Pokal

Shunsuke Togami wants to repeat last season's cup victory with champions TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen at the Liebherr Cup Final Four on 4 January in Neu-Ulm. In this interview, the Japanese star talks about his memories of last season's success, the home advantage enjoyed by the Upper Swabians and his new role as world champion in doubles.

Shunsuke Togami, with last year's winners TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen, you are participating in the Liebherr Cup Final Four for the second time in a row. How important is the battle for the first team title of the season for a doubles world champion?

First of all, it's great that we're back again. That's not something to be taken for granted and shows that even after the upheaval, we're still working well as a team and constantly developing. This tournament is very important for us as a team, for the club and, of course, for our fans. We know that we're not going into the Liebherr Cup Final Four as favourites, but we'll all give it our best shot.

The draw has pitted your team against Champions League winners 1. FC Saarbrücken-TT and Olympic champion Fan Zhendong in the semi-finals. How do you see the chances in this rematch of the 2025 final?

The circumstances are different this time. Saarbrücken is the favourite, we know that. Nevertheless, table tennis is a sport in which a lot can happen in a single day and in a single match. For us, that means everyone has to play their best table tennis. We want to be confident, play courageously and try to cause an upset.

What could be a recipe for success for Ochsenhausen and you against the top favourite?

Good preparation is important, of course, especially against players at this level. Beyond that, I believe that our team spirit can be a decisive factor. We have to support each other, even when things get tough. It will be important not to get nervous in close matches. Finally, as the local team, we are hoping for the support of the crowd, which could be an additional factor.

The same match-up was on the TTBL schedule on the third Sunday of Advent, which we lost 0-3. Can any conclusions be drawn from this dress rehearsal for the cup semi-final?

I don't think that match will play a big role. We already knew how strong Saarbrücken is. The cup match will take place under completely different conditions, with a different atmosphere and a different emotional setting. We also had some time afterwards to recover and refocus. I am convinced that we will go into this semi-final with fresh energy and a lot of motivation.

In last season's final, you played an important role in winning the cup with one point. Following Hugo Calderano's departure, you now have more responsibility as the number one player in your team. Do you feel this change in role?

Of course, I am aware that I now play in the number one position more often and therefore have greater responsibility. However, my approach is always the same: I concentrate on my game, fight for every point and try to win. Regardless of my position, I always want to help the team as best I can. I am grateful for the trust placed in me by the club and my teammates and am delighted that I have been able to make a positive contribution so far.

Since last summer, you have also been playing in every match as world champion in doubles. How do you deal with the higher expectations of fans and the public?

Of course, there is more attention and perhaps more expectations. But I try not to let that influence me too much. At the end of the day, I'm still standing at the table playing table tennis – exactly what I love. Being world champion motivates me to continue working hard and constantly improving.

Which moment from the 2025 Cup tournament do you remember most?

Winning the cup itself and the subsequent celebration with the fans is, of course, something you never forget, especially as it was my first title with Ochsenhausen. But the journey to get there was also special. I particularly remember my performance in the final, which I managed to turn around. The atmosphere in the hall was extraordinary, and I realised how important it is to stay calm and believe in yourself, even in difficult situations. This experience gave me a lot of self-confidence.

As a world-class player, you compete all over the world. What makes the Liebherr Cup Final Four so special for you?

The Liebherr Cup Final Four is something very special at club level. The large hall, the large number of spectators and the special atmosphere are different from normal league matches. You're not just playing for yourself, but for the team, the club and the fans. This combination of sporting significance and emotional support is what makes it so appealing to me.

Thank you very much for talking to us, Shunsuke Togami.

Interview: Florian Manzke