Kawasaki Frontale Coach's Comments on Asian Champions League Elite Final: "No Matter Money, Players Put In Effort"
Straight Talk from Kawasaki Frontale Coach: Money Matters Little on the Pitch
In the heated AFC Champions League Elite final, Kawasaki Frontale's coach Shigetoshi Hasebe asserts that the enormous financial disparity between his team and heavy-spenders Al-Ahli won't decide the winner. Despite Al-Ahli's whopping estimated value of US$200 million and a squad that features Uefa Champions League champions Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino, Hasebe believes the multimillion-dollar contracts and salaries won't dictate the game's outcome.
Hasebe lays down the truth, "Budget is a significant factor, but players don't play football with their wallets or credit cards. Football is played on the pitch."
Instead, Hasebe has faith in his players to outperform their Saudi counterparts. He insists on the necessity of tactical discipline and team cohesion. The quick interchanges and intense high pressing demonstrated by Kawasaki against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr could disrupt Al-Ahli's rhythm.
Hasebe equally values player determination and mentality. According to him, wins come from players' work ethic and resilience, not from the fat wallets of big-spending clubs.
Strategic defensive organization will also play a crucial role. While Al-Ahli boasts lethal strikers like Mahrez and Toney, Kawasaki's ability to maintain compact defensive lines and apply controlled aggression could limit goal-scoring opportunities.
Lastly, Hasebe is confident that Kawasaki's counterattacking efficiency can exploit the gaps in Al-Ahli's defense during turnovers. Swift transitions and midfield creativity, as shown in their semifinal upset, could spell trouble for Al-Ahli.
In essence, Shigetoshi Hasebe believes in maximizing existing resources through tactical ingenuity and collective effort, offering a breath of fresh air in a competition dominated by financial muscle-flexing clubs. Despite skyrocketing budgets and star-studded lineups, the coach trusts that talent, determination, and strategic execution will reign supreme on the pitch.
- Despite Al-Ahli's high salaries and star-studded squad, Kawasaki Frontale's coach, Shigetoshi Hasebe, emphasizes the importance of tactical discipline and team cohesion over financial resources.
- Hasebe stresses that wins come from players' determination and mental strength, not from the wealth of big-spending clubs, implying that Kawasaki's players could outperform their Saudi counterparts in the AFC Champions League Elite final.
- Kawasaki's ability to implement strategic defensive organization, limit goal-scoring opportunities for Al-Ahli's lethal strikers, and capitalize on counterattacking efficiency can exploit gaps in their defense during turnovers.
- Shigetoshi Hasebe, the coach of Kawasaki Frontale, believes in maximizing existing resources through tactical ingenuity and collective effort, offering a contrast to a competition dominated by clubs showcasing significant financial muscle.
