Q: How was the U-20 Japan national team?
A: It was good that we won the match that determined qualification for the U-20 World Cup and secured our spot. Although not being able to beat Iraq in the Semifinal Round remained as an issue, overall it was a valuable experience.
Q: Was it a tournament that left you with regrets?
A: I think everyone feels regret. The only place where we can clear that regret on the pitch is at the U-20 World Cup stage. Once we go to the world stage, individual playing level becomes important. I want to power up and face the tournament with that mindset.
Q: Did you have a good experience working as the captain?
A: I was also captain during high school, so I did it just as I did then. It is very frustrating that I couldn’t lead the team to victory while bringing everyone together. If I am entrusted with the captaincy again at the U-20 World Cup, I want to do my best to lead the U-20 Japan national team.
Q: What were you conscious of as the captain in your activities for the U-20 Japan national team?
A: On the pitch, I focused on concentrating on my own play. Not because I was the captain, but I made sure to carefully observe and interact with all the players. I believe that is important.
Q: I felt a strong sense of responsibility while watching the game.
A: I believe that all the U-20 Japan national team players, including myself, have a strong sense of responsibility. Since we are representing Japan, everyone played with a never-give-up attitude until the very end. Although we lost in the end by penalty kicks, I felt that we must win next time.
Q: How was it like to have Kumada as a junior player in the team?
A: As he was the top scorer of the tournament, he scored many goals and helped the team win. I have always known Kumada’s strengths. Since we often played together in the relationship between the attacking midfielder and the forward, I was conscious of positioning myself to bring out his best qualities while playing.
Q: I think the young players on the team are also inspired by player Matsuki.
A: If I were to name someone in particular, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA has been making impressive plays in the league matches. Besides TAWARATSUMIDA, there are other young players who joined this season, and last season I was allowed to play freely. I am still a young player myself, but I am conscious of letting first-year players play freely. If I lead the younger players, I believe the team will naturally become stronger. I want to consciously support the young players.
Q: There was a tough situation where the midfield strength became weak during the period when player Matsuki was absent.
A: I don't think it was because I was absent. Shuto ABE and Ryoma WATANABE got injured, and I just happened to be unavailable at that time. With fewer players in midfield, we were unable to rotate the squad. If I get the chance to play from the Levain Cup, I want to perform in a way that positively influences the team.
Q: I think it was your first national team activity in a while. Did you experience any changes in awareness throughout the tournament?
A: This kind of experience is quite rare. Since it was a match that determined qualification for the U-20 World Cup finals, I was more motivated than usual. A sense of responsibility not to lose had developed, so it was a tough battle, but securing the qualification was a valuable achievement.
Q: Do you have any newly sprouted feelings?
A: I was entrusted with the captaincy and performed just as well in Tokyo, but I was able to gain more experience in leadership and leading the team to victory through my own play. I want to make good use of that experience in Tokyo as well.
Q: What kind of player is Ryunosuke SATO? What can we expect from him in the future?
A: I think Sato is a player similar to myself. At his age, being able to play confidently without hesitation is a really great thing. Since I am still a young player myself, there isn’t much I can say, but I hope he continues to grow steadily.
Q: What was 16-year-old Matsuki thinking about?
A: When I was 16, I didn’t have the composure like Sato does. I was just relentlessly chasing the ball, so I think Sato is amazing.
Q: Do you call out to each other?
A: I contacted him before the match started. I also actually watched the game, and I thought it was good because he played well.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show after coming back to Tokyo?
A: I think there will be greater expectations for results. I want to face myself honestly and always show good play to the fans and supporters.
Q: I think the team is hungry for victory. I think Matsuki's return will be a plus.
A: I want to focus solely on winning the upcoming match and work towards guiding the team in a better direction.
Q: What do you want to achieve before the U-20 World Cup in May?
A: It is definitely scoring ability. Through this Asian Cup, I realized that a very high individual level is required. I want to work hard to consistently deliver results.
Q: Have you watched the WBC?
A: I haven’t watched all of it. They won the championship, didn’t they? As a fellow athlete, I felt that the baseball world proved that sports can move and captivate people’s hearts. Next, I want to work, including myself, so that the soccer world can also get excited and energized.
Q: Pepper Mill performances were also seen during the tournament.
A: I thought I would join the trend. Player Kikuchi (Shimizu S-Pulse) was the one who started suggesting it. In that sense as well, the team was very united.
Q: What do you want to challenge for the world?
A: I believe that unless I further level up, I won't be able to win on the world stage. This time, by competing against countries in Asia, I was able to realize this. I want to achieve results in Tokyo so that I can continue to improve my level.
