AFC Women's Champions League
It’s a meeting between two head coaches with vast continental experience as Matricciani took Melbourne to the final last season while Kusunose had previously guided Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies to the AFC Women’s Club Championship 2023™ title.
The experience of last season’s runners-up finish, understanding the competition and what it requires are what Matricciani believes will be key to Melbourne’s ambitions of making a second successive final.
“We loved last season and this competition is really special for us,” said Matricciani. “Last year, to make the final and to lose on penalties was very difficult but we enjoyed the experience.
“We loved last season and this competition is really special for us,” said Matricciani. “Last year, to make the final and to lose on penalties was very difficult but we enjoyed the experience.
“We are happy to be here again, to be in the semi-finals. We’re really looking forward to it and hopefully we can do one better this time.
“The difference (last season and this season) is our level of consistency. We have learned from the experience last year. Last year we didn’t know quite what to expect. Now our players have more experience.”
“The difference (last season and this season) is our level of consistency. We have learned from the experience last year. Last year we didn’t know quite what to expect. Now our players have more experience.”
#AWCL - Preview: Semi-finals
As for Kusunose, the chance to emulate 2024/25 champions China PR’s Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC in participating at the global stage is giving the 63-year-old the motivation to get his tactics right against the Australian side in order to reach the final.
“It’s my honour to participate in this tournament,” said Kusunose. “We have prepared really well and we would like to win in this tournament and then represent Asia at the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
“We did a lot of study on the other teams. I’m not sure if we can be considered as likely champions, I feel all teams have the same quality.”
“We did a lot of study on the other teams. I’m not sure if we can be considered as likely champions, I feel all teams have the same quality.”
Melbourne City FC (AUS) v Tokyo Verdy Beleza (JPN)
Venue: Suwon Sports Complex (Suwon)
Kick-off: Wednesday, 14:00 (UTC+9)
Venue: Suwon Sports Complex (Suwon)
Kick-off: Wednesday, 14:00 (UTC+9)
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