NEWS
Shoya Nakajima joining press conference
On August 1st, a press conference was held for Shoya Nakajima to join the team, with Nakajima, sports director Hisashi Tsuchida Tsuchida (SD), and technical director Tsutomu Nishino attending and answering questions from the media.
[Hisashi Tsuchida SD]
“Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming to the press conference for Mr. Nakajima. I am happy to be able to introduce Mr. Nakajima to everyone today. Thank you for your cooperation today.”
[Shoya Nakajima]
"Hello. I'm Shoya Nakajima. I'm very happy to be joining this team. Thank you for your help today."
[Question-and-answer session]
(You have played overseas for many years, but what are your thoughts on returning to the J League and joining Urawa Reds?)
``Until a few months ago, I didn't think I'd play in Japan, but I thought that if I could come here and play, it would help me grow, and that's what this team is all about.'' I came because I thought it would be helpful.No matter where I play soccer, I always want to improve, so the country doesn't really matter.During practice, I speak Japanese for the first time in a while, so it's really relaxing.I'm having a lot of fun.''
(I think it's been a few days since you joined the team, but what are your impressions of the Reds?)
“My teammates, staff, coach (Maciej Skorza), and the coaches are all very kind to me, so I have a lot of fun every day.”
(I have a question for the football headquarters. The summer transfer window is open, but what significance did the acquisition of Nakajima have in the overall aim?)
Hisashi Tsuchida Sports Director
“For us, we are looking back at the first half of this season and sorting out our issues.I think improving our offense is a big issue.We are not starting now, but the position that Nakajima entered at this time is a reinforcement point, and I have been making a list since the start of this season.Among them, Urawa Reds' position this season and their goal is to win the J1 League.I think this is a message aimed at achieving that goal. I hope so.The Emperor's Cup and (YBC) Levain Cup are also titles that we must aim for.After the season in Japan ends, there will be the (FIFA) Club World Cup.We will strengthen our team with that in mind as well. is"
(Based on registration, at what stage can Nakajima participate in the Emperor's Cup and AFC Champions League?)
Tsutomu Nishino Technical Director
``There are things I can say and things I can't say, so I hope you'll forgive me for saying that I will be able to participate soon.''
(I have a question for Nakajima. I think you watched the Reds' game in the first half of this season, but what is your impression of the team as a whole at the moment, and how did you improve the team with plays like this when you joined? What do you feel like doing?)
“I have been watching the game, and as the data shows, I think this is a team that can defend well, and they have conceded few goals, so I think that is one of the team’s strengths. There are a lot of players, so I think I can easily play among them, and I know a lot of the players, so I think it will be very easy to play."
(I think Nakajima used the word "enjoy" a lot when he was on the Japanese national team, but I also get the impression that Reds fans and supporters have a strong desire to win. How do you feel about that?)
``I like winning too, so I'm not saying that I don't care about winning or losing.Up until now, when I've played well, it's when I'm having fun, and it's not like I'm doing whatever I want. I am saying this because I believe that when you are truly enjoying yourself, the team naturally plays well as well.If I can play like that, I think I can contribute to Urawa Reds' victory, so I want to do my best while having fun. I think"
(One of the questions mentioned that Reds fans and supporters have a strong desire to win, but what is your impression of Reds fans and supporters when Nakajima plays against them or when you watch them from the outside? )
``From my point of view, the support is amazing, and there are always a lot of fans and supporters at the stadium, so I think it's rewarding whether you're on the opposing team or as an ally.I think they're a very reliable team.''
(What kind of play would you like to show as a Urawa Reds player in front of such fans and supporters?)
``I believe that while firmly executing the team's rules and concepts, there are also plays that only I can make, especially in attack.I don't know what kind of play I would make unless I was on the pitch and in the situation. I don't know if I'll do it, so I want to prepare well so I can show a good performance on the pitch."
(You said that your impression of the Reds is ``a team that can defend well,'' but I get the impression that Nakajima will show off some special plays on offense. What is your motivation for defense, including his growth over the past few years?)
``That's something I've been working on because I thought I was lacking, so I want to show on the pitch that I'm growing in a good way.''
(I get the impression that you have played under the top or on the left side, but which position do you want to play in for Urawa Reds?)
