Japan coach Philippe Troussier confirmed Wednesday that AS Roma star Hidetoshi Nakata will be staying with the Japanese team if it advances to the final of the ongoing Confederations Cup being held in Japan and South Korea.
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of Japan's semifinal clash with Australia in Yokohama, Troussier dismissed foreign media reports that Nakata is planning to fly back to Rome for a crucial Serie A match this weekend as "simply not true."
"We have no suspicion about the problem (concerning the reports) in the national team. This problem is only outside the national team," the Frenchman said, urging the media to respect his players "by biting your tongues" until the end of the tournament. Nakata's club coach Fabio Capello had asked for the release of the midfielder for Roma's game against Napoli on Sunday, which coincides with the Confederations Cup final in Yokohama.
Earlier this week, Troussier said he decided Nakata would stay, noting that under the regulations of soccer's world governing body, he can keep the 24-year-old playmaker for national duties.