Q, What is your impression of FC Tokyo U-18?
A, Personally, they were the opponents I least wanted to play against, but today's match (Sec. 18 of the Emperor's Cup Premier League East, FC Tokyo U-18 vs Aomori Yamada High School) was really enjoyable, and I think I had a good game against the players who have already been promoted (Kojiro YASUDA, Yuki KAJIURA, Leon NOZAWA).
Q, It was the opponent you least wanted to play against, right?
A, Actually, since middle school, I've always had the feeling of "I don't want to play against FC Tokyo." I thought they were a team that lacked skill and strength.
Q, What is your impression of FC Tokyo's top team?
A, The fans and supporters are very passionate, and I think it's not often that even professional players have the opportunity to play in a stadium like Ajinomoto Stadium. Of course, I think there are things that top team players should do and be expected to do, so I want to actively work on those things.
Q, Do you have any image of FC Tokyo's soccer?
A, Recently, I have a strong image of solid defense and fast attack. While watching the game, I thought, "There are very powerful players in the front line, and the midfield is very intense." The intensity of the midfield is also my strong point, and it is also my strength to jump out while maintaining balance.
Q, Do you have any players you are personally conscious of?
A, I am conscious of Shuto ABE. Even though he is small, he has the ability to steal the ball and his skills in connecting plays are outstanding. However, I think that you can only get playing opportunities by winning competitions, so I want to compete and improve myself as a player with similar characteristics.
Q, Do you have any image of Ajinomoto Stadium, which will be your home?
A, Although there is a certain distance between the stands and the pitch, it is a stadium that can accommodate a large number of spectators, and I am the type of player who can perform better when there are more spectators (laughs), so I am looking forward to it.
Q, I haven't been able to play in front of many spectators for the past two years.
A, Yes, that's right. I think it's the ideal form of soccer for players to play in front of people and have fans and supporters enjoy it, so the current situation may be tough, but personally, I'm looking forward to having many people watch my play at the stadium.
Q, Do you have any image of FC Tokyo fans and supporters?
A, I think they have a passion that rivals the top one or two in Japan. I have also seen the "Yuruneva" before the game.
Q, I have been living in Hokkaido and Aomori until now, but what do you think about living in Tokyo?
A, I don't have any particular concerns. I think Kodaira is a great environment to be deeply involved in soccer, so I think it's good.
Q, what image do you have when you hear Tokyo?
A, for people in Aomori or Hokkaido, it's like the city center, I guess? (laughs). It's a place with a lot of people.
Q, it feels like there are a lot of people, right?
A, Aomori has fewer people. That's also one of the reasons (laughs), that's the image.
Q, Have you ever been to Tokyo on a trip?
A, No, I haven't. Not at all. Since elementary school, I have been focused only on soccer and haven't left Hokkaido much.
Q, Do you have any spots you want to visit when you come to Tokyo?
A, Hmm, not particularly at the moment.
Q, Then, let's go with Ajinomoto Stadium (laughs)
A, Yes. First of all, I think it's important not to forget that the most important thing is to become a player who can get a chance to play at Ajinomoto Stadium and achieve good results.
Q, What kind of play do you want FC Tokyo fans and supporters to see?
A, I think my strengths are being able to contribute to goals even as a midfielder, having a strong defense, and being able to overlap well with my teammates while using them effectively. I believe I can make movements like "box-to-box", so I would like you to watch that.
Q, There have been a lot more plays related to scoring this year, haven't there?
A, I'm not satisfied recently because I haven't been able to score, but I have been able to produce results in terms of assists, and I also believe that I can fulfill my role as a facilitator. I have a strong commitment to producing results such as goals and assists.
Q, How did you approach the sprint part as a challenge this year?
A, Sprint is still a challenge, but it is also an area where I can compete with others in terms of physical fitness. I think that is the foundation I have developed at Aomori Yamada, so I don't want to lose in that aspect.
Q, How do you perceive your mental state?
A, I really enjoy playing football at a high level. It's the place where I can have the most fun, and of course, I'm really excited to jump into that stage from next season. I think that's also one of the characteristics of my mental state.
Q, It is said that you have a strong mentality, right?
