The U-23 Japan National Team, who will participate in the Toulon Tournament, held a practice session on the second day in France on Wednesday 18 May.

Although MAEDA Naoki recovered from a cold to join the session, OHSHIMA Ryota could not make it due to illness. The other 18 players held a session. The coach TEGURAMORI told the players: ‘when someone has to leave, the rest must cover his absence. That’s a united team.’

It was agreeable weather just like the day before with a temperature of 24 degrees and humidity of 33%. The players started with some warm-ups and moved onto passing and controlling among five or six, followed by 7-on-7 with three players going through combinations while keeping possession. They finished the morning session with aerobic-interval running and some core training.

In the afternoon, the team practiced more passing and controlling divided into attack and defence, went through formations as a team, and played 6-on-6 with one player and a goalkeeper. They focused hard on practical training, including checking the distance between teammates and going through combinations. The players performed well despite the jet lag.

The team will only hold a morning practice session on Thursday 19 May.

Coach and Players' Comments

TEGURAMORI Makoto, Coach
We’d like to become aware of the international standard during the five matches in this championship. I want the players to learn their own speed, power, and stamina. As all of them have limited resources, what’s vital is how they use those efficiently within the 90 minutes. I’ll give all the players equal opportunities. It’s going to be a good test for them. The players need to think about each individual as part of a team, as well as cooperating with others.

It’s been three years since this team was assembled, and I believe the players understand better what is required of them. It’s easy for them to share understanding, as they are in the same generation. The longer we spend time together, the better this team becomes. So, had we lost in the final qualifying round in January, I couldn’t have nurtured the team in this way – that thought gives me chills. It wouldn’t have been good for Japanese football at all.

MF #15  KIDA Takuya (Yokohama F・Marinos)
As it’s been a while since I joined the national team before, I came here with a refreshed mind and had a productive time with lots of new stimulation. I was chuffed when I was chosen and I appreciate the opportunity at this time. I’m determined to do my best. I had been feeling frustrated, as I hadn’t been called for the team for a while. Having said that, I never gave up. I’d like to remember that. I know there are many talented players at my position.

However, rather than copying others, I’d like to display my own strengths during practice sessions and matches – intercepting, supporting other teammates, and effectively contributing in attack. The Japan National Team players have pride and responsibility for the country. I’d like to enjoy those things, while aggressively challenging. I hope I’ll be considered an essential player for the team.

DF #2  VAN WERMESKERKEN Sai (FC Dordrecht/Netherlands)
Since the Portugal trip in March, I have been working on my tasks and practicing hard. I’m highly motivated with this national team’s trip. I believe it’s a watershed moment in my football life and it’s vital I play hard to secure my position for the Olympics. The playing style in this team is obviously different from the one in my club team. So I need to learn about my positioning and how to go nearer to the opponent during the game. Having said that, this team is working better than in previous trip, and I think I can display my style as well.

As a defender, I’d like to focus on defence, staying unbeaten in 1-on-1. I’ll fix my problems to get a good result as much as possible in this championship, so that I can improve myself prior to the main championship. I’ll do my best to make people think: ‘Sai’s speed of improvement is excellent.’ As participating in the Olympics can be an opportunity of a lifetime, I’d like to show off everything I’ve got. Then I hope I can earn a good result without any regret.

Schedule

*Local Time
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.