THE HAGUE -- Japan soccer coach Philippe Troussier may not know if he's coming or going when dealing with the Japan Football Association, but when it comes to his players and the team he has no doubts whatsoever.
As a guest of and advisor to an adidas-sponsored group attending the European Championship, Troussier on Wednesday gave a speech outlining his philosophy for the national team as he prepares his squad for the Olympic Games in September, the Asian Cup in October and eventually the 2002 World Cup. The big difference between European and Asian/Japanese soccer, he said, was the experience of the players.
"All the teams in Europe have players playing outside their home countries and this is very important," he stated. "France's success has been achieved because the French players play outside the country and they train with the best players and best coaches in the world."