After a tough start to the season with three consecutive defeats for Southampton, Japan international Yusei Sugawara showed both introspection and determination in an interview with the Japanese media. He was outspoken in stating that although he was given a chance to play in the tournament and played the entirety of the third game, the team's three consecutive defeats left him far from satisfied. "As a member of the team, I am aware of my great responsibility, and every loss is a spur for all of us." Yusei Sugawara's words reveal a desire to win and a strict demand on himself.
Speaking about the significant differences between the Dutch Eredivisie and the English Premier League, Yusei Sugawara recognized that the two leagues are significantly different in a number of dimensions. In particular, he pointed out that there is a world of difference in the individual abilities of the players, the degree of tacticalization of the teams, and the pace of the game. However, in his opinion, the most crucial is the difference in individual ability between players, which he has already felt deeply in just three Premier League matches. "The Premier League requires a high level of overall quality from its players, and I have to keep improving myself in order to adapt to the competitive environment here." Sugawara Yusei said.
Yusei Sugawara was full of emotions and expectations for his career in the world. He mentioned that with the outstanding performance of Japanese players such as Kaoru Mitaka, Kenyo Tomiyasu, and Koh Endo in the European soccer world, the overall reputation of Japanese players has been significantly improved. Nowadays, Japanese players are no longer "outsiders" in European soccer, but are considered as important as local players. Yusei Sugawara is encouraged by this change, and believes it will have a positive impact on the number of Japanese players who aspire to break into Europe. "This is the beginning of a virtuous cycle and we Japanese players will continue to work hard to make Japanese soccer proud." He stated firmly.
In addition, Yusei Sugawara spoke highly of Southampton manager Russell Martin's tactical philosophy and work ethic. He believes that Martin's tactics are very detailed and targeted, and every game is full of careful planning and meticulous deployment. Although he is still trying to adapt to the coach's requirements and tactical system, he believes that through continuous efforts and training, he will be able to fully digest the coach's tactical intentions and play his best in the game.
Finally, when asked about Junya Ito's return to the national team, Yusei Sugawara could not hide his joy. He praised Junya Ito as a player with great tactical skills and dedication, who plays an indispensable role in the team. He believes that Junya Ito's return will bring new energy and motivation to the Japan national team. "I am very happy that he is back to fight with us. His presence makes our whole team feel more at ease and stronger." Yusei Sugawara said with a smile.
