Forever connected: Shinji Kagawa reunites with BVB | OneFootball

And all in four languages: Cerezo’s Spanish coach answered in Spanish, Niko Kovac in German and English, and the Japanese players in their native language. It was a multilingual affair in Japan—yet one with a touch of home. Because as the four protagonists entered the room, “Heja BVB” blared over the loudspeakers.

The focus of attention was former Borussian player and current Cerezo player Shinji Kagawa, who had already faced BVB with his home club two years ago. “It’s a great opportunity to play against Borussia Dortmund again—for me personally and also as the team. I want everyone—every fan, the Dortmund fans, the Osaka fans—to enjoy this game,” said Kagawa, who was a player for Borussia Dortmund from 2010 to 2012 and from 2014 to 2019. But even seven years later, the connection hasn’t been lost. “I’m very proud that the relationship continues, and I still think about the titles and memories from my time in Dortmund. The older I get, the more it means to me. The players and coaches I worked with will also remain in my heart forever. I really hope this relationship will continue.”

“It’s a pleasure for us to play against Shinji here because he’s a former BVB player. That’s certainly something special for all of us,” emphasizes Niko Kovac, who also highlights the sporting significance of the match. “We’re here to compete and prepare for our first competitive match against Bayern Munich. I hope everyone stays healthy, that we see a good game, and that the fans enjoy the match.” Even though Osaka is already further along in his preseason preparation: “We’re athletes. And athletes always want to win, whether it’s a friendly, a cup match, or a competitive match.”

Yamamoto’s Return

For Takato Yamamoto, this match is a very special one, as he only joined BVB’s U23 team a few weeks ago from his youth club and Cerezo’s local rival, Gamba Osaka. “I really don’t want to lose to Cerezo. I also want to show the fans in Japan that I’ve grown as a player. That’s my goal for tomorrow.” Yamamoto was also asked about Kagawa, who was sitting next to him: “I know he’s a legend. When people in Germany find out I’m from Japan, they ask me, ‘Do you know Shinji Kagawa?’ Wherever I go, I hear his name.”

After the joint press conference, the next reunion will take place on Wednesday on the soccer field. The match kicks off at 7 p.m. Japan Standard Time (12 p.m. CEST) at Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium and will be broadcast live on BVB-TV, Sky, and DAZN.Christina Reinke