The defenders of Vissel Kobe steal the ball from opponents with their strong physicality in defense, and create chances with feeds to the front line in offense.While the offensive prowess of Vissel Kobe's soccer team often garners attention, behind it lies a defense team with outstanding stability.Among them, player Tetsushi Yamakawa is supporting the team's final line as an immovable center back and vice-captain.Despite being a product of the academy, Yamakawa returned to Vissel Kobe after experiencing college education.We had a look back at the team's battle in the first half of the season and reflected on his own career.

— Please tell us about the response you’ve felt so far, having finished the first half of the season.

Until last season, there were hardly any instances where the players communicated with each other to adjust their play when the game was going unfavorably.However, this season, by increasing the frequency of discussions on the pitch, our shared vision has become clearer, enabling us to respond flexibly even in difficult situations.Both the players who are in the game and those who are not are actively voicing out, which I think is a good trend for the team.

——Is there a difficulty in competing as a defending champion?

As expected, after winning last year, I believe the “Strategies against Vissel Kobe” have become stronger.Cases where our strengths are sealed off in battles are increasing, and we must develop different tactics to be able to win against them.You can also feel the determination from each opposing player to “defeat Vissel Kobe,” and they are coming to the fight with a change in their eye color.Against such opponents, instead of being passive, if we can develop our own soccer, we should be getting closer to a consecutive championship.

—— The Manager Yoshida mentioned during the selection of the vice-captain, “You have started to understand coaching and tactics, and are able to take leadership.”As someone leading the team, what do you keep in mind when communicating with the players?

I am consciously trying to increase the frequency of communication.While assessing the situation of the match, it is crucial for the team to decide how to compete. Without everyone facing the same direction, it is impossible to win.I am not the type to lead the team like a veteran player, so I make it a point to speak a lot and share my opinions.

——You are a graduate of the Academy. Is there anything you learned during your time at the Academy that is still relevant to you today?

Even during my academy days, during my time at Tsukuba University, and even now, there are always rival players in the same position who are more skilled than me.In order to be chosen to play in the match, you must win against such players in practice.That’s precisely why I never skimp on my daily training, and I take pride in the fact that I’ve always put in more effort than others, thinking, “I can’t stand to lose”.The attitude towards such practice is surely something that could have been cultivated during the academy days.

——You left Vissel Kobe once during your academy days and went on to study at Tsukuba University to obtain a teaching license. Could you tell us why?

There are two reasons.One reason was that I wanted to obtain a teaching license with an eye towards the future.And another thing is, although I was offered a promotion to the top when I was a third-year high school student, I didn’t have the confidence to compete as a professional at that time.I had the opportunity to practice with the top team several times, but I was completely outmatched.I was delighted to have been given the opportunity for promotion, and I thought that such an opportunity might never come again. However, after discussing with my parents and coach, I decided to “build up my strength in college before competing.”After listening to the opinions of those around me and calmly analyzing myself, I chose the path of further education.

——What were your feelings when you received an offer from Vissel Kobe again?

When I advanced to university, I made a vow in my heart that “I will definitely return to Vissel Kobe after four years.”When I received the offer, I was genuinely happy.When I decided to further my studies, I wasn’t confident, but I was able to steadily grow during my university years, which allowed me to prepare to live as a professional.I believe it was during my four years at university that I was able to gain confidence.

—Do you have any advice you would like to give to children who are struggling with their future path?

It’s challenging to make calm decisions all by yourself, so it’s also important to listen to the people around you.It becomes an opportunity to clarify where you stand and what you aim for in the future.In the end, the decision is up to you, but I think it’s good to hear various opinions during the process leading up to it.I would like you to try and view yourself objectively.

— Please tell us about your goals for this season.

Vissel Kobe aims to win the title, always wanting to be the key player within the team.In order to achieve this, it is important to continue participating in matches consistently without getting injured.I want to keep playing in the games without leaving a gap in the team, and contribute to our victories.I also want to focus on the goal.Although I am a defender, there are opportunities to move forward during set plays, and if I can score myself, it makes the defense easier.However, there are still issues with scoring ability, so we will continue to practice.The ideal is to completely shut out the opponent and win with your own score.

——Please tell us about your future career goals.

Although I have been away once for university advancement, I have been with Vissel Kobe since my junior high school days.It’s because I love this team that I can continue to strive for higher goals in soccer.While being grateful for such an environment, I aspire to eventually become a player known as a “legend” at Vissel Kobe.During his youth, he looked up to Coach Kunie Kitamoto and aspired to become a professional soccer player.Just as he was said to be the symbol of Vissel Kobe, I would be happy if I could become a representative player for the team.That is the goal for the future.

Yamakawa speaks of wanting to score points while blocking the opponent, leading his team to victory.The sense of responsibility as a vice-captain emanates from the active voicing and demonstration of leadership.In order for him to become the “symbol of Vissel Kobe” that he aims to be, he must be a leader of the team and an inspiring figure to his peers.The young Mr. Vissel, who has taken over the uniform number 4 that Coach Kitamoto has been carrying since this season.Continuing to take the field, aiming for a consecutive second season title win.

TEXT: Kodai Wada
PHOTO: Masato Tamura
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)