The U-15 Japan shortlisted squad (Western Japan) had their second day of the training camp.During the practice session, the players focused on doing drills with the ball, checking how to have a good attacking visualisation, which they had reviewed on video the day before. In terms of the defence, they learned approaches, using their assessment of the situation and positioning, from repeated practice.

The players, who were still playing awkwardly because of nerves the day before, gradually came out of their shells and played more rhythmically. They were also more vocal, showing off their own skills. Uchiyama, the head coach of the U-18 Japan National Team, joined the crossing attack practice session. The staff required the players to display high quality and detailed timing in their crosses, which are tasks for the all Japan national teams. They practice repeatedly. They finished their practice with a practice game.

In the meeting after dinner, the head coach Moriyama showed the players the video of the top international players’ individual performances, so that they can learn the importance of positioning both in attack and defence. The players finished their meeting by watching a video about Endo Yasuhito (Gamba Osaka). Endo could not play on the pitch of the World Cup in Germany despite being chosen for the team. He struggled, but later became a key player for the Japan national team with quiet dedication. The players will play friendlies against the two leading teams in Kansai tomorrow, Gamba Osaka in the morning and Cerezo Osaka U-18 in the afternoon.

Players Comments

MF  SUGAWARA Yukinari(Nagoya Grampus U15)
Although it was hard to hold two practice sessions a day, I could play in my style thanks to the fact that the head coach created a good atmosphere during the sessions. In tomorrow’s match, I’d like to play aggressively, contributing to the attack, to display my skill.

FW  MIKUNI Kennedy Ebusu(Aomori Yamada High School)
I felt awkward yesterday, as I was nervous, but I learned a lot during today’s practice session, including how to react to crosses and positioning. I’d like to focus on contributing goals tomorrow, using my height advantage.

MF  KIDA Hinata(Cerezo Osaka U-15)
I’d like to show what I learned during this training camp in tomorrow’s friendly. As there is still room for improvement in terms of communication with my teammates during the game, I’d like to do my best in the remaining two days.

Schedule

※The schedule is subject to change due to condition of the team, the weather, etc.