Q: How did you feel when you found out that you were selected to be a part of the team and accompany them for your first J-League official match?
A: I didn't think I would be selected as a member, but when I was chosen, I felt that I should prepare thoroughly so that I could play at any time.
Q: How did you feel about the different atmosphere compared to high school, such as greeting fans and supporters during the team bus arrival and warm-up?
A: I have been watching on TV since I was little, and the J-League stage was something I admired. Being there myself made me quite nervous.
Q: At what timing were you informed about the substitution?
A: After the first half ended, while the substitute members were on the pitch kicking the ball, I was told, "Yuta, you’re going in from the second half!" At that moment, I was very surprised because I didn’t expect to be called in so soon.
Q, when entering the pitch from the touchline during substitutions, it seemed like they were confident.
A, many people often say that I appear confident, but I don't think so myself. Of course, I was nervous when entering the pitch as well.
Q: When you came out of the locker room and headed towards the pitch, what words did Ryoya OGAWA say to you?
A, OGAWA told me, "Don't be nervous and keep challenging aggressively." Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also said, "Stay wide on the side, and when the ball comes, courageously take on the challenge." I kept that in mind while playing.
Q, what did you feel after playing for 45 minutes on the pitch?
A, I felt that the speed, accuracy, and quality of passes were different from high school.
Q, how did it go?
A, I received many passes, so I thought it would be meaningless if I didn’t use my strengths, such as dribbling and creating chances, in those situations. I played with the mindset of courageously taking on challenges.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show when you next participate?
A, when the opportunity to play comes, I want to make plays that contribute to the result and help the team win. I will do my best to contribute to FC Tokyo's victory.
