The match ended with Kawasaki winning 3-2, allowing the Japanese team to advance and face Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli in the final.
Pioli said during the press conference: “We played with a difficult strategy and took risks in the second half; we had no options other than to take risks, and we don’t need to look back; we are now thinking about the league.”
He added: “We have been thinking about improving results since taking over the club, but the pressure of matches has affected us. We hope to continue in the league to achieve the best position, and when the season ends, we will review ourselves and prepare for the next season.”
He continued: “I understand the feelings, sadness, and criticism. We are ready for these situations; we work in football, and losses are inevitable, but we did not falter. I take full responsibility today.”
He went on: “I was not surprised by the opponent; rather, our performance was the surprise. We lost many duels and battles on the field, and what is truly surprising is our poor level today. The problem is not with the coach or the players; today we were bad.”
He added: “I understand everything and the tactical criticism, but we played against a team whose style we knew, yet we were poor in duels and slow. It is hard for everyone to feel the defeat, and this loss is difficult for us and the players.”
