Kodai Sano Aims for World Cup Glory with Brother Kaishu
Kodai Sano has quickly made a name for himself in PSV Eindhoven's midfield since his transfer from NEC, and now the Japanese international is focused on achieving his dream of playing in the next World Cup alongside his brother, Kaishu. Sano made his debut for PSV against Excelsior on August 15 and has since become a regular starter, completing 90 minutes in every match since his first start against FC Groningen. His rapid integration into Peter Bosz's plans highlights his potential and importance to the team.
His impressive club performances have also earned him a call-up to the Japan national team for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay, Venezuela, and Paraguay. This marks a significant step for Sano, who was notably absent from Japan's squad during the previous World Cup despite a strong season at NEC. Reflecting on that disappointment, Sano expressed that while he felt let down initially, his focus quickly shifted to supporting his teammates, including his brother Kaishu, who was selected for the tournament.
"Honestly, I was only truly disappointed for a short moment. My brother Kaishu was selected, just like Koki and Kento. I was very happy for them above all," Sano stated, emphasizing the importance of family and camaraderie over personal setbacks. He acknowledged that the decision to exclude him was ultimately the coach's, and he respects that judgment.
Looking ahead, Sano's ambition is clear: he aims to secure a spot in Japan's squad for the next World Cup and hopes to share the midfield with his brother. "We have so many good players who play in Europe and keep getting better. In four years, I want to be at the World Cup on the pitch in midfield with my brother in Japan. Sano and Sano. That’s what I’m working towards now," he declared, showcasing his determination and vision for the future.
Before he can realize this dream, Sano faces a significant challenge with PSV as they prepare for their Champions League campaign. The prospect of competing against elite clubs like Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid is both thrilling and daunting for the young midfielder. "When I saw the draw, I felt all kinds of things. A lot of emotion. I also had to laugh and thought: Wow, what is this? Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid," he remarked, illustrating the mix of excitement and nerves that comes with such high-stakes matches.
Playing at the Santiago Bernabéu is a surreal thought for Sano, who admits he struggles to fully grasp the magnitude of the occasion. "Honestly, I still can’t quite picture it. Normally I’m not quickly nervous for a match, maybe now I am," he confessed, acknowledging the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level.
Despite the challenges ahead, Sano is not one to calculate points or dwell on the difficulty of the fixtures. "It’s not that I’m already counting points in my head. That doesn’t make sense. There are opportunities to win in every match," he stated, emphasizing his focus on performance rather than outcomes. He understands that success hinges on how well he and his teammates perform on the pitch, regardless of the opponent's reputation.
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Sano's confidence in PSV's capabilities is evident, rooted in the quality of the squad under Bosz's management. "I do have a lot of confidence in our Champions League campaign, but that comes from the qualities of our squad," he affirmed, indicating a belief in their potential to compete effectively in Europe.
As Sano balances his aspirations for both club and country, his long-term goal remains clear: to earn another chance at the World Cup and to share that monumental experience with his brother on the international stage. The journey ahead is filled with challenges, but for Kodai Sano, the dream of World Cup glory is worth every effort.
