particularly right now.

Q, Then, let's go with Ajinomoto (laughs)
A, Yes. First of all, I think it's important not to forget that the most important thing is to become a player who can get a chance to play at Ajinomoto and get good results.

Q, What kind of play do you want FC Tokyo fans and supporters to see?
A, I think my strengths lie in being able to contribute to scoring even as a defensive midfielder, as well as having a strong defense, and being able to overlap with my teammates and make "box-to-box" movements. So I would like you to pay attention to that.

Q, There have been a lot more plays related to scoring this year, haven't there?
A, Recently, I haven't been satisfied because I haven't been able to score, but I have been able to produce results in terms of assists, and I also believe I can do the job as a facilitator. I have a strong focus on producing results such as goals and assists.

Q, How has the sprinting aspect that you have been working on as a challenge this year been?
A, Sprinting is still a challenge, but it is also an area where I don't want to lose to others in terms of physical activity. I think that is the base that I have cultivated at Aomori Yamada, so I don't want to lose in that aspect.

Q, How do you perceive your own mental state?
A, Playing football at a high level is extremely enjoyable for me. That is where I can find the most joy, and of course, I am very excited to jump into that stage from next season. I think that is also one of the characteristics of my mental state.

Q, Are you said to have a strong mentality?
A, Well, I am said to have a strong personality (laughs)

Q, For example, even when participating in training for overseas clubs, there were parts where that kind of mental approach was useful, right?
A, It's the same in Japan, but when you go overseas, as younger players are playing more and more games, it's absolutely impossible to not say anything when your play doesn't match with those around you. It's difficult in high school where there is a certain hierarchy, but I'm the type who doesn't care at all and always speaks up if I have something to say. Of course, it's important to listen to what others have to say, so I make sure to listen to what I'm lacking and work on improving it. I think that's the way to be as a player, and I make sure to work on it diligently.

Q, There are also players who are 10 or 15 years older when they become professional, but you seem like the type to get along with them quickly.
A, I still don't know (laughs), but I want to communicate through soccer and learn as much knowledge as possible from the older players who have a lot of life experience.

Q, At the time of the signing press conference, you said, "I want to talk to player Yuto Nagatomo." What kind of conversation do you want to have?
A, I think he has a much stronger mentality than me, so I want to learn from him in all aspects, including his experiences.

Q, What is your impression of Nagatomo?
A, I have the image that he is the one who puts the most effort even in the Japan national team.

Q, What kind of person is Kuryu MATSUKI?
A, He is competitive and strong-willed. Soccer and personal life are quite different (laughs). When it comes to soccer, he becomes very passionate and has a strong desire to win. But during off time, he enjoys spending time with his teammates and in that sense, his on and off time are quite different.

Q, Are you having fun practicing at Aomori Yamada?
A, Yes, I am (laughs). I like that kind of thing.

Q, Do you feel like you have a natural personality, and do 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 say things like, "You're so clueless." I make a lot of mistakes when I speak. If I'm really close with someone, they just ignore it and say, "Oh, there he goes again" (laughs).

Q: Do you have any favorite or least favorite subjects in school?
A: I used to like math, but it's been getting harder lately so I don't really like it anymore (laughs). Also, I try to work on English. Recently, there's a subject called "information" where we use computers, and I like that one.

Q: What kind of play do you want to show on the stage of the high school championship?
A: This will be my third championship, so I'm not sure if the audience will be able to watch at the stadium, but first of all, I have the feeling that "I want to enjoy myself". However, I also want to be serious about the game and aim for results.

Q: Do you have any plays you want to showcase as an individual?
A: Not particularly. I want to fight as a team.

Q: How do you feel about this 3rd championship, given that you were runner-up in the past two championships?
A: Personally, I am more focused on taking each game seriously rather than winning the championship. If we continue to win each game, we will become champions. I have a strong desire to win each game in front of me. I want to fight hard from the first match.

Q, This year, you have won the Inter High and achieved good results in the Premier League. How do you feel about being the captain of the team?
A, I have to have a perspective like the coach and the staff, and I have to be able to see the whole picture. I am grateful that I can practice well in my role as captain while competing with my teammates, and my teammates are also supporting me, so that is the most important thing.

Q: What kind of team is Aomori Yamada this year?
A: They are a team that can do anything. In the past, I think their side attacks and counterattacks were shining, but this year, they also have a strong two-top and can break through from the center. Their set plays are also strong. I think they have strengths in all aspects, including side attacks.

Q, How do you feel about the semifinal and final rounds being held at the Japan National Stadium?
A, I am filled with gratitude towards those who have provided us with such an opportunity in the 100th tournament, and I think it is a pitch that everyone wants to stand on, so I want to give my all towards that goal.

Q, Finally, a message to the fans and supporters of FC Tokyo.
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 goal. Of course, the support of the fans and supporters will also be our strength, and I hope that with the strength of everyone involved with FC Tokyo, we can continue to move towards the goal of winning J1. Thank you for your support.

text by Masashi Tsuchiya