Stupid is probably harsh. Is negligent possibly a better word?
I guess will never know until Japan play their international ties without Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi.
But the omission of both Celtic stars has caused a bit of a stir over the last 48 hours.
This site highlighted the reaction in the Japanese media yesterday and many were absolutely perplexed at Hajime Moriyasu’s continued snubbing of the Hoops duo but former Celt, Frank McAvennie went a wee bit further with his criticism.
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said, “The manager was saying that he knows what they can do but he is trying to build a team for 2026 but for me it is a bit stupid.
“If he has got better players than Hatate then they will win the World Cup.
“They have not taken [Tomoki] Iwata either who was the best player in the J-League last year. It is a weird one for me that players like that are not in it. It is baffling.”
Like I said, stupid is probably a but harsh.
The proof will be in the pudding.
If the Japanese side go on to win the Kirin Cup scoring a gluttony of goals, then Moriyasu will be justified in his selection.
But going by the reaction in Japan, if he fails and they fall flat on their face then McAvennie’s original assertion will be spot on because the criticism the national manager will receive will be beyond stupid.