NEWS
FCWC semi-final match against Manchester City Maciej Skorza and Hiroki Sakai attend the official press conference the day before the match
On the 18th, Manager Maciej Skorza and Hiroki Sakai attended the official press conference the day before the match for the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 Semi-Finals against Manchester City FC, which was held at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. He expressed his enthusiasm for the semi-finals and answered questions from reporters.
[Question-and-answer session]
(I have a question for Coach Maciej. I think Manchester City is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but what do you think the Reds should focus on in order to win?)
``I think it goes without saying that we are playing against Manchester City, but what is important is everything.From the start of the game, we will need to fight to exceed our limits in terms of strategy, tactics, and the game itself. It's a match like this, so it's important to challenge our limits."
(I have a question for Coach Maciej. I think many people say that Manchester City is the best team in the world, but what do you think will be difficult? When you think about it, what do you think about a team of this level?)
“No matter what kind of soccer team you are, it will be difficult to play against a team like this. I think team spirit will be important for us, both before and during the game. Confidence: It's the Club World Cup, so it's probably the most difficult opponent to play against.However, this is fate.If we can get through this, I think it will be a little easier tactically after that, so I'm looking forward to the match itself. I think the team will become smarter.On paper, I think Manchester City is a team that outperforms us in every aspect.However, when it comes to matches, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be that way. We have great players with great characteristics. Our opponent is the European champion, so it's a really valuable opportunity. I think it's great to be able to play against them."
(I have a question for Mr. Sakai. The FIFA Club World Cup is not well known in England and is not given much importance. How about its attention and importance in Japan?)
``You can definitely imagine that things aren't that important in England, but as manager (Maciej Skorza) often says, the chance to play against Manchester City in an official match is a great opportunity for players playing in Japan. I think it's a precious stage that only happens once in a lifetime.When I played in the (UEFA) Champions League as a member of (Olympic) Marseille, playing against Manchester City is the goal of every soccer player. I thought so, and it was a great honor.I think it's a great honor to be able to compete in an official match once again.I don't know how important it will be in Japan, but it's something we're putting a lot of effort into tomorrow's match. There is no doubt about it.”
(I have a question for Coach Maciej. This tournament will be the last match for this team, but what meaning do you give to this match in order to create new history and make it a legacy?)
“Yes, this tournament will be my last match as Urawa Red Diamonds manager.If I can only speak for myself, it is a very special time.Everything has changed over the past year. It's been great for me and I've had a really good experience. All the players in the dressing room, including Hiroki here, and the people at the club have great personalities. And what's also great is... I am a fan and supporter. I want to do as well as possible in this tournament for everyone. As I said earlier, I dream of reaching the final and winning."
(I have a question for coach Maciej. You played against coach Josep Guardiola when you were managing Poland's Wisła Krakow. How do you feel about playing against him again in a venue like this?)
"I had such a great opportunity. I met Coach Guardiola 15 years ago. We were both managers at that time. Guardiola was also in his first season at (FC) Barcelona. Since then, I've always had a lot of respect for what he's done. I think he's the best manager in the world. So it's a great opportunity for me to play against Manchester City tomorrow. It's been 15 years since then. It's been a while.To be honest, you can't compare the match from 15 years ago to the match tomorrow.The background and the tournament itself will be completely different.The tactics will also be completely different.As I said in my first answer, It's about perseverance during the match and believing in our own strength. There will be times when it's difficult on the pitch. We have to keep fighting and not give in. We have to keep fighting so that we can realize our plan. And we have to keep fighting despite the opponent's pace. We have to be able to compete equally. I don't know what the result will be, but I think it will be a good game. Once again, the most important thing is to always maintain team spirit. I feel it.”
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
[Question-and-answer session]
(I have a question for Coach Maciej. I think Manchester City is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but what do you think the Reds should focus on in order to win?)
``I think it goes without saying that we are playing against Manchester City, but what is important is everything.From the start of the game, we will need to fight to exceed our limits in terms of strategy, tactics, and the game itself. It's a match like this, so it's important to challenge our limits."
(I have a question for Coach Maciej. I think many people say that Manchester City is the best team in the world, but what do you think will be difficult? When you think about it, what do you think about a team of this level?)
“No matter what kind of soccer team you are, it will be difficult to play against a team like this. I think team spirit will be important for us, both before and during the game. Confidence: It's the Club World Cup, so it's probably the most difficult opponent to play against.However, this is fate.If we can get through this, I think it will be a little easier tactically after that, so I'm looking forward to the match itself. I think the team will become smarter.On paper, I think Manchester City is a team that outperforms us in every aspect.However, when it comes to matches, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be that way. We have great players with great characteristics. Our opponent is the European champion, so it's a really valuable opportunity. I think it's great to be able to play against them."
(I have a question for Mr. Sakai. The FIFA Club World Cup is not well known in England and is not given much importance. How about its attention and importance in Japan?)
``You can definitely imagine that things aren't that important in England, but as manager (Maciej Skorza) often says, the chance to play against Manchester City in an official match is a great opportunity for players playing in Japan. I think it's a precious stage that only happens once in a lifetime.When I played in the (UEFA) Champions League as a member of (Olympic) Marseille, playing against Manchester City is the goal of every soccer player. I thought so, and it was a great honor.I think it's a great honor to be able to compete in an official match once again.I don't know how important it will be in Japan, but it's something we're putting a lot of effort into tomorrow's match. There is no doubt about it.”
(I have a question for Coach Maciej. This tournament will be the last match for this team, but what meaning do you give to this match in order to create new history and make it a legacy?)
“Yes, this tournament will be my last match as Urawa Red Diamonds manager.If I can only speak for myself, it is a very special time.Everything has changed over the past year. It's been great for me and I've had a really good experience. All the players in the dressing room, including Hiroki here, and the people at the club have great personalities. And what's also great is... I am a fan and supporter. I want to do as well as possible in this tournament for everyone. As I said earlier, I dream of reaching the final and winning."
(I have a question for coach Maciej. You played against coach Josep Guardiola when you were managing Poland's Wisła Krakow. How do you feel about playing against him again in a venue like this?)
"I had such a great opportunity. I met Coach Guardiola 15 years ago. We were both managers at that time. Guardiola was also in his first season at (FC) Barcelona. Since then, I've always had a lot of respect for what he's done. I think he's the best manager in the world. So it's a great opportunity for me to play against Manchester City tomorrow. It's been 15 years since then. It's been a while.To be honest, you can't compare the match from 15 years ago to the match tomorrow.The background and the tournament itself will be completely different.The tactics will also be completely different.As I said in my first answer, It's about perseverance during the match and believing in our own strength. There will be times when it's difficult on the pitch. We have to keep fighting and not give in. We have to keep fighting so that we can realize our plan. And we have to keep fighting despite the opponent's pace. We have to be able to compete equally. I don't know what the result will be, but I think it will be a good game. Once again, the most important thing is to always maintain team spirit. I feel it.”
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
