SAMURAI BLUE, Japan National Team, went through training on 29 March in Tokyo for the JAL CHALLENGE CUP 2015 match against Uzbekistan to be held on 31 at Tokyo Stadium.

As little time has passed since the Tunisia match held in Oita, the team had fun-oriented and relaxing workouts such as foot volleyball and stretching for an hour and half, considering players’ fatigue.

After the squad including goalkeepers loosened their body with dribbling in a small area and ball juggling, the players, divided into groups of three, played foot volleyball in each of the five courts. Once a win or loss was determined, a team moved to the next court and kept playing against different teams. The players seemed excited, calling out on each point earned and moves they showed.

In the meanwhile, Vahid Halilhodzic, Japan’s new head coach, looked through players performance as stretching on the courtside. When a call was controversial on a court, he immediately popped onto the court to overrule it. Also he occasionally joined a team waiting for the next match to work on passing drills together. After that, the boss and squad went through stretching and trunk exercise to wrap up the session.

Halilhodzic provided his autograph after the session for fans who were watching the training at the stand.

Defender Sakai Hiroki (Hannover 96) with right foot injury did not participate in the training session and rested at hotel.

The Uzbekistan match, the second contest under new coach Halilhodzic, will kick off at 7:25 p.m. on 31st at Tokyo Stadium.

Players' Comments

DF #6   MORISHIGE Masato (FC Tokyo)
About the final line, we haven’t worked on details, but the coach said “Move quickly as soon as wining the ball.” I will try to look up front once wining the ball. First I want to keep a clean sheet as a defender and will keep trying to play quick football on build-up.

FW #8   INUI Takashi (Eintracht Frankfurt)
I’m in shape because I enhanced training intensity yesterday. Looking at the Tunisia match, attacking players did a great job and it was a very good match, so I wanted to play. My role is to press from the front and get involved in team’s scoring on the attacking side. The coach told us to put full pressure. I found coach’s philosophy there. If I get a chance, I will showcase myself with goals and assists. I understand we are allowed to play freely at the last part of attacking. I want to take advantage of dribbling in such a situation and other than that, I’m determined to do what the head coach requires us.

DF #19   SHOJI Gen (Kashima Antlers)
I haven’t got playing time yet but don’t feel pressed. I’m always ready to capitalise on opportunities and try to play 100%. In the Tunisia match, I learned a lot from Makino’s performance. I’m confident in covering plays, so I want to play in a way that allows side backs to attack forward. The head coach told defenders to press forward aggressively. Our head coach said “Japanese are skinny and weak and give too much respect to opponents, and that results in allowing breakthrough. You were too kind in the Asian Cup as well.” So I will keep in mind that I am the last line of defence.

DF #24   SAKAI Gotoku (VfB Stuttgart)
I’m preparing as usual. My strength is an ability to play on both sides, so I want to prove it. (The team) are trying to show football the head coach wants to play. Because we often used slow build-up play before, we need to get used to vertically fast and acute counter-attacks. It’s hard to change that in a week, but we’ll be aware of that and increase such situations. I believe we can change that by keeping it in mind. I will give it a try, and we’ll create situations where me and others feel “It was a good move,” even if it results in a mistake.

JFA-TV

Schedule

JAL CHALLENGE CUP 2015

Tue. 31 March 2015
SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)  v  Uzbekistan National Team
Tokyo Stadium, Kickoff 19:25/Open 16:25
TV Coverage: National live broadcasting on NTV Group

More information