Doi heading to the ground
The weather in Guangzhou today was hot, with rising temperatures. Under cloudy skies, the players warmed up and then performed passing drills.
Shibasaki smiling
During the first 15 minutes of training open to the media, the players showed relaxed expressions.
Sogahata practicing catching
After about an hour, the players finished their pre-match practice and returned to their accommodation to prepare for the match.
Kanazaki being interviewed in front of the stadium
Also, an official press conference was held around 4 PM, attended by head coach Toninho Cerezo and player Nishi.
Coach Cerezo:
First, considering the current group stage standings, Guangzhou Evergrande has many good players. They are technically skilled, with many players who have played or are currently playing for their national teams, and their foreign players are also excellent. I think the most important thing is their high scoring ability. If they hold the ball, they can score from anywhere. Also, their coach is excellent. (From Lippi, the previous coach, to Cannavaro) They have an Italian coach, and the team is accustomed to that style. Their combination play is highly precise, and everyone on the pitch knows where everyone else is. This is their strength, and since I played in Italy, I know what Italian coaches expect from their players. I understand their tactics, and I think that's the strength of Guangzhou Evergrande. However, the important thing is for us to focus on what we need to do. I think our two (Antlers' group stage) matches were not bad in terms of content. We had many chances in both. Unfortunately, we couldn't score on many of those chances. I think if this changes, the situation will change significantly. This isn't happening due to a lack of practice or anything like that. The players are working hard every day. Goals will come when the time is right, and then the situation will change. The content isn't bad, so if we start scoring, I believe our ranking will naturally rise. Guangzhou Evergrande also has two excellent strikers. That's a difference between us. (Regarding Ricardo Goulart of Guangzhou Evergrande) I know he played for Goiás and Cruzeiro, and I think he's a very excellent player. He plays behind the two strikers or drifts wide, but he's most dangerous when he comes from behind. He makes situational judgments during crosses, understanding where the space is and where to accelerate. He's also a starting point for counter-attacks, and he has both speed and physique. I think he was a very good acquisition for Guangzhou Evergrande. Regarding the Chinese Super League, I can't say much because I don't work here. I don't know the level of other teams (besides Guangzhou Evergrande, our opponent). However, I know that other teams have also achieved good results in the ACL group stage, not just this year but in the past as well. But I think the level of leagues in various countries, not just China, is rising. The coaches and foreign players who are being recruited are also high-level. They have a good influence on the team and show how to win. That's how the team grows. In that sense, Asian countries should invite the best possible coaches and players from abroad to promote growth in terms of competition. This will also attract media attention, make it commercially more attractive, and increase attendance. The growth of the Chinese Super League is wonderful for Asian football and a benefit to the entire football world. This is also true considering the financial scale of the clubs. Some of the players at Guangzhou Evergrande are players that European clubs tried to acquire. However, they couldn't offer an amount that exceeded Guangzhou Evergrande's offer. This means they didn't come to China because they couldn't play in Europe; they came here to contribute to the development of Chinese football, despite having the ability to play in Europe. And Chinese clubs have the power to invest in such players. That's a wonderful thing. I myself moved from Brazil to Italy and played with passion for the clubs I belonged to and for the league. That means I had a strong desire to contribute something. That's what playing overseas is about, and I think that's the feeling the foreign players playing in China have.
Nishi:
Compared to the J.League, I think many teams in the ACL drastically change their playing style at home and away. This team, Guangzhou Evergrande, also has the power of its supporters. Can we remain calm and play our own game while the opponent comes at us with momentum? Rather than matching the pace of a strong opponent, I think it would be good if we could play the game at our own rhythm.
From Guangzhou Evergrande, head coach Fabio Cannavaro and player Zheng Zhi attended. At the press conference, there was also a moment where Coach Cerezo and Coach Cannavaro chatted casually. A luxurious two-shot of global big names came true.
Coach Cannavaro:
I've watched videos and studied them, and I think Kashima is a good team. Currently, they are lower in the standings, but for example, from what I saw in their match against Western Sydney Wanderers, they created 10-12 big chances. As this shows, Kashima is a very strong opponent, even if the results haven't followed. We should be cautious in tomorrow's match. (Ricardo) Goulart's performance is wonderful, but I expect even more from him. He has a high work rate and can also help his teammates. He will get even better. The past two matches (in the group stage) are already in the past. We must focus on tomorrow's match. The team is in very good condition. Our unity is strong, so I expect a good match tomorrow. Elkeson is an important player for the team. While he hasn't scored, he has assisted other players' goals. I don't doubt his ability. The fact that he has scored many goals in the past three seasons is proof of his ability. I'm not worried about his condition. Now he needs to get used to his new position. It takes time and patience, and I think he will score many goals again. (About Coach Cerezo) He once played in Italy. It is very special for me to meet and compete against him in Asia.
Zheng Zhi:
Each player has their own strengths, and I think the important thing is how well we can unite as a team. What I'm thinking about is how to bring out the best in foreign players, including Goulart. And to improve combinations with other teammates. I'm confident that the team will get even better, and the important thing is to win, not who scores. All Chinese players and foreign players are playing for the team, and that's everything. First, I think it's important to recover from fatigue. Our performance in the Chinese Super League may not be stable, but we are doing our best. Many people think it's normal for us to win by a large margin, like 3-0 or 4-0. However, every match is difficult, and we always have to do our best. There are times when we have some ups and downs and struggle. In the ACL, we are in a good situation with 6 points from two matches. We want to work harder to maintain this situation.
And today is Takasaki's 29th birthday. After dinner, a surprise celebration was held. Takasaki said, "We are on a losing streak, but I want to score and win." With a good atmosphere, it seems they are ready for the decisive battle.
The match kicks off tomorrow at 9 PM Japan time!