The Japan national squad announcement really hit the headlines yesterday.
The exclusion of Celtic pair Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate was met with disbelief by the Celtic fans and confusion by the media.
But it is the reaction of the Japanese media that tells you that we are not suffering from any kind of bias when we say that we cannot believe the pair have been selected.
Writing in Sportiva, Japanese journalist Sugiyama Shigeki appeared to slaughter Moriyasu’s explanation for omitting the duo when he wrote:
“Following the Qatar World Cup, Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi were asked why they were not selected this time as well, and as usual, he arranged fragmentary words in an unclear tone, such as “Overall…”, “The level of the league…”, “I watch every Celtic game…”.
“But if they had been runners-up last time, I think they should have chosen this time.
“If you don’t choose a Champions Leaguer who has been a key player at Celtic not only in the World Cup finals but also beyond, you are clearly at the level of likes and dislikes.”
And that last point simply cannot be argued.
Both players have been playing at the highest level of European football this season.
Granted, as a team, we failed to qualify from the group stages of the Champions League, but they have shown, especially Hatate, that he can mix it with the big boys.
I’m sure this furore will rumble on until the international break and God help Moriyasu if this team he has selected falls flat on its face in the Kirin Cup.
Fingers crossed, amma right?
I must be alone in thinking there is a good side to this. Our players flying for long hours crossing the world, perhaps even coming back injured… no thanks!