“We will make the three matches where we prove our true ability.”

As the coaches from four countries in Group I gathered at the official press conference on 26th, Japan U-22 head coach TEGURAMORI Makoto expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament in front of media members. In the morning, MUROYA Sei joined the team after KAMEKAWA Masashi’s leaving, which completed the entire roster of 23 players.

The team went through an official practice session from 4 p.m. at Shah Alam Stadium, where they soon have the qualifier matches. After warm-up and agility training to work up a heavy sweat, the squad worked on intensive training such as a 10v10 scrimmage and set play practice during the designated 60 minutes. In the practice held at the same time and the same site as the match tomorrow, the players appeared to evoke their picture for the actual match, feeling the stadium atmosphere and turf touch.

The U-22 squad had a meeting after dinner. They analysed the opponents Macau and reviewed their own team’s objective and concept to wrap up their activity of the day.

Tonight, the young samurais will shine here in Malaysia on the day of SAMURAI BLUE new coach’s debut.

Head Coaches and Players’ Comments

TEGURAMORI Makoto, Head Coach
Japan needed to acclimate to heat ahead of the opening match, so we have made a preparation in Malaysia since 16th of this month. As they are successful in acclimating to heat and their condition has got better. They are ready to play the match in perfect form. The upcoming three matches will be important for the development of the future Japanese football. I say to the players, “When you determine to develop Japanese football in the future, you need to show everything that can prove the potential.” Being consistent without ups and downs, we will make the three matches where we prove our true ability.

DF #4  IWANAMI Takuya (Vissel Kobe)
I have played many matches including ones with my club, so I’m in good shape. In the Myanmar match on 11 March, we took advantage of what we learned from the Singapore trip in February, and we were able to keep a clean sheet in the one-sided match. And individually, it was also good I scored. I first felt Malaysian climate was very hot, but I　have got used to it as we had done team practices.. In the two training matches during the prep camp, I got some careless mistakes and had something to improve on the offence-defence transition. We had to have more concentration at the moment where we conceded a goal. We found both the positive side and the negative side as a team, so they turned out to be productive. An opening match is important at any tournament. First we will win the opener and keep a clean sheet to create our momentum. I want to showcase myself as an individual as well.

DF #12  MUROYA Sei (Meiji University)
I was disappointed when I wasn’t selected for the first squad. When I was actually called up, I was very happy even though it was an additional call-up. Malaysia’s climate is not as hot as I thought. In the official practice session today, I first tried to get my body used to it. I think I was able to get it done well. The mood of the team was very good and we had a good training session on the day before the match. My position is defence. If you don’t allow any goal, you never lose the match. So first I will think about not conceding a goal and, if any chance, I will show my strength, getting involved in offence.

Schedule

Local time