Exclusive Interview: Saki Kumagai Discusses Japanese Players in Europe and Roma's Champions League Aspirations
Saki Kumagai, the five-time Champions League winner, opens up about the growing popularity of Japanese players in Europe and her ambition to add another UWCL title with Roma. Read on to learn about Kumagai's confidence in Roma's potential and their upcoming match against Wolfsburg.
After helping Lyon become a European powerhouse, the Japan captain is confident that the Italian champions have 'potential' to conquer the continentWhen Saki Kumagai won the first of her five Champions League titles back in 2016, her current club, Roma, didn't even have a women's team. That today she tells GOAL with confidence that she believes she can lift her sixth European title with the Italian side then, says a lot about the progress they have made since their establishment in 2018.Winners of the last two Serie A titles, Roma impressed many on their Champions League debut in the 2022-23 season, including Kumagai herself. Watching both of the side's group stage matches against Wolfsburg, the two-time European champions, the Japan international sensed "big potential" in a team that, despite their inexperience on the biggest stage, pushed one of the continent's elite and eventually reached the quarter-finals, only defeated by eventual champions Barcelona.On Wednesday, Roma will meet Wolfsburg again, with qualification from this season's toughest Champions League group on the line. The Italians were 1-0 winners when they met in Rome in October and know that, with Wolfsburg to meet eight-time European champions Lyon on the final matchday, a draw would be a more favourable result for them than it would be for their opponents. But that Kumagai is keen to go to Germany, "control the game" and, above all, win, only re-emphasises her belief in Roma's ability to compete with the very best, already.
The Rise of Japanese Players in Europe
Saki Kumagai's illustrious career in Europe has been a testament to the increasing influence and popularity of Japanese players in the continent. From her early days at Lyon to her current role as the captain of the Japan national team, Kumagai has been a trailblazer for her compatriots, proving that Japanese players can excel on the biggest stages of European football.
Roma's Remarkable Journey
When Saki Kumagai joined Roma, the club did not even have a women's team. Fast forward to the present day, and Roma are not only competing in Serie A but also making waves in the Champions League. With back-to-back Serie A titles under their belt and a strong showing in their debut Champions League campaign, Roma have quickly established themselves as a formidable force in European women's football.
Champions League Ambitions
As Roma prepare to face Wolfsburg in a crucial Champions League clash, Saki Kumagai exudes confidence in her team's ability to compete with the best. Despite facing tough opposition, Kumagai believes that Roma have the potential to go far in the competition and is determined to secure another European title for herself and her club.
Looking Ahead
With the upcoming match against Wolfsburg set to test Roma's mettle, Saki Kumagai remains focused on the task at hand. As they aim to secure qualification from a challenging group, Kumagai's leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding Roma to success. The Japanese star is determined to control the game, secure a victory, and continue Roma's impressive Champions League journey.
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