Tokyo, August 23 – Urawa Red Diamonds’ head coach, Maciej Skorza, is on a mission to amend a lingering stain on his career as he steers the Japanese team into the group stages of the Asian Champions League next month. The defending champions secured their spot in the draw on Thursday through a convincing 3-0 victory against Hong Kong’s Lee Man earlier this week. Skorza, at the helm, is now determined to guide his team towards an unprecedented fourth continental title.
Skorza’s triumph in the Asian Champions League final against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in May underscored his capabilities, replacing Ricardo Rodriguez and successfully leading the team through the group phase and into the final in just five months.
Yet, despite the championship medal in his collection, Skorza remains resolute in addressing a previous personal setback in the tournament.
“This participation in the group stage is profoundly significant for our club and, I believe, for Japanese football as well,” Skorza affirmed. “However, this holds an even deeper significance for me personally. Approximately a decade ago, I was coaching in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq, and we participated in the group stage but fell short of progressing. Now, I have the opportunity to propel forward from that juncture.”
In 2013, Al-Ettifaq’s journey was halted at the conclusion of the group phase, finishing third behind Qatar’s Lekhwiya and Al-Shabab Al-Ahli from the United Arab Emirates.
Subsequent to his tenure in Saudi Arabia, Skorza re-established his coaching prowess in his native Poland. He secured the league title with Lech Poznan in the 2014-15 season and replicated the feat during his return to the club in 2021-22, before venturing to Japan to command Urawa.
With the group stage slated to commence on September 18, the 51-year-old emphasized the necessity for his team to remain intently focused on the challenges that lie ahead.
“During our meeting prior to the game, I highlighted that just four months ago, we celebrated our triumph in the Champions League final,” Skorza articulated. “If we aspire to relive that triumph, we must first take this initial stride.”
As the Asian Champions League progresses, all eyes will be on Skorza and Urawa Red Diamonds as they endeavor to etch a new chapter in their storied history, potentially erasing the past and forging a path of distinction.
