NEWS
Ito: ``Aiming for 3rd place in the world, I want to win for my fans and supporters and finish with a smile on my face.''
On the 19th local time, after the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 semi-final match against Manchester City FC, Atsuki Ito talked about the response and challenges he felt in the match, and his enthusiasm for the 3rd place match against Al Ahly FC to be held on the 22nd. Ta.
"We were strong. But there were things we could have done on our own, so I feel regretful."
(How do you feel about winning the ball?)
``Even when I thought I could steal the ball, all the players put their bodies between themselves and the ball, and there were some spots where I couldn't steal the ball. I think I need to go one step further when I get fouled or get fouled.However, I think there were some scenes where I was able to steal the ball and it was a little more effective. There was some feedback in that regard.”
(Wouldn't it have been better to come out a little better?)
“My condition has been gradually improving since my injury, but I removed the parts where I had been too fixed and had difficulty moving, and today I played with almost no taping.It was better than before. I was able to move easily, and in that sense my condition was improving."
(What do you want this match to be like for you?)
``Today's game made me realize that my goal is to get to a point in my career where I can compete on an equal footing with that team. But I think today's match will be very meaningful.The opponent was a serious team and they played against us, especially in the first half, where we were pushed hard, but we had some time for ourselves. There were some moments where we looked like we could have had a chance.The way we defended this season, Shu-kun (Shusaku Nishikawa) stopped a few shots, but we defended well in many areas. .I think if we could have increased that time as much as possible and taken advantage of that one chance, we would have had a chance to win.However, if we keep getting hit like jabs like that from the first half, everyone will eventually drop physically.That's the difficult part. But I think the whole game was really valuable.”
(In terms of position, you were close to players like Rodri and Mateo Kovacic. What did you feel when you played against them, and what did you want to steal from them?)
``I can say this about all of Manchester City's players, but first of all, their positioning was very good.There are always two or more options available to me, so there were some things that I couldn't take away just by reading them. , so if you move first, you'll be attacked by the opposite side.In particular, midfield players like Rodri and Kovacic were really good at placing the ball, and they knew what they were aiming for. It felt like the ball was placed in a place where I felt like I was putting my body into it.I think that's something I can steal, and I can use the positioning of the ball, how to hold it, and where to receive it as a reference. I think I could have stolen the ball more in that situation.”
(Did you get an idea of how to aim for the world championships, such as the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup?)
``I've always had that image in mind, and I felt a sense of accomplishment. There were areas where I could do better, and I also felt like there were areas where I was lacking.In that sense, being able to challenge the European champions as an Asian champion is an asset for me.'' I really want to compete against this kind of world again from now on.I have another match coming up soon, so I'll win there and finish 3rd in the world, wrap up this season well, and look forward to next year. I want to work hard and aim for the world again.”
(What about for the 3rd place match?)
``Today's result was disappointing, but there was a lot to be gained.Next time is the second day of middle school, but I'm going to get in good condition and aim for 3rd place in the world, and it's also the end of this season.'' For all the fans and supporters who have traveled to faraway places, and for all the people who support us in Japan, I want to win and finish with a smile on my face.''
Other comments and match photos can be viewed on the site members.
■Click here for site members (330 yen per month/tax included) → https://sp.urawa-reds.co.jp/
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[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
"We were strong. But there were things we could have done on our own, so I feel regretful."
(How do you feel about winning the ball?)
``Even when I thought I could steal the ball, all the players put their bodies between themselves and the ball, and there were some spots where I couldn't steal the ball. I think I need to go one step further when I get fouled or get fouled.However, I think there were some scenes where I was able to steal the ball and it was a little more effective. There was some feedback in that regard.”
(Wouldn't it have been better to come out a little better?)
“My condition has been gradually improving since my injury, but I removed the parts where I had been too fixed and had difficulty moving, and today I played with almost no taping.It was better than before. I was able to move easily, and in that sense my condition was improving."
(What do you want this match to be like for you?)
``Today's game made me realize that my goal is to get to a point in my career where I can compete on an equal footing with that team. But I think today's match will be very meaningful.The opponent was a serious team and they played against us, especially in the first half, where we were pushed hard, but we had some time for ourselves. There were some moments where we looked like we could have had a chance.The way we defended this season, Shu-kun (Shusaku Nishikawa) stopped a few shots, but we defended well in many areas. .I think if we could have increased that time as much as possible and taken advantage of that one chance, we would have had a chance to win.However, if we keep getting hit like jabs like that from the first half, everyone will eventually drop physically.That's the difficult part. But I think the whole game was really valuable.”
(In terms of position, you were close to players like Rodri and Mateo Kovacic. What did you feel when you played against them, and what did you want to steal from them?)
``I can say this about all of Manchester City's players, but first of all, their positioning was very good.There are always two or more options available to me, so there were some things that I couldn't take away just by reading them. , so if you move first, you'll be attacked by the opposite side.In particular, midfield players like Rodri and Kovacic were really good at placing the ball, and they knew what they were aiming for. It felt like the ball was placed in a place where I felt like I was putting my body into it.I think that's something I can steal, and I can use the positioning of the ball, how to hold it, and where to receive it as a reference. I think I could have stolen the ball more in that situation.”
(Did you get an idea of how to aim for the world championships, such as the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup?)
``I've always had that image in mind, and I felt a sense of accomplishment. There were areas where I could do better, and I also felt like there were areas where I was lacking.In that sense, being able to challenge the European champions as an Asian champion is an asset for me.'' I really want to compete against this kind of world again from now on.I have another match coming up soon, so I'll win there and finish 3rd in the world, wrap up this season well, and look forward to next year. I want to work hard and aim for the world again.”
(What about for the 3rd place match?)
``Today's result was disappointing, but there was a lot to be gained.Next time is the second day of middle school, but I'm going to get in good condition and aim for 3rd place in the world, and it's also the end of this season.'' For all the fans and supporters who have traveled to faraway places, and for all the people who support us in Japan, I want to win and finish with a smile on my face.''
Other comments and match photos can be viewed on the site members.
■Click here for site members (330 yen per month/tax included) → https://sp.urawa-reds.co.jp/
*REX CLUB LOYALTY members can use it for free.
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
