NEWS
Shoya Nakajima joining press conference
On August 1st, a press conference was held to announce Shoya Nakajima 's joining the team. Nakajima, Sports Director (SD) Hisashi Tsuchida, and Technical Director (TD) Tsutomu Nishino attended and answered questions from the media.
[SD Hisashi Tsuchida]
"Hello everyone. Thank you for coming to Nakajima's press conference. I am pleased to be able to introduce Nakajima to you all today. Thank you for your time today."
[Shoya Nakajima]
"Hello. I'm Shoya Nakajima. I'm very happy to be joining this team. I look forward to working with you today."
[Question-and-answer session]
(You've played overseas for many years, but how do you feel about returning to the J-League and joining Urawa Reds?)
"I myself never thought I'd play in Japan until a few months ago, but after various discussions, I thought that if I could come here and play, it would help me grow as a person, and I thought that it would be beneficial for this team, so I came here. No matter where I play soccer, I always want to grow, so the country doesn't really matter. During practice, it's been a while since I've spoken Japanese, so it's very comfortable. I'm having a lot of fun."
(It's been a few days since you joined the team. What is your impression of the Reds?)
"My teammates, the staff, manager (Maciej Skorza) and the other coaches are all so kind to me, so I have a lot of fun every day."
(Question for Football Headquarters: The summer transfer market is now open. What is the significance of acquiring Nakajima in your overall plan?)
Hisashi Tsuchida Sports Director
"We have looked back on the first half of this season and sorted out our issues. We think that improving on the offensive side is a big issue. We haven't just started now, but the position that Nakajima has come into at this time is one that we need to strengthen, and we have been making a list of areas to strengthen since the start of this season. Within that, Urawa Reds' position and goal this season is to win the J1 League. I hope you will think of this as a message towards that goal. The Emperor's Cup and the (YBC) Levain Cup are also titles that we must aim for. After the season in Japan ends, there is the (FIFA) Club World Cup. We are strengthening with that in mind."
(From what stage of the registration does Nakajima qualify to play in the Emperor's Cup and AFC Champions League?)
Tsutomu Nishino Technical Director
"There are some things I can say and some things I cannot say, so I hope you will forgive me for saying that I will be able to play soon."
(A question for Nakajima. I'm sure you've seen the Reds' games in the first half of this season, but what is your impression of the team as a whole at this point, and what kind of play would you like to use to improve the team if you were to join the team?)
"Watching the games, I think they are a team that can defend well, as the data shows, and they have conceded few goals, so I think that is one of the team's strengths. They have a lot of high-quality players up front, so I think it will be easy for me to play against them, and I know a lot of the players, so I think it will be very easy to play against them."
(I think you often used the word "enjoy" when you were with the Japanese national team, but I also get the impression that Reds fans and supporters have a strong desire to win. What are your thoughts on that?)
"I also like to win, so I'm not saying that winning or losing is unimportant. Until now, when I've played well, it's because I'm having fun playing. It's not that I'm just doing whatever I want, but when I'm having fun, I think the team naturally plays well too, so that's what I'm saying. 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."
(In the question, it was said that Reds fans and supporters have a strong desire to win. What is your impression of the Reds fans and supporters, having played against them as an opposing team or having watched them from the outside?)
"From my perspective, the cheers are incredible, and the stadium is always full of fans and supporters, so it's rewarding to come as both an opposing team and an ally. They're a very reliable presence."
(What kind of performance would you like to show as an Urawa Reds player in front of those fans and supporters?)
"While I will be following the team's rules and concepts, I believe there are some plays, especially in attack, that only I can do. I won't know how I will play until I'm on the pitch and in that situation, so I will be preparing well so that I can show good plays on the pitch."
(When asked about your impression of the Reds, you said that they are a team that can defend well, but I have the impression that Nakajima shows special plays in attack. How motivated is he to defend, including his growth over the past few years?)
"I've been working on this because I knew I needed to improve, so I want to show my progress on the pitch."
