Kagawa determined to adapt - 7M sport

Kagawa determined to adapt



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Posted Saturday, July 28, 2012 by ESPN

Kagawa determined to adapt

Shinji Kagawa reveals that he will hit the gym and train up physically in order to adapt to the Premier League in an exclusive interview with ESPNSTAR.com.

The biggest signing for Manchester United in this summer so far, Kagawa has been burdened with expectations to add thrust and lead the Red Devils' attack in the coming season.

The Japan international got off to a bright start and proved that his move was more than a marketing tool to sell jerseys in Asia in the friendly win against Shanghai Shenhua where he scored the only goal in the game.

More impressively, he dictated the play in United's attack and was the heart and soul of the team from start to finish, an excellent way to mark his first full match for United and he is eager to have an excellent start to his debut season.

Kagawa, who was in Shanghai for the DHL Manchester United 2012 Tour, told ESPNSTAR.com in an exclusive interview that while there haven't been talks with manager Sir Alex Ferguson over his role in the side for the coming season, but he is determined to make the best of it.

"No, we haven't had talks to discuss over what my exact roles is in the coming season," he said, "But I know that this team is expected to win all the titles they are challenging for, so I will do my best in every game to help the team.

"I don't have any goals in terms of specific numbers of goals and assists but as I said, I hope I will be able to contribute to the team as much as possible."

The Premier League is billed as the most physical one to play in and there have been past occasions where players with a slight built like Kagawa have found the physicality hard to deal with.

Cristiano Ronaldo for one, took it upon himself to bulk up and strengthen his body and add a physical element to his game.

Kagawa acknowledges the difficulty he may face and is determined to do what it takes to succeed at United.

"Yes, it definitely is a tough league to play in," he said, "Of course, I will adapt to it, even if it means going to the gym more often. If I manage to adapt to it, I will be able to compete at that level and give my best for the team.

The former Cerezo Osaka player revealed that there isn't much difference when it comes to training at Dortmund and at United.

"Actually there isn't a lot of difference when it comes to the training at both clubs. But I guess here at United, we train a lot more with the ball than in Dortmund, so it's a lot more fun."

The 23-year-old has been acclaimed for his two-footedness, quick thinking and penetrative passing but the player himself feels that his most important asset isn't any of the above.

"I had many experiences in Dortmund - such as the Champions League games and winning the Bundesliga. So definitely, my experience is the greatest asset when I come over here and I will be looking to use it to add to the team."

When asked about who he thinks the best player at United is, Kagawa admitted that he isn't a follower of the club before joining them but picked out midfield colleague Paul Scholes as the one that impressed him the most thus far.

"It's really my first time really following the club and meeting the players, so it's hard to pick one out as they have really good players in this team. "

"But if I had to name one it would be Scholes. He is in his 30s, but the way he plays like he is nowhere near that age. It's amazing what I can see in training - how he handles the ball and passes it around."



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