TOKYOism

It was the most difficult decision in my life. Karyu, who returned to his hometown of Tokyo, expressed his goal of achieving it at all costs. In order to see new scenery with this club, Kei Koizumi put on the blue and red uniform.

Q, First of all, please tell us how you felt when you received an offer from FC Tokyo.
A, When I received the offer, I was honestly happy. I was approached by a team in Tokyo, the capital city. I am also happy to be evaluated and it gives me confidence. However, I have experienced several transfers in the past and this was honestly the most difficult decision. It may have been the most difficult decision of my life.

Q, what was the deciding factor for that decision?
One of the deciding factors for me was that I have never won a title myself. While FC Tokyo has won cup titles in the past, they have never won a league title. I heard that many capital clubs around the world have experienced winning league titles, but Tokyo has not. This gave me a sense of challenge. If I can come here and win a title, I may be able to leave my mark in FC Tokyo's history. Personally, I have a strong desire to win a league title before I retire. Another big reason is that I only knew a few players, such as Keita YAMASHITA who played for Sagan Tosu last year, and Leandro who played for Kashima Antlers. I am from Adachi Ward in Tokyo, but I don't have much familiarity with the area. I am currently at the best age as a player, and I saw this as my last chance to challenge myself in an unfamiliar place. These were the two main reasons for my decision to transfer.

Q, Was there anyone you consulted with?
A, TeammatesI couldn't say it to my teammates, but I consulted with Nagoya Grampus' Ryota NAGAKI, who was my teammate during my time at Kashima.

Q, Are you from Adachi Ward? Have you had any involvement with FC Tokyo so far?
I have the experience of participating in practice when I was a third year high school student. I was able to participate in practice and practice matches, but at that time I couldn't win an offer, so I went to Albirex Niigata as it is. I am from Tokyo and grew up in Tokyo, but I didn't have much contact until now. However, I think it was a good timing and a good connection this time.

Q, Please tell us your impression of FC Tokyo from an outside perspective.
There is an impression that there are many good players with national team experience. Also, I thought that the 2022 season would be a year of various challenges as the club changed to MIXI Group under the direction of coach Albert.

Q, What is your impression of Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, Although it is not exclusively for soccer, it gives the impression of being a large and good stadium. It was a place where even away players could feel the excitement, and I also felt the pressure when scoring a goal. It still feels strange that this will be our home from now on, but I want to experience and feel various things as we start.

Q, What is your impression of soccer style?
A, I felt even from the outside that the coach was taking good care of the ball. However, I also think that they value the intensity of the play, not just holding onto the ball. Even during the game, I could hear players voicing that sentiment. I thought that was what they were looking for.

Q: Looking back on your career, you have progressed from Yokohama F.Marinos' development organization to Kashiwa High School affiliated with the University of Commerce. Can you tell us about that process?
A, I was unable to move up to the youth team and felt quite frustrated. At that time, I was looking for a high school with enough strength to beat the Marinos Youth team, and I chose the Chuo University Attached Kashiwa High School, which was strong and close enough for me to commute from home.

Q, I think there was also an encounter there. There was also Ryoya Ogawa (currently playing for Vitoria Sport Clube in Portugal) who was one year below me. What was your relationship like?
A, because of Ryouya, I was often made to shave my head (bitter smile). But even though he was one year below me, he was involved in our generation and played in games. He had a high physical ability even back then.

Q, Did you want to play for the same team again, even though you went to Portugal this summer and had to be replaced?
A, I think it would have been interesting if we could have played on the same team. However, there are also timing factors that cannot be helped. I think he is also chasing his dreams overseas, so personally, I want to support him firmly.

Q, How do you feel about playing in your hometown of Tokyo again?
After living in Kyushu for a year and a half, I have returned here. Although it was a short time, I do feel like I have come back. There is definitely a difference between Kyushu and Tokyo, even though they are both in Japan. When I played away games at Ajinomoto Stadium, my family often came to support me, so I think they were happy.

Q, What kind of career do you envision for yourself as you enter the best age as a player?
A, I just want to win the title. In my career, I always wanted to have at least one trophy. FC Tokyo has won cup competitions, but they have never won the league, which resonates with my own desire. So I decided to focus on that and make the decision to join. If we can win the league together, that would be great. If we win, I think we will see a different view, so I always want to keep that in mind.

Q, Looking back at your career, you have been used in various positions. Is there a position you want to compete in here?
A, honestly, when I was in my early twenties, I had a position that I wanted to play here. However, after playing with Nagaki, whom I met during my time at Kashima, my thoughts changed. Watching Nagaki play as a defensive midfielder, right fullback, and winger, I felt that he was playing for the team to win no matter where he was on the field. I thought it was cool to see him fight for the team in the position he was entrusted with. I was also a similar type of player, so I felt that I needed to become a player like that and I started to want to be like that. Since meeting him, I haven't been so fixated on a specific position. I think it's about what I can do when I'm entrusted with a position. I do have positions where my strengths shine and I also get told by others, but no matter where I play, I will always fight for the team to win.

Q, what are the necessary things to play in various positions?
A, it is absolutely important not to lose in 1v1 situations or in the intensity of play. I believe this is crucial for any position. If you don't let that slip, you naturally feel like you can perform well anywhere. There have been times when I felt it was difficult to maintain that intensity, for example, when I could do it in midfield but not as a full-back. But now, I think as long as I don't let my intensity drop, my strengths will show in both attacking and defending.

Q, what is the one place you don't want to lose?
A, I think that taking the ball is my strong play. I have been fighting there as a professional, so if I can't take it there, there is no point. I want to continue to value that place in the future.

Q: If there is anything you can do to make a change by joining this team, please let me know.
A, I am not the type to raise my voice, so I want to show it through my play. There are many young players in Tokyo, so I want to create an atmosphere where we have to play at a high intensity. This applies not only to games, but also to practice. I believe it is important to show this kind of attitude.

Q, finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
As I mentioned in my joining announcement, I will do my best to contribute to FC Tokyo's quest for the title. I would be grateful for your support. I am considered a player from the middle generation. As there are many young players in this team, I want to work hard to have a positive impact on the club not only during games, but also in our daily training.

Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)