Louis Thebault-Yamaguchi stands as the primary goalkeeper for Kawasaki Frontale, the Japanese team gearing up to take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League. With a French father and a Japanese mother, and having honed his skills at FC Tokyo and FC Lorient, the 26-year-old is poised to participate in the most significant match of his career.
How do you feel about playing in a Champions League semi-final?
“Honestly, this will be my first Champions League semi-final, so it’s an entirely new experience for me. However, I’m treating it like any other match, without adding extra pressure, despite playing against a club filled with renowned players who are indeed formidable on paper. They possess individual skills that may outshine ours. But no, I’m approaching it quite calmly.”
Al Nassr has been making headlines since Ronaldo joined…
“I see this as an opportunity to establish my name not just in Japan, but on a more global scale. For me, it’s more about seizing the moment and delivering a strong performance.”
Is it intimidating to face a squad packed with stars like Brozovic, Mane, and Duran?
“It’s more about the team as a whole. Each player has unique qualities, so it’s not really about being scared. I need to stay vigilant for specific actions, such as long-range shots or dribbles, which differ from what I might encounter in Japan. All these factors will vary depending on who’s on the pitch, so I must remain alert and guide my defence to be aware of these threats too.”
Have you focused on anything specific in training?
“We haven’t had time for specialised training since we played our quarter-final on Sunday night. The focus now is more on reaching optimal physical condition. But I think Ronaldo’s style of play is well known. Even though he may not be the same player as he was a decade ago, his style has evolved. We shouldn’t concentrate solely on him but rather on how the whole team functions with their star players.”
How do you evaluate Al Nassr?
“They’re a solid team, but they’re not currently at their peak, which creates a noticeable gap when compared to their previous performances. The Saudi league may not match the quality of the top European leagues, but it’s certainly close.”
Conversely, what are Kawasaki’s strengths? After all, you eliminated the Qatari league leaders Al Sadd in the quarter-finals.
“We have players with outstanding individual skills, but I believe our collective strength surpasses that of individual talent. We understand each other well, knowing how to react in various situations, whether in defence or attack. That’s where we hold an advantage. The Japanese style emphasises teamwork, defensive effort, and pressing.”
ČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Abdullah Ahmed
Do you believe the team is capable of going far in the tournament?
“I believe we have the potential to achieve great things. We don’t need to change our playing style just because we’re facing superb players. Rather, we should focus on making things challenging for them, especially as they might not have much experience against Japanese teams. I wouldn’t necessarily label Japanese teams as ‘underrated’, but we do have unique strategies that can surprise our opponents. In high-stakes matches, that’s crucial, and I think it’s one of our assets.”
What was your goal in the Champions League?
“Simply put, our aim is to win. Since the beginning of the season, we’ve had the opportunity to clinch four trophies this year, and we’re after all four.”
Regarding yourself, how did you come to be Kawasaki Frontale’s first-choice keeper?
“I earned it through hard work. It wasn’t straightforward. I kicked off my football journey in Japan with FC Tokyo, then spent three years training at FC Lorient. I made my professional debut in Spain before returning to Japan. When I came back, it was challenging to find a first-division club willing to start me straight away, which was what I needed; game time was crucial. I accepted a drop in division for that, and through persistence, I’ve climbed the ranks to be a regular for this prominent Japanese club.”
You began your career in Spain, where things were complicated: you weren’t guaranteed much playtime and moved between several clubs. Did you experience any moments of doubt?
“Not at all; I saw it as essential experiences that I needed to undergo to reach my goals. For goalkeepers, especially, going through such phases is critical. Many goalkeepers face similar challenges—being sidelined and competing with numerous players. Even so, I believe those experiences laid the groundwork for me to secure my current starting position.”
Kenichiro Ogane / AFLO / Profimedia
Did you intend to return to Japan to be closer to your family?
“Initially, I aimed to remain in Europe and reach the upper echelons of football, but I decided to take a different approach, which is where I find myself now. The decision wasn’t easy, but having my family in Japan influenced my choice. I have no regrets about returning; on the contrary, I’m very content to be home, so having my family nearby is a bonus.”
If you manage to win all four trophies, do you think that will catch the eye of European clubs again?
“Absolutely, that’s something I’m keeping in mind.”
If someone had mentioned that you would be in a Champions League semi-final against Ronaldo when you left Lorient, would you have believed it?
“Not at all; honestly, I wouldn’t have! But that’s the beauty of football; it’s unpredictable, and this is an incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to play the match.”
Follow Al Nassr vs Kawasaki Frontale here
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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