SAITAMA — Holger Osieck has shrugged off concerns about potential player fatigue after Urawa's epic AFC Champions League semifinal victory added two more vital matches to what promises to be a busy end to the Reds' season.
Urawa advanced to the final of the continental competition for the first time in the club's history with a penalty shootout victory over Seongnam Ilhwa on Wednesday and will play Iran's Sepahan on Nov. 7 and 14 in the home-and-away decider.
Before preparing for the final, the Reds have to turn their attention to Sunday's J. League match against Nagoya Grampus Eight. Urawa stands six points clear of Gamba Osaka at the top with five games left and Osieck is confident the adrenalin now kicking in will help his players in their bid to retain the league title.