Q: How many years were you a professional?
A: 19 Years and I've been lucky having played all over the World.
Q: What qualities do you need to become a professional?
A: First you need good skills….but there are many players with good skills that don't become professional. The essential factors you need are: Focus and sacrifice: I became a pro at 17 years old and I gave up many things ,such as drinking, going out late with my friends. My focus was to take care of my body and I think that's why I had such a long career. I also think you need confidence; often in soccer there are disappointments..Your team can lose ..You can play badly…but its players who can turn negative situations into positive feelings that do well.
Q: In Japan, there are many who feel that Japanese players are at a disadvantage as compared to European players because of their smaller size, what is your feeling?
A: As I said I was 19 years a pro and I am 5'7" and weigh 155 pounds. You can overcome size advantages by being quick and having good balance. Also a small player can be strong, especially in protecting the ball or tackling where strength is associated with timing and determination.
Q: What advice have you in particular for small players when they play against bigger opponents
A: Well, First make sure you are first to the ball. Then use your Shielding skills since opponents will often hesitate to come in incase of a foul and lastly learn to use your arms…feel where you opponent is and also you can use your arms to protect yourself by keeping your opponents at a distance. A straight arm can lengthen the distance between you, your opponent and the ball.
Q: What was the single philosophy that you used in your professional career?
A: I had one and that was play EACH game as if it was my last
Q: You played with Inamoto at Fulham, what did you think about his abilities?
A: Inamoto is a very good professional, his attitude at training and during games was excellent. He is also a very skillful player. I was more impressed with him as an offensive midfielder because he can score goals.
Q: I the future you told me you want to Coach, what will be your philosophy?
A: Firstly, I want to Coach teams that can keep possession of the ball that means all 1 players have good skills. I say 11 because these days Goalkeepers should also have good foot skills, they now in fact like sweepers …I want 11 players not 10 in this system.
Q: Who are the Best Players you have played with and against?
A: The best player I played with was Thierry Henry at Monaco. He is the fastest player I have ever seen and can create goals for himself from nothing.
The best player I played against was Zidane when he played for Juventus and the French National team. He is the Complete player: Vision, Skill, can play with both feet and is physically very strong…..most of all he always plays for the team not himself.
Q: We met when you were 17 years old and we worked together on the Coerver program; how did that help your career?
A: As, I have said many times, I think the Coerver program is the best in the World at improving skills. As a small player, it gave me additional skills that I think made me a much better player. I especially practiced the Changes of Direction which I used more than any skill.