(I have the impression that you have played as an attacking midfielder or on the left wing, but what position do you want to play at Urawa Reds?)
"It's up to the manager to decide, so I can't say anything here, but I think he'll play in the position you mentioned."
(The number 10 is a familiar number as it has also been worn by the Japanese national team, but how do you feel about the number 10?)
"I think the No. 10 is a player who can help the team win and do decisive work, so I want to show that kind of play."
(Nakajima's bold dribbling and aggressive play were impressive, but have those skills been honed by playing overseas? Or has he developed a new range of play?)
"I think I'm able to play a wider variety of games than when I was in Japan before. I'd like you to watch me and make your own judgment. Foreign players and Japanese players have different defensive styles, so I can't really say for sure, but it's better for you to see me on the pitch rather than talking about it here, so please do that (laughs)."
(You said you know a lot of players on the Reds, but if there are any you have contact with and are close to, what did you talk about?)
"There are several players I played with, including (Takuya) Iwanami, (Ayumi) Segawa, (Takahiro) Sekine, and Japan national team player Hiroki Sakai. I always eat lunch with Segawa, but he eats so slowly that I almost ended up being late for this press conference (laughs)."
(Are you particularly close with Segawa?)
"We were always together on the Japanese national team (under-age team). I never thought we would become teammates, so I'm happy about that too."
(You said, "I never thought I'd play in Japan until a few months ago," but when did playing in Japan become a reality?)
"I had the option to stay in Europe this time as well, but as I said before, I wanted to play for the team I wanted to play for. When I received an offer from Urawa Reds, I knew that if I were to return to Japan, this was the only team I would play for."
(What made you decide to play for the Reds in Japan?)
"Watching the J.League highlights, I realized that the team is constantly getting newer and the members are different from when I was in Japan, so I wanted to help them take on this new challenge."
(Did the club ask "How about the number 10?" Or did Nakajima say "If it's available, I'd like to take it"?)
"Which one is it? It's just a trend. There have been cases where players who wore the number 10 left the team."
(By joining the Reds, you will be competing in the new ACL as Asian champions starting from the playoffs in August. What are your impressions of the ACL and how do you feel about the new season as champions?)
"I played in the ACL when I was in Qatar, and I've only played here when I was with FC Tokyo, so it's been a while, so I'm really looking forward to it. I wasn't there when they became champions, so I can't really say, but I always give my best in any match, including the ACL final, so I want to play each match as if it were my last."
(You may have a different impression of the ACL since you played in Qatar in the Western Region, but do you feel that anything has changed in the past few years in Asian competitions?)
"I think it's the same as you guys."
(Some of the members who participated in the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Mexico in 2011, such as Takuya Kita, Kazuki Fukai, and Fumiya Hayakawa, are working hard despite overcoming injuries and illnesses. How do you feel about sharing and stimulating relationships with such generations?)
"I believe each of us has grown through various experiences, so I am very happy that there is a possibility that we will meet on the pitch again. I am really looking forward to playing against and becoming teammates with the players who played together on the Japanese national team."
(Nakajima's play excited the Mexican fans in that tournament, but I'd like to know more about what "enjoying" means.)
"It's hard to explain in words, but when I'm having fun, I play well. I can't put it into words, but I think when I'm having fun, the team does better. (Regarding the excitement of Mexican fans) I feel like my play is more well-received in South America and nearby areas than in Japan."
(I have a question for the Football Headquarters. Earlier, Nakajima said that the number 10 is a "flow," but I would like to know if there are any expectations or circumstances behind it.)
Hisashi Tsuchida Sports Director
"One big reason is that the number happened to become available at this time, but I think the number 10 is a number that comes with responsibility. I believe Nakajima will understand that we are looking for a player to wear the number 10, and I hope he will show that to the best of his ability."
(I believe you played with Urawa native Naoki Maeda from a young age. Did you often come to Urawa as a boy?)
