Manager Go Oiwa
" (Regarding switching gears from the semi-final) It was a very disappointing loss, but I told them to properly switch their mindset. River is a very strong opponent, and we cannot win unless we prepare thoroughly for the match. As this is the last match of the season, I want us to play a game that represents the culmination of our efforts. (Will River Plate's loss work in Antlers' favor?) We haven't analyzed it that way in particular. (River Plate's semi-final) was a very tough and intense match. I think they regret the first goal they conceded. Whether in attack or defense, we emphasize set pieces. We want to aim for goals if there's an opening and analyze thoroughly to avoid giving the opponent chances. We've switched our mindset from the semi-final, but if I were to look back at that match, we weren't allowed to play our own football, and we couldn't cope with how the opponent moved the ball. The goals conceded in the first half and early in the second half were due to mistakes. Based on the semi-final, the 3rd place playoff is the last match of the season and the culmination of our efforts, so I want us to clearly demonstrate on the pitch our football, which connects solid defense with speedy attacks. (There were many defensive mistakes and missed chances in the semi-final, how will you correct that?) For defense, we will confirm our approach from proper positioning. For chances, we will prepare the courage, confidence, and mental aspect to finish them. I think that's all there is to it."
Player Atsuto Uchida
"After the match, I focused on recovery. As a team, we are ready for the next game. I've played against South American teams and players several times, and they are mentally and physically tough, and I don't feel that one loss will affect the next. I think they will approach the next game with even higher motivation. (What is your motivation for the 3rd place playoff?) In such a big tournament, many supporters have come from Japan to cheer us on. Of course, many people are also watching on TV. It's a shame we couldn't make it to the final, but we will fight for them too. Just representing Antlers and playing in the match is enough motivation, and it makes me feel like I have to do my best. It's a tournament of this scale, and we can play football on a beautiful pitch. I want to win and return to Japan. I want to approach the match with strong feelings. Regarding positioning, I've been receiving detailed instructions not just for this match, but since the start of the season. Rather than something special for this match, we have always been conscious of our defensive shape. Depending on the opponent and the player you're facing, there are aspects where only that player can understand the atmosphere and feeling. In those subtle areas, judgment is required, but I want us to play without breaking our team's shape and rules."
After the press conference, Manager Oiwa and player Uchida returned to the team hotel. After a meeting, the team bus departed around 4 PM. Preparations were made for the pre-match training session starting at 5 PM. Then at 4 PM, River Plate's press conference began at the stadium. Manager Marcelo Gallardo and player Lucas Martínez Quarta were in attendance.
Manager Marcelo Gallardo
" (What about tomorrow's starting lineup?) I want to change it. There are still players who haven't played much. To end this tournament in the best way possible, I want to use the players with the most energy tomorrow. I want to use players with enough energy to achieve the desired result. After that, we will return to Buenos Aires and share the great success (winning the Copa Libertadores) we achieved to come here with our fans. (In the semi-final) we did not underestimate Al Ain FC. If you recall the pre-match press conference, I said Al Ain FC was dangerous. We never underestimate our opponents. The same goes for tomorrow. We intend to play with respect for our opponents. We must always do so. (Impression of Antlers) My impression is that they are experienced. They have experience in this tournament, and it's not their first appearance. I think it was two years ago when they played a great game (against Real Madrid). Although they lost, it was a great game. I think Japanese football is progressing. I think the Japanese national team is always to be respected."
Player Lucas Martínez Quarta
"We didn't underestimate Al Ain FC, and the same goes for Antlers. Antlers are here because they are continental champions. In the Copa Libertadores, there were mental and emotional difficulties. Antlers played a great game against Real Madrid. We know they have good players. They are a good team. We want to do what we need to do and get a good result."
The training, held at the same practice ground as yesterday, was open to the media only for the first 15 minutes. Before the start of practice, the players looked relaxed, juggling, stretching while chatting, and preparing in their own ways. After Manager Oiwa held a meeting, the players warmed up with mat stretches and recreation-oriented drills.
The private training session lasted over an hour, and it was completely dark outside. To conclude the training in the UAE, there was a recreational game where Zico TD and Manager Oiwa also played on the field as players. The intense game went into sudden death, and Zico TD scored the winning goal to decide the match. The ground was filled with excitement, and the training session ended on a high note. Tomorrow is finally the last match of the season. The match against the South American champions River Plate will kick off at 5:30 PM local time, 10:30 PM Japan time.
The last photo is with the local staff who supported the team as liaisons during the tournament. They contributed in various ways, from operational tasks such as coordinating and negotiating with the practice ground and hotel to assisting with carrying equipment and luggage. Thanks to the support of many people, including the staff who accompanied us from the J.League and JFA, and Chefs Nishi and Ono, we are able to compete on the world stage. We will convert our gratitude into strength and head into the last battle of the season.