Bundesliga
Shūto Machino's team-leading 11 Bundesliga goals have given Holstein Kiel every chance of retaining their top-flight status via the relegation play-off, with two games to go. bundesliga.com caught up with the Japanese forward ahead of a make-or-break week for the Bundesliga first-timers...
bundesliga.com: Kiel had already been written off by many, but now there the relegation play-off is still a possibility. How optimistic are you of actually achieving this goal?
Shūto Machino: “We are ready for the play-off. The team is in a really good mood at the moment and we want to take this momentum with us. We are working together as a team to ensure we stay in the league.”
bundesliga.com: How have the two wins in the last two games lifted the team's spirits?
Machino: “The two victories have given everyone confidence. We are already in the final part of the campaign, but I think we've gained even more confidence.”
bundesliga.com: Do those victories give Kiel a psychological advantage over the other relegation candidates?
Machino: “The results show that we have created more chances to score. I can also feel on the pitch that everyone is playing with confidence, and I really enjoy that.”
bundesliga.com: As a newly promoted team, Kiel have been the underdog in virtually every game. How do you think the team has performed throughout the season?
Machino: “We conceded a lot of goals over the course of the season - that's something we need to improve. But we've also scored a lot of goals, which is something we can be proud of. We have a lot of strengths in offence and in possession, which gives us confidence.”
bundesliga.com: You have played 30 games for Kiel this season and are the top scorer with 11 goals. How satisfied are you with your personal performance?
Machino: "There were also phases when I hardly scored any goals, but when the chances were there, I took them. That gives me confidence. Nevertheless, I haven't achieved anything yet - my goal is to score goals for the team and win. I want to score goals for the team in the next two games, too.”
bundesliga.com: The next of those two games is against Freiburg, who themselves are still fighting for UEFA Champions League qualification. How difficult do you think that match will be?
Machino: “It won't be an easy game, as both teams need three points. We lost last time agains them. When I came on, the score was 0-3 and it was only at the end that the other players were able to score two goals. We have to play focused as a team, both in defence and attack, so that it doesn't go the same way as last time.”
bundesliga.com: Your compatriot Ritsu Dōan plays for Freiburg. Do you know him, and are you in contact with him?
Machino: “Yes, of course I also have this Japanese duel in the back of my mind. Doan is a player who has always impressed with his goals and assists, so I've had my eye on him all season. But I don't want to lose.”
bundesliga.com: How much fun have you had in the Bundesliga with its great fans and stadiums so far?
Machino: “It's really great that we can almost always play in front of sold-out stadiums. The Kiel fans, in particular, have always given us positive support, even after defeats - that helps the team a lot. For these supporters, we want to make sure we stay in the league and celebrate together.”
bundesliga.com: What has been your best moment in the Bundesliga so far?
Machino: “The best thing was when we won through my goal. I particularly remember the game against Augsburg and the last game against Borussia Mönchengladbach.”
bundesliga.com: In March, you played for the Japanese national team for the first time in a while. The FIFA World Cup will take place next year - how happy are you to be part of the team?
Machino: “It was a great experience to be able to play for Japan again. That's what I came to Europe for. Of course I was happy to be nominated, but I didn't get much playing time and I didn't get a shot on goal. Next time I want to prepare better and deliver results.”