Akira Nishino saying nice things about Adelaide United

Leading up AFC Champions League final between Gamba Osaka and Adelaide United the managers are doing the standard pre-first date niceties. Gamba architect Akira Nishino was very gracious as he commented on the upcoming match:

"From what I have seen of their previous games, Adelaide United are a very dynamic and strong team who play a very direct and physical game"

"They are very speedy and strong and they have a significant height advantage over us so we will have to think hard about how we can overcome them."

"We beat Melbourne twice during the group stage but although they play in the same league as Adelaide they don’t play with a similar style. Adelaide are stronger and more physical and they make good use of their physical power.

"We cannot play that sort of game with them because that is not our strength. We have to utilise our originality and try to dictate the style of play."

"Doing well in the AFC Champions League was one of our main targets for this season and we have been lucky enough to get to the final."

"We are very honoured to be here because we have great aspirations at this club and it is a great achievement for us to make it to the final as the AFC Champions League is a special tournament not only for us but for all of Japanese football."

"Urawa won it last year and we would like to ensure that the trophy remains in Japan. Hopefully we can put in a good performance tomorrow and get a win."

"It is not important for me to be the first Japanese coach to win the Champions League. It is more important that Gamba have a chance to make history."

"I want my team to challenge the best in the world and this is our opportunity to do so. We are very honoured and happy to be in the final but that is not our final goal. We want to win the tournament and hopefully we can get the job done."

"It will not be easy but we have to think how we can beat them."