Q, I think the game against Kawasaki Frontale was also good, but wasn't the first half of the game against Cerezo Osaka played as planned?
A, I do feel a sense of progress. I've gotten somewhat used to the speed of the professional level and have been allowed to play in positions where I can bring out my strengths. I've reached the point where I can play with confidence, so although there are still areas to improve, I am gradually able to play as I envision.
Q: In the match against C Osaka, it is evident in the data that you are covering a wide area from just outside the opponent's penalty area to just outside your own penalty area. Do you have that awareness within yourself as well?
A, rather than consciously trying to cover a wide area, I think it happened naturally due to the match situation, including the fact that a player was sent off. Especially in the first half, I felt the opponent was struggling to find their rhythm, so I was conscious of increasing my work rate, such as pressing from the front. I think that fit well and allowed us to transition into attack.
Q, March 12th will be your debut at home at Ajinomoto Stadium if you play. Have you played any games at Ajinomoto Stadium before?
A, no, I haven't. I have never even watched a match at Ajinomoto Stadium. However, I have seen many Tokyo games on video, so I have a rough idea of the stadium's atmosphere.
Q, how do you think the atmosphere will change at home compared to the previous matches? Will your feelings also change compared to your debut match?
A, the first two matches were away games, so at home, more fans and supporters will come to watch, and I think many people will see my play for the first time, so I am looking forward to playing at home.
Q, are you the type to get nervous in big stages or first stages, or are you the type to get excited and filled with emotions?
A, I’m the type to get excited. I really want to show my play in front of the fans and supporters who will fill Ajinomoto Stadium as soon as possible.
Q, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the opponent, plays a pressing style from the front line, which is the opposite of Tokyo's style of soccer. What kind of play is required of Matsuki against such a team?
A, I think the play required involves receiving the ball between the lines, not just at your feet, but also making runs into the space behind the opponent when it opens up, adapting your play according to the situation.
Q, it seems that the number of times involved in build-up will also increase in order to remove the opponent's press.
A, I won’t know until I actually play, but I think the number of times I’m involved with the ball will increase.
Q: Are you able to play with the sensation of being able to draw an image that directly leads to a goal, as you have been involved in the finishing scenes of both the Kawasaki and C Osaka matches?
A, I always play with the image of scoring a goal in mind. When I have the ball, I constantly visualize who to pass to and where I should move next. I want to enjoy the home opener and play with a mindset that works backward from the goal.
