Players are expected to practice twice as hard to make game-changing plays and gain confidence.
Kyosuke TAGAWA carried high expectations and put on the blue and red uniform. He was forced to take a break due to injury in May, but he returned with a stronger presence, using it as a stepping stone for growth. With his dynamic play, he is expected to bring even more momentum to Tokyo as an attacker.
Now, all I can think about is achieving results in Tokyo.
What is the current condition?
"My body is also moving, and I have good sharpness and condition."
――Returned for the first time since the U-20 World Cup in May.
"The rehabilitation period was tough. Especially the physical menu just before returning was tough. It was the first experience of a long absence since becoming a professional, but I didn't feel much difficulty mentally. However, Tokyo has been in good shape this season, so I was a little anxious about not being able to join them."
- How did you overcome that anxiety?
"I gained confidence by repeating practice and tried to eliminate such frustration. That is still a conscious part for me."
――Scored a goal in the Levain Cup quarterfinals second leg match against G Osaka on September 8th.
"I entered the pitch after being told by the coach to "score a goal". When the opportunity for a goal came, I saw Yojiro TAKAHAGI's long ball and tried to avoid it, but it ended up hitting my back. However, it turned out to be a good thing. We were able to connect well and since I had practiced one-on-one with the goalkeeper, I was able to naturally take the shot."
- Is the shooting course as intended?
"I looked at the GK's position and thought there was no other option. It was a difficult scene with the GK, but it was good that I was able to create an angle with my first touch. If I didn't create an angle, there would be no course. It was a scene where everything went well. I had confidence from practicing repeatedly, and I was able to kick calmly even in tense situations. It was good to be able to show the results of my practice."
- This was my first goal in the cup match in Tokyo.
"I was relieved and happy because I haven't been able to produce results despite having opportunities so far, so I was honestly happy."
- After scoring, I headed towards the bench.
"I'm going somewhere (laughs). I always naturally head towards the bench (laughs)"
- Takagawa's goal gave us a temporary lead, but we conceded afterwards and were eliminated from the Levain Cup on away goals.
"I think if we had been able to work more closely with Kiichi YAJIMA and defend from the front, we wouldn't have conceded any goals, so I'm reflecting on that."
――Substituted in during the J1 Sec. 26 Kashima match on September 14th.
"I entered the pitch with the awareness of defending from the front line and playing aggressively, which were the challenges that came out in the Levain Cup. There were scenes where I was able to do that, but I still have the impression that it is not enough, so I feel that I need to work on it consciously from practice."
What do you think is the factor that Tokyo is maintaining a good performance this season?
"We talk together when things are bad, so we can fix them quickly and avoid losing streaks. I think that's the main reason."
Do you have any thoughts on seeing players like Diego OLIVEIRA, Kensuke NAGAI, Jael, and other teammates and rivals?
"I have things that I need to learn, so watching is a learning experience. However, I always think about what I need to do to play in the game, and there are also parts where I feel like I am not losing to them, so it is important to continue."
- What specific parts have you not lost?
"I don't think we're losing in terms of speed and dynamic play when we're riding on speed. I want to emphasize that."
What is your favorite scoring pattern?
"The goal I scored in the Levain Cup quarterfinal second leg was in my favorite style. I want to continue that while also improving my accuracy in the box, especially in finishing."
――It has been over half a year since joining Tokyo. How do you feel about your growth?
"Of course. When I first joined, I was completely focused on the team's tactics, but now I understand what I need to do and I have found new challenges. I am training with the goal of overcoming those challenges."
- Next year, there will be the Tokyo Olympics.
"Of course, I have the desire to aim for it, but my true feelings are that I want to focus on scoring points in Tokyo right now. I can only think about getting results here at the moment."
I want to practice twice as hard and gain confidence.
- The team is fighting a series of away games.
"Of course, there are difficult aspects such as accumulated fatigue, but given the current team situation, there is not much concern and I don't think anyone is worried."
- I also think that there is difficulty in adjusting the condition due to continued movement.
"Sitting for a long time can cause your body to stiffen, and it can also affect you the next day. I try to be conscious of this and stretch or take a walk."
There will be an away game against my former team Tosu on October 5th.
"Sagan Tosu is a team that holds a special place in my heart, and I want to show a transformed appearance. In order to do so, we must train diligently. We will be conscious of this in order to survive. Myung Hwi KIM, who was my coach during my youth, is someone I am indebted to. I want to show the fans and supporters of Sagan Tosu the growth I have achieved by scoring goals."
- Kenta HASEGAWA, when he became the coach, said, "In order to win, we need a lucky boy who can bring momentum." I think there are such expectations for player Tagawa.
"Yes, that's right. We continue to fight away from home, and the league season is also entering its final stages, so we don't know what will happen. For players who come on as substitutes, they are expected to make plays that will determine the outcome of the game, so I want to practice more than anyone else and gain more confidence in order to achieve results."
- I think scoring becomes important to gain confidence.
"When I watch Nagai, I especially think so. When he came back from national team activities, he looked like a different person (laughs). By repeating practice and gaining confidence, it leads to goals and further confidence. I think it's a really good cycle. As the intervals between games become longer, I want to cherish that time."
- Please send a message to the fans and supporters.
"We are still fighting away and I know it's tough for the fans and supporters, but I want as many people as possible to see the players fighting together as a team. Personally, my desire to share the joy of scoring has become even stronger, so I hope you will come to the stadium to support us. We ask for your continued passionate support!"
