――Both of them have the same background, coming from Kyushu International University High School and Fukuoka University. For Yamashita, Nagai is a senior player.
Player Yamashita
That's right.
Is that an absolute existence?
Player Nagai
Not really, haha
- - Are you not enrolled in the same school or university?
Player Nagai
I'm not wearing it at all.
※Nagai player was in high school from 2004-2006, Yamashita player was in high school from 2011-2013
University attendance: Ryo NAGAI from 2007-2010, Yudai YAMASHITA from 2014-2017
Player Yamashita
I've known for a long time. When I was in high school, Kensuke-san was still active in the front line and even participated in the Olympics (2012). He often visited high schools and such, so of course I knew him.
- NAGAI player used to go to high school for practice.
Player Nagai
No, I haven't gone (laughs)
Player Yamashita
When he first started playing, everyone was talking about "Kensuke Nagai is here...!!" (laughs)
- Yamashita knew it unilaterally.
Player Yamashita
Yes, everyone knew it after all.
- When did Nagai start to be conscious of Yamashita?
Player Nagai
I knew he was my junior... but I didn't expect us to be on the same team.
Player Yamashita
Since turning pro, right?
Player Ryo NAGAI
Every January, I always do voluntary training with players from Fukuoka University, and I knew him since he was a student there at that time.
- Communication since becoming a professional...
Player Yamashita
There were some ups and downs, right?
Player Ryo NAGAI
Yes.
Player Yamashita
I couldn't talk that much, just a greeting. Rather than giving off an aura, Kensuke was just being himself (laughs).
- Is it a feeling of being too respectful when there is an age difference?
Nagai player
And there is also Yasuki Kimoto player in between.
※Kimoto player was enrolled at Fukuoka University from 2012 to 2015.
- Is Kimoto wearing the same thing as the other two players?
Player Ryo NAGAI
I don't have even 1 millimeter... (lol)
Player Yamashita
Since Kensuke-san and I are from different generations (laughs), I played with him when I was a first-year student and he was a third-year student, and when I was a second-year student, he was a fourth-year student.
Player Nagai
At the top is Yugo Iiyama (Yugo Iiyama, FC Tokyo Development Department, 2003-2007, Fukuoka University). He was a fourth-year student when I was a first-year student.
- - When you started playing on the same team, what kind of communication did you have when you met as a team?
Player Ryo NAGAI
We met at the end of 2021 before joining the team, right?
Player Yamashita
When I was thinking about what to do with the team, I consulted with Kensuke and he allowed me to contact him... So when it was decided, I reported it to him.
Player Ryo NAGAI
So I knew it earlier than the PR department (lol)
Player Yamashita
I also got to do training and have meals together.
- There was communication before entering, right? We are both forwards, but how do you feel about each other's impressions?
Player Ryo NAGAI
His style is completely different. He seems like the type to stand firm and finish inside.
Player Yamashita
Mr. Kensuke, you definitely haven't watched the game, have you? (lol)
Player Ryo NAGAI
I'm not really a fan of watching soccer (laughs).
I remember he scored a lot of goals in the first half of the 2021 season. Did he get injured at some point?
Player Yamashita
Injuries such as muscle strains... well, I wasn't able to play from the start, but I was able to play in the second half of the season.
Do you have any impressions of Mr. Nagai from Mr. Yamashita?
Player Yamashita
I only have an image... (laughs), but the play is more of a public image. As a player, I didn't know that Kensuke-san was the brightest character.
Player Ryo NAGAI
(calmly) No, this is how I usually am at home. I don't talk at all.
Player Yamashita
seems to be the most enthusiastic person in the team, with great energy.
Player Nagai
Young players are still inexperienced (laughs). Only (Go Hatano) is energetic, and there are no players who are as outstanding as him or who have not developed yet.
- Well, it seems that player Nagai is currently accepting it, right?
Player Yamashita
Mr. Kensuke says that he is doing it himself and also letting his juniors do it.
Player Nagai
It's about time for a generational change. But it's impossible for Kosei, haha. The lack of players who can speak is a challenge for Tokyo. It's not necessary to liven things up, but when the team is not doing well or when you can't speak. Even if the older generation keeps doing it. I'm already 34 years old this year. (Player Yamashita is) 26 years old, right?
Player Yamashita
It's the age of 27.
Player Nagai
It's best to do it around there. I just do it casually at the top... (laughs)
- Returning to the conversation, the forward position is one of the most competitive positions in the team. What impressions do you have while training at the camp?
Player Yamashita
I think each player has their own type, role, and characteristics, so I hope we can get to know each other's strengths during the training camp and get along well. But of course, I also have the desire to do my best and not lose.
Player Nagai
Since it is almost impossible to finish the season with the same starting lineup as the opening, I am not in a hurry. We are trying to play a completely different style of soccer from last year, so it will take time. The coach also demands dedication, so I think he will use players who can work hard in defense at key moments and understand the characteristics of each player and apply them effectively.
- Is there any experience in your soccer career similar to the style of soccer that Coach Albert aims for, even though it is the first year of your transfer?
