Maintain a high level of professionalism and continue to work hard on yourself with strict discipline.Among the renowned players of Vissel Kobe, Gotoku Sakai is particularly notable.Why can he continue to aim for heights so stoically?There was not only a strong will to lead the team to victory, but also a passionate desire for the entire Japanese soccer community, which he said he felt through his experience in Germany.

Sakai, who represented Japan in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups and served as captain of the prestigious German club Hamburger SV, joined Vissel Kobe in 2019.From then on, they have been playing an active role as the backbone of the team with their abilities and tough mental strength.

Despite delivering outstanding results by participating in all matches in 2021 and 2022, they never cease to strive. There exists a sense of awareness unique to him in order to continue being a professional.

“I believe that always being prepared is what makes a professional. Being able to consistently deliver 100% performance, no matter the situation or timing. A person who consistently does not neglect that. For instance, anyone can do what they should do, whether they are in good or bad condition, and put in the effort. However, for better or worse, humans tend to choose the easy path or the less painful method when things are neither good nor bad. That’s when you can make an effort.”I myself am mindful to not let my guard down, especially when things are stable,”

The reason we can continue to aim for higher heights without being satisfied with the current situation is because we have always set our sights on players who possess what we lack. Since childhood, I believed I was “not as good as others,” which led me to relentlessly dedicate myself to research and hard work.

“Ever since I started playing soccer, I had a strong desire to improve and expand my options. So, I was always observing skilled players and admiring them a lot.” “This person is skilled.” “Wow, that person’s play is amazing,” or something like that. My opinion has not changed even now. This is surely not a conversation limited to the world of soccer, right? I would like fans to try this too, if they ever feel like they are losing sight of their goals in society. I believe that in every industry, there are people who have areas in which they excel beyond oneself. By using such people as motivation, one can maintain a high level of awareness. I believe it’s good to have confidence in your strengths, but it’s important to sincerely accept your weaknesses and things you can’t do. If you lack knowledge, you should study. If you lack skills, you should practice.”Isn’t it possible to grow by accumulating those things?”

An aspiration that never fades, even as we age and accumulate achievements. That’s why, at the end of the 2022 season, I was overwhelmed with the feeling that I shouldn’t be satisfied with the current situation.

“I had gotten used to the air in Japan, so I felt the need to elevate myself once again.”It’s not that the level in Japan is low, but there is a tendency to prioritize playing clean soccer, which results in parts of the game being played at a slow tempo. That’s the difference with Germany. I’ve experienced high-tempo soccer, and sometimes I feel that I’m less impressive now compared to back then.

The power and sense of speed that foreign athletes possess. This is a greed for the goal, which can be rephrased as an obsession for victory.

“I feel that even when compared to the world, the basic part, the essence of Soccer, needs to be enhanced.”The essence of soccer is scoring goals. Foreign players don’t hesitate to go all out, and I wonder if that intensity is what sets them apart from Japan. I certainly want to take on the development of not just the J.LEAGUE but the overall Soccer scene in Japan. I aim to embody and give back all that I possess and what I’ve experienced in Germany.”I want to show the team, and the J.LEAGUE players, the difference of what can be achieved in Germany.”

The professional demeanor that Sakai continues to demonstrate. The techniques honed on the world stage and the powerful play displayed on the pitch will elevate the level of Vissel Kobe, and subsequently, the entire Japanese soccer scene.

TEXT： Chiharu Abe