Q: Please tell us about the process and decision to join Tokyo.
A, it was truly a difficult decision. The main reason I made this decision was because the club clearly presented its vision. They thoroughly explained how I can contribute to the team and what tasks I will be assigned in relation to that vision. I strongly believe that by achieving the vision the club has set, I will inevitably be able to achieve my own goals as well. I am 29 years old this year, and I feel that I do not have much time left as a player. It was a tough decision, but I chose to fight as a member of Tokyo.
Q, what kind of conversation did you have with Coach Klomovski after practice?
A, we talked about the review of the meeting and the style of play that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI expects. I was told to express a high level of intensity and to play by making the most of my strengths.
Q, please tell us your strong points.
A, I want you to notice my sprinting ability and my strong one-on-one skills in both offense and defense. Especially when it comes down to speed and sprinting duels, I don’t want to lose. I believe that to survive as a professional soccer player, you need an overwhelming weapon, and I want to demonstrate my presence through my sprinting and high-level one-on-one abilities on both ends of the field.
Q, Jul 7 (Fri) was the first day of practice. Please tell us your impressions and the atmosphere after joining.
A, There are truly many kind players, and they created an atmosphere that made it easy to join the team.
Q: Do you have any teammates who have played together in the past?
A, although it was for half a season, I played together with Seiji KIMURA during my time at Kyoto Sanga F.C., and with Tsuyoshi KODAMA for about one and a half seasons during my time at Ehime FC.
Q, it seems like you started your career from JFL and have been steadily stepping up.
A, I have been playing as a J-Leaguer for the past 10 years, but to be honest, I think I have spent more time going through difficult periods where things didn’t go well. However, during that time, I worked on overcoming my challenges and weaknesses one by one, and at a point when my performance was in good shape, I received an offer from Tokyo. I believe that what I have built up so far was not wrong, and considering my age, I see this as my last chance, so I want to give it my all and compete with my life on the line.
Q: Based on past matches and other factors, please tell us your impression of Tokyo.
A: Previously, I had a strong impression that the team was based on solid defense and quick counterattacks, but over the past few seasons, it seems they have shifted to a possession-based style of soccer that takes control of the game. Also, the quality of all the players is very high, and since Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI took over, I have especially felt during matches that the team has significantly increased its running and fighting spirit.
Q: What would you like fans and supporters to call you?
A, Please call me Kosuke.
Q, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A: I want to fully utilize my strengths and qualities, such as sprinting ability and physical strength in one-on-one situations, to contribute to the team's victory. I appreciate your support.
