From 3:30 PM local time, the players entered the pitch to check the conditions. Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, the home ground of Al Ain FC, is a dedicated football stadium with spectator stands located very close to the sidelines. It promises to be an exciting match with a great atmosphere.
After checking the pitch conditions, the team moved by bus to Al Ain FC's training ground. Coach Oiwa and Shogo remained at the stadium to attend the pre-match press conference at 4:00 PM.
Coach Go Oiwa
"Hello everyone. We are approaching this tournament as the Asian champions. We have prepared very well for our first match against CD Guadalajara. In tomorrow's game, as representatives of Asia and Japan, we want to show aggressive play in both attack and defense. (CD Guadalajara) is a very disciplined, organized defensive team with fast players upfront, and individually skilled players in midfield. We want to build a solid organization that can transition from connected defense to good offense. In the previous tournament, we participated in the tournament in Japan as the host country's representative. This time, too, we are first and foremost preparing thoroughly for the first match. We are determined to win the first match. We have prepared both times. We have also analyzed CD Guadalajara and conveyed that to the players. In that process, we want to show what we have done on the pitch. That's how we want to approach it. The final of the previous tournament against Real Madrid was a very good experience. Playing against the best club in the world in a final was a very good experience. I believe we gained good experience in a serious match where we fought for victory. In this tournament, too, we will first win the first match. Then we will earn the right to challenge Real Madrid and approach the next match based on our previous experience. (Although Suzuki and Kento Misao are absent) It is unfortunate that they are not here, but this season has been a total effort with all players, and the players who have played have fought with pride as Kashima Antlers. That feeling remains unchanged in this tournament. Players who embody Kashima Antlers' attitude and pride in the club will stand on the pitch and face the battle against CD Guadalajara. I want them to show that attitude. (The number of players who participated in both the previous and current tournaments) I think there are about 10, but many of the players who played in the matches will also be in this tournament. We have only prepared for the first match. If we win, we will prepare for the next. I think the players feel that way. We want to fully concentrate on tomorrow's match."
Shogo Gen Shoji
"As representatives of Asia and Japan, we want to fight hard and play our own brand of football. We will prepare thoroughly, including today, for the match. (Although Suzuki and Kento Misao are absent) Their absence is a blow to the team, and there's no doubt they've been central players, performing wonderfully. However, we have many players with different strengths who can be a positive addition to the team. Our goal of always aiming for victory remains unchanged. We definitely want to win not just for them, but also for the players and staff remaining in Kashima. (Regarding CD Guadalajara) My impression was that their individual abilities are very strong. I haven't played against a Mexican team before, but among the many smaller players, I think there are also players with different physical abilities compared to Japan. Even in our analysis, they seemed to be good at tactical maneuvering. I have a lot of what I experienced in Russia within me, but the national team and the club are different. The positions are also different. I want to switch gears and use my experience from Russia in tomorrow's match."
Before Antlers, CD Guadalajara also held their press conference. Coach Jose Cardozo and Jair Pereira were in attendance.
Coach Jose Cardozo
"Antlers is a very organized team. Their system is 4-4-2, and they have two very dangerous strikers. The midfield is also very well-balanced. Chivas is a big team, and the young players have great potential, and the club has a philosophy. It's a very important match to showcase Mexican talent. The players will play a good game tomorrow. I'm not worried."
Jair Pereira
"We have focused on this tournament. We have prepared to give 100% in the match against Antlers, and we want to play a good game. Suzuki is a very important and dangerous player. However, just because he is not playing doesn't mean we will change our style. We have been 100% focused on this match."
The training held at Al Ain FC's training ground was open to the press for only the first 15 minutes, just like yesterday. After Coach Oiwa held a meeting, the players warmed up with passing drills and other exercises.
By the time all the training sessions were finished today, the sun had completely set and it had gotten cooler. Tomorrow is finally the Club World Cup quarter-final. Kick-off is at 5:00 PM local time, 10:00 PM Japan time, against the CONCACAF champion CD Guadalajara.
