In the world of professional sports, there are staff members who silently support the athletes, ensuring they can focus to their maximum potential on the competition.The nature of the work, responsibilities, and fulfillment that are usually difficult to understand.We spoke with Takuya Arai, who serves as the equipment manager at Vissel Kobe.

―What role does the manager of a professional soccer team play?

Depending on the team, the manager of Vissel Kobe’s responsibilities include arranging away games, managing uniforms, and preparing drinks and equipment for training, among other things. Within that, there are often two people who split the work: one person who is called a manager who supports the team to run smoothly, and another person like me who is called an equipment manager who manages the uniforms and spikes.In addition to polishing the spikes for the game, we also hand wash the goalkeeper’s gloves and shin guards. I am in charge of the spikes, and another member of our team is responsible for the goalkeeper’s gloves. Spike cleans off the dirt and polishes it by applying cream. Indeed, I want you to approach the game comfortably with clean, shiny spikes, so you can’t cut corners. By the way, the practice equipment is managed by the athletes themselves.

―I often feel that I am anticipating what the players need in terms of preparing for practice and other detailed tasks, and often act while predicting what will happen.

That’s right. Therefore, within myself, I hold many options such as arrangements for players to smoothly transition into practice or games, and solutions for when problems arise, to be able to respond to various situations. That’s why preparation is everything. Prepare for everything, anticipating all possibilities, so that i am  ready no matter anything is asked. Of course, unexpected things happen, so the ability to adapt flexibly to the situation is also necessary.

– What moments do you find rewarding or joyful?

I feel it every day, but what’s particularly pleasing  is when Koya Yuruki sees my polished spikes, he often says, “It’s so beautiful! I can do my best in the game with this! ”It’s a moment when I feel glad that I’ve worked hard.

―It’s clear that you are trusted by the players.

I value the sense of distance with the athletes. Even in casual conversations, initiate the dialogue and gradually break down the walls. Without a relationship of trust, you end up unable to say what is really necessary. Since we are all doing this to win, I want the players to fight with 100% of their strength, and creating the environment for that is also important, isn’t it? However, getting too close is also not good. It’s not good for both parties to have a relationship where if one says something, the other does it. However, that boundary varies from person to person. Even now, that’s a learning experience, isn’t it?

―As a team aiming for the top of the J.LEAGUE, I believe it’s a tough world. Have you gained anything from being affiliated with Vissel Kobe?

I truly feel grateful to have a job that involves working with professional athletes. Seeing the athletes’ dedication to every minute detail, such as body care, meals, spikes, and socks, and listening to their thought processes inspires me to apply this to my own work, thinking “I need to do more” and motivating myself. When I start to feel tired, when I feel like I am  about to lose, or when I am  getting used to it and think “this is good enough”, I say  to myself “I cannot lose here. I have to do a job that’s worthy of them.”  As I am involved with professionals, I always feel that I must match their level and do my work without compromise. For that reason, study every day. There are times when I exchange information with managers from other teams, and I’m always seeking what’s best without being satisfied with the current situation.

INTERVIEW&TEXT: Chiharu Abe EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)