―How do you feel about your progress?
Shibasaki: I've been training well, pushing myself with training that can only be done at this time of year. Also, I've prepared well not only physically but also mentally. My body and mind are connected, so if both are fulfilling, I become more positive. I think being able to think this way is a sign that my condition is improving.
―Is the mental fulfillment something you create yourself?
Shibasaki: There are aspects I've intentionally cultivated. However, it's also about the team's condition after the training camp, and personally, I've been building a body that can compete for a full year since returning to Kashima, including the training camp. I've been doing preparations that can only be done at this time of year to show a "new me" that's different from before. I think that's manifesting well now.
―Looking back at the 2014 season, what aspects did you personally feel a sense of accomplishment in, Shibasaki?
Shibasaki: I scored and assisted more than in previous years, so I was able to achieve more results. Of course, I'm not satisfied, but it gave me great confidence, and I'm working with the mindset of aiming even higher. In that sense, I think last year was a season where I made progress. I feel like I'm gradually building things up, step by step. Last year was my fourth year with Antlers. I had been building things up for the previous three years, and last year I positioned it as a crucial year. I think the results showed.
―That also led to your selection for the Japan national team.
Shibasaki: The timing was good, but I was called up at a good time. I don't think it was too late or too early. I have the impression that I was called up at a good time that matched what I had built up.
Becoming a presence that communicates within the team
―In the 2014 season, what was the team's sense of accomplishment?
Shibasaki: I wondered what would happen after Sako-san (Osako, currently with 1. FC Köln) left, but offensively, we scored more goals and had a good image of what we were doing. I think that was a good point. Defensively, it's where experience comes in, so there's still a lack of experience, including for myself. When it comes to important matches, like title contenders or clashes with top teams, whether we can properly exert our strength largely depends on our mental state. But I think we gained a lot of experience last year, including the year before last. I'm confident we can perform even in highly anticipated, important matches. This year, I need to be especially conscious of staying focused and not dropping our guard in those situations.
―What is necessary to eliminate inconsistency and maintain stable performance?
Shibasaki: In terms of tactics, whether to attack or defend, or simply to keep possession of the ball. Individual judgment becomes important, and it involves playing with courage or avoiding risks. That judgment changes depending on various situations. It will be different at the beginning, middle, and end of the season, and it will also be different depending on the opponent. In any case, winning. Or, not losing. When considering the entire season, not losing will also be important. So, we have to play smartly. I'm in a position where I have to create the game myself. I think that's an area I need to pay close attention to. Players who can create and control the game need to actively communicate. There aren't that many players who can do that. Within the team, Mitsuo-san and I have to actively communicate and see the game through to the end. That's something we have to do while maintaining a good balance. I have to do that myself, and I also have to convey it to the team.
―So, "communicating within the team" seems to be your theme for this season, Shibasaki.
Shibasaki: That's right. Year by year, my role as a central figure in the team has grown, and my position within the team has changed. In such a situation, there are more things I need to do, and to achieve them, I also need to expand my capacity. That also leads to my own growth. So, I welcome that and want to work on it.
―Experiencing success by winning a title in that position seems like it would lead to even further growth.
Shibasaki: Results give you confidence. That's what I want. This year, no matter what. I think everyone is waiting for it.
―Mr. Shibasaki, you're a user of "J.LEAGUE On Demand," which allows you to enjoy J.LEAGUE anywhere, anytime on PC, smartphone, or tablet. How do you use it?
Shibasaki: I use it to watch overseas matches and my own matches. I don't really watch it right after a game. I watch it when I'm traveling or something. It's convenient because I can watch it anytime, anywhere.
―What kind of plays do you focus on when watching?
Shibasaki: I don't focus on any specific thing; I just watch broadly from an overview. The ball is always in my sight. It's the same on the pitch, but I often observe the space.
―Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
Shibasaki: It's strange to say "please watch" (laughs). If we play interesting and attractive football, people will naturally pay attention, so I want to achieve solid results on the pitch.
