'If we don't overcome the consecutive away games, we won't see the championship.'
On July 17th, Hirotaka MITA returned to Tokyo after a period of about 3 and a half years. The lefty, who grew up in the academy, honed his mind and body through many experiences and proudly put on the blue and red uniform again. What were his thoughts on returning to Tokyo? We asked about his current state of mind and his determination for future battles.
Made with a tough atmosphere that has become a winning group
――On July 17th, it was announced that they will return from Kobe to Tokyo. What were their thoughts when joining?
"When I received the offer, they told me that they were aiming for the championship and I wanted to be a part of that. I also had the desire to play under coach Kenta HASEGAWA, so I decided to join. I left the team once before, but I have special feelings for Tokyo where I grew up in the academy, and the presence of the fans and supporters has always been in my heart. I always had the desire to come back and play, so I was really happy when I was approached."
――This marks our return to Tokyo after 3 and a half years.
"I think I was able to grow by experiencing various things in Sendai and Kobe during the 3 and a half years I was away. By being able to continue playing in games, I gained confidence and became able to enter games calmly. My mental strength was really trained and in terms of technique, I think I have grown in not losing the ball easily and working for the team. Also, in Kobe, I was able to play with world-class players such as Andres INIESTA and there were many things I could learn from them. It was also difficult to earn a starting position among such talented players, but those experiences were also a plus for me."
- Ajinomoto Stadium's "re" debut in the 21st round against C Osaka, as well as the "Tama" call, I think there are high expectations from fans and supporters.
"Yes, when I talked with the fans and supporters, they said 'I'm glad you came back', 'I've been waiting for you', and I really felt the high expectations and was very happy. On the other hand, there is also pressure, but if you feel pressure, you can't play well, so I approach the game with the mindset of 'doing what I can do'."
――It has been over a month since joining. How do you feel about the team atmosphere?
"I feel that the team has become more of a "winning group" than when I was a member. There are more demanding voices and sometimes we have tough conversations. I think we are working hard in a good atmosphere from our daily training. In particular, I think Captain Keigo HIGASHI is leading the team in a good direction."
What did you feel when you actually played?
"Under coach Hasegawa's guidance since last season, we have built a strong foundation and are able to have a solid defense and powerful offense. Especially our defense has improved significantly compared to when I was on the team before. Everyone understands their defensive responsibilities and the presence of Masato MORISHIGE, who leads the defense, is crucial. I have always felt that MORISHIGE is the best defender in Japan."
- Coach Hasegawa said, "As expected of players from Tokyo. They quickly understand and blend into the team's style of soccer." How do you feel about your own performance?
"There are also many players from the academy, so it's easy to play and I think I was able to fit into the team quickly. However, there are plays that I am satisfied with and plays that I am not satisfied with, and right now it's about half and half. It is necessary to adapt more to the team's way of playing, such as switching between offense and defense, cutting off the opponent's passing routes, and passing marks. I am checking with coach Masaru HASEGAWA while watching videos, so I want to quickly memorize it in my body and make a difference in attack."
- In terms of making a difference in attack, I recorded an assist from a set piece in the Sec. 21 C Osaka match.
"I had heard that there were few goals scored from set pieces this season. I have been entrusted with taking set pieces for the past few years, so I have confidence in my ability to kick them. It was good to get results, but personally, I want to record more assists and goals and work on combining with my teammates. Of course, I also want to contribute to scoring outside of set pieces and also in defense. I am conscious of this and working hard so that I will not have any regrets at the end of the season."
What kind of plays do you want to show in areas other than set plays?
"While doing the hard work that forms the basis of the team, I want to create opportunities and make plays that change the attack when the ball comes to me. Diego Oliveira and Kensuke Nagai, who are key players in Tokyo's attack, will be targeted by the opponents, so I think they will come up with countermeasures. We, the players in the second row and beyond, want to help the players in the front line by carrying the ball forward and making movements that lead to goals."
You need to have enough room to enjoy the atmosphere of the away team.
Do you have any goals when joining Tokyo?
"Of course, it's winning. Last season, Tokyo lost its momentum in the second half, but because of that experience, I think we will change for the better this season, and I feel like I was called for that reason. I want to contribute and be a strength for the team when we are struggling."
- Sec. 24, the league away game streak begins from the Sapporo match.
"It's sad that we can't play for a while in the best atmosphere of Ajinomoto Stadium. However, we won't be able to win unless we overcome it. Personally, I don't have a sense of weakness for away games and I can enjoy the atmosphere of away games. I think we need that kind of composure and mentality. It's important to focus on the current game without being too conscious of it being an away game."
- I think there is also the difficulty of continuing to move.
"Of course, we have experienced and are used to traveling. The away games will continue, but we will train well in Tokyo and I don't think it will be a big concern."
――September is the only home game for the Levain Cup quarterfinals second round G Osaka match (September 8th).
"After being eliminated from the Emperor's Cup, the only remaining titles are the Levain Cup and J1 League, so we definitely want to win those. The NACK5 Stadium Omiya, which will be used for this match, is not our home stadium, but personally, it is a stadium I am good at. The Levain Cup is decided by the results of two matches, so it is important that we can play the second match at home. We want to secure a victory in front of all of you and since this game will be played in the Kanto region where we have fewer home games, we hope that many people will come and support us."
- Please give a message to the fans and supporters.
"Tokyo fans and supporters, it is very reassuring to have many people come even away. We were able to enter the away consecutive games in first place, and when we return to Ajinomoto in November, we will fight our best to stay in first place. Even if you can't come to the venue, please fight with us from afar!"
