Take Kubo: “I’m happy to join Japan because I can play”

“I’m happy to join Japan because I can play”: Take Kubo delivered that line ironically upon arriving for international duty, when asked about his status in Pellegrino Matarazzo’s set-up.

The forward is going through a difficult spell in San Sebastián. His playing time has gradually decreased, to the point that he has not featured in the most recent official fixtures. The Japan camp therefore represents a break and an opportunity to bounce back for him.

Aware of the attention surrounding his situation, Kubo acknowledged that he cannot escape it. “I wouldn’t like this to be news but, honestly, there is nothing I can do about it. So all I have left is to do what is within my control,” he said.

The player also stated that he has fully recovered from the knee sprain he suffered after a heavy challenge by Denzel Dumfries at the Cup of America, an injury which prevented him from playing again in that tournament. “My knee does not bother me at all now. I think I will be able to play with the national team, and then you will see my current physical condition,” Kubo said.

With Japan, he also intends to prepare himself for greater responsibilities. “I don’t feel that this is a new stage. It seems to me the natural continuation of the previous one. If there were changes in the previous generation, I think I could wear the captain’s armband, so I want to play with that possibility in mind,” he explained.

Kubo also revealed that he had spoken with Sato, a Valencia player, as Javier Aguirre is due to arrive shortly on the Valencia bench. Having known the coach at Mallorca, he said: “As he is going to change coach, he asked me a lot about him.”

This international window gives Kubo an opportunity to rediscover his feel for the game, build up minutes and return to Zubieta in top condition.