Hikaru Naomoto took part in the interview with Kengo’s book “Lastpass”, which he had read, because he had a long-awaited dialogue with Kengo Nakamura.
A dialogue with Kawasaki Frontale legend Kengo Nakamura, which was realized at the request of Hikaru Naomoto, who is shining in the middle of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies. In the second part, we will discuss the hot message from Nakamura for the WE League that has just started, the change in consciousness that Naomoto feels due to professionalization, and the relationship with the community.
Changes in consciousness felt at the opening of the WE League
Kengo Nakamura (hereinafter: Nakamura)I suddenly talked about playing (in the first part), but what I wanted to ask is how do you feel about the opening of the WE League from the perspective of Mr. Naomoto, who has also played in Europe?
Youbenguang (Following: Youben)In a variety of situations, we decided to open the WE League at this time, but with the professionalization, soccer became a job for the players. I think it gave everyone a chance to think more seriously about football. It’s also about how to get people to come to see our game, but now that we’re professionals, we have to get more results. It’s a tough world where you can’t get a contract if you don’t get results. Including that, I feel that the consciousness of the players has changed.
NakamuraI think that various parts have changed as a result of becoming a professional. It’s a mundane question, but has the practice time changed?
Grace bookReds Ladies have changed. I basically practice in the morning.
NakamuraUntil then, did you often finish your work in the afternoon?
Grace bookI agree. Some players are still working, but when I talked to them, they said the situation was getting better. Also, I used to practice on artificial turf, but now I’m also practicing on natural turf, so I feel a difference during the match.
NakamuraThe game is natural grass. The feeling of playing may be quite different.
Grace bookThat’s right. Therefore, I have the impression that it is also included in the game.
Reds Ladies are winning in a row in the opening WE League. Gracemoto is leading the team towards the first queen[Getty Images]
――As a professional soccer player, I think you are looking for something you can do on and off the pitch every day. Is there anything you can give advice from Kengo as a senior?
NakamuraI spoke as an instructor at the training session before the opening of the WE League, but as long as I am a professional, I would like you to spend 24 hours to pursue your play on the pitch. On top of that, I told him that he should also do community contribution and social contribution activities outside the pitch.
But I didn’t say I had to do it. Because the WE League has just begun. I don’t think the players can afford that much yet. If you suddenly do something, it may affect the important part of the pitch. Playing on the pitch is the most important thing, so I talked about how it is better to gradually expand what you should do and what you can do as much as you can.
Grace bookIf you say that, it will make you feel better as a player, and you can think that playing is important first.
NakamuraOn the other hand, I think it is also very important to recognize who is supporting us. Reds Ladies has a men’s team called Urawa Reds, so I think there is a base for it, but I want them to be aware that they are playing while being supported by the people of Urawa and Saitama. With that in mind, I’ve thought it’s possible to spend an hour out of 24 hours on behalf of the community and fan supporters. However, I think it’s okay to do it gradually, not now that the WE League has begun.
Grace bookMitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies also has a big club called Urawa Reds, but I would like to lay the foundation for ladies as well. I would like to become a team that can be supported by local people, including Urawa Reds and Kawasaki Frontale, and all the ladies’ players are telling the club.
.
