Asian Champions League Elite: Yokohama F Marinos vs. Al Nassr - Quarter-Final Preview

Patrick Kisnorbo's Marinos are focused on their own strengths ahead of the big match against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr. Read more about their strategy.

Yokohama F Marinos interim manager Patrick Kisnorbo is focused on his team's preparation for the Asian Champions League Elite quarter-final against Al Nassr, despite the star-studded lineup featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Jhon Duran. Kisnorbo, who took over as interim boss after Steve Holland's sacking, believes his team has nothing to fear and is concentrating on their own strengths.

“We focus on ourselves and nothing else,” Kisnorbo said, emphasizing his team's readiness for the challenge. “The main focus is what we do on the pitch and what we do for tomorrow's game. We have a great group of players who are ready for this opportunity.” Kisnorbo's single-minded approach comes after a tough start as interim manager, losing his first game against Urawa Red Diamonds on Sunday.

Patrick Kisnorbo is undaunted by the challenge ahead, drawing on his experience in the Asian Champions League. “I just started here but I've been in the Asian Champions League with other teams and I know what is expected. At the end of the day, you want to play with the best and we have the opportunity to do that.”

Marinos were finalists in the 2024 edition, losing to Al Ain, and that experience remains a motivator. Defender Katsuya Nagato expressed his determination, saying, ”I was so disappointed about last year's final. The most important thing in tomorrow's game is that we're here to win the tournament. On the field it's 11 against 11 and that's the start. There's nothing to be afraid of.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nasser travel to Yokohama FM - featuring Thomas Deng and coached by former Socceroo Patrick Kisnorbo - with tasty fixtures also kicking off in the Bundesliga and Premier League ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/N1VUploydt

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) April 25, 2025

Al-Nassr coach Stefano Pioli dismissed the idea that Marinos' current struggles would impact the outcome, while Al-Nassr boasts star players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Jhon Duran, making them strong contenders.

“It doesn't matter where Yokohama are in their league,” he said. “We know Japanese teams are technically sound and they can hurt us if we are not ready for the challenge.

”In this competition this is now the team who will be the clear favourite and that is what is beautiful about competition at this level.”