Winning ACL Title More Satisfying than Playing Real Madrid: Go Oiwa
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Kashima Antlers coach Go Oiwa says that to win the 2018 AFC Champions League for the first time is more satisfying for him than playing Real Madrid in 2016.
Kashima Antlers played a goalless draw against Persepolis of Iran on Saturday in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium and won the AFC Champions League title thanks to a 2-0 win in the first leg last week.
"It was a very tough game but my players were very mobile, battled well and I am delighted with the result. I lost my voice but it is worth it," Oiwa told the-afc.com.
"I am so proud that we have won the AFC Champions League title for the first time. We played Real Madrid in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup two years ago but for me, the Persepolis match is more satisfying as we won the title."
"The name of Kashima Antlers will now echo throughout Asia," he added.
Oiwa also paid tribute to Persepolis.
"Persepolis was the strongest team we played in the AFC Champions League this year. It is not just the team and tactics, but their fans too who were magnificent
"I said on Friday that our aim was to win in the Azadi Stadium but we all saw how difficult it is to play Persepolis in their home ground. I wish them all the best," Oiwa concluded.
