[Player Interview]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q. You have continued to produce results even during the camp, but what does scoring a goal mean to you, Teruhito NAKAGAWA?
A. Since I hadn't been physically active during the off-season, I believe that the feel for the ball and other sensory aspects come from the skills I have cultivated so far, so being able to produce results means it was a very good start to the season.
Q, There may be differences in the details between Yokohama F.Marinos and others, but I think there are parts that are familiar with what we have been doing so far. What do you think?
A, The basic aspect of building attacks while controlling the ball remains unchanged, so there are many things that are easier to do as an individual.
Q, Are you able to grasp which position to take in order to make good plays by being able to do the obvious thing of taking a good position at the right timing?
A, There are many strong attackers ahead, so I think it would be good to create many scenes where we can break through by combining with them and through the relationships with the fullbacks and inside halves. The way I cut inside when breaking through on the left side is similar to what I did at Yokohama F.Marinos. For example, the instinct to target the ball that flows after being closed down in the near post position is something I have continued since last season. So, rather than focusing on my physical condition, I believe that having the awareness to use my instincts and get into the right positions is important now, and I think that is what leads to scoring goals.
Q, will you enjoy improving the quality of your combination with other players?
A, The players have high abilities, and everyone is making an effort and enjoying themselves while trying to express Coach Albert's style of football, so we are focusing our training on breaking down the final attacking third. We are currently operating on the premise that mistakes will happen, and I believe that without taking on challenges, there is no progress beyond that, so we are actively communicating with each other during practice while enjoying ourselves and pursuing what we want to do. Considering all of this, we are very fulfilled, and since everyone is trying to get through the camp without any major injuries, the overall strength of the team is improving, and I think the competition for positions is becoming very intense.
Q, Summary of this year's camp and request for the next one.
A, I think we need to improve our scoring ability even more. I feel that just one or two goals are not enough, so there is time to properly enhance the quality of the final pass and finishing after returning to Tokyo and during the Miyazaki camp, and I believe this will make this year more exciting.
Q, What do you find attractive about Coach Albert's football?
A, Compared to Yokohama F.Marinos, there are times when we don’t need to attack with a sense of speed, so the part where we maintain possession is different and interesting. We also have powerful attackers, so the ability to break through individually is a strength and an interesting aspect. Personally, I hope to establish Tokyo’s style by showcasing my characteristics, such as using teammates to break free and instantly getting behind the defense.
Q, Is there any difference in your play when you have time to think, unlike Yokohama F.Marinos? Also, does it make it easier or harder for you to play?
A, I don’t find it difficult; in fact, I think it’s easier to play. Even in possession football, Tokyo and Marinos are completely different—the systems differ, as do the spacing and tempo—so Tokyo has its own strengths. I find it interesting that there are many parts that seem similar but aren’t, such as using time to draw in the opponent, switching play to the opposite side, and creating 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 situations. Since transferring, I’ve felt that I’m competing with a different style.
Q, What was the most surprising thing about transferring?
A, what surprised me was how lively and spirited the team was, including the vocal encouragement during warm-ups. I really felt the great atmosphere within the team. I believe that this kind of environment contributes to the quality of practice, so how long we can maintain this positive atmosphere will be very important. This is the aspect where I felt a difference after transferring.
Q, At the new team announcement, you mentioned that you transferred at the milestone age of 30, which I imagine is a time when you think about many things as a person and as a player. When asked about your ambitions for the 2023 season, what are they?
A, I decided to transfer to Tokyo in order to win the championship, so my ambition is nothing but to win. I am working while thinking about what I can do to make that victory a reality, and the clearest way is to produce results. I believe that accumulating those points is what we need to do to get closer to winning, and that is the mentality of a winner, so I want to express that. I am putting pressure on myself to do that, so my ambition is solely to win.
Q, when considering winning, I think that Yokohama F.Marinos will definitely be the opponent that we must defeat. How do you think about facing Yokohama F.Marinos as a rival?
A, I’m looking forward to it, and I also think about how much the opponent would dislike facing me in a match. However, my time at Yokohama F. Marinos is in the past, and now that I’m with a different team, I’m training with pride for Tokyo. I have a very strong desire to definitely defeat them and to score goals. I’m eager to play a match soon, whether it’s at Nissan Stadium or Ajinomoto Stadium.
Q, not only when facing each other directly, but also as an indicator of how close we need to get to that level of intensity, what do you think Nakagawa can bring to Tokyo?
A, Marinos do have weak points, so I think it would be good if I can skillfully exploit the spaces behind and the spaces left open when the side halves push forward. I believe Tokyo is not inferior in intensity, and I feel that our competitiveness in tight spaces is even stronger than Marinos. I think it will be a very interesting match.
Q, If there are any areas where you surpass in strength, what do you think is the key to winning the title? Also, where do you think Nakagawa's strengths can make a difference?
A, I believe the play that stands out for me at Tokyo is taking the space behind, so my strength lies in penetrating the final attacking third. While dribbling past one or two players, I want to create chances for players like Diego TABA, Leandro, Adailton, and Ryoma WATANABE who are on the field. We practice daily to create situations and breaks that bring out the best in other players, and once we click, we have such a powerful attacking lineup that it becomes unstoppable. Scoring one goal is a given, but scoring two or three goals is the essential foundation needed to win the championship.
<Shuto ABE>
Q, (due to injury) I joined the camp late, but can you tell me about your current condition?
A, when I got injured, I was told that full recovery would be about a week before the opening match, but my recovery has been good, and I was able to join practice during the camp and will be able to participate in tomorrow’s practice match. Even though playing in tomorrow’s practice match will be physically tough in terms of stamina, there is still time until the opening match, so I want to steadily improve my condition. Being able to return to the pitch quickly is thanks to the medical staff, so I want to play with gratitude.
Q, there are also new players joining, and I think the depth of players in the inside half has increased, but how do you plan to win?
A, Many players have joined, and there are many who can play the inside half position, but I am confident that I can perform better than any other player, and I believe that if I demonstrate my maximum ability, I can be involved in matches. Even though the number of players has increased and competition has become fierce, I have no negative feelings, and I believe that if I can show my strong points, I will be able to play, so I think I am enjoying the competition very much.
Q, What do you think is the difference between yourself and other players that you can create while watching practice games from the outside?
A, each player has different characteristics, and for example, Kei KOIZUMI is skilled in ball control and how he handles the ball at his feet, so I want to imitate Kei KOIZUMI’s play and incorporate it into my own game.
Q, now that you are 26 years old and entering the prime of your career, how do you feel about taking on a more central role and leading the team?
A, I have also turned 26 and there are many younger players, and as the oldest player from the academy, I thought that time has finally come. I want to be a player who can set an example both on and off the pitch. I believe I have become someone who must take on a central role, so I want to play and act with determination.
