With the AFC Champions League (ACL) 2019 Final scheduled to take place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 24 November, we have conducted an interview with Urawa Red Diamonds’ NAGASAWA Kazuki, who has shared his take on their opponent, Al Hilal SFC (Saudi Arabia), and his aspiration to bring back the ACL title to Japan for the third consecutive year.

――You will be facing the same opponent at the ACL final from two years ago, what are your thought?

Nagasawa　Two years ago, we played the first leg away and drew the match 1-1, before winning the second leg 1-0 at our home stadium. I remember they were the toughest opponent we faced in that year’s ACL. It is a great memory because we won the match, but it really could’ve gone either way. It was by no means an easy match, and we were barely able to take the competition. With two years gone by, we are expecting the opponent to be much stronger and there are no room for us to rest on our laurels.

――Similar to the previous encounter, the first leg will be played away, followed by a home match in the second leg. Does that give you any advantage?

Nagasawa　Being able to play at home for the second leg feels like an advantage, especially with our experience from two years ago.

――In your last encounter, your team scored an away goal in the first leg.

Nagasawa　The away goal plays a crucial role in this home and away format, and our opponent must have felt like they were behind after that draw. That is a huge aspect in this ACL, so scoring an away goal means a lot. It forces the opponent to play more aggressively in the second leg.

――The team will be without their number one choice goalkeeper, NISHIKAWA Shusaku, due to a suspension.

Nagasawa　Our team’s bench strengths will be tested in this match. However, we have other great goalkeepers in our team, so I am not worried.

――FUKUSHIMA Haruki stepped up in the match against Kashima Antlers on 1 November to showcase a superb performance in front of the goal.

Nagasawa　I have played with him at Senshu University, so I knew what he was capable of doing and I have always trusted his abilities. I have known him since college, so it will be great if we can play on the same pitch.

――What are the aspects you must be aware of when facing Al Hilal?

Nagasawa　They have talented foreign players like Bafetimbi GOMIS and Sebastian GIOVINCO, but they also have strong players from the Saudi Arabia National Team, so we must not take for granted of their presence as well. Many of their players have played together for many years, so their combinations can be lethal.

――You can say that they are a worthy opponent at the final.

Nagasawa　I believe that the strongest team of West Asia has advanced through to the final. They are a team we don’t see in East Asia.

――What do you need to do to win against Al Hilal?

Nagasawa　We need to showcase everything we have worked to get here. We must focus on keeping a clean sheet and strive to at least earn a draw in the first leg. It will be much better if we can score goals, but the most important thing is that we don’t lose the first match. With this being a final of a tournament, there are no need to take risks. We just need to execute a solid game plan. We must play with a sense of urgency, but at the same time try to enjoy the moment.

――The club’s third ACL title will be at stake, which will be a new record for a J.League club.

Nagasawa　This is a significant moment for Urawa and the club needs this title. This club is expected to achieve greatness at all times.

――The atmosphere at the Saitama Stadium 2002 seems to intensify in ACL matches. Do the players notice that on the field?

Nagasawa　We feel the enthusiasm of our fans and supporters all the time. Their energy level is intense, and we are confident that we have the most enthusiastic fans in Asia. We can tell that the ACL title means a lot for our fans and supporters as well, so that gives us more motivation to win the title.

――Lastly, can you give us a message towards the Japanese football family?

Nagasawa　With Urawa wining the title in 2017, followed by Kashima Antlers in 2018, the fate of the Japanese clubs to win three consecutive ACL title is on our shoulders. In order to showcase the strengths of Japanese football, this title race has great significance for Japan, so we hope to fight this competition with the entire Japanese football family. We hope to showcase a performance that sends a message that Japan will continue to lead the way for Asian football. In order to do so, we must win this final. Even if you are a supporter of other clubs, we appreciate it if you can support us at this final.

Tournament Dates:
Play-offs: Tue. 5 - Tue. 19 February 2019
Group Stage: Mon. 4 March - Wed. 22 May 2019
Round of 16: Tue. 18 June - Tue. 13 August 2019
Quarterfinals: Tue. 27 August - Wed. 18 September 2019
Semi-finals: Tue. 1 - Wed. 23 October 2019
Final: 1st Leg/Sat. 9 November 2019, 2nd Leg/Sun. 24 November 2019

Tournament Information