Troussier wants Real friendly
Japan boss Philippe Troussier has told the president of the Japanese FA that he wants his side to play Real Madrid in a friendly in May.
Japan boss Philippe Troussier has told the president of the Japanese FA that he wants his side to play Real Madrid in a friendly in May.
The Frenchman is reported to have made his wishes during in a meeting with Japan FA boss Shunichiro Okano in Busan, Korea, on Sunday to discuss Japan's opponents in the run-up to the World Cup finals.
Okano told Sports Hochi: "A match against one of the world's top clubs would provide good experience. We will look positively at the idea."
Real have invited Japan for a game in Spain on May 8 as part of the club's centenary celebrations.
And Troussier apparently believes such a match would serve Japan's World Cup preparations well, since the Spanish giants' squad contains top players from seven
different countries, including Zidane of France, Figo of Portugal, Roberto Carlos of Brazil and Steve McManaman of England.
As well as moves toward the Real friendly, the Japan FA are also reported to be in negotiations with the national associations of Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Croatia, Turkey, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Costa Rica over possible fixtures in the run-up to the World Cup kick-off.