Player Yamashita
In terms of positional play, I was also doing it at Tosu last year, and that was one of the reasons I decided to transfer. However, even in positional play, there are different aspects such as how to pass the ball from the bottom, position, and standing position, so I think I have to do what Coach Albert is asking for.
However, as Kensuke-san said, if you want to play positional play, you have to talk more. I think there are few players who talk during the game.
Player Nagai
There is not much conversation. There are parts that can be resolved by talking, and it would be good if young players like (Abe) Shuto could speak more now.
- It means that we want young players to assert themselves more on the pitch.
Player Nagai
Players like Shuuto, (Ogawa) Ryouya, they need to speak more. If you want to play the soccer you want to play, you have to be able to speak. If you aim to possess the ball, it's important to switch to defense and have a sense of distance. It's tough if you can't speak. If you don't push the previous player forward, the line will drop, and if you don't take the lead and speak from behind.
Player Yamashita
A voice from behind, like "Move to the right" or "Move to the left" or "I'll go if you drop down next," those little directing voices are really helpful. It's even more so because if you move one step off, you'll be stripped off.
- Now, don't you have the luxury to think and make adjustments, and enjoy the new soccer?
Player Nagai
No, I'm actually having a lot of fun.
Player Yamashita
Yes, that's right, you're enjoying it, aren't you?
- - It has just begun, but can you see the picture of how it will be like as it permeates?
Player Nagai
The time with the ball increased even in yesterday's (1/29) practice match. However, the way the ball was taken away was poor, so there is still a lot of defensive fatigue. There were many easy ways to have the ball taken away yesterday.
- How do you feel about the atmosphere in Tokyo as a player who has transferred here, Yamashita?
Player Yamashita
(since becoming a professional) It's my fourth team in my fifth year, but I think it's the most familiar team. I felt that because Kensuke and Kyosei are also here. The teams I have belonged to so far were in environments where almost no one knew each other, so it felt like jumping into the unknown. I'm not really good at immediately fitting in when I go somewhere, but I'm grateful that they created an accepting environment for me.
- How do you feel about the atmosphere in Tokyo, even though you have been with the team for a long time, Nagai?
Player Nagai
There are many quiet players (lol)
Player Yamashita
He's been saying it all along. Even before I joined.
Ryo NAGAI
Especially the players from the academy are quiet. Right, Koyama-kun (laughs)
※Takuya Koyama (FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi-FC Tokyo U-18-Senshu University) currently belongs to the FC Tokyo Promotion Department
Player Yamashita
There is a veteran with a proven track record above me, so even when I came up from the youth team, I feel hesitant in certain aspects, both in private and on the field. Maybe it's because there weren't many senior players when I was at Tosu last year, but the young players were full of life.
Player Nagai
All the players are quiet. I've been saying it for 5 years (laughs) It's a shame though.
- I often see Nagai talking to various players, including Matsuki, during practice.
Player Nagai
I'm cheering for everyone. Well, I hope everyone (Matsuki) can do it like Kuse. I want them to be as passionate as that. It's cute, right? If they were that passionate.
- If there is any advice from Nagai to Yamashita in his first year after transferring, please let us know.
Player Nagai
Don't call me Efto.
Player Yamashita
Yes (laughs). I properly say Tokyo.
- Finally, please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming season.
Player Yamashita
This year is my first year after transferring, and I think it's an age where I have to compete at 27 years old, so I want to focus on the results. I want to leave my own numbers as an individual, and as long as I'm playing soccer, I want to win titles. I don't have any experience in winning titles, so I have a strong desire to win the league championship in Tokyo.
Personally, I never thought I would be on the same team as Kensuke-san in high school, and I would like to play together and perform well in the matches.
Player Nagai
I'm already taking it at my own pace. The season is long, so.
Player Yamashita
Do you think that way when you become a veteran? I came up from the lower category, so I don't have a weed spirit, but I had a feeling that I had to produce results and I came here with all my might... I want to have some leeway, maybe in a few years (laughs). Kensuke-san is quite solid, isn't he?
Player Nagai
(Right now) he just hasn't switched on. He's the type of person who won't do it unless he's switched on.
Player Yamashita
It's amazing how different he is on and off the field. At home and with the team.
Player Nagai
During the off season, I don't think about soccer at all, not even 1mm (laughs). I only talk about soccer right after the game ends and when I'm in the zone (laughs).
※Interviews will be conducted on the day after the practice match, during the afternoon off.
Player Yamashita
Mr. Kensuke is very laid-back, but he is incredibly caring. I was surprised by that. I didn't think he was that kind of person.
Player Nagai
Oh, let's go eat together next time (lol)
Player Yamashita
I only knew Kensuke NAGAI who plays soccer, so when I contacted him and interacted with him, he said things like "If you have any questions when you come to Tokyo, contact me" and I was like, "Wow, he's so kind."
Player Nagai
He is very kind.
Player Yamashita
seems to be kind to his juniors.
- Thank you very much for today. Please continue to work hard towards the opening.
Discussion Date: January 30, 2022