``I can't say anything here because the coach will decide, but I think he will play in the position you asked him to play.''
(I think uniform number 10 is a familiar number, having worn it on the Japanese national team. What are your thoughts on number 10?)
“I think No. 10 is a player who helps the team win and does decisive work, so I want to show him that kind of play.”
(Nakajima's bold dribbling and aggressive play were impressive, but have he refined those points by playing overseas? Or has a different range of play emerged?)
“I think I am able to play in a variety of ways compared to when I was in Japan before. I hope you will watch it and judge it. Foreign players and Japanese players have different defensive methods. I can't say anything because it's different, but I'd rather have you see it on the pitch than talk about it here, so I'll leave it to you (lol)."
(You mentioned that there are many players on the Reds that you know, but if there are any players you have contact with and get along well with, what kind of things did you talk about?)
``There are several players that I played with, including Takuya Iwanami, Ayumi Sigawa, Takahiro Sekine, and Hiroki Sakai of the Japan national team.I always eat lunch with Sigawa. However, I was almost late for this press conference because Igawa eats slowly (lol).
(Are you particularly close to Sigawa?)
“We were together on the Japanese national team (for the under-age generation). I never thought we would become teammates, so I’m happy about that.”
(You said, ``I never thought I would play in Japan until a few months ago,'' but when did it become realistic for you to play in Japan?)
“I had the option to stay in Europe this time as well, but as I said earlier, I wanted to play for the team I wanted to play for.When I was approached by Urawa Reds, if I were to return to Japan, it would be with this team. I didn’t think I was going to play.”
(What made you decide to play for the Reds if you were to play in Japan?)
``I was watching the highlights of the J.League, and it was getting newer and newer, and the members were different from when I was in Japan, so I wanted to help out while taking on the challenge.''
(Did the club ask you, ``How do you like the number 10?'' Did Nakajima say, ``If it's available, I'd like to have it.'')
"Which one is it? It's just a matter of course. There was also a case where a player who wore number 10 left the team."
(By joining the Reds, it has been decided that they will be competing in the new ACL as Asian champions starting from the playoffs in August. What are your impressions of the ACL and what are your thoughts on the new season as champions?)
``I played in ACL when I was in Qatar, but I played in this region when I was with F.C.Tokyo, but it's been a while since I've played, so I'm really looking forward to it.I wasn't there when they became champions, so I can't really say anything. However, I always try to do my best in any match, including the ACL final, so I want to play each match as if it is my last."
(My impression of ACL may be different from ours because I competed in Qatar in the Western region, but do you feel that there has been a change in the past few years in competitions in Asia?)
“I think it’s the same as everyone else.”
(There are players who participated in the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Mexico in 2011, such as Takuya Kida, Kazuki Fukai, and Fumiya Hayakawa, who are doing their best while overcoming injuries and illnesses. How do you feel about sharing and being stimulated by that generation?)
``I think each of us has grown through various experiences, so I'm really happy to have the possibility of seeing each other on the pitch again.I'm very happy to be able to play against the players I used to play with on the Japan national team, and to be able to meet my teammates. I’m really looking forward to what happens.”
(At that tournament, Nakajima's play excited the Mexican fans, but I would like to know more about the meaning of "enjoy".)
"It's hard to explain in words, but when we're having fun, we play well. I can't put it into words, but when we're having fun, I think we'll get good results as a team." Regarding the controversy, I feel that my play is more likely to be liked in South America and its surrounding areas than in Japan.''
(I have a question for the football headquarters. Earlier, Nakajima said that number 10 is a "flow", but I would like to know if you have any expectations or background.)
Hisashi Tsuchida Sports Director
``One of the main reasons is that the number happened to become vacant at this time, but I think number 10 is a responsible number.Nakajima also understands that the number 10 is the player we are looking for.'' I am confident that he will be able to do so, and I hope that he will demonstrate his abilities to the fullest.”
(I think he played with Naoki Maeda, who is from Urawa, since childhood. Did he come to Urawa often when he was a boy?)
"I often practiced at the park with Maeda and Maeda's father."
(Maybe Maeda once participated in a tournament at the same school he attended?)
