Playing Against River Plate for the Second Time.. Shiotani: We Are Not Seeking to Clinch Personal Titles and the Boss’ Aspirations are “Global”
Al Ain Japan’s player stated that it is his fate to play for the second time against Argentina’s River Plate in the semi-final match of the Club World Cup but this time in Al Ain’s jersey.
Shiotani explained: “In 2015, I played against the Argentinian champ in the same stage of this competition when I was playing for Japan’s Hiroshima. Unfortunately, we lost the match to River Plate and I look forward to win the coming match and qualify to the final.”
He added: “We all do understand what we are meant to do in this critical stage of the competition as things become more difficult as we progress forward in the competition. However, the team enjoys the spirit of determination to achieve the desired ambitions and make our big and great fans happy.”
Shiotani stressed that the head coach will set up the plan and the decide the appropriate style of playing that will enable all the team’s lines to play in a balanced manner that will lead to achieve the desired positive result.
In response to a question on his feelings following scoring his third personal goal in this competition during his career, he stated: “Personally, I am fully convinced that personal achievements in football have no value unless they are associated with clinching titles. I would not be fully happy in that match against New Zealand’s Team Wellington if we had not won the guest team. Therefore, the real value of achievement lies in scoring goals and the player who only seeks personal glories is not a mature player.”
“Winning all our matches is a challenge that we as Ainawi players experience each time we play. We are indeed blessed by the fans’ enormous support considering that this version of Club World Cup is hosted by UAE and the fact that we are the only team playing in this competition in our home stadium and among our great fans.”
Shiotani stressed that the team’s concentration is only on the coming match and qualifying to the final match. “It is a valid right for the Boss to be ambitious to qualify to the finals. Yet, our eyes are set to win our coming match against River Plate and reflect the real and great image of the UAE football worldwide. I do wish my team all the best in their coming mission.”
