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 think it is required to be involved in both offense and defense with high intensity as a Tokyo midfielder. First of all, I have been conscious of getting used to that intensity during this period. In terms of attack, I am conscious of being involved with the ball as much as possible. I have gradually become accustomed to the team as well. The only practice match I played against Urawa Reds was in a full court with opponents, so I think I will improve even more as I play more games.
Q: How do you want to contribute your own strengths to the team?
A, I think the midfielders currently playing for Tokyo have slightly different characteristics. I think it's my style to emphasize the attacking aspect. While doing that, I want to play as a midfielder who works hard for the team both in attack and defense. I want to receive the ball and connect passes to the forward line, move forward, and in terms of defense, I want to firmly catch the opponent and take the ball away, and show plays that switch the defense for the team. I am required to have a higher intensity, so I want to get used to playing with that intensity as I play more games.
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?
For Tokyo, I don't think it was the game we envisioned, but I believe that winning is the most important thing. Even if we couldn't create a good shape as a team, I think a team that can win until the end is a strong team. When we can't play the soccer we want, it is important how we behave on the pitch. Even if we see it as just one way to win, I think it was a good game.
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. Many players, including myself, 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 believe it was good to have started my professional career at Kyoto. I began to get playing opportunities in my final season there, and although there were long difficult times, looking back now, I think 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.
