Q: How do you analyze the battle so far, looking back on the first half?
A season has started under a new coach and a new style, and it has been a time of many new discoveries and realizations for us. As the first half of the season comes to an end, I believe the most important thing is for us to approach new challenges in practice with enthusiasm and actively work on improving ourselves day by day. I think it is important to have the mindset of gradually improving in team tactics, individual tactics, and everything else through practice. In that sense, I feel that we are not heading in the wrong direction, but rather in a good direction.
Q, you commented that the new style is a new challenge for yourself. Do you feel your growth in adapting to the new style during the game?
First of all, I am working hard every day from practice to improve myself from yesterday to today, and from today to tomorrow. Therefore, I am very positive about the new style and I intend to continue working to improve every day. It is difficult for the team to progress easily with the new style, but I want you to remember that we have gradually improved compared to the first week of the season's camp, and we feel that too. I think time is necessary, and in order for the team to mature more, each individual needs to pay attention to the finer details and work on them. However, in this season's fight, I think the team will mature more by taking a positive approach and working to win the game in order to win the title, as good aspects are also emerging.
Q: Many media outlets have mentioned Jakub SLOWIK as a key player in the first half of the season. How do you feel about your own performance?
A, I am training so that I can become a slightly better goalkeeper today than I was yesterday, and I approach daily practice with the mindset that tomorrow will be better than today. Of course, this season, there have been matches where I helped secure points by preventing shots, and I have also stopped several decisive chances, but I believe it is not just my individual effort; it is the collective strength of the entire team, including the defensive players. I think that the goals scored are also a reflection of the team's overall effort, so in that sense, I believe the whole team is moving in a better direction. I represent the team on the field, but I also have the support of my fellow goalkeepers like Kodama and Go HATANO, as well as the coaching staff and many others who support the team, which has led to the good results we have achieved so far. While being grateful to everyone who fights alongside me, I want to continue to prepare well so that I can perform well as a representative of the team when I stand on the pitch.
Q: What do you need to do to make the team better in the second half?
Football is a sport where even small things can change the outcome. To achieve good results, it is important to believe in what we are currently working on and continue. Sometimes, it is necessary to be patient and keep going. In that sense, I am confident that Tokyo will achieve good results in the near future. I also want to do my best to win the next game. I truly believe that we are on the right path, so it is crucial for every member of the team to believe in what we are doing and continue to work hard.
