News'Want to give it everything' - Nagano and Shimizu set for Women's Asian Cup campaign
The pair are in the Japan squad that will compete at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, which runs from March 1 to March 21.
Japan kick off their schedule against Chinese Taipei in Perth on Wednesday (March 4) and will also face India and Vietnam in their group.
As a result, Nagano and Shimizu are set to be absent for the Reds’ Barclays Women’s Super League fixtures against Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion.
“Of course it will be sad to be missing for my club, but for Japan the Asian Cup is a very important competition,” said Nagano.
“We have to show our quality and that we are the strongest team in Asia and win this competition. It is still summer in Australia so it might be a bit warmer than it has been here recently, so I can’t wait to experience the warmer weather again!”
She added: “I’m excited for this tournament and I want to give it everything and enjoy the competition as much as I can.
“It would be a special moment if we lift up the trophy.”
Nagano has become an integral part of Liverpool’s midfield since joining the club from North Carolina Courage in January 2023.
“At first I struggled to adapt because of the physicality and the intensity of the football here,” she admitted.
“It was a lot different from football in Japan. Now I would say I am getting used to it, but I want to keep improving more and get better.
“I am really enjoying it here. I love our supporters because they welcomed me as part of the Liverpool family from day one, and also because they always support us even through the ups and downs that we have had, particularly this season.
“We are working hard to make them proud and hopefully that is something that we will be able to do.”
This season, Nagano has been joined in the Reds camp by fellow Japan international Shimizu.
The presence of the loan signing from Manchester City around the AXA Melwood Training Centre has also been a big help.
“Risa has been important for me,” said Nagano. “She helps me a lot on and off the pitch.
“She knows me very well, so having her on the pitch makes a difference for me and, of course, she’s a very good player so I’m so happy that she came here.
“She had a bad injury when she was at Manchester City, so it’s been great to see her back and playing regularly in the team.”