Japan coach may rotate squad
04/07/2008 6:38 PM
Japan coach Takeshi Okada is considering using a rotation system early next year as his team heads into qualification campaigns for both the 2010 World Cup and 2011 Asian Cup.
The three-time Asian champion will begin its Asian Cup qualifiers in January, having been drawn in a group with Bahrain, Hong Kong and Yemen.
It then faces Australia in the World Cup qualifiers in early February.
The J-League season ends on December 6 but with the Emperor's Cup only concluding on New Year's Day, Okada has concerns about the fitness and condition of players for the crucial matches.
"I'm thinking about making (two) groups," said Okada in Tokyo shortly before the Thursday's Asian Cup qualifying draw.
"I may play those who will have rested longer."
Okada, who led Japan to the 1998 World Cup, has recently voiced concerns about the busy schedule for his players.
Those fears increased after Japan midfielder Yasuhito Endo was hospitalised this week with high fever. Endo was forced out for two months in 2006 after suffering viral hepatitis brought on by fatigue.