"I often practiced with Maeda and his father in the park."
(I wonder if he participated in a tournament at the school that Maeda attended?)
"We first met at a summer training camp and then 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.
[SD Hisashi Tsuchida]
"Hello everyone. Thank you for coming to Nakajima's press conference. I am pleased to be able to introduce Nakajima to you all today. Thank you for your time today."
[Shoya Nakajima]
"Hello. I'm Shoya Nakajima. I'm very happy to be joining this team. I look forward to working with you today."
[Question-and-answer session]
(You've played overseas for many years, but how do you feel about returning to the J-League and joining Urawa Reds?)
"I myself never thought I'd play in Japan until a few months ago, but after various discussions, I thought that if I could come here and play, it would help me grow as a person, and I thought that it would be beneficial for this team, so I came here. No matter where I play soccer, I always want to grow, so the country doesn't really matter. During practice, it's been a while since I've spoken Japanese, so it's very comfortable. I'm having a lot of fun."
(It's been a few days since you joined the team. What is your impression of the Reds?)
"My teammates, the staff, manager (Maciej Skorza) and the other coaches are all so kind to me, so I have a lot of fun every day."
(Question for Football Headquarters: The summer transfer market is now open. What is the significance of acquiring Nakajima in your overall plan?)
Hisashi Tsuchida Sports Director
"We have looked back on the first half of this season and sorted out our issues. We think that improving on the offensive side is a big issue. We haven't just started now, but the position that Nakajima has come into at this time is one that we need to strengthen, and we have been making a list of areas to strengthen since the start of this season. Within that, Urawa Reds' position and goal this season is to win the J1 League. I hope you will think of this as a message towards that goal. The Emperor's Cup and the (YBC) Levain Cup are also titles that we must aim for. After the season in Japan ends, there is the (FIFA) Club World Cup. We are strengthening with that in mind."
(From what stage of the registration does Nakajima qualify to play in the Emperor's Cup and AFC Champions League?)
Tsutomu Nishino Technical Director
"There are some things I can say and some things I cannot say, so I hope you will forgive me for saying that I will be able to play soon."
(A question for Nakajima. I'm sure you've seen the Reds' games in the first half of this season, but what is your impression of the team as a whole at this point, and what kind of play would you like to use to improve the team if you were to join the team?)
"Watching the games, I think they are a team that can defend well, as the data shows, and they have conceded few goals, so I think that is one of the team's strengths. They have a lot of high-quality players up front, so I think it will be easy for me to play against them, and I know a lot of the players, so I think it will be very easy to play against them."
(I think you often used the word "enjoy" when you were with the Japanese national team, but I also get the impression that Reds fans and supporters have a strong desire to win. What are your thoughts on that?)
"I also like to win, so I'm not saying that winning or losing is unimportant. Until now, when I've played well, it's because I'm having fun playing. It's not that I'm just doing whatever I want, but when I'm having fun, I think the team naturally plays well too, so that's what I'm saying. 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."
(In the question, it was said that Reds fans and supporters have a strong desire to win. What is your impression of the Reds fans and supporters, having played against them as an opposing team or having watched them from the outside?)
"From my perspective, the cheers are incredible, and the stadium is always full of fans and supporters, so it's rewarding to come as both an opposing team and an ally. They're a very reliable presence."
(What kind of performance would you like to show as an Urawa Reds player in front of those fans and supporters?)
"While I will be following the team's rules and concepts, I believe there are some plays, especially in attack, that only I can do. I won't know how I will play until I'm on the pitch and in that situation, so I will be preparing well so that I can show good plays on the pitch."
(When asked about your impression of the Reds, you said that they are a team that can defend well, but I have the impression that Nakajima shows special plays in attack. How motivated is he to defend, including his growth over the past few years?)
"I've been working on this because I knew I needed to improve, so I want to show my progress on the pitch."
(I have the impression that you have played as an attacking midfielder or on the left wing, but what position do you want to play at Urawa Reds?)