"We first met at something like a summer training camp, and then we became teammates at (Tokyo) Verdy Junior. We've known each other for a long time."
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
You can watch Shoya Nakajima joining the press conference on YouTube.
[Hisashi Tsuchida SD]
“Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming to the press conference for Mr. Nakajima. I am happy to be able to introduce Mr. Nakajima to everyone today. Thank you for your cooperation today.”
[Shoya Nakajima]
"Hello. I'm Shoya Nakajima. I'm very happy to be joining this team. Thank you for your help today."
[Question-and-answer session]
(You have played overseas for many years, but what are your thoughts on returning to the J League and joining Urawa Reds?)
``Until a few months ago, I didn't think I'd play in Japan, but I thought that if I could come here and play, it would help me grow, and that's what this team is all about.'' I came because I thought it would be helpful.No matter where I play soccer, I always want to improve, so the country doesn't really matter.During practice, I speak Japanese for the first time in a while, so it's really relaxing.I'm having a lot of fun.''
(I think it's been a few days since you joined the team, but what are your impressions of the Reds?)
“My teammates, staff, coach (Maciej Skorza), and the coaches are all very kind to me, so I have a lot of fun every day.”
(I have a question for the football headquarters. The summer transfer window is open, but what significance did the acquisition of Nakajima have in the overall aim?)
Hisashi Tsuchida Sports Director
“For us, we are looking back at the first half of this season and sorting out our issues.I think improving our offense is a big issue.We are not starting now, but the position that Nakajima entered at this time is a reinforcement point, and I have been making a list since the start of this season.Among them, Urawa Reds' position this season and their goal is to win the J1 League.I think this is a message aimed at achieving that goal. I hope so.The Emperor's Cup and (YBC) Levain Cup are also titles that we must aim for.After the season in Japan ends, there will be the (FIFA) Club World Cup.We will strengthen our team with that in mind as well. is"
(Based on registration, at what stage can Nakajima participate in the Emperor's Cup and AFC Champions League?)
Tsutomu Nishino Technical Director
``There are things I can say and things I can't say, so I hope you'll forgive me for saying that I will be able to participate soon.''
(I have a question for Nakajima. I think you watched the Reds' game in the first half of this season, but what is your impression of the team as a whole at the moment, and how did you improve the team with plays like this when you joined? What do you feel like doing?)
“I have been watching the game, and as the data shows, I think this is a team that can defend well, and they have conceded few goals, so I think that is one of the team’s strengths. There are a lot of players, so I think I can easily play among them, and I know a lot of the players, so I think it will be very easy to play."
(I think Nakajima used the word "enjoy" a lot when he was on the Japanese national team, but I also get the impression that Reds fans and supporters have a strong desire to win. How do you feel about that?)
``I like winning too, so I'm not saying that I don't care about winning or losing.Up until now, when I've played well, it's when I'm having fun, and it's not like I'm doing whatever I want. I am saying this because I believe that when you are truly enjoying yourself, the team naturally plays well as well.If I can play like that, I think I can contribute to Urawa Reds' victory, so I want to do my best while having fun. I think"
(One of the questions mentioned that Reds fans and supporters have a strong desire to win, but what is your impression of Reds fans and supporters when Nakajima plays against them or when you watch them from the outside? )
``From my point of view, the support is amazing, and there are always a lot of fans and supporters at the stadium, so I think it's rewarding whether you're on the opposing team or as an ally.I think they're a very reliable team.''
(What kind of play would you like to show as a Urawa Reds player in front of such fans and supporters?)
``I believe that while firmly executing the team's rules and concepts, there are also plays that only I can make, especially in attack.I don't know what kind of play I would make unless I was on the pitch and in the situation. I don't know if I'll do it, so I want to prepare well so I can show a good performance on the pitch."
(You said that your impression of the Reds is ``a team that can defend well,'' but I get the impression that Nakajima will show off some special plays on offense. What is your motivation for defense, including his growth over the past few years?)
``That's something I've been working on because I thought I was lacking, so I want to show on the pitch that I'm growing in a good way.''
(I get the impression that you have played under the top or on the left side, but which position do you want to play in for Urawa Reds?)
``I can't say anything here because the coach will decide, but I think he will play in the position you asked him to play.''
