NEWS
Nishikawa: “This is an important ticket that we grabbed for ourselves, carrying the feelings of many people on our backs.”
Shusaku Nishikawa 's comments regarding the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 Semi-Finals against Manchester City FC, which will be held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium at 11:00 PM local time on the 19th (Tuesday).
[Shusaku Nishikawa]
(What are your personal thoughts on competing in the FIFA Club World Cup?)
“As someone who experienced the Club World Cup in 2017, we were the Asian champions back then and earned the right to participate, but we lost in the first match and ended up having to play in the match to determine 5th and 6th place. We were disappointed to have missed the chance to play against European champions Real Madrid, but this time we won against Club Leon and earned the right to play against European champions Manchester City FC. , I can say that I was able to take revenge for 2017.
However, I think the Club World Cup is where the game begins. I'm happy to be able to play against Manchester City, but I don't just want to fight, I want to focus on the result and win. Although no one may have expected us to win, it is a chance to spread the name of Urawa Reds around the world, and I think it will be etched in history for the club as well. I think this match is very important in that sense."
(Didn't the fans and supporters' enthusiasm for the Club World Cup strongly move the players, including the atmosphere at Ohara Training Ground departure and the first match against Club Leon of this tournament?)
``No matter how many times I experience it, I am always amazed at how amazing they are, and the attitude of the fans and supporters gives us a sense of responsibility as the Asian champions.
In the game against Club Leon, the number of people on site may not have been as large as in the usual away games, but the power of their voices was immeasurable and they supported us strongly. I think that sense of unity is something that only Urawa Reds fans and supporters can achieve, so it made me feel even more like we were all fighting together. I think their desire is to conquer the world, and each and every one of them has clearly received that message, so I want to fight with my heart held high."
(What will be the key points for the Reds when they go to win against Manchester City?)
``It is to be expected that the ball will be held to some extent, so it is important to be able to defend well while maintaining a compact formation, and to not respect the opponent too much when entering. I think we can never win without hard work, so instead of focusing on technique, I want everyone to focus on fighting hard on the ball and switching between offense and defense.''
(The atmosphere in the stadium is expected to be filled with spectators coming to watch Manchester City, but what do you think about playing in such an environment?)
``In such an atmosphere, I think it's natural for everyone to feel anxious and nervous before the match, but once they get on the pitch, I think everyone will be able to calm down and enjoy the atmosphere. I think it will be difficult to hear people's voices in a completely away atmosphere, but I think it will be important for each and every one of us to focus on what we need to do and stay calm and fight without wavering."
(Finally, let's renew our enthusiasm for tomorrow's game)
``I think everyone understands the meaning of participating in this tournament, but if you look back, it started with winning the Emperor's Cup... Then we participated in the ACL (AFC Champions League), and we all advanced and won the championship. Now, we are here, and this is an important ticket that we grabbed on our own with the thoughts of many people on our backs.We want to show that we are going to win with all our might and have no regrets.What will happen to the result after the match is over? I don't know if there will be any players, but I want to do everything in my power to win so that everyone can hear the final whistle with pride.
We are REDS!”
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
[Shusaku Nishikawa]
(What are your personal thoughts on competing in the FIFA Club World Cup?)
“As someone who experienced the Club World Cup in 2017, we were the Asian champions back then and earned the right to participate, but we lost in the first match and ended up having to play in the match to determine 5th and 6th place. We were disappointed to have missed the chance to play against European champions Real Madrid, but this time we won against Club Leon and earned the right to play against European champions Manchester City FC. , I can say that I was able to take revenge for 2017.
However, I think the Club World Cup is where the game begins. I'm happy to be able to play against Manchester City, but I don't just want to fight, I want to focus on the result and win. Although no one may have expected us to win, it is a chance to spread the name of Urawa Reds around the world, and I think it will be etched in history for the club as well. I think this match is very important in that sense."
(Didn't the fans and supporters' enthusiasm for the Club World Cup strongly move the players, including the atmosphere at Ohara Training Ground departure and the first match against Club Leon of this tournament?)
``No matter how many times I experience it, I am always amazed at how amazing they are, and the attitude of the fans and supporters gives us a sense of responsibility as the Asian champions.
In the game against Club Leon, the number of people on site may not have been as large as in the usual away games, but the power of their voices was immeasurable and they supported us strongly. I think that sense of unity is something that only Urawa Reds fans and supporters can achieve, so it made me feel even more like we were all fighting together. I think their desire is to conquer the world, and each and every one of them has clearly received that message, so I want to fight with my heart held high."
(What will be the key points for the Reds when they go to win against Manchester City?)
``It is to be expected that the ball will be held to some extent, so it is important to be able to defend well while maintaining a compact formation, and to not respect the opponent too much when entering. I think we can never win without hard work, so instead of focusing on technique, I want everyone to focus on fighting hard on the ball and switching between offense and defense.''
(The atmosphere in the stadium is expected to be filled with spectators coming to watch Manchester City, but what do you think about playing in such an environment?)
``In such an atmosphere, I think it's natural for everyone to feel anxious and nervous before the match, but once they get on the pitch, I think everyone will be able to calm down and enjoy the atmosphere. I think it will be difficult to hear people's voices in a completely away atmosphere, but I think it will be important for each and every one of us to focus on what we need to do and stay calm and fight without wavering."
(Finally, let's renew our enthusiasm for tomorrow's game)
``I think everyone understands the meaning of participating in this tournament, but if you look back, it started with winning the Emperor's Cup... Then we participated in the ACL (AFC Champions League), and we all advanced and won the championship. Now, we are here, and this is an important ticket that we grabbed on our own with the thoughts of many people on our backs.We want to show that we are going to win with all our might and have no regrets.What will happen to the result after the match is over? I don't know if there will be any players, but I want to do everything in my power to win so that everyone can hear the final whistle with pride.
We are REDS!”
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
