Q, Tokyo won the title of the Levain Cup in the 2020 season. Player Nagatomo also contributed to winning the same title in the 2009 season. What kind of impact does winning the title have on the team?
A, of course, I think confidence was a big thing. We thought we could do it. But if we don't build up that confidence, we can't grow as a team or as a club. Even just winning one game gives us confidence, but only by building it up can true confidence take root in the team.
Q, when you were playing for Inter Milan, did you feel the tradition and confidence of the club that had accumulated titles?
A, clubs with a tradition of always being a winning team and constantly winning titles have confidence somewhere. It's not just the players, but also the staff. And they always aim high. That's why they can be strict, and I felt that too. So I think we have to keep winning and keep building.
Q, of course, we are aiming for the league title, but as Tokyo, we have won titles in cup competitions such as the Levain Cup and the Emperor's Cup. Is it important to continue this trend?
A, of course it is important to win the league title, and I think the impact is significant, but I also believe that there are things that can only be obtained by continuing to win titles, including cup competitions.
Q: In this season's Levain Cup, young players are getting opportunities to play. Do they need to have the awareness of not only being a place for growth but also being responsible for winning titles?
A, I think that young players will gain playing opportunities and grow by gaining confidence, which will create competition within the team. Regardless of the form, I believe that everything will contribute to the team's growth and become an asset to Tokyo.
Q: What is your impression of the young players who will lead the future of Tokyo?
A, Kuryu MATSUKI, who joined this season, is also a good player.Of course, I hope he will play in Tokyo for a long time, but I think he also has aspirations to play overseas and grow as a player. However, I also think that by playing with a strong desire to grow, it can be a source of motivation.
Q, I think there are also cases where players like Nagatomo gain experience overseas and then come back to Tokyo to contribute.
A, I think that's a wonderful cycle, having an attachment to the team called Tokyo, and passing on the experiences of Tokyo in their youth and the experiences gained overseas to the young players, and it's ideal for the young players to be stimulated and grow.
Q: How is the atmosphere among the young players currently?
A, I think it's good to be more aggressive. By actively coming forward, I also receive energy and a fighting spirit. It's not just about the young players being aggressive, we also need to be aggressive. I believe that the true strength of a team is born through colliding with each other. There may be a part where we try to be smart, but I think it's okay for young players to be rough around the edges. However, they must have a fighting spirit. It's difficult to develop that later on. Even if a player in their 30s tries to have it, they won't be able to. I want them to express that on the pitch.
