Wanderers winger Jumpei Kusukami says he’s looking forward to taking on a talented Urawa Red Diamonds side in their own backyard in tonight’s Asian Champions League clash at Saitama Stadium.
Speaking through a translator, Kusukami said he’s expecting to come up against a strong Urawa line-up, given their depth in quality.
“We don’t know which players of theirs will be playing—they’ve got enough talent to field two or three strong teams—but whatever we come up against we’ll meet them head on and do our best.”
The Japanese side will be coming into the match on a four-game unbeaten streak in their domestic competition and need just a point against the Wanderers to cement their spot in the knockout stages of this year’s Champions League campaign.
Kusukami said the Red & Black will be hoping to spoil the party and keep their own hopes of qualifying alive with a win.
“I’m very happy to be playing again at Saitama Stadium and I will be hoping that we get the best result,” he said.
It’s almost been a year since Kusukami first came to Australia to play for the Wanderers and Japanese attacker says he’s grown a lot as a player since his arrival.
“After playing a year in Australia, my condition is very good.
“I have gotten a lot tougher both mentally and physically.
“I have also learnt the importance of playing hard as a team.”
