Q: How did you feel about this transfer decision?
A: Looking back on my career so far, I have had few experiences staying at the same club for a long time, so I understand the advantages and disadvantages of transferring. The timing also coincided with my desire for a change of environment and new stimulation, so I decided to transfer to Tokyo.
Q, what was your state of mind when you received the offer?
A: I think it was relatively quick for me to decide on the temporary transfer to Tokyo. I also had the desire and feeling to start playing from scratch in a different environment. This is my first experience with a summer transfer, and although I have heard that it can be difficult, I am looking forward to seeing how I will grow from here.
Q, How did you feel playing without getting any playing time this season?
A, It is important to keep practicing, but as a player, participating in official matches is crucial. I believe there are many things you can only gain through matches, so I want to be actively involved in the matchday squad. Peter CKLAMOVSKI was appointed as Tokyo’s coach midway through the season and it’s still early days, so I want to fully understand the style of play and tactics the team wants to express and play accordingly.
Q, is it a transfer to seek playing opportunities?
A, yes. If I don't play in matches, my sense and rhythm will fade. I want to improve so that I can play consistently.
Q, how did you see Tokyo as an opponent?
A, I have a very strong impression of aggressive play in both offense and defense, with a strong awareness of moving forward.
Q, as a member of Tokyo, how do you want to contribute to the team with your play?
A, I believe midfield players are especially required to have a high work rate, and I want to add an extra dimension in the attacking aspect. During my time at Cerezo Osaka, I often played in the anchor position, so I had fewer opportunities to move forward and get involved in attacks. Therefore, like when I was with Sagan Tosu, I want to engage in play up front and regain the sense of scoring goals here at Tokyo.
Q, the league has also entered the second half. How do you want to spend the rest of the season?
A, now that I have transferred to Tokyo, I want to deliver results first and foremost. If I don’t produce results, given that I joined during the summer transfer window, I think it will be difficult to integrate well into the team. I want to find a balance between understanding the kind of soccer Coach CKLAMOVSKI demands and how I can bring out my own strengths within that framework.
Q, it also seems that it doesn't take much time to fit into Tokyo's soccer style.
A, when I was at C Osaka, I often played in a slightly deeper position, so I didn’t have many opportunities to be involved in plays around the goal. I believe that box-to-box play is expected of me at Tokyo, and I want to regain the sense of being involved in goal-scoring plays. I have watched Tokyo’s matches, and the midfielders often advance forward to participate in play, so I want to be conscious of playing in front of the goal as well.
Q, although it is a half-season loan with a time limit, what kind of career do you want to pursue from here?
A, I left C Osaka with the desire to level up once again. When I look at players with long careers, they maintain high performance even after turning 30. I decided to transfer with the feeling that I want to enhance my own value in Tokyo.
