In early June 2025, Sota Kitano moved from his youth club Osaka to our Red Bulls in Europe and promptly showed that he can cause plenty of havoc in attack. At our training camp in Belek, we caught up with the Japanese international to talk to him about his time so far in Salzburg during a walk around the hotel grounds.

Sota Kitano training camp interview

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Hi Sota, one question to start: Your hairstyle is new this year, you've become a blond. Who or what inspired you to do it?

Sota: "Before I came here, I always had blond hair. I dyed it black when I switched clubs, but I realised I prefer blond. When I was recently in Japan, I had it dyed again. It's all a matter of personal taste – I just like this colour best.”

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Let's move onto football: What are your impressions of the training camp so far, and how important is it for your togetherness as a team?

Sota: "It's pleasantly warm here, and we can train in an excellent environment. Regarding bonding with my teammates: I've been with the club for a while now, and my teammates understand me very well, just as I understand them. But I hope we can share many more good moments together during this time here."

How would you rate your performance in the first friendly against Rakow?

Sota: "Regarding my personal performance in yesterday's game, my finishing in front of goal is something I've been working on for a while. I had chances yesterday and didn't take them, which I need to reflect on. I think we've improved significantly as a team, and I hope we can continue down this path."

How satisfied are you overall with the preparation period so far, and what progress do you see in yourself?

Sota: "About a week has passed since the game against Bayern, and I think it's been a very busy and productive week. My physical condition is steadily improving, and I also feel very good mentally."

You made your debut with our team was at the Club World Cup. Is that something you still think about today?

Sota: "Yes, being able to make my debut at the Club World Cup was truly special. It's not a tournament you get to participate in every day, and for me personally, it was an incredible experience."

How are you finding the transition from Japan to Austria? How difficult or easy has it been both on and off the pitch?

Sota: "As far as football is concerned, I definitely feel that the pace and intensity are higher here than in Japan. Off the pitch, I'm slowly getting used to things like the food and the different language, but there are still many challenges in everyday life. Especially with the language, I notice every day that I need to adapt even faster."

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Is there anyone on the team you spend time with outside of training?

Sota: "I get along especially well with the other two Japanese players, Takumu Kawamura and Anrie Chase, but everyone is very friendly to me. Even though my English isn't very good yet, they try to communicate with me simply and clearly. I also got along well with Petar Ratkov, who just transferred; we went out for dinner together. I'm really grateful that everyone has welcomed me so warmly."

9 goal involvements in 24 appearances so far

Finally: What are your thoughts on the future?

Sota:"We still have a few days left here at training camp. I want to continue improving my fitness so that I'm in top form for the start of the season and we, as a team, can get off to a really good start."

All the latest from our training camp in Belek can be read on our blog:

to the live blog

Kitano: "There are still many challenges in everyday life."