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Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu opens up on “disaster” World Cup performance
By Toby Hill
Takehiro Tomiyasu has spoken about his “disaster” performance in Japan’s World Cup loss to Croatia in the round of 16.
The Arsenal defender, who will be re-joining the Arsenal team in Dubai for warm weather training, was part of the giant-killing Japan side that was eliminated on penalties just a few days ago after beating Germany and Spain in the group stages.
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu opens up on “disaster” World Cup performance
Spoke to a devastated Takehiro Tomiyasu after Japan lost to Croatia last night. He described his performance as a "disaster" and said he did not know when he would be joining up with Arsenal. "Hopefully I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football."
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) December 6, 2022
The 24-year-old has recognised his need for a break from football before returning to Mikel Arteta’s side, saying: “Hopefully I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football. I need a bit of time.
“Of course, we are so disappointed with the result. My performance was a disaster today so I am sorry for the team.
“I just need to be much better to help the team. It was not enough and also for the team we did not deserve to win. We were so close to achieving our aim.
“They were better than us. I can’t be proud. I am not satisfied about what happened. This is football and yeah, we need to be much, much better to win against a stronger team,” he added.
The versatile Arsenal defender entered the World Cup carrying a knock and his minutes were carefully managed by the national team. His first start in Qatar didn’t arrive until the knockouts as he made two substitute appearances in the group stages.
Tomiyasu should eventually return to the Gunners fully fit and ready to make an impact after Christmas. The former Bologna man was a key part of Arsenal’s starting XI last season, but Ben White’s move to right-back has forced him onto the bench. Despite this, the depth Tomiyasu brings will be needed as Arsenal head to the latter stages of the season and continue to mount their Premier League title charge.