(I think uniform number 10 is a familiar number, having worn it on the Japanese national team. What are your thoughts on number 10?)
“I think No. 10 is a player who helps the team win and does decisive work, so I want to show him that kind of play.”
(Nakajima's bold dribbling and aggressive play were impressive, but have he refined those points by playing overseas? Or has a different range of play emerged?)
“I think I am able to play in a variety of ways compared to when I was in Japan before. I hope you will watch it and judge it. Foreign players and Japanese players have different defensive methods. I can't say anything because it's different, but I'd rather have you see it on the pitch than talk about it here, so I'll leave it to you (lol)."
(You mentioned that there are many players on the Reds that you know, but if there are any players you have contact with and get along well with, what kind of things did you talk about?)
``There are several players that I played with, including Takuya Iwanami, Ayumi Sigawa, Takahiro Sekine, and Hiroki Sakai of the Japan national team.I always eat lunch with Sigawa. However, I was almost late for this press conference because Igawa eats slowly (lol).
(Are you particularly close to Sigawa?)
“We were together on the Japanese national team (for the under-age generation). I never thought we would become teammates, so I’m happy about that.”
(You said, ``I never thought I would play in Japan until a few months ago,'' but when did it become realistic for you to play in Japan?)
“I had the option to stay in Europe this time as well, but as I said earlier, I wanted to play for the team I wanted to play for.When I was approached by Urawa Reds, if I were to return to Japan, it would be with this team. I didn’t think I was going to play.”
(What made you decide to play for the Reds if you were to play in Japan?)
``I was watching the highlights of the J.League, and it was getting newer and newer, and the members were different from when I was in Japan, so I wanted to help out while taking on the challenge.''
(Did the club ask you, ``How do you like the number 10?'' Did Nakajima say, ``If it's available, I'd like to have it.'')
"Which one is it? It's just a matter of course. There was also a case where a player who wore number 10 left the team."
(By joining the Reds, it has been decided that they will be competing in the new ACL as Asian champions starting from the playoffs in August. What are your impressions of the ACL and what are your thoughts on the new season as champions?)
``I played in ACL when I was in Qatar, but I played in this region when I was with F.C.Tokyo, but it's been a while since I've played, so I'm really looking forward to it.I wasn't there when they became champions, so I can't really say anything. However, I always try to do my best in any match, including the ACL final, so I want to play each match as if it is my last."
(My impression of ACL may be different from ours because I competed in Qatar in the Western region, but do you feel that there has been a change in the past few years in competitions in Asia?)
“I think it’s the same as everyone else.”
(There are players who participated in the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Mexico in 2011, such as Takuya Kida, Kazuki Fukai, and Fumiya Hayakawa, who are doing their best while overcoming injuries and illnesses. How do you feel about sharing and being stimulated by that generation?)
``I think each of us has grown through various experiences, so I'm really happy to have the possibility of seeing each other on the pitch again.I'm very happy to be able to play against the players I used to play with on the Japan national team, and to be able to meet my teammates. I’m really looking forward to what happens.”
(At that tournament, Nakajima's play excited the Mexican fans, but I would like to know more about the meaning of "enjoy".)
"It's hard to explain in words, but when we're having fun, we play well. I can't put it into words, but when we're having fun, I think we'll get good results as a team." Regarding the controversy, I feel that my play is more likely to be liked in South America and its surrounding areas than in Japan.''
(I have a question for the football headquarters. Earlier, Nakajima said that number 10 is a "flow", but I would like to know if you have any expectations or background.)
Hisashi Tsuchida Sports Director
``One of the main reasons is that the number happened to become vacant at this time, but I think number 10 is a responsible number.Nakajima also understands that the number 10 is the player we are looking for.'' I am confident that he will be able to do so, and I hope that he will demonstrate his abilities to the fullest.”
(I think he played with Naoki Maeda, who is from Urawa, since childhood. Did he come to Urawa often when he was a boy?)
"I often practiced at the park with Maeda and Maeda's father."
(Maybe Maeda once participated in a tournament at the same school he attended?)
"We first met at something like a summer training camp, and then we became teammates at (Tokyo) Verdy Junior. We've known each other for a long time."
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
You can watch Shoya Nakajima joining the press conference on YouTube.
