"Learn from each other and want to contribute to the team as soon as possible"
Q. Please tell us about the circumstances of joining Tokyo.
A. I personally like the style of soccer that builds up from the back, and since Rikizo MATSUHASHI took over as head coach this season, I felt that the team has been focusing on building up from the back to launch attacks. Previously, Tokyo was impressive with fast players up front and scoring quickly through swift counterattacks, but now it seems they are shifting to a style that values possession of the ball more. When I was approached by Tokyo, I felt that their style matched mine and that I could play the kind of soccer I like. I also felt I could learn a lot, so I decided to join Tokyo.
Q. How is your condition?
A. It has progressed in a positive direction without taking as much time as I thought. My feeling is also good. During the first week after joining Tokyo, I was on a separate training menu, but I was able to join the full team practice. My condition is good, so I think I just need to regain my playing sense through practice to be able to compete in matches.
Q. Please tell us the characteristics of your play.
A. I am confident in covering the space behind the defensive line, shot-stopping, and feeding the ball to the front line.
Q. What kind of experience did you have in Saudi Arabia?
A. First of all, it was very hot. During the day, the outside temperature was over 40 degrees Celsius, and both practice and matches were held during the cool hours at night. At that time, to be honest, I had the desire to play in Europe, but it did not materialize, so I decided to transfer to Al Shabab Saudi. According to the league rules, out of the 11 players on the field, 10 foreign players were allowed to play, and players who had been active in Europe as well as world-class players had transferred to various clubs in the Saudi Professional League. Being able to play with such high-level players was, above all, a valuable experience for me.
Q. Was there any player who left a particularly strong impression during the match?
A. It is Sergej Milinković-Savić (Serbian national team), who belongs to Al Hilal. He can play anywhere in the midfield and is a high-quality player in every aspect. When I faced him, I thought, "This guy is amazing," as he was truly a world-class player.
Q: As Tokyo conceded a very high number of goals in the first half of the league, what kind of improvements do you think are necessary?
A. As a goalkeeper, of course, many saves are required, but conceding goals is not solely the goalkeeper's responsibility; it is important to defend as a team. We need to clearly define the relationship with the defensive line and how to regain possession from the front. Playing with good balance is also essential. Even with good defense, there will always be times when shots are taken. At those moments, firmly protecting the goal is what we goalkeepers must do.
Q. Tokyo has four goalkeepers. How do you work with the younger players during practice?
A. Once we are on the pitch, I believe age doesn’t matter, and there is a lot we can learn from each other. Compared to when I was their age, they possess a quality that far surpasses what I had back then. While practicing together, I share what I have felt and my past experiences, and conversely, I also learn a lot from them. We are able to train while raising each other’s level. In particular, Go HATANO was a player who left a strong impression on me even before joining Tokyo, and he is someone who lifts the atmosphere with his bright personality. What can be said about all four of them is that they are all sincere. I think we have a wonderful goalkeeper team.
Q. You have returned to Japan after about three seasons. How do you feel about being able to play in the J.League again?
A. I played for Vissel Kobe and Kashiwa Reysol, and I learned a lot at both clubs. The J.League has clubs with various styles of football, which I find very interesting. Personally, I like Tokyo's current style and have been eager to play for this team as soon as possible. It was also a major reason why I wanted to play in Japan again.
Q. Please tell us your impressions from past matches against Tokyo, if any.
A. It might be a bit of an old story, but I have a very strong impression of a team with Masato MORISHIGE and Hyun Soo JANG as center backs, known for their solid defense centered around them, and launching quick counterattacks that leverage the strengths of players like Diego OLIVEIRA and Kensuke NAGAI.
Q. Many Korean players are playing in the J.League, but are there any players you are close with or matches you are looking forward to?
A. When I was with Kobe, I often met with Fan Woo Jo, Jae Suk OH, and Young Gwon KIM from Gamba Osaka. Sung Ryong JUNG (Kawasaki Frontale) is a great senior whom I respect, and Jin Hyeon KIM (Cerezo Osaka) and Sung Yun GU (Kyoto Sanga F.C.) are good friends, but since both are in the Kansai region, I don't get to see them often (laughs). I am also looking forward to the match against Kashiwa Reysol on July 5. The coaching staff from when I was with the club are still there, and after I joined Tokyo, I received many messages saying, "Looking forward to the match." I want to do my best to be able to play.
Q. How would you like fans and supporters to address you?
A. Please call me "Soon-chan."
Q, please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
A. I am truly honored to be able to join Tokyo. I don’t think this is a team that should be sinking in the current standings, and I will do my best to contribute to the team as soon as possible. I appreciate your passionate support.
