Kawasaki Undaunted by Financial Gap Ahead of ACL Final

Kawasaki Frontale coach Shigetoshi Hasebe believes his team can overcome financial disparities against Al Ahli in the ACL Elite final.

Kawasaki Frontale coach Shigetoshi Hasebe expressed confidence ahead of the Asian Champions League Elite final against Al Ahli, downplaying the significant financial difference between the J-League club and the Saudi Pro League side. Hasebe believes his team's determination will be key, stating that his players “aren't playing with their wallets.”

Kawasaki earned a surprise win over Al Nassr to reach the final and now aims to claim another major upset against Al Ahli at their home ground in Jeddah.

Kawasaki Frontale coach Shigetoshi Hasebe remains undaunted by the significant financial disparity between his team and Al Ahli, whose squad is valued at around $200 million. The Al Ahli side boasts high-profile players like Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino, but Hasebe believes this won't guarantee victory.

“The budget is a very important factor, but the players are not playing with their wallets or their credit cards,” Hasebe said. “The players play football on the pitch. Of course, money and the budget will affect things somehow, but football is played on the pitch.”

Kawasaki Frontale is set to make history by appearing in the continental championship final for the first time. Despite a significant wage disparity, with the team's annual wage bill being roughly a third of Riyad Mahrez's reported yearly salary of $59 million, Kawasaki has shown remarkable determination.

The J-League champions reached the final after a thrilling extra-time win over Al-Sadd and a surprise 3-2 victory over Al Nassr, setting the stage for a historic showdown against Al Ahli.

Al Ahli has a home advantage in the final, playing in front of a predominantly home crowd at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. However, Kawasaki Frontale coach Shigetoshi Hasebe remains optimistic, noting that his team could garner support from a significant portion of the sold-out crowd.

𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐒

The crowning moment beckons in Jeddah. The history of first will be etched in the pantheon of Asia's elite!#ACLEliteFinal pic.twitter.com/PtxjM9U6Ap

— #ACLElite | #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) May 3, 2025

Around 300 Kawasaki fans traveled 16 hours to Jeddah for the semi-finals, and more are expected for the final. Hasebe hopes to tap into broader support, potentially gaining an unexpected boost.

“We don't have any big injuries, everyone is healthy and ready to play tomorrow,” Hasebe said. “The fans from Al Ahli will come to the stadium but I'm sure fans from other clubs in Saudi Arabia, their rivals like Al Hilal or Al Nassr, will come to the stadium. I don't think all the Saudi people are supporting Al Ahli.

“And we can't forget the people from Japan who have come as well. They will be supporting us as well. That's going to be very helpful.”