TAKAKURA Asako, coach of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan National Women’s Team), announced at the press conference which was held at JFA House in Bunkyo Word in Tokyo on Wednesday 11 October her 23-player squad to face Switzerland National Women’s Team at MS&AD CUP 2017 on Sunday 22nd.

Seven players, more than from any other team, are listed from NIPPON TV BELEZA, including the first-time selection SHIMIZU Risa. IWABUCHI Mana, who moved from Bayern Munich (Germany) to INAC KOBE LEONESSA this season, re-joined the team after her 7-month absence since the 2017 Algarve Women’s Football Cup 2017 in March.

At the beginning of the conference coach Takakura said, “In December we have the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2017 Final Japan and in April next year we have the Asian qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019. I chose these players with our goal of going into a more specific phase of team building.” She also shared her plan of those who take on an important role in the upcoming match held in Nagano to become a core group of her team in the near future, saying “Young players sometimes excel all of a sudden and just one call-up to the national team can be a huge mental boost. I will watch them closely. Hopefully, competition within the team can make this squad even better.”

Speaking of Iwabuchi coming back from Germany and her following right MCL surgery, Takakura said “She joined the national team when she was still young and gained significant experience through the years. Now she is right in the middle age-wise between the young and veteran players. I know she is not at her top form yet, but I invited her because I want her to realise what is expected out of her on this team.” Being 24 years old now, Iwabuchi has already played in two FIFA Women’s World Cups (2011 and 2015) and one Olympic Games (2012). She is certainly expected to take a leadership role off the pitch, sharing her experiences with the team.

“I have high expectations for everybody in the squad. Each player has a unique strength and a good self-understanding of how to contribute to the team. Now I want every one of my players to show all she got on the pitch and find the winning ways for my team,” added the coach responding to the question of the mentality she expects from her squad members. In the activities for the national team for the future, the team are expected to see not only improvements on skills, physicality and tactical understanding, but also mental and psychological growth.

Nadeshiko Japan will start a training camp on Monday 16 October for the MS & AD CUP 2017 where they face Switzerland on Sunday 22nd at Nagano U Stadium.

Coach's and Players' Comments

TAKAKURA Asako, Coach of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan National Women’s Team)
It‘s been a little over a year since I took this coaching position and the match against Switzerland is the 14th match counting from 2016. I have invited and tried many different players to find the tactics best fit to the team. My selection criteria are simple. I will select the players who are performing well in their league as well as those who understand our team tactics. It is also important that they will meet the demands of the team and show improvements when they are invited to the Nadeshiko squad. I am all set and prepared to battle with these players this time.

GK #1 IKEDA Sakiko (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
Different from the past when I was trying to showcase my presence as well as my strength, this time I want to play with the mindset of trying to find what I can do to help the team win. With my past experience of playing with the national team, I am reminded of the importance of being fit to play. Working on my physical strength, I have seen some tangible results such as weight increase. Now, I need to show my improvements during matches. As I display my strengths in coaching and build-ups, I hope we all can continue to make gradual but steady progress as a team.

MF #17 HASEGAWA Yui (NIPPON TV BELEZA)
I have played with many different players over the years in the national team. From this point on, I want to show my strength in stamina and tenacity in one-on-one situations both offensively and defensively. I think I have been called up to the national team in the past because they regarded highly my performances in the league matches. But now that the season is over, I may not get invited to the team without achieving good results this time. I feel that sense of urgency. The match against Switzerland is the one we can’t afford to lose. It’s a match we play in Japan and personally I’ll try to attain positive results as well.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Schedule

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

Sunday, 22 October 2017 Kick Off at 16:30(estimated time) 
vs Switzerland Women’s National Team
Nagano / Nagano U Stadium

For more information