"It's up to the manager to decide, so I can't say anything here, but I think he'll play in the position you mentioned."
(The number 10 is a familiar number as it has also been worn by the Japanese national team, but how do you feel about the number 10?)
"I think the No. 10 is a player who can help the team win and do decisive work, so I want to show that kind of play."
(Nakajima's bold dribbling and aggressive play were impressive, but have those skills been honed by playing overseas? Or has he developed a new range of play?)
"I think I'm able to play a wider variety of games than when I was in Japan before. I'd like you to watch me and make your own judgment. Foreign players and Japanese players have different defensive styles, so I can't really say for sure, but it's better for you to see me on the pitch rather than talking about it here, so please do that (laughs)."
(You said you know a lot of players on the Reds, but if there are any you have contact with and are close to, what did you talk about?)
"There are several players I played with, including (Takuya) Iwanami, (Ayumi) Segawa, (Takahiro) Sekine, and Japan national team player Hiroki Sakai. I always eat lunch with Segawa, but he eats so slowly that I almost ended up being late for this press conference (laughs)."
(Are you particularly close with Segawa?)
"We were always together on the Japanese national team (under-age team). I never thought we would become teammates, so I'm happy about that too."
(You said, "I never thought I'd play in Japan until a few months ago," but when did playing in Japan become a reality?)
"I had the option to stay in Europe this time as well, but as I said before, I wanted to play for the team I wanted to play for. When I received an offer from Urawa Reds, I knew that if I were to return to Japan, this was the only team I would play for."
(What made you decide to play for the Reds in Japan?)
"Watching the J.League highlights, I realized that the team is constantly getting newer and the members are different from when I was in Japan, so I wanted to help them take on this new challenge."
(Did the club ask "How about the number 10?" Or did Nakajima say "If it's available, I'd like to take it"?)
"Which one is it? It's just a trend. There have been cases where players who wore the number 10 left the team."
(By joining the Reds, you will be competing in the new ACL as Asian champions starting from the playoffs in August. What are your impressions of the ACL and how do you feel about the new season as champions?)
"I played in the ACL when I was in Qatar, and I've only played here when I was with FC Tokyo, so it's been a while, so I'm really looking forward to it. I wasn't there when they became champions, so I can't really say, but I always give my best in any match, including the ACL final, so I want to play each match as if it were my last."
(You may have a different impression of the ACL since you played in Qatar in the Western Region, but do you feel that anything has changed in the past few years in Asian competitions?)
"I think it's the same as you guys."
(Some of the members who participated in the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Mexico in 2011, such as Takuya Kita, Kazuki Fukai, and Fumiya Hayakawa, are working hard despite overcoming injuries and illnesses. How do you feel about sharing and stimulating relationships with such generations?)
"I believe each of us has grown through various experiences, so I am very happy that there is a possibility that we will meet on the pitch again. I am really looking forward to playing against and becoming teammates with the players who played together on the Japanese national team."
(Nakajima's play excited the Mexican fans in that tournament, but I'd like to know more about what "enjoying" means.)
"It's hard to explain in words, but when I'm having fun, I play well. I can't put it into words, but I think when I'm having fun, the team does better. (Regarding the excitement of Mexican fans) I feel like my play is more well-received in South America and nearby areas than in Japan."
(I have a question for the Football Headquarters. Earlier, Nakajima said that the number 10 is a "flow," but I would like to know if there are any expectations or circumstances behind it.)
Hisashi Tsuchida Sports Director
"One big reason is that the number happened to become available at this time, but I think the number 10 is a number that comes with responsibility. I believe Nakajima will understand that we are looking for a player to wear the number 10, and I hope he will show that to the best of his ability."
(I believe you played with Urawa native Naoki Maeda from a young age. Did you often come to Urawa as a boy?)
"I often practiced with Maeda and his father in the park."
(I wonder if he participated in a tournament at the school that Maeda attended?)
"We first met at a summer training camp and then 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.
