Q, if there is anything you have prepared so far since joining Tokyo and anything that Coach Klomovski is asking for, please let us know.
A, I think it is required to be involved in both offense and defense with high intensity as a Tokyo midfielder. First of all, I have been conscious of getting used to that intensity during this period. In terms of attack, I am conscious of being involved with the ball as much as possible. I have gradually become accustomed to the team as well. The only practice match I played against Urawa Reds was in a full court with opponents, so I think I will improve even more as I play more games.
Q: How do you want to contribute your own strengths to the team?
A, I think the midfielders currently playing for Tokyo have slightly different characteristics. I think it's my style to emphasize the attacking aspect. While doing that, I want to play as a midfielder who works hard for the team both in attack and defense. I want to receive the ball and connect passes to the forward line, move forward, and in terms of defense, I want to firmly catch the opponent and take the ball away, and show plays that switch the defense for the team. I am required to have a higher intensity, so I want to get used to playing with that intensity as I play more games.
Q: In the recent match against Cerezo Osaka, you were unable to play due to contractual reasons. How did the game look from Riki HARAKAWA's perspective?
For Tokyo, I don't think it was the game we envisioned, but I believe that winning is the most important thing. Even if we couldn't create a good shape as a team, I think a team that can win until the end is a strong team. When we can't play the soccer we want, it is important how we behave on the pitch. Even if we see it as just one way to win, I think it was a good game.
Q, I started my professional career after playing for Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18. Looking back at that time, what kind of player were you?
A, when I was enrolled in Kyoto, I belonged to the J2 League and it was a difficult time for the team. In addition to me, there were many players who were promoted from the youth team to the top team, and there were many young players. It is because I have been able to continue as a professional player by competing with players of similar age. I think it was good that I was able to start my professional career in Kyoto. I started to get playing opportunities in my last season at Kyoto, and there were difficult times for a long time, but looking back now, I think such a period was necessary.
Q, if you have any impressions about Kyoto's current playing style from the perspective of player Riki HARAKAWA, please let us know.
When I was playing for Cerezo Osaka, I had already played against them in several matches. The start of both the first and second halves felt like a man-to-man battle with a lot of pressure. I think the key to victory will be to withstand that period of time and fight well.
