Keita and Keito: Grateful and ambitious | OneFootball

Having joined Eintracht in January, Keita Kosugi and Keito Kumashiro are experiencing their first summer pre-season with the club. An interview with the Japanese duo.

Keita and Keito, how are things after two weeks of pre-season and the first two days of training in Grassau?

Kosugi: “Really good, I like the whole setup – the hotel as well as the training ground. I think I speak for Keito and myself when I say that we really appreciate these facilities. I sense a positive energy and after the intensive training sessions, I’m looking forward to the first test on Sunday against Trabzonspor.”

Kumashiro: “I agree with that. We have the ideal conditions here to lay the foundation for a successful season. Especially for us young players who haven’t been living in Frankfurt for long, this time together helps with the integration and getting to know team-mates and the processes. I have to stick at it and keep going.”

You’ve worn the eagle on your chest since the start of the year. What do you like most about Frankfurt?

Kosugi: “The atmosphere in the stadium. Even from the sidelines I’ve got a feeling for the energy that can come from the stands. The city is wonderful, too, although it’s been a bit too hot for me recently (laughs).”

Kumashiro: “Obviously the stadium. The size of the city suits me as well, and the food – Japanese cuisine is well represented here (laughs). It’s a little piece of home.” 

What do you miss?

Kosugi: “This was the case before in Sweden, so it’s nothing to do with Frankfurt: my family and friends in Japan.”

Kumashiro: “My brother and my dog.”

The third Japanese player in the club, Ritsu Doan, is an experienced Bundesliga and international player. What role does he play for you?

Kosugi: “He’s a star in our country. I love training with him. He’s also helped me with the integration on and off the pitch. Ritsu has a good relationship with everyone.”

Kumashiro: “I can only second that. Ritsu is a role model and as well as his class as a player, he’s a really nice team-mate.”

What are your aims for the new season?

Kosugi: “I’d like to make my Eintracht debut and stake my claim for the starting line-up. As a defender it’s important to me that we keep as many clean sheets as possible.”

Kumashiro: “To learn, keep improving and find my feet in professional football. If I remain part of the first team, I’ve set myself the target of scoring five goals this season.”