Daichi Kamada has set his focus on UEFA Conference League silverware after helping guide his Crystal Palace side through to the final after a two-legged win against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Their passage to Leipzig at the end of the month was sealed with a 2-1, semi-final, second leg victory on Thursday in SE25, following a 3-1 first leg win in Poland a week earlier.
“I was optimistic and thought we'd win, but it was surprisingly difficult. Shakhtar Donetsk are a really great team with good players,” said the 29-year-old to Japanese media about the second leg victory.
“We expected that they would have the ball possession, and in those situations, there were plenty of opportunities for us to take advantage of. We were able to do exactly what we aimed for in the game and were solid defensively – everyone understands the team's (Palace) way of doing things as we've been doing it for two-and-a-half years.
“I wasn't really conscious of it that much,” added the midfielder about playing further up the field in the game, his positioning helping to play in Tyrick Mitchell, who set up Ismaila Sarr for the matchwinner in the 52nd minute. “Ty made a great cross, and Ish always has that scoring ability, an ability which has been a huge help and is a boost to the team.”
The Japan international also reflected on his season so far and that semi-final tie, which saw him score and assist in a 3-1 first leg win, a result which propelled his side to that second leg victory.
“I don't get [many] goals or assists at Palace, but ultimately, it comes down to the way we play. In the UEFA Conference League we have more time where we possess the ball and move forward which creates more scoring chances but in the Premier League, you have to be more defensive,” explained the player, who spent time on loan at Belgian side Sint-Truiden in 2018/19.
“But it's not just about me, as looking at other players in the number six position, no one has scored. In my career I've scored and assisted in leagues before – last season I managed one goal and an assist in cup competitions but it’s more about the team's style than the level of the Premier League.
“I don't think too much about myself – it’s not a problem as, this season, I am quite satisfied with my performance in other aspects.”
And Kamada was quick to single out his fellow defensive midfielder, England international Adam Wharton, as the key to his own personal – and team – success this season.
“Since I started playing with Adam, I feel like we are creating something different than before. We may not be physically strong players, but we understand each other,” he explained.
“Adam is smart and has something special. Our relationship is really good, and [depending] if we play or not, Palace will play a different style of football. Other players know when to be in the right place to support the attack. The common understanding and mutual comprehension within the team has improved, and that is something that has developed over time.”
Kamada won the Europa League with manager Oliver Glasner and Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022 and under the same boss in 2026, is looking to add more European silverware to his collection.
The Eagles go into the final against Rayo Vallecano as favourites to win the title, a tag they have held ever since the draw for the competition was made, something which does not faze Kamada.
“In terms of ability, the Premier League team is expected to win the UEFA Conference League, but when you have to beat opponents like Donetsk, it's not easy to get to the top. There have been a lot of difficult matches, so it's amazing that we were able to reach the final,” said the former Lazio player.
“Unfortunately, we couldn't compete in the Europa League due to the rules, nevertheless, whether we competed in the Europa or Conference League, I don't think it would have changed that much as there's still a possibility that we could have reached the final [in either].
“For the Crystal Palace fans, it’s their first experience on the European stage, it’s quite special and it would be great if we could finish with glory – titles are really important to players, but if a team that doesn't usually win titles can do so, they will be loved more by fans and remembered more, so it's really important.”
With thanks to Fumiaki Fujita for translation
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