Real Madrid's coach said Monday that David Beckham is experiencing some problems communicating with his new teammates as he works hard to fit into the all-star side of the Spanish soccer powerhouse.
But Carlos Queiroz said he expects a positive contribution from Beckham in Tuesday's preseason match against J. League club FC Tokyo.
"He practiced well today," Queiroz told reporters at Tokyo's National Stadium. "We expect him to play well but he's only been with the team for four days and he's working very hard to fit in."
Real Madrid arrived in the Japanese capital on Sunday for the second leg of a promotional tour of the Far East.
Beckham made his much-anticipated debut in Saturday's 4-0 win over a Chinese select team in Beijing on Saturday. He played 73 minutes but failed to score.
Beckham has looked hesitant in two practice sessions in Japan but Queiroz said it's nothing to be concerned about.
"Of course, there are some communication problems," added Queiroz. "But we know he'll be able to overcome them."
Real Madrid signed the England captain for $40 million last month on a transfer from Manchester United.
Reggina arrives
Kyodo News Italian Serie A club Reggina, star Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura's team, arrived in Tokyo on Monday to take on the Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday.
Reggina, which has set its sights on its Aug. 31 Serie A season opener against Sampdoria, went to Yokohama to practice at International Stadium Yokohama, where the friendly match will be held.
The Marinos won the J. League first division first-stage title on Saturday.