INTERVIEW2022.3.10

Interview with player Kuryu Matsuki

Q, I think the game against Kawasaki Frontale was also good, but wasn't the first half of the game against Cerezo Osaka played as planned?
A, there is a sense of accomplishment. I have become accustomed to the speed of a professional to some extent and have been able to play in a position where I can easily show my characteristics. I have reached a point where I can play with confidence, but there are still areas where I need improvement, but I am able to play as I wish.

Q: In the match against C Osaka, it is evident in the data that you are covering a wide area from just outside the opponent's penalty area to just outside your own penalty area. Do you have that awareness within yourself as well?
Rather than consciously aiming to cover a wide area, I think the situation of the game, including the circumstances of the players being sent off, led to that. Especially in the first half, I felt that the opponents were struggling to get into the rhythm of the game, so I was conscious of increasing our movement, such as pressing from the front. It seemed to work well and we were able to transition to the attack.

Q, March 12th will be your debut at home at Ajinomoto Stadium if you play. Have you played any games at Ajinomoto Stadium before?
No, I haven't. I have never watched a game at Ajinomoto Stadium. However, I have watched Tokyo's games on video many times, so I have a vague idea of the atmosphere at the stadium.

Q, how do you think the atmosphere will change at home compared to the previous matches? Will your feelings also change compared to your debut match?
A, because the previous two matches were away games, more fans and supporters will come to watch at home, and I think there will be many people who will see my play for the first time, so I am looking forward to playing at home.

Q, are you the type to get nervous in big stages or first stages, or are you the type to get excited and filled with emotions?
A, it's an exciting person. I have a strong desire to show my play in front of the fans and supporters who gather at Ajinomoto Stadium as soon as possible.

Q, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the opponent, plays a pressing style from the front line, which is the opposite of Tokyo's style of soccer. What kind of play is required of Matsuki against such a team?
I think it is necessary to not only receive between the lines or just receive at the feet, but also to make runs if the opponent's back is open and to play according to the situation.

Q, it seems that the number of times involved in build-up will also increase in order to remove the opponent's press.
A, you won't know until you actually play, but I think the number of times you interact with the ball will increase.

Q: Are you able to play with the sensation of being able to draw an image that directly leads to a goal, as you have been involved in the finishing scenes of both the Kawasaki and C Osaka matches?
A, I always play the game with the image of scoring a goal. When I have the ball, I always imagine who to pass it to and where to move next. I want to enjoy the home opening game and play with the goal in mind.