Harry Kewell says Yokohama 'ready to write our name in history' in ACL final

Harry Kewell has urged Yokohama F Marinos to write their names into history against Al Ain on Saturday.

The Japanese side hold a 2-1 advantage ahead of the second leg of the AFC Champions League final.

Yokohama have been champions of Japan seven times, but this is the first time they have reached the final of Asia’s showpiece competition.

Kewell, who took over as manager last year, says his side are ready to meet the challenge of becoming continental champions.

“We know it is going to be difficult,” Kewell said. “We have earned the right to be here. We have a one-goal lead.

“We know Al Ain are going to try to intimidate, to make it loud, and to make it uncomfortable for us. We know that about football.

“But we also know what we are capable of doing. We know that if you want to win you have to face these challenges. We are ready to face this challenge.

“We are ready to upgrade. We are ready to write our name in history, but we know we can’t do that without challenges.

“It will be a big challenge for us, but we are going to look forward to it, and do that with a smile on our faces.”

Much has been made of the fact the final pits together Kewell and Hernan Crespo, the Al Ain manager, in opposing dugouts.

Despite scoring two goals, Crespo was on the losing AC Milan side in the 2005 Uefa Champions League against a Liverpool team which included Kewell.

Kewell suggested his playing experiences will count for little when his side bid to defend their advantage at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday.

“As a player, yes, I have been there and seen it,” Kewell said. “As a manager, it is new to me.

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