"I want to bring experience, personality, and a sense of responsibility to the team"
Q. Please tell us about the circumstances of joining Tokyo.
A. It was a very long process until I joined. I had been communicating with the club for over six months, but at that time, due to factors such as the impact of an injury, the timing did not align for various reasons. This time, the timing coincided well, and I signed.
Q. I believe there are quite high expectations for Alexander SCHOLZ.
A. I feel a great deal of pressure, and everyone knows about my history of playing about three seasons in the J.League as well as my own playing style. When I was with the Urawa Reds, I was in good condition and was able to have a very good season. I understand that there are expectations for me to perform and deliver the same quality as I did back then.
Q. Please tell us your impression of Tokyo.
A. When I was with Urawa, I always had the impression that matches against Tokyo were closely contested. I recognize that Tokyo is currently in a period of trying new things to change the team’s style. I will adapt to that style and do my best.
Q. Tokyo had a very tough time in the first half of the league. What do you, Scholz, want to bring to the team?
A. First, I want to bring my own experience, personality, and sense of responsibility to the team. I aim to create a sense of unity and encourage the team to move forward together. I believe each player can perform better, and I have the impression that the team is working towards a positive direction. While learning the team’s approach, I want to adjust accordingly. Since we have conceded many goals from crosses, we must address that issue. With proper organization and communication, I believe the results will come quickly.
Q. When it comes to player Scholz, the impression of his long hair is very strong, so I was surprised to see it cut short (laughs).
A. I thought that would be the first question, so I was prepared (laughs). After the season in Qatar ended, I thought there wouldn’t be any photo or video shoots for a while, so I cut it all off. Then, it was decided that I would join Tokyo, and right after joining, I had interviews and team photo shoots lined up (laughs). Qatar was extremely hot, so that was also a reason for cutting it short. I do miss my long hair a little. Of course, just because my hair is shorter doesn’t mean I’ll let anyone say, "Your heading has gotten weaker" (laughs).
Q. On July 19th, we have an upcoming match against my former team, Urawa.
A. I am really looking forward to it. As a Tokyo player, I will go to win against Urawa. It is a special game with special feelings. I will go to win the match, but after the game, I want to shake hands with the Urawa players with a smile.
Q. What did your experience in Qatar bring to you, Schols player?
A. It was a style of football I had never experienced before. It was a form that focused on the individual, and I couldn’t fully express my own style. I think it was a time where I learned to carry things through on my own and to focus on myself. (Compared to the J.League) the pace of play was different. Many of the opposing players were very high-speed. The J.League gives the impression that every club is well organized, making it not easy to score goals. On the other hand, in Qatar, physicality and power seemed to be emphasized.
The remaining factor is the climate. Although the outside temperature exceeds 40 degrees, the stadium is fully air-conditioned, and inside the venue it is 20 degrees. The temperature difference placed a significant burden on the body. Before transferring to Qatar, I had never caught a cold, but I often fell ill.
