Japan, in its first international since winning the Asian Cup in October, takes on South Korea in a friendly tonight at Tokyo's National Stadium.
"Since we won the Asian Cup, we've got a new responsibility as the champion," said Japan manager Philippe Troussier on Tuesday in a press conference at a Yokohama hotel. "Although it's not an ideal moment for us to play as the season is closing and our players are tired, we know that tomorrow's game is important for us to take the first step forward and move into the new stage of our preparation for 2002."
The Frenchman also noted that he wants to learn more about his players from Wednesday's game, saying, "The process means more than the results."
South Korea's caretaker manager Park Hang Seo, who will guide his team Wednesday, shared the same opinion as Troussier.
"When it comes to the Korea-Japan game, people are very sensitive about the results," said Park. "But the two countries are partners for the World Cup and we should help each other and reach a higher level as soon as we can. We want to show a good game, rather than just focusing on the results."
Japan will play without forward Akinori Nishizawa, who recently joined Spanish club Espanyol, Jubilo striker Naohiro Takahara, Cerezo midfielder Hiroaki Morishima and Gamba midfielder Junichi Inamoto -- all of whom played well in Japan's Asian Cup success -- due to injuries and exhaustion. But Troussier said, "I'll take it as a good opportunity for us to test some new patterns."