Kashima Antlers face tight turnaround - Ishii

Words: ACFC Media

Wednesday 7 December 2016

Picture: Phototek

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Kashima Antlers coach Masatada Ishii says he'll field a full strength side against Auckland City FC in their FIFA Club World Cup opener on Thursday.

The J.League winners have had just three days to come back to earth after their sensational come-from-behind final win over Urawa Red Diamonds and now Masatada Ishii says the focus is on beating the Oceania champions.

"Right now I'm thinking of using the usual squad and need to pay attention to players condition before I can make any final adjustment

"This is the FIFA Club World Cup and it's the first time we've participated and we're very honoured.

"For our club it's very valuable to play such a prestigious competition.

"We can play four games to reach the final and we'd like to reach that far and so the goal is to win all four matches in this competition," he said.

Auckland City FC have played three previous Club World Cup playoff matches with Kashiwa Reysol and twice with Sanfrecce Hiroshima losing all three and Ishii told local media that record meant nothing as he prepared his team.

He then rejected any notion his players were taking the New Zealand club lightly by saying at a previous press conference they all wanted to play Real Madrid in the final.

"We have watched Auckland City FC and analysed some of their games and they are strong on the offence and they build attacks with the ball from the back.

"They have strong combinations on both sides of the pitch and in defence they are well organised and coordinated and they will be a strong opponent.

"I don't think there's much of a change needed by us. We won the J.League three days ago so there is only a small interval.

"I did analyse Auckland City FC but not in too much detail.

"We need to be in our best condition mentally and physically so that is our focus right now.

"The other day we had a press conference and I'm not a player so I didn't say who I wanted to play against.

"Nobody knows who will be in the final so I'm not overly euphoric about anything.

"My two feet are standing firmly on the ground.

"To win the first opening match is important and we need to make sure we can focus on tomorrow's match before anything else," he said.

And while Ishii says his team are new to FIFA Club World Cup competition he did admit he had spoken with Sanfrecce Hiroshima about their experiences, particularly with Auckland City FC

"We play for FIFA Club World Cup for the first time and everything is new to us.

"Last year Hiroshima played and I contacted their coach the other day and asked how they played.

"There is not much I have to do in this short interval but our players need to switch their mindset and focus again and it's something they need to do and there's not much I can do.

"That's what the players need to do and I trust they are focused today and tomorrow in the lead-up to the match," he said.

The match kicks off at 7.30pm local time on Thursday 8 December.

Ends

Extra Information

Match Details
FIFA Club World Cup Playoff
Thursday 8 December, 2016
Kashima Antlers v Auckland City FC
Yokohama International Stadium, Japan
Kick-off: 7.30pm local time/ 11.30pm NZST
Live Sky Sports 2

Auckland City FC Clubrooms
Auckland City FC clubrooms are open for the match from 9.30pm on Thursday 8 December, 2016. Entry to the venue is free of charge.

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