After completing a training session on September 22 local time, Japan international Kuon Matsuki spoke to the Japanese media.

On being called up to the national team

"It has always been my goal, and this is just the beginning. Since this is my first call-up, I want to communicate well with the other players and make sure they know who I am."

On joining the warm-up group with World Cup squad players

"Why? Because they are world-class players. Everyone is excellent, with players like Daichi and Takefusa, and others, including those playing in the Premier League, which is somewhere I also aspire to play. Moreover, it's a rondo group of players who have represented the national team for many years, so I feel I can learn great things by training with them."

On playing multiple positions this season

"Anyone who watches Southampton's matches knows I've played this role very frequently this season. People around me might say, 'Why is he playing on the wing?', but this is my main position now, and I can play there."

"There will be many one-on-one situations, which I'm very good at, so I'll focus on executing successful tackles and connecting with the forwards."

On playing football abroad

"Over the past two years, I've certainly gone through a lot. I've played different positions, and there were times when I didn't get opportunities at Southampton, but all of that became motivation for me, leading to where I am now. Although those were difficult two years, those experiences are paying off now."

"My strongest feeling is that I've truly progressed step by step. Being called up to the national team in this way is also a result of trying different positions and accumulating different experiences. Coach Moriyasu must have recognized this. Of course, there's a feeling of 'finally it came', but I believe I worked hard to achieve this."

"Although it was a painful period, even then I didn't neglect my training. There were two or three other players who weren't on the list, and we communicated with each other, creating an atmosphere of 'if we fall behind here, we won't be able to do anything'. One of them is now playing for Southampton, and I think it's precisely because of that mindset."

"My teammates always told me, 'You train well, why aren't you playing?', and I also told the previous coach, 'I'm showing my best in training, why don't you use me?'. These things supported me."

"I don't think my mindset is particularly strong; I simply don't want to lose. From that, I think in reverse and consider what I can do on the pitch. When playing football, I give everything and fight for Japan."

Website AF đã ra mắt! Xem tin tức đầy đủ, bình luận, chi tiết trận đấu và thống kê trên máy tính. Truy cập: www.allfootballapp.com