Q: How did you spend the three-week camp?
A, coming to a new club, we can challenge together with a new philosophy and a new style. We have been able to have a fulfilling camp for these three weeks. Every day, we work hard and feel that we are heading in a new direction together. However, it is important to continue to make efforts towards the next step from here, so we will do our best again from tomorrow.
Q, the role of the goalkeeper is also wide in terms of the playing style that values the ball.
A, now, what is being demanded of goalkeepers by the coach is not just shot stopping, but also moving the ball as the first attacker. For me, it is a new challenge, so I will work on it diligently while not forgetting my main job of stopping shots and protecting the goal.
Q, it is impressive to see the coaching while using Japanese in line with the team's approach.
A, it is important to play in coordination with the surrounding players both in attack and defense because you cannot play alone. I think that calling out to the goalkeeper is one of my responsibilities because the goalkeeper is in a position where they can see everything, and communication is an important element of soccer, so I am conscious of working on it.
Q: I think it is necessary to understand the individual characteristics of each player in order to coach them. Were you able to get to know your teammates during the camp?
Coming to a new club means that I have to know more about the players and the team. During the camp, I made an effort to understand the individual playing styles and personalities of the players. Through this, I have discovered certain aspects and I believe that the team is heading in a positive direction. The most important thing is not only knowing the strengths of my teammates, but also how we can come together as one team and unite.
Q, it seems that you are good at stopping shots from close range, such as shots from inside the box. What kind of play do you think you are good at?
A, I think I can be a goalkeeper who can do everything (laughs). I always strive for perfection and make daily efforts to become a goalkeeper who can do anything.
Q, I have the impression that you show big saves in every J-League match.
A, in order for the team to achieve good results, it is essential not only for the goalkeeper, but also for the field players to provide support. Sometimes, I may need to help others, and other times, I may receive help myself. The most important thing is not how well I perform individually, but how the team can achieve good results. I believe that my saves contributing to the team's outcome is something that brings me great joy, and I want to continue doing so.
Q: What kind of image did you have of Tokyo before joining the club?
Last season, I unfortunately experienced the disappointing result of relegation while playing for Vegalta Sendai in J2. At that time, I received an offer from Tokyo, which made me happy because it presented a challenge for me to further improve myself. I came to Tokyo in order to respond to the offer, and I am determined to give my all in daily training for that purpose.
Q: Are there any pressures despite the high expectations from fans and supporters?
I don't feel any pressure. I want to continue enjoying soccer and loving it, just like when I was a child dreaming of becoming a soccer player. I also enjoy new challenges every day in order to achieve the results that fans and supporters desire.
Q: What do you want to work on in the two weeks before the opening?
A, I think the opening match will be very exciting and important, but it is just one game in a long season. Just like a fast long-distance runner cannot achieve results only in the beginning, I want to always prepare for each game in front of me in order to achieve good results throughout the year. Now that the opening match is approaching, I will prepare myself and the team firmly for it.
Interview Date: February 5, 2022
