The training camp for the national team's goalkeeper candidates, which was the first attempt in the JFA history, came to an end on Wednesday 19 October. Since HIGASHIGUCHI Masaaki and NISHIKAWA Shusaku, who played 120 minutes in the YBC Levain Cup final on the weekend, got back to their club after the second day, the third day of the camp was held with four goalkeepers.

In addition, as SCHMIDT Daniel hurt his left ankle on the previous day and worked out separately from others, actual participants were three players: HAYASHI Akihiro, KUSHIBIKI Masatoshi and NAKAMURA Kosuke. The last training session had the same practical workout as the afternoon training of the day before, which included defending against crosses, shot-stopping, positioning in set-pieces and saving. The three-day training camp ended after that.

Just as the previous two days, goalkeeper coaches across the nation, mostly from the Kansai area, visited J-Green Sakai on 19th as well. Some local coaches were discussing the future goalkeeper development with the national team coaching staff. The major achievement of this camp was to share what is expected of a national team player competing against the world not only among the six selected players but also with the coaches who instruct them all over the country.

Coach's and Players' Comments

Vahid HALILHODZIC, Coach
It turned out to be very successful. A lot of coaches across Japan came to observe the camp, and I was able to convey a lot of goalkeeping ideas to them. What we discussed in the four training sessions vary in details. The sessions were short and I couldn't show them everything, but I still could show what the requirements of modern goalkeepers are.

KUSHIBIKI Masatoshi (Kashima Antlers)
I've got lots of advice in goalkeeping skills, and I will try to be aware of that while playing in the future. As a next step, I will set the national team as my aim and will work hard towards that goal in my daily training.

NAKAMURA Kosuke (Kashiwa Reysol)
I want to be as good as anyone in terms of protecting the goalmouth. It's a matter of course that the national team aim at a high level and seek for the top players, and I know I haven't got called up yet, because I'm still not good enough in various aspects.

When I get back to the team, I will try to focus on each issue at a time. Now that I understand what is been expected of a national team goalkeeper, I want to work on them and meet their expectations.

Schedule

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