"I have confidence in producing results if I am used in the game."
After joining Tokyo, Ryotaro ARAKI, who has been saying so for a long time, has made a great performance with 3 goals in the first 2 games of the season. The game maker of the Paris Olympics generation, who has a fixed position as an attacking midfielder, is quickly becoming the "face" of the team.
After making a big impact as an individual player from the beginning of the season and gaining attention for being selected for the U-23 Japan national team, he has been shining. However, the team has been struggling with 3 winless games. Entrusted with the role of "number 10", he has taken on the position of leading the blue and red army from the front in both offense and defense. How does he see his own and the team's current situation?
Let's unravel Ryotaro Araki's thoughts, growth, and changes on and off the pitch.
- After scoring in the opening match against Cerezo Osaka, you jumped towards the goal end and showed your joy by hitting your chest emblem. It was also illustrated in the review of the opening match, but are you the type who thinks about various goal performances?
No, no, I didn't think about it at all. I did want to score in the opening game, but I didn't really think I would, so I didn't have any performance planned (laughs). So the performance in the opening game was really spontaneous. I was able to score there, so I thought, "Maybe there will be another chance," and I was thinking about greeting the fans and supporters at Ajinomoto Stadium with a bow pose if I scored again (laughs).
──Have you had a set goal performance until now?
There's nothing in particular. At Kashima Antlers, when we score a goal, we go to the bench and celebrate together. I think it boosts the team's morale, so I'm thinking of doing the same in Tokyo from now on.
──In the first two matches of the opening against Cerezo Osaka and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, both teams fought back tenaciously after conceding the lead and ended in a draw. In the third match against Vissel Kobe, it was a disappointing comeback loss after taking the lead for the first time. Personally, I feel like I have been able to produce results, but at the same time, there is frustration in the fact that the team has not won yet. How do you look back on the opening matches?
This is something I've been saying to the media, but both our attacking and defending as a team have been improving, and I see that as a positive. However, our game management still needs work.
──Regarding the flow of the game, what specific aspects do you see as challenges? Kashima Antlers, where Araki was a member until last season, has a strong image as a "game master".
For example, in a match against Kobe, the 5-10 minutes after scoring the first goal are crucial, so we must not concede any goals during that time. Instead of focusing on defense, we were discussing being more aggressive in our attack, but we were unable to execute it on the field. That is something we need to work on.
──How can we improve it?
I think it is a good strategy for the team to play at a high position first. The opponent often comes out after being scored first, so instead of easily kicking the ball vertically as Tokyo, it is important to build up while connecting well and not being afraid. If we can create one or two opportunities there, the opponent will have no choice but to drop back. I believe that this kind of courageous play is necessary.
But...this season, there was no lead from the opening, so honestly, I thought it would be a little difficult. However, if you look at it in a positive way, I think it was a good learning experience for the team. In the first three games, we were tied while being behind, and we lost after taking the lead, but from here on, it is absolutely necessary for the team to have the power to win. Among various elements, I want to firmly grasp that power.
To win, it will be necessary for the attacking unit, including player Araki, to increase the number of scenes involved in scoring goals, while showing a solid defense in coordination.
First of all, the attacking line-up has some really amazing players. Each one has their own unique qualities, and I think as long as they work together well in attack, there shouldn't be any problems. However, one issue is that we have been conceding a lot of goals since the start of the season. It's important for the whole team to defend together, not just the front line. If we can all share the responsibility of not conceding goals at crucial moments and defend well, we should be able to get closer to victory.
──Is it necessary to align the timing and defensive mindset?
Well, I think if we can all align our thoughts on the time zone and fight together, we can reduce the number of goals conceded.
──As an individual, I have scored 3 goals in the first 2 matches of the season. How would you evaluate yourself so far?
Maybe looking at the numbers is good, but I think the performance throughout the 90 minutes of the opening game where I scored two goals was not good at all. As we play more games, our performance is improving and I have a strong desire to help the team win with my goals, so I want to contribute more and more by scoring and defending on my own.
──After the opening game, he said, "I had confidence that I could produce results if I was given the chance to play. I am grateful to coach Peter for calling me to Tokyo and giving me the opportunity to play." How do you feel about the specific parts that fit in after actually joining?
