World Cup 2002 - Nakata v Troussier
by R. Sanborn Brown
As reported in the February 7th issue of the Japanese weekly Shukan Shincho, the war of words continues between Japan Coach Philippe Troussier and the squad’s star player Hidetoshi Nakata. Past slights were brought to the surface with Troussier’s recent comments in the Japanese press.
The source of the conflagration was an article that appeared in an Italian magazine on January 23rd. While still struggling to find form with his new team Parma in Italy's Serie A, Nakata was reported in Il Resto del Carlino as suggesting, "You don’t have to bother calling me up for the World Cup." Back in Japan, Troussier parried that the next day with, "If Nakata continues to think only of himself—and not the team—well, I’m not sure whether or not he will be with us at the World Cup." One soccer journalist suggested Troussier is a control freak. During training camp, for example, players are forbidden to use cell phones, and it is taboo to go to a convenience store to buy junk food. Everyone must follow the same dietary regime. Original or unusual clothing is frowned upon as well, to the point where Troussier is always going on and on, "Don’t frigging dress like Nakata!"
Hidetoshi Nakata
That Troussier was never crazy about Nakata is not news. However, beginning last June, the relationship began to sour considerably. During that month’s Confederations Cup, Nakata left the national side in mid-tournament to return to Italy to play for his club team, AS Roma, in the Serie A championship. Without its star midfielder, Japan went on to lose to France 1-0 in the Final.
Japanese Soccer journalist Kabe Kiwamu: "If Coach Troussier is going to slap his players around during training camp like a total nut, well then Hide(toshi Nakata) is the type of person who is going to retreat within himself and only talk to the players he gets along with. Both of them are childish and extremely proud—and they are both staking a claim to be the ‘boss of Japanese soccer.’" However, Kiwamu continued, "As far as the Confederations Cup imbroglio goes, what Nakata did was a no-brainer. He made a promise to remain with the national team only through the first three matches—and he kept it. For players in Europe, there is nothing more important than regular league matches for their club team, and winning the championship. At the time, Nakata was in the middle of a championship drive in the world’s best league—he had to return to Rome. Not just for Nakata but in the interests of Japanese soccer as a whole, he should not be called up in the future for tournaments of that level. For Troussier to be angry is absurd."
That said, with competition for a spot on the national squad at stake, it is Troussier who will ultimately give the thumbs up or down. Some journalists are even hinting that Troussier has been watching all along for an excuse to dump Nakata. That would then give him the chance to bring along Shinji Ono and recently-naturalized Alessandro Dos Santos. Nakata is only capable of playing his own style of soccer: crisp, hard passing at his pace and timing. Ono on the other hand is extremely adept at adjusting his game to the players around him. Dos Santos with his great physical ability is a standout at the current training camp. Ono has been very submissive towards Troussier since his days at the youth level; and Dos Santos is extremely grateful for the call-up to the team camp and the opportunity to play for a national side. There could not be a greater difference in the attitudes of Ono and Dos Santos compared with Nakata.
In last November’s friendly against Italy, Troussier did not start Nakata. However, Nakata will definitely be among the squad chosen to play in the World Cup, according to Kabe. "Troussier doesn’t have the balls to build a team without Nakata. If Troussier were a really big shot coach and the player in question were a borderline star who wasn’t really needed, he could probably cut Hide. But Troussier isn’t, and he won’t. Deep inside, you can bet he is depending on Nakata."
Soccer analyst Ko Okudera chides both of them. "It would be an absolute waste not to use Nakata. Make use of what he has to offer and win games—that is the best solution. At the same time, Nakata needs to follow the coach … they need to get together and sort this out."
Hidetoshi Nakata Factfile
Date of Birth: 22/January/1977
Place of Birth: Yamanashi, Japan
Playing Career: Bellmare Hiratsuka, Japan (1994-1997); 16 goals,
Perugia, Italy (1998-2000); 15 goals, AS Roma, Italy (2000-2001); 5 goals,
Parma, Italy (2001 - 2004); 5 goals, Bologna, Italy (2004); 2 goals, Fiorentina,
Italy (2004-).