SUSONO, Shizuoka Pref. -- Japan coach Philippe Troussier, concerned about his players' lack of concentration ahead of two upcoming friendlies, shut out the media Tuesday from the final day of the two-day training camp in Gotenba.
The camp was scheduled to be open, but Troussier -- who is expected to select 22 players for friendlies against Ukraine next week in Osaka and in Poland the following week -- slammed the doors shut after finding that many of the 34 players were not focused on their training.
"Japan has a history of poor performance in March," Troussier said, recalling last year's 5-0 loss to France.
"The season has just started here and the players haven't reached a competitive level. But if we have that kind of attitude (ahead of the friendlies), we'll suffer."