On the 5th, Isaac Kiesse Thelin held an online press conference to announce his joining the team, where he answered questions from the media and spoke about how he joined the team and his future aspirations.

Isaac Kise Thelin
"Hello. My name is Isaac. I'm 33 years old and I'm from Sweden. I used to play for Malmö FF and my position is forward."

[Question and Answer Session]
(What should we call Isaac?)
"Isaac."

You have played in many countries, but why did you decide to play in Japan now that you are 33 years old?
"First of all, I had heard that the Reds were a big club, and I was looking for an environment like that. My Swedish friends had told me very positive things about them. I have been to many different countries and have had many experiences there. I was excited to be able to play in Asia, in Japan, and I had heard a lot about the country itself, so the fact that both the club and the country seemed to fit in was a big reason for me to choose this club."

(You mentioned a fellow Swede, but who told you that?)
"I was talking about Samuel (Gustafsson). I asked him a lot of questions and he gave me some pretty positive information."

(You mentioned the term "big club," but what were your impressions of the fans, supporters, and the team when you watched Trial at Saitama Stadium?)
"I thought it was a fantastic stadium with a great atmosphere. I always enjoy the atmosphere created by the fans and supporters and playing in big stadiums, so I can't wait to play at Saitama Stadium."

(What is your impression of coach Maciej Skorza 's football, and what skills do you envision combining to score goals there?)
"First of all, there are many players with excellent technique and skills, and they are quick and agile, so I think the overall level of the team is very high. I'm not the type to talk about myself in detail, but I would like to become a solid target player and show that my strengths are my work in the penalty area."

(Why did you choose number 99?)
"I used to wear the number 9, but it's not available anymore, so I got two number 9s."

(Given your current condition, when do you think you'll be able to play in Trial?)
"There are many factors that affect my condition. I hadn't played for several weeks, and the environment in Japan is completely different to my home country, especially with the heat. First of all, I want to make sure I can adapt to the heat. The manager decides when I will play, so I'll leave it up to him."

(How soon do you think you want to leave?)
"The rules say I can play at any time, so I'm always ready. The rest is up to the manager to decide."

You have played football in many different countries. What is important to you in order to succeed in a new country and at a new club?
"First of all, I think the most important thing is to build friendships with my teammates and get to know each other, both on and off the pitch. I think it's important to understand each other's playing habits and build relationships. Off the pitch, I want to maintain an attitude of respecting and accepting Japanese culture, and learning wherever I go. First of all, as I said earlier, I want to build relationships with my teammates in terms of playing. It may take time, but I'm focusing on that."

(Japan has a completely different climate to Sweden, so how do you feel after spending a few days there?)
"First of all, it's incredibly hot. I've never played in temperatures this hot. I played in Abu Dhabi, but it's probably even hotter than Abu Dhabi. I've felt over the past week that I first have to get used to it. However, it was raining today, which was similar to the conditions I was in, so it was comfortable."

(Gustavsson is currently with the Reds, and in the past David Moberg Karlsson and Emir Salomonsson have played in the J.League, but what do Swedish players think of the J.League?)
"It's too early to talk about the details, but I think the individual techniques and tactics are different from Sweden. I think Sweden is more tactical, while Japan has better technique. I think there are some differences in the individual aspects. Also, I think Japan is quicker at switching between offense and defense."

(You played against Gustafsson in the Swedish league, but what kind of player was he in your opinion?)
"I think he's a difficult player to play against. Even when we put pressure on him, he always finds a passing route and passes the ball to the player behind him. I think he's a very good player. He's someone you have to be careful of at all times when playing against him, and he's a very intelligent player. His passing ability is very good."

(You will be teammates from now on, what kind of play do you want to show together?)
"I'm very happy to be playing with him as a teammate. He's a tough guy to play against, so it's good to have him as a teammate. I think we'll get some great passes from him. I think we'll have a good relationship both on and off the pitch.

(When you left your previous club, Malmö, local reports said that you wanted to give young players a chance. What was your motivation behind making that decision?)
"I had mixed emotions. I was at a great club and I loved Malmö. It was a club where I won many titles and had great experiences. But when it came time to leave, I felt the time had come. It was also the time to move on to a new challenge, so I was a little emotional, but I don't think it was the wrong choice."

How old were you when you first encountered soccer?
"I first came into contact with soccer when I was five years old. The most memorable moment was the 1998 World Cup in France. I remember watching it with my family. That was my most memorable encounter with soccer."

(Who was your childhood idol?)
"Henrik Larsson. We were similar in background, with an African father and a Swedish mother, so I watched Larsson the most."

(Sweden is home to world-famous strikers such as Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but what kind of image did he have as he set out on the path to becoming a professional soccer player?)
"Like other kids, I always dreamed of playing for the national team. That was my goal. I was lucky enough to get to this point without any pressure and enjoy the experience. I had some great experiences, like playing alongside Zlatan. I'm very happy to have made it this far."

(Apart from soccer, what else are you looking forward to in Japan?)
"First of all, I would like to experience Japanese culture. Everyone is kind and polite, and the city is beautiful, so I feel like I've been accepted. I would like to visit various places. However, since I'm concentrating on soccer, my wife will probably be my tour guide."

(I think the Swedish pronunciation is Isaac Kiese Tellin, but perhaps he calls himself Isaac because he was often called Isaac while moving between different countries?)
"I think it's fine if you call me by the name that's easiest for you. Because when I was in France I was Yzak, in the English-speaking world I was Isaac, and in Abu Dhabi I was Itzhak, so whatever you call me is fine. I think it's fine if you call me by the name that's easiest for you. I'll adjust to that."

(A major issue for the Reds is that they play good football in the first half, but then lose intensity in the second Trial, allowing the opponent to catch up or overtake them. I'm sure Isaac wants to be in the starting line-up, but do you envision yourself making a decisive contribution or helping the team when you come on as a substitute?)
"I have spoken about this with the coach. When I come on as a substitute, I would like to make use of my experience and be conscious of things like keeping the ball and using the time effectively. In that respect, I would like to learn through Trial and increase my experience, but I have heard that we are conceding goals towards the end Trial, so I would like to have a thorough discussion with the current players and make corrections in that regard."

(The Reds are fighting to win the league, but beyond that there is the AFC Champions League [ACL] Elite stage, and if they win there, it will open up a path to the FIFA Club World Cup. Did you have the ACL Elite in mind when you joined the team?)
"I kept that in mind, and I think that was one of the factors that led to my decision. I had heard that the club wanted to win the ACL Elite, and I imagined it would be great if I could be a part of that. But right now, I want to keep my feet firmly on the ground and do my best Trial each Trial, preparing for Trial in front of me."







[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]