First of all, it was a big thing for me to have the "number 10" (attacking midfielder) in the formation. In soccer, where I can progress the attack through myself on the pitch, I feel that it really suits me. After finishing the camp and practicing daily, I gradually gained the trust of those around me and started to receive passes, which allowed me to create attacks. So, I think it's a good fit for me after all.
──By the way, when deciding to transfer to Tokyo, I think there were various options. Did you have any persuasive words from coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI that became the deciding factor?
First of all, I thought that the coach's style really suited me. And even now, I'm always told, "I love your play" (laughs). I really think it was a good decision to come to PEACE STADIUM with Coach Peter, because I can really show my strengths here.
──It seems that you have become a complete linkman for the attack since the opening. I think that there is also a big part that has gained trust from the surroundings, but what kind of ingenuity are you actually making on the pitch?
Always show your face to the ball holder and keep indicating with your movements and voice, "I am here," and from there, passes will come out. There are many players in the front line who are easy to understand in terms of movement, so I want to pull out a lot of balls and increase the number of passes that will make use of the players in the front line. Overall, there are many players who are easy to play with. The players in the back position look at me and keep passing the ball to me. Personally, I am the type to create rhythm while touching the ball, so it is easier for me to play.
──Exactly, who am I when I'm playing well?
It's definitely when I'm touching the ball a lot. By touching the ball, I can create chances and also create a rhythm for the team.
──There may be difficult situations during the game, both as a team and personally. What is the solution in such cases?
That's where we want to solve the problem by playing more games. Until now, I haven't been conscious of that because I was in a younger position and the seniors were pulling me along. But now I'm not a young player anymore, and I'm still exploring what kind of behavior I can do... It's still difficult, but honestly, I'm still exploring.
──What do you want to do to rebuild the team from here?
First of all, it is absolutely necessary to communicate with those around you. As a player, I want to become someone who can overcome difficult situations on my own. That is the easiest way.
Has your position within the team, your awareness, and the situation you are in changed little by little?
Yes, that's right. Age is also a factor, and I do feel that things have changed. This team has a lot of young players, so I think that also contributes to a change in mindset.
──Has the sense of responsibility to live up to expectations and produce results also emerged since moving to Tokyo?
No...I don't really feel that way (bitter smile). First and foremost, I want to work hard to shine as a soccer player.
──There will be two consecutive games at the Japan National Stadium in April against Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers. What is your impression of Urawa Reds first?
I had a practice match just before the opening, and I thought it was a pretty good team. I also watched the league match, and I have the impression that it will be scary when it is completed.
──Gustafsson, a member of the Swedish national team, joined as an anchor from this season. I think he will be a perfect match for Araki in terms of position.
There, we struggled even in practice matches. Bryan LINSSEN is good at showing his face, and the triangle including the two center backs has a high level of technical skills, so it gives the impression that it's not easy to take the ball away. How we respond to that will be the key. I think Urawa will come up with various strategies, and it will be necessary to adapt flexibly while watching how the opponent comes out during the actual match.
──Cannot play in the Kashima game due to a temporary transfer contract, but what is your impression of Kashima this season?
Since the coach has changed, the team has become different from when I was there, but I thought that there was a typical Kashima strength in catching up at the last minute and winning points in the Sec. 2 Cerezo Osaka match. In order to compete, it is absolutely necessary to concentrate for 90 minutes.
──Is there any information you want to convey to Tokyo players?
The style has changed, so there isn't much information as a team. I think there are things that can be said about individual players' characteristics and details.
──What I think about playing at the National Stadium.
I want to have an intense match on the pitch and celebrate with everyone after winning. Personally, I enjoy playing in front of a large crowd, so it gets me pumped up.
If we can win these two games, I think it will give us momentum and confidence as a team and as players, and I want to focus on winning with all my might. It would be great if I could show off with a goal, but I also want to showcase my strengths in other areas, so I hope people will see that. I want to take this opportunity to make my play known to many people, and for the team, these two important consecutive games will be crucial for our comeback, so I just want to fight with a strong determination for results.
Text by Ikiru AOYAMA
An interview with player Araki is now available on SportsNavi.
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