Nicolás Larcamón speaks ahead of the Club World Cup second round game against Urawa Reds

Club León have landed in Saudi Arabia and the clock is ticking down to their debut in the world’s top club tournament. They are set to go up against Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds on Friday December 15, with a prize of a semi-final round tie against European treble winners, Manchester City, on offer.

The head coach of La Fiera, Nicolás Larcamón, spoke at the scheduled press conference prior to the match about how his team will face up to the unique challenge that the clash presents and what it means to him as a coach to be in a competition of this level: “We are a team committed to an idea”, he said “one that will play football closely linked to a DNA of being the protagonist on the pitch, to playing well”.

Larcamón leaves no room for doubt: he wants to win

Larcamón continued to expand on his football philosophy at Club León, who have an interesting international record, as well as their objectives in terms of a playing style. “We want to be a team that wants to play, that has a desire to play. We want to show that we want to play”.

He also spoke directly about the desire to win the game in quite extraordinary terms: “we want to win on Friday. I’ve been talking to the guys about it. Friday is the ‘world final’. Once we achieve that objective, the tournament opens up, the road is extended and City are there.

‘It will be a dream because of what it represents’

“As my role as a coach”, he continued, “I’m looking forward to the opportunity; it will be a dream because of what it represents for the history of our club,” he told FIFA.

Rodolfo Cota, the team’s goalkeeper and one of their leaders on and off the pitch, took advantage of the moment in front of the many microphones to talk about Club León’s opponent and emphasise to the fans that it will not be an easy match: “They are the best team in the Japanese league, it will be very difficult. I don’t see any team in the tournament that will not make things complicated for us and give us a good battle. If we want to advance, we have to do much more than them,” said the Mexican goalkeeper.

Ángel Mena also spoke to FIFA, saying that León are “committed to leaving a good impression of CONCACAF and Mexico. Our expectations are very high and we’re very excited”.

Club León play against Urawa Reds on Friday 15 December. The game kicks off at 9:30am ET / 6:30am PT.