“FUJIFILM SUPER CUP 2022” will be held on the 12th, marking the beginning of the new season! Kengo Nakamura and Yuki Abe talk about the highlights

Mr. Nakamura, who will serve as the Super Cup ambassador for the second consecutive year following Kawasaki Frontale's successive J1 League victory, said, ``Last year, I was appointed as an ambassador after recently retiring, but... I realized once again that there were things I didn't notice when I was in the team.It's only been a month since I retired, but I no longer know what's going on inside the team.In such a situation, I would like to talk to you. It was a strange feeling to receive it, but at the same time it made me realize once again that I am retired,'' he said, looking back on last year and also mentioning the current situation of Frontale, who are aiming for a third consecutive championship.


"Although Hatate (currently at Cell Tech) has moved on, new players have joined the team, and players who were in last year's starting lineup remain. Every club has the feeling that they don't want to let (Kawasaki Frontale) win their third consecutive title." I think there is a possibility that there will be, but I think Coach (Tatsu) Oniki is also managing how we will approach that situation, and the players are also thinking, ``We are going to win the Emperor's Cup champion Urawa.'' I think he will show a strong desire to win and advance.''

``Since this is the first official match, the players will demonstrate what they have learned in camp.Also, since it is a title, I want them to work hard and prepare well so that they can get the year off to a good start with a win.'' He talked about his feelings towards his old club.

Regarding his opponent, Urawa Reds, he said, ``This is my second season as coach Rodriguez, and although the members have changed, they are gaining strength.'' He added, ``It will definitely be an interesting game on the day. I think it will be a great match,” he said, expressing his expectations for a heated battle.



On the other hand, Yuki Abe, who just finished his playing career in December last year, commented on his first appointment as an ambassador, saying, ``It's my first experience, so I'm a little nervous about what to do,'' but he added, ``I'm looking forward to the first shot in the 2022 season.'' It's a game that not only both teams but many J.League supporters have been waiting for. Just like when we played soccer, I hope we can enjoy this kind of event as well.'' , I expressed my feelings.

When asked about the match between Urawa Reds, who played until last year, and Kawasaki Frontale, he answered, ``I think other teams, including Urawa Reds, are thinking, ``How are we going to stop Kawasaki Frontale? Are we going to defeat them?'' First of all, I think (Urawa Reds) will be able to show it in the first game.This year, Urawa has had a lot of changes in players, and they are in the final year of their three-year plan (which is a strengthening goal). I have high hopes that the players will be able to show their excitement on the pitch.I hope they will show us the kind of soccer that will make people say, ``Urawa Reds are amazing.''He also encouraged his teammates who played with him until last year. did.

"Personally, it's frustrating that I've never won even once in the four Super Cups I've played in. In 2007 it was my first title match after I transferred to the club, but we lost 0-4. In the 2019 tournament (where we played against Kawasaki Frontale), I wanted our supporters to go home with smiles on their faces, but we lost the game and couldn't lift the cup. I came on in the second half of that match and was marking Nakamura Kengo, so I still remember it well. This year I want (my former club Urawa Reds) to do their best," he said, encouraging his juniors to make strides towards winning the title that he himself was unable to achieve.



FUJIFILM SUPER CUP 2022Overview 　(*Renamed from FUJI XEROX SUPER CUP)

Date and time:Saturday, February 12, 2022 13:35 Kick-off
place:Nissan Stadium (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
match:Kawasaki Frontale (2021 Meiji Yasuda Life J1 League Champions) vs Urawa Reds (Emperor's Cup JFA 101st All-Japan Football Championship Winner Team)

Match format:90 minute format with 45 minutes each for the first half and second half If the winner cannot be decided, the winner will be determined by penalty kicks.

Prize money:Winner: 30 million yen Runner-up: 20 million yen

broadcast:Live broadcast on Nippon Television network nationwide, Internet distribution TVer (live distribution)

Overseas screenings:
J.League Official International Edition Live streaming and broadcasting on YouTube and other platforms