Itakura: Wearing the Japan armband was an incredibly special moment
FIFA

Itakura: Wearing the Japan armband was an incredibly special moment

Published
29 Apr 2023

Ko Itakura discusses life at Borussia Monchengladbach, Qatar 2022 and how Japan can get beyond the last 16 at the FIFA World Cup.

FIFA

  • Ko Itakura has been thriving for Borussia Monchengladbach

  • He discusses life in the Bundesliga and Qatar 2022

  • Itakura outlines how Japan can get past the FIFA World Cup's last 16

Ko Itakura has been earning rave reviews since joining Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach for the 2022/23 season. A defensive stalwart during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, he helped propel Japan into the knockout phase. With his star on the rise and handed the captain's armband during the Kirin Challenge Cup match against Colombia in March, the sky is the limit for this 26-year-old.

In an exclusive interview with FIFA+, Itakura discusses his German adventure, memorable debut at Qatar 2022 and burning passion to play for Japan.

FIFA+: How does it feel to play in Germany’s top flight?FIFA+: How does it feel to play in Germany’s top flight?

Well, since moving to Germany, I've had a taste of both the second and first divisions. Personally, I think the physicality and intensity of one-on-one duels on the pitch are hallmarks of this league.

Can you share a bit about your journey at Borussia Monchengladbach, the challenges you’ve faced and your growth as a player?Can you share a bit about your journey at Borussia Monchengladbach, the challenges you’ve faced and your growth as a player?

The club has a storied history and a supercharged stadium atmosphere. Every time I step on to the pitch, I feel like I am living a childhood dream. Playing alongside top-tier team-mates and competing in the Bundesliga week in, week out has really helped my game evolve.

Which team-mate are you most grateful to have on your side?Which team-mate are you most grateful to have on your side?

Definitely Marcus Thuram. I’m a defender and he’s a striker, so we often end up locking horns in training. He's a phenomenal player who represented France at the World Cup. Regularly training with him is a massive advantage, and having him on my side is a real blessing.

How did the club support you during your injury?How did the club support you during your injury?

Well, in a nutshell, the club knew I wanted to be part of the World Cup at all costs and were extremely understanding. They went the extra mile to support me and were always there for me throughout my rehab. Thanks to them, I made it there and I'm grateful to everyone involved, especially the medical team.

You played a pivotal role in the group matches to help steer the team into the knockout phase. Sadly, you were suspended for the Croatia match. How did that feel?You played a pivotal role in the group matches to help steer the team into the knockout phase. Sadly, you were suspended for the Croatia match. How did that feel?

I knew that picking up a pair of yellow cards in the three qualifying games would sideline me for the round of 16, but my sole focus was on helping the team win. I trusted the team to pull through against Croatia too and rooted for them from the stands.

After Qatar, did your perspective on the national team and your own role in it change?After Qatar, did your perspective on the national team and your own role in it change?

Absolutely. Wearing the national shirt gives me even more of a buzz now. It was my first World Cup and it's difficult to describe, but being part of a once-in-a-lifetime event with the nation's pride on the line is a nerve-wracking thrill. It was unforgettable, and no-one is more determined than me to be there next time round. That's also why it's so heart-breaking... if only we’d gone further. I firmly believe that those of us who played in Qatar must step up and keep pushing the Samurai Blue forward. When the next World Cup comes around, I'm fully committed to making amends.

How can Japan break through the last-16 barrier?How can Japan break through the last-16 barrier?

Well, first of all, participating in my first World Cup this time truly demonstrated how challenging it is. However, I believe the potential is there, provided each player ups their game and we continue to fight as a united team, which is one of Japan's strengths. To me, the key lies in each of us consistently expressing ourselves on the field and striving to perform at the highest level.

In the Kirin Challenge Cup match against Colombia, you captained the national team for the first time. How did that feel?In the Kirin Challenge Cup match against Colombia, you captained the national team for the first time. How did that feel?

Wearing the captain's armband for Japan was an incredibly special moment. It has only intensified my hunger to lead the team to victory.

And what are your goals going forward?And what are your goals going forward?

Above all, I want to carefully prepare for each upcoming match, avoid injuries and remain a rock-solid presence for the team. I believe that will unlock various opportunities down the line. Remaining ultra-focused on the task at hand and giving my all in each match is my top priority.