A, Well, it is said that I have a strong will (laughs)
Q, for example, even when you participated in training with overseas clubs, there must have been a part where that kind of mentality came into play, right?
A, it's the same in Japan, but when you go abroad, young players are constantly playing in matches, and it's absolutely impossible not to say anything when your own play doesn't match with the surroundings. It's difficult in the high school age group where there is a certain hierarchy, but I'm the type who doesn't really care and always speaks up if I have something to say. Of course, it's important to listen to what others have to say, so I make sure to listen carefully to what I lack and work on improving it. I think that's the way to be as a player, and I make sure to work on it diligently.
Q, there are also players who are about 10 or 15 years older when you become a professional, but you seem like the type who can easily get along with them, right?
A, I still don't know (laughs), but I want to communicate through soccer in those situations, and I think older people have a lot of life experience, so I also want to accumulate knowledge that I can gain.
Q, I said I wanted to talk to Yuto NAGATOMO at the time of the entrance ceremony. What kind of conversation do you want to have?
A, I think he has a much higher mental strength than me, so I want to learn from him in all aspects, including those experiences.
Q, What kind of image do you have of player Nagatomo?
A, I have the image that he is the one who puts the most effort even in the Japan national team.
Q, What kind of person is Kuryu MATSUKI?
A, He is competitive and strong-willed. Soccer and personal life are quite different (laughs). When it comes to soccer, he becomes very passionate and has a strong desire to win. However, during off time, he enjoys spending time with teammates and in that sense, the on and off are quite different.
Q, You seem to be having a lot of fun during practice at Aomori Yamada, don't you?
A, Yes, that's right (laughs). I like that kind of thing.
Q, I feel like I have a natural personality, but do my teammates say that?
A, Yes, they do say that.
Q: Do you have any natural episodes?
A: I don't think I have any, but if you ask my teammates, they might say otherwise. They often say, "You're so clueless." I make a lot of mistakes when speaking. If I'm close with someone, they just ignore it and say, "Oh, here we go again" (laughs).
Q: Do you have any favorite and least favorite subjects in school life?
A: I used to like math, but it has become difficult recently, so I kind of dislike it now (laughs). Also, I make an effort to study English. Recently, there is a subject called Information where we use computers, and I like that.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show on the stage of the high school championship that is coming up?
A: This will be my third championship, so I'm not sure if the audience will be able to watch at the stadium, but first of all, I hope to enjoy it myself. However, I also want to be serious about the game and strive for results.
Q: Do you have any plays you want to showcase as an individual?
A: Not particularly. I want to fight as a team.
Q: In the past two championships, we were runners-up nationwide, but how do you feel about this third championship in that sense?
A: Personally, this time I have a stronger consciousness of valuing each game rather than aiming for the championship. If we keep winning each game, we will become champions, so I have a strong desire to win the game in front of me. First of all, I want to fight firmly from the first match.
Q: What are your thoughts on being the captain of the team, considering that you have won the Inter High and achieved good results in the Premier League this year?
A: I have to have a perspective similar to that of the coach and the other coaches, and within that, I am able to practice well in my role as captain while competing with my teammates. I am grateful that my teammates are also supporting me, so that is the most important thing.
Q: What kind of team is Aomori Yamada this year?
A: They are a team that can do anything. In the past, their side attacks and counterattacks were outstanding, but this year they also have a strong two-top formation and can break through from the center. They are also strong in set plays. I think they have strengths in all aspects, including side attacks.
Q, How do you feel about the semifinal and final rounds being held at Japan National Stadium?
A, In the 100th tournament, I am filled with gratitude towards those who have provided such an opportunity, and I think everyone wants to stand on that pitch, so I want to give my all towards that goal.
Q: Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters of FC Tokyo.
A: I am Kuryu MATSUKI, who will be joining FC Tokyo from next season. I believe FC Tokyo has the goal of winning the J1 league, and I want to become a player who can contribute the most to that goal. Of course, the support of the fans and supporters will also become our strength, and I hope that everyone involved with FC Tokyo can work together towards the goal of winning the J1 league. Thank you for your support.
text by Masashi Tsuchiya
