It was the most difficult decision of his life. The midfielder, Kei Koizumi, who returned to his hometown of Tokyo, stated his goal of achieving it at all costs. In order to see new scenery with this club, Kei Koizumi put on the blue and red uniform.
Q, First of all, please tell us how you felt when you received an offer from FC Tokyo.
A, I was honestly happy when I received the offer. Being approached by a team from Tokyo, the capital city, was a great feeling. I was glad to be recognized and it boosted my confidence. However, I have experienced transfers several times before, and to be honest, this was the most difficult decision I’ve faced. It might have been the toughest decision of my life.
Q, what was the deciding factor for that decision?
A, after all, one of the deciding factors for me was that I had never won a title myself. FC Tokyo has won cup titles in the past, but has never won a league title. I heard from the club that capital clubs around the world have experienced league victories, but Tokyo has not been able to achieve that.I felt a sense of challenge in that. If I can come here and win a title, I might be able to engrave my name in the history of FC Tokyo. I have a strong desire to win a league title before I retire. Also, the fact that I only knew players like Keita YAMASHITA, who played for Sagan Tosu last year, and Leandro from my time at Kashima Antlers was a big reason. I am originally from Adachi Ward in Tokyo, but I don't have much familiarity with the area. I believe this is the best age for me as a player, and I thought this was my last chance to challenge myself in a place I don't know. Those two reasons were why I decided to transfer this time.
Q, Was there anyone you consulted with?
A, TeammatesI couldn't say it to my teammates, but I consulted with Nagoya Grampus' Ryota NAGAKI, who was my teammate during my time at Kashima.
Q, Are you from Adachi Ward? Have you had any involvement with FC Tokyo so far?
A, I have experience participating in training when I was a third-year high school student. I was allowed to take part in training and practice matches, but at that time I was not able to secure an offer, so I went straight to Albirex Niigata. I am originally from Tokyo and grew up in Tokyo, but until now I hadn’t had much connection with FC Tokyo. However, I think this time the timing was right and I was fortunate to have this opportunity.
Q, Please tell us your impression of FC Tokyo from an outside perspective.
There is an impression that there are many good players with national team experience. Also, I thought that the 2022 season would be a year of various challenges as the club changed to MIXI Group under the direction of coach Albert.
Q, What is your impression of Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, Although it is not a soccer-specific stadium, I have the impression that it is a large and nice stadium. It was also a challenging place for away players, and I felt the pressure from the excitement when a goal was scored. It still feels a bit strange that this will be our home from now on, but I want to experience and feel various things once it starts.
Q, What is your impression of soccer style?
A, I felt from the outside that with the change of coach, there was an emphasis on valuing possession of the ball. However, I believe it’s not just about holding onto the ball, but also about valuing the intensity of play. Even during matches, voices expressing that were coming from the players themselves. I thought that was the kind of aspect they were seeking.
Q: Looking back on your career, you have progressed from Yokohama F.Marinos' development organization to Kashiwa High School affiliated with the University of Commerce. Can you tell us about that process?
A, I was unable to move up to the youth team and felt quite frustrated. At that time, I was looking for a high school strong enough to beat the Marinos youth team, and among those I could commute to from home, Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School was strong, so I chose to attend there.
Q, I think there was also an encounter there. There was also Ryoya Ogawa (currently playing for Vitoria Sport Clube in Portugal) who was one year below me. What was your relationship like?
A, Because of Ryoya, I was often made to shave my head (laughs). But even though he was a year younger, he was involved with our generation and also played in matches. He had high physical ability even back then.
Q, Did you want to play for the same team again, even though you went to Portugal this summer and had to be replaced?
A, That's right. I think it would have been interesting if we could have played on the same team. However, this is something that depends on timing, so there are parts that can't be helped. I believe he is also chasing his dreams overseas, so personally, I want to fully support him in that.
Q, How do you feel about playing in your hometown of Tokyo again?
A, I lived in Kyushu for a year and a half and have now returned here. Although it was a short time, I do feel like I have come back. After all, there are differences between Kyushu and Tokyo, even though both are in Japan. When I played away games at Ajinomoto, my family often came to cheer me on, so I think they are happy about that.
Q, What kind of career do you envision for yourself as you enter the best age as a player?
A, I want to win a title above all else. I want to have at least one trophy in my career. FC Tokyo has won cup competitions, but they have never won the league, which aligns with my own aspirations. I decided to focus on that and made my decision because I want to win it together with the team. I believe that if we become champions, I will see a different scenery, so I always want to keep that in mind.
Q, Looking back at your career, you have been used in various positions. Is there a position you want to compete in here?
A, To be honest, in my early twenties, I had a position where I wanted to play. However, after I started playing alongside Nagaki, whom I met during my time at Kashima, my perspective changed. Watching Nagaki play as a defensive midfielder, right back, and side half, I felt that no matter where he was, he played to help the team win. Seeing him fight for the team wherever he was assigned looked really cool to me. Since I was a similar type of player, I felt that I needed to become that kind of player, and I started to want to be like that. Since meeting him, I haven’t been so particular about positions. I believe it’s about what I can do when entrusted with a role. I do have an idea of which positions bring out my strengths, and others have pointed it out as well. Even so, wherever I play, I think all I have to do is fight for the team to win.
Q, what are the necessary things to play in various positions?
A, You absolutely must not lose in one-on-one situations or in the intensity of play. I believe this is undoubtedly important in any position. If you don’t let that drop, you naturally have the sense that you can perform well anywhere. There was a time when I felt it would be difficult if I could show intensity as a defensive midfielder but not as a fullback. Now, I believe that as long as I don’t lower my intensity wherever I play, my strengths will come through both in attack and defense.
Q, what is the one place you don't want to lose?
A, I believe that winning the ball is one of my strengths. I have always aimed to compete in that aspect as a professional, so if I can't win the ball in my area, my effectiveness diminishes. I want to continue valuing that going forward.
Q: If there is anything you can do to make a change by joining this team, please let me know.
A, I am not the type to speak out loudly, so I want to show it through my play. There are many young players in Tokyo, so I want to create an atmosphere that shows a high level of play intensity and that this is the standard you have to meet. I want to demonstrate this not only in matches but also firmly in practice. I believe these are things I must show.
Q, finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A, as I mentioned in my joining announcement comment, I will exert the maximum power I currently have to help FC Tokyo win the title. I would be happy if you could support that. I am a player from the generation called mid-career. Since there are many young players on this team, I want to do my best to have a positive influence on the club not only in matches but also in daily training.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
