Reactions after Japan v. DPR Korea: “I’ve been thinking since the Asian Cup ended that my task is to show something extra” – Daizen Maeda

Ao Tanaka / Fortuna Dusseldorf

(On his goal) “I didn’t show my face in front of goal too much, but I knew that if I waited there the ball would come to me. The cut-back was on and he gave me a good ball, so all I had to do was put it in.

In the second half, I felt there was room for improvement in our combinations. We kicked when we didn’t have to, and the distance between players was a bit too large. Of course, individual technical mistakes and errors in judgment aren’t something to worry about too much as they are things individuals can reflect on, but I think we can still take another step or two, speak up and help the ball holder find the right pass. We need to do more of that.

I don’t know if combination football is always the way to go, but there is a difference between kicking a ball that you know is going straight to your opponent and a long ball with an intention behind it. I have my issues after picking up the second ball, and I still need to work on my quality in that area.

I think the most important thing is to focus on doing what you can do. I think I’m the type of player who moves around a lot rather than being solid, so it’s important for me to show up in various situations. However, if I move too much it will only disrupt the other players’ positioning, so I have to think carefully about when to do so.

I want to focus on increasing the amount of possession we have and creating a good flow when we do.”

Wataru Endo / Liverpool

(On being brought on in the 58th minute) “The game was going badly, so we needed to get back to playing at our pace and showing more willingness to go forward. We shouldn’t just pull back and create a block but need to take action and seize the momentum. When we did that sometimes the opponents would be forced to just kick the ball away in frustration and we would get possession.

I felt that things were a little tricky with four (in the defensive line). By going to five, we decided who would go to press the opponent. If I went forward then Shogo (Taniguchi) was able to push up from behind to shut them down, so I think it became a lot easier with the five.

We’ve created various options over the years, and I think it’s important which one we choose to win games from now on. Today, Moriyasu-san made a firm decision, and I think each one of us was able to read the game carefully, knowing what we were going to do as a team, and what we wanted to do when I came on.

(On the next match no longer being held in Pyongyang) I don’t have anything to say, I just have to wait for the decision. I think it’s important to prepare to play the game. Anyway, I want to recover first, and whatever happens in the end, I want to make good preparations for the challenge.”

Daizen Maeda / Celtic

“It’s tough to play with high intensity all the time, so we have to reflect on the times in the second half when they pushed us. But there are always games like this. It was really good that we managed to keep a clean sheet and get the goal we needed to win.

Hard work alone helps the team, but I’ve been thinking since the Asian Cup ended that my task is to show something extra. Anyway, I’m glad I was able to contribute to the team’s victory.

With dark hair, it’s hard to spot me from a distance. With blonde hair, from a distance, I look like I did with my shaved head, so I think it’s easier for my kids to find me. That’s why I decided to go blonde. I called a hairdresser to the hotel to do it for me.”

Takumi Minamino / AS Monaco

There were chances in both the first and second halves when Daizen got the ball. He has that sprinting ability and a good cross after getting in behind. The team has players at a high level and with different characteristics, which I feel we can rely on.

The fact we were able to win against a difficult Asian opponent serves as a confidence boost. The national team always has to show that it can fight even if the players in the team change. In that sense, it was good.

Ao (Tanaka) and (Hidemasa) Morita are clever and careful players, so they are very easy to play with and bring out the best in all the players, not just me.