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 the team’s road to the ACL final.

――Despite the struggles at the domestic league, you have made a deep run at the ACL.

Nagasawa　The current Urawa squad still has many players who experienced the championship campaign at the ACL from two years ago, so we feel like we have a huge advantage in terms of experience playing in Asia. In addition, many of our players have played for clubs abroad, so that experience has also helped us make this deep run.

――The competition at the ACL seems to fit the style well for Urawa.

Nagasawa　I feel so, too. In terms of defence, we have strong defenders like MAKINO Tomoaki, who can contain the opponent’s key offensive players, while players like KOROKI Shinzo can score goals with an individual effort.

――What about yourself?

Nagasawa　I am not good at evaluating myself, but I am committed to making runs for my team. I am focused on showing persistent defence, while showing my aggression in offence.

――Despite facing physically stronger opponents, you seem to be winning the battles to win the ball.

Nagasawa　I have experience playing against much stronger opponents in the past (Nagasawa has played in the Bundesliga from 2014 to 2015), so I am used to the challenge. Physical contact is part of the sport and compared to the J.League, the referees are making decisions based on a different set of standards in international competitions, so we must make the adjustments accordingly. There are situations where the referees will be stricter and vice versa. That is why we must adapt to each match. Especially when my job is to block off the opposing players from playing freely in the midfield.

――Are there any memorable matches you want to mention from this year’s ACL?

Nagasawa　I personally remember our sixth group stage match against Beijing Sinobo Guoan (China PR). We struggled against them in the first leg played at their home, so it meant a lot for us to win against them 3-0 at home. I entered the match as a substitute and score one goal and one assist, so it was certainly a memorable match for me.

――It was a huge win for the team as well?

Nagasawa　Being able to showcase a strong performance in front of our home crowd is always special, especially when the opponent had strong players like Renato AUGUSTO in their squad.

――What do you remember from the ACL final in 2017?

Nagasawa　2017 was my first year playing at the ACL and that was the year we won the title. I was completely overwhelmed when we won the final. The ACL has a unique atmosphere. Saitama Stadium was fully packed when we played the second leg, and the city of Urawa was so lively that night. I was able to feel the energy of our fans and supporters through that match.

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