Q, if there is anything you have prepared so far since joining Tokyo and anything that Coach Klomovski is asking for, please let us know.
A, I believe that being involved in both offense and defense with high intensity is what is required of a holding midfielder at Tokyo. First, I focused on getting used to that intensity during this period. On the offensive side, I am conscious of being involved with the ball as much as possible. I have gradually gotten used to the team as well. Since the only full-field match with opponents I have played so far was the practice match against the Urawa Reds, I think I will improve further as I play more matches.
Q: How do you want to contribute your own strengths to the team?
A, I think my characteristics are somewhat different from the defensive midfielders currently at Tokyo. I believe my style is to add an accent in the attacking aspect. While showing that, I want to play the role of a defensive midfielder by working hard as a team both offensively and defensively. I want to receive the ball and connect passes to the front line, move forward, and on the defensive side, firmly mark opponents to win the ball and show plays that switch the team's defense. Since a higher intensity is required, I want to get used to the playing intensity by accumulating match experience.
Q: In the recent match against Cerezo Osaka, you were unable to play due to contractual reasons. How did the game look from Riki HARAKAWA's perspective?
A: I don't think it was the kind of match Tokyo had envisioned, but first and foremost, winning is what matters. Even if the team couldn't create good opportunities, a team that can secure the win is a strong team. How you behave on the pitch when you can't play the style of soccer you want is important. Even if you see it as just one way to win, I think it was a good match.
Q, I started my professional career after playing for Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18. Looking back at that time, what kind of player were you?
A, When I was with Kyoto, the team was in the J2 League and going through a difficult period. In addition to me, many players were promoted from the youth team to the top team, so there were many young players on the roster. It is precisely because I competed closely with players of similar age that I have been able to continue as a professional player until now. I think it was good to be able to start my professional career in Kyoto. I began to get playing opportunities in my last season with the club, and although there were long difficult times, looking back now, I believe that period was necessary.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Kyoto's current playing style from HARAKAWA's perspective.
A: When I was with Cerezo Osaka, we already faced them in several matches. It feels like they apply man-to-man pressure at the start of both the first and second halves. Enduring that period and fighting through it well will be key to the outcome of the match.
