In the afternoon of January 26th at 2:30 GMT, the Japanese national team held a conference before the match. Faced with questions from reporters, Japan's head coach Mori Bao'ichi revealed that his impression of Li Xiaopeng is limited to the fact that he is the head coach of the Wuhan team. Talking about the confrontation with the Chinese team, Mori Baoichi strategically responded, "We will be flexible according to the game situation, and try to avoid wide-ranging adjustments so as not to affect the players' mentality."
It is worth noting that Japan's main defenders, Maya Yoshida and Kenyo Tomiyasu, will not be able to play due to injuries, a situation that became the center of attention of the Japanese media at the conference. In response, Mori Baoichi said that the Japanese team has already prepared for the situation: "We will have new players joining us, and they are ready to compete with the Chinese team tomorrow. They are not replacing others, but coming to participate in the game and show their characteristics."
On the absence of Maya Yoshida and Kenyo Tomiyasu, Mori Baoichi expressed his regret: "We deeply deplore it, and it is even more painful for them. But we don't think that one player's absence will lead to a decline in the strength of the national team, and all of us will be united tomorrow to play at the level of the national team as a whole."
Maya Yoshida is not only the core of Japan's defense, but also serves as the captain. Mori Baoichi revealed that Endo Hang will be the field captain for tomorrow's match, "He is experienced, good at communicating with his teammates, and in a position suitable for observing the whole field situation. Of course, we have other experienced players as captain candidates, but in terms of experience, he is the most experienced and has good communication skills."
Facing questions from the Chinese media, Mori Baoichi's knowledge about Li Xiaopeng was limited to, "I know he coaches the Wuhan team, but we don't know much about how he conducts his game as the national team's head coach."
