As SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) coach Vahid HALILHODZIC says, "Goalkeeper and striker positions are extremely important in modern football," this goalkeeper-only training camp began on 17 October at J-Green Sakai in Osaka. A total of six goalkeepers have been invited to the camp. As the players have just played a weekend match, the first day of the camp was focused on recovery.

Goalkeeper coaches Enver LUGUSIC and HAMANO Yukiya were in charge of the training. After warming up their body with running, the goalkeepers worked on ball handling and foot skill training such as kicking and passing and called it a day with a ball passing drill.

The training camp will continue at J-Green Sakai tomorrow.

Coach's and Players' Comments

Vahid HALILHODZIC, Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
We can finally have this camp come true that I have wanted to hold for long. I'm thankful for the understanding and cooperation of the J.League and J.League clubs. The time we have with the national team is limited, and the daily training with their club is very important for me to get my job done. To help the players reach a high-enough level, I want to convey as many messages as possible for these three days.

Today's goalkeepers are expected to have a variety of abilities such as athletic ability, skills, mental strength and tactical awareness. We, national team staff, will deliver massages to them. I hope they will work on those aspects in cooperation with their club staff members. I want the players to learn a lot of good information during this camp.

HAYASHI Akihiro (Sagan Tosu)
It's different from the senior national team activity. We don't really have such kind of opportunities where goalkeepers can train a lot, so I will try to be focused. What our coach is expected from us here is what is needed for the national team. And I hope to show my strength on top of that, but basically I will try to focus on the things that our coach expects. I've got more and more stuff to do in terms of muscle training and skill training. I will try to improve that by having more time to face football. I'm getting some results on what I'm working on now, so hopefully I can show it in matches.

SCHMIDT Daniel (Matsumoto Yamaga F.C.) 
I was a bit tensed but started enjoying midway through the training. My goal has been to play for the senior national team, and it is the top of Japanese football. There are a lot to learn from them, so I was always watching their matches. The coach's word, "Goalkeepers can't afford any mistakes," is something I will always carry on my mind and keep telling myself. I want to showcase my foot skills.

Schedule

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