Following a 2-3 defeat to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a friendly match, Kobe Victory's central midfielder Takahiro Ogihara spoke to the media, giving an in-depth reflection on the match and sharing his feelings about the differences with the J-League and the excitement of being reunited with Tottenham Hotspur's skipper, Postecoglou.
Competition Feeling: The Shock of High-Level Athletics
Takahiro Ogihara began by expressing his deep feelings about the high level of the game. "This game gave me a deep feeling of the high level of athleticism of the Premier League team." He said, "Whether it was the pace and intensity of the game or the individual abilities of the players, it was far beyond what I had previously imagined. This kind of matchup has benefited me a lot, and also let me see the direction I need to improve."
The gap between the J-League and the Premier League: the challenge of speed and precision
Talking about the differences with the J-League, Takahiro Ogihara highlighted the difference in the speed and precision of the game. "Tottenham's speed and accuracy of play really impressed me." He explained, "In the J-League, although we also strive for speed and accuracy, in comparison, Tottenham's passing speed and technical handling after receiving the ball are much more advanced. In such hot weather, the slightest hesitation will be broken by the opponents, and their ground passes are simply like precision guidance."
Reunited with Postecoglou: The Continuation of a Football Affair
Takahiro Ogihara couldn't hide his excitement about the reunion with Tottenham Hotspur boss Postecoglou. "I have been very much looking forward to meeting him since the match was finalized." He confessed, "Coach Postecoglou is someone I respect greatly, both for his professionalism as a coach and his character as a human being. The fact that he can coach in a top league like the Premier League is more proof of his strength and talent."
Takahiro Ogihara also revealed that Coach Postecoglou had been following his performance before the game. "He said he had been watching me and that touched me very much." Takahiro Ogihara continued, "Coach Postecoglou is very passionate about soccer, and his attention to the game is not limited to his own team, but also extends widely to other games and players. I hope to show my strength through this game, return his attention, and take inspiration from it to continue to work hard to improve my soccer game."
Looking Ahead: Competition for Improvement
Finally, Takahiro Ogihara expressed his outlook for the future. "Although we lost this game, I believe such experience is a valuable asset for us." He concluded, "By playing against a strong team like Tottenham Hotspur, we can more clearly recognize our shortcomings and areas for improvement. In the future, we will use this match as an opportunity to continue to strengthen our training, improve our competitive level and strive for more victories for the team."
