Q: How did you spend the three-week camp?
A: Coming to a new club, everyone is able to take on the challenge of a new philosophy and a new style. These past three weeks have been a fulfilling camp. We have been working hard every day and I feel that everyone is moving in a new direction together. However, it is important to continue making efforts from here on, so I will keep doing my best starting tomorrow.
Q, the role of the goalkeeper is also wide in terms of the playing style that values the ball.
A, what the coach currently expects from the goalkeeper is not only shot-stopping but also moving the ball as the first player in attack. This is a new challenge for me, so while I am working hard on that aspect, I will not forget my main job of stopping shots and protecting the goal, and I want to continue to focus on that.
Q, it is impressive to see the coaching while using Japanese in line with the team's approach.
A, You cannot play alone either in attack or defense, so the important thing is to work closely with the players around you and play together. As a goalkeeper, you have a position where you can see everything, so I think calling out is one of my jobs, and communication is an important element of soccer, so I consciously work on it.
Q: I think it is necessary to understand the individual characteristics of each player in order to coach them. Were you able to get to know your teammates during the camp?
Coming to a new club means that I have to know more about the players and the team. During the camp, I made an effort to understand the individual playing styles and personalities of the players. Through this, I have discovered certain aspects and I believe that the team is heading in a positive direction. The most important thing is not only knowing the strengths of my teammates, but also how we can come together as one team and unite.
Q, it seems that you are good at stopping shots from close range, such as shots from inside the box. What kind of play do you think you are good at?
A, I believe I am a goalkeeper who can do everything (laughs). I always aim for perfection and strive daily to become a goalkeeper who can do anything.
Q, I have the impression that you show big saves in every J-League match.
A, in order for the team to achieve good results, it is essential not only for me as the goalkeeper but also for the field players to support each other. Sometimes I help them, and sometimes I am helped by them. The most important thing is not about doing a good job individually, but how the team can secure good results together. That said, 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?
A, last season when I was playing for Vegalta Sendai, we 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 to further improve myself. I came to Tokyo to respond to that offer, so I want to give my all in daily training for that purpose.
Q: Are there any pressures despite the high expectations from fans and supporters?
A, I do not feel any pressure. I want to continue enjoying soccer and loving the game just like when I was a child dreaming of becoming a soccer player. I also enjoy taking on new challenges every day to achieve the results that fans and supporters expect.
Q: What do you want to work on in the two weeks before the opening?
A: I think the opening match will be very exciting and important, but it is just one game in a long season. Just as a fast long-distance runner cannot achieve results by only being fast at the start, I want to always prepare as best as possible for the match in front of me in order to achieve good results throughout the year. Right now, the opening match is the immediate game, so both I and the team will prepare thoroughly for it.
Interview Date: February 5, 2022
