Q, please look back on the national matches and scoring scenes.
A, first of all, it's a scoring scene, but when the ball was passed to Mita and he was dribbling, I could imagine a 4-on-2 situation in my head. Also, even before the game started, we talked as a team about shooting long shots, including the condition of the field, so when Mita carried the ball that far, I could imagine taking a shot. I always keep in mind about the loose ball after shooting, so I didn't give up until the end and as a result of aiming, luckily the ball dropped right in front of me, so I just pushed it in.
Q, do you have any thoughts on scoring goals in three consecutive matches at the National Stadium, including the Levain Cup final of the 2021 season?
A, I think that no matter which stadium, we always have to approach it with 100% effort, and I always want to score. I think it's really good that we have been able to score in three consecutive games at the National Stadium, and I would be happy if we have a game at the National Stadium again.
Q: How do you feel about scoring 8 goals in the 2020 season, 9 goals in the 2021 season, and reaching 10 goals for the first time this season in the J1 League?
I am happy to have reached 10 goals, but as a player, I believe that I need to improve every year. I think it is a positive thing that the number of goals has increased as the season progresses. I believe that reaching 10 goals was important for me to go higher in the goal-scoring rankings and for the team to achieve a higher position in the future.
Q, looking at the goal scoring rankings for this season, it is possible to consider the top scorer, isn't it?
A, looking at the current number of goals, I am aware of being in the top and aiming for the top scorer. Of course, there are still games left for players who are competing in the rankings, but I am conscious of scoring goals myself and I want to be the player with the most goals when the season ends.
Q, I think it would be amazing to become the top scorer in a position as a winger rather than as a center forward.
I think there is a belief that center forwards, being closer to the goal, have an easier time scoring. However, I myself can also score when I move inside from the wing or when I have the opportunity to take a shot. Sometimes, those shots luckily find their way into the goal. Of course, there are also goals that I score exactly as I practiced. It is true that being in a favorable position as a center forward makes it easier to score, but I believe that it is more important that my own efforts to aim for the goal are what lead to scoring.
Q, looking forward to the 11th goal.
A, I will do my best to win.
Q: What is the factor that allows you to consistently score goals with 10 goals this season?
A, I think there is certainly a divine connection. And I believe that the results of my training are showing. In my daily efforts, whether I start the game or come in as a substitute, I want to play for the team and contribute with visible results such as goals and assists. As a result, I have reached 10 goals this season.
Q, I think the next Kashima game will be an important game for the team to move up in the rankings.
The team understands that the next Kashima game will be an important match in order to move up in the rankings. We were able to enter the Kyoto game with a good flow from the beginning and had a good game throughout the 90 minutes. We want to start in the same way and achieve good results, so we will prepare for it over the next week.
Q: Kashima changed their coach in the middle of this season, but I think there are both parts that still retain the essence of Kashima and parts that are trying to change. What aspects do you want to be mindful of while fighting?
A, Kashima has changed their coach and their approach has also changed a bit, but I think the most important thing is whether they can stick to their own style. The opponents may have different approaches and new styles, but it is important for us to do what we have to do, and if we can't do that, victory will be far away. I think it is important to fight for 90 minutes after doing what we have to do and aim for victory.
Q, this season has also reached 5 matches. Have you noticed any changes in your role or awareness within the soccer style that Coach Albert has been seeking, as you have played up until now?
I think the role that is being demanded by the coach has not changed since the beginning of the season. However, the level of demand has also changed, and I think the current level of response is higher than at the beginning of the season.
Q, there are games where you start in the starting lineup and games where you come on as a substitute. I think it is more difficult to come on as a substitute in a game.
A, of course, when entering the game from the middle, the intensity of the press and the things required are different from when they are already out from the beginning, so I think it is difficult for the players to enter the game from the middle, but there are things that must be done, so I am thinking about playing while considering what needs to be done.
