"I didn't expect to play against each other this soon. Honestly, it's difficult."
Kosuke SHIRAI, who joined Tokyo this summer, expressed his inner thoughts.
It's no wonder that his "home debut" was against his former team, Kyoto Sanga F.C., where he was a member until July. With a strange twist of fate, he also expressed his true feelings and determination in his new environment.
Overcoming numerous trials and obstacles―
Shirai, who spent his childhood in Aichi Prefecture, was known as an unbeatable player in soccer. After that, he went on to attend Osaka Toin High School.
The world was vast. "There were many members, and I was humbled by my seniors. Honestly, I may have become arrogant." Despite being overwhelmed in terms of play quality and physical differences, I never gave up. Recognized for my speed and dedication, I grew to become the core of the attack as a side half. Gradually, I was called the "Robben of Naniwa" and began to attract attention. And then, I earned an offer from Shonan Bellmare, a J2 League team at the time.
At the time of joining, the coach leading Shonan was CHO Kwi Jae, who is currently in charge at Kyoto. "At the time of joining, I think CHO-san was treated as one of the many players who joined (laughs)," he joked, reminiscing about the past.
In his first year as a professional, he was loaned to Fukushima United FC. The players' dedication to both their jobs and soccer, and their sincere efforts, greatly contributed to Shirai's personal growth. Although it was only for one season, it was a period that laid the foundation for his career as a professional soccer player.
Although he returned to Shonan the following season, his position was not available on the team that was riding high with the "Shonan Style" that he had previously advocated.
"After returning, I couldn't participate in matches for about one and a half seasons, but my mental strength never wavered," said Coach Cao. As a wingback, he was always expected to excel in vertical breakthroughs and running ability. Although he didn't have any appearances, he felt the confidence and growth to continue fighting in the professional world."
However, in his third season as a professional, Shirai had no choice but to leave due to limited playing time. In order to prove himself on the field, he joined Ehime FC on a half-season loan and made a visible impact. He spent his days playing regularly again and realized that the style of play demanded by Coach Cao during his time at Shonan had become his natural strength.
In the 2018 season, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo achieved individual promotion and faced high-quality J1 players in a head-to-head battle without being buried in Sapporo, where talented players gather.
Conflict and a Single Phone Call Towards Evolution
After finishing about 2 seasons in Sapporo, Shirai was facing a major turning point.
"I thought that expanding the width of play is more important than improving the quality of play." The answer I arrived at was to "compete in the full-back position". After careful consideration, I judged that it was an unavoidable path in order to level up as a professional soccer player. Naturally, I have no experience playing as a full-back.
One day, White received a phone call. The name displayed on his mobile phone's screen was his former coach from the Shonan era, Coach Cao. He had been appointed as the coach of Kyoto from the 2021 season and was concerned about the progress of his former student.
"How have you been lately?" It started with a casual small talk. As the conversation progressed, I expressed my desire to challenge myself as a side back. Coach Cao believed in my potential and ability as a side back. "I was prepared to drop down a category from J1 league and leave Sapporo, but I had confidence that I could promote to J1 league in just one season with Coach Cao." My passionate determination paid off and I made a full transfer to Kyoto in the 2021 season. I took on a big gamble with my soccer career.
Support and Farewell from Around
After joining Kyoto, my days of challenging a new position as a side back began. I had doubts in my play and even found myself being left out of the team at times. The view on the pitch changed, and I experienced the fear of making a mistake in ball placement, pass selection, and how one play can lead to a goal against us. It was truly a trial and error period.
Coach Tetsu NAGASAWA, who used to coach at FC Tokyo U-23, always kept an eye on Shiroi. "Coach Tetsu (TERRY) always encouraged me with positive words." Even when there were plays or mistakes that led to conceding goals, he trusted Shiroi and motivated him with positive words. Each and every effort paid off, contributing to Kyoto's promotion to the J1 league under Coach Cao's leadership. The days of facing challenges and trial and error led to a new landscape.
When an offer came from Tokyo to Shirai, who had been playing as a side back in almost every match since the beginning of this season, he visited Coach Cho's office.
"I thought you were going to Tokyo," I was told. While considering a transfer to Tokyo, I also felt a sense of fulfillment playing in Kyoto. The presence of my family, who had become accustomed to life in Kyoto, also made me hesitate. However, Coach Cao saw through my thoughts and hesitations.
"I want you to stay as a coach, but as a person, I can't stop you from wanting to transfer. I understand your feelings about thinking of your family, but even if you compromise and stay in Kyoto, will your family truly be happy?"
No words were returned to the answer that hit the core. However, I made up my mind. Coach Nagasawa, who has been supporting me behind the scenes for three and a half seasons in Kyoto, also compared my efforts and growth to "a good movie, a good work" and pushed me forward, saying "Become a big man".
At the end of the conversation about enthusiasm in Tokyo, he smiled and said, "I always feel good when I play against Coach Cao."
Kyoto's tactics and each player's playing style are understood better than anyone else, but it is expected that there will be a match-up on the pitch to nullify Shirai's play and strengths. Nevertheless, we hope that many scoring opportunities will still be created from Shirai's side.
Yesterday's friend is today's enemy.
After transferring to Tokyo, the first opponents he meets in the league are his former comrades. Kosuke SHIRAI, quietly burning with fighting spirit, runs around freely and dyes the right side in blue and red.
