"Passion" is the story of Japan soccer team coach Philippe Troussier, his struggle to make it as a player and manager and his travels around France, Africa and Japan. In the book, Troussier also details his philosophy and thinking as he prepares for the World Cup in June.

In this, the ninth of 10 exclusive extracts, Troussier describes the intensity of managing and the pleasure he gets from his work.

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The moment I set foot in this country, my heart was set on leading Japan through to the 2002 World Cup. Although I went through some tough times and had some doubts within myself, that initial determination never disappeared.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, I didn't want to sit back and simply "reheat cold milk." In other words, I had no intention of just adding a few players to the 1998 squad and taking superficial responsibility for the Olympic and Asian Cup teams. I had no desire to end my adventure in Asia by merely managing players. I didn't want this job to end without accomplishing my dreams and ambitions.

I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to work in a country like Japan. I didn't want to put this once-in-a-lifetime chance to waste. I was given nearly four full years to prepare the team for the World Cup, to develop a magnificent project.

I am no longer a "white witch doctor." I want to utilize the know-how I've gained for the benefit of Japan. This country has given me the chance to show the real Philippe Troussier.

But I sometimes question myself: Why have I been in Japan for so long? How can a man, who almost appears to be like a member of a guerrilla group to the Japanese people, stay in one country and stick with one team for four years?

What's made me stay in Japan is the constant challenges brought about by my job. Immediately after signing my contract, we played in the Asian Games in Bangkok. I was then handed the responsibility of coaching teams at three age levels and we kept challenging ourselves in preparation for the World Cup. All of the games were aimed at achieving success in the World Cup. That kept me alert at all times.

In each game, we started from zero and had the mentality that it was one new mountain to climb. The speedy tempo of the project functioned as fuel for my body. The energy I injected into the team matched the players' growing aspirations. It continued to expand.

But the reason I can concentrate on this job as a 47-year-old is because of the game. In every game of my 20-year career, I have prepared and fought as if it were a World Cup match. Even in a friendly, I think I've felt joy and sadness at the same level as if were a World Cup game.

Come game time, a coach has reached a certain level of concentration and then remains in a state of anxiety for the whole game. For 90 minutes, my life comes to a halt. My existence is determined by the movement of a football. That will not change in the World Cup.

But the World Cup also provides satisfaction. What a fantastic sight to witness youngsters create and determine their own future. In the World Cup, we will be able to see the growth of Japan's players, players I have coached from scratch. It's a special privilege to have led this this team from beginning to end.

I cannot describe the happiness I feel when I watch players I nurtured, like Junichi Inamoto and Naohiro Takahara, prowl around the field. The relationship built with the Troussier generation from the 1999 World Youth Championship in Nigeria is like that of a father and son. For a coach like myself who has committed 120 percent to his job, it's a great honor and adventure to guide these youngsters into battle. As a human being, it gives me intense pleasure.

For me, this adventure is like discovering raw diamonds, cleaning and carving them endlessly and then adding the final touches.

Why am I coaching? It's in response to the sympathy and love that I have received over the years. As one who has had countless fond memories, I can say that my energy is not derived from within these days. The entire Japanese population is behind me, energizing me.

As my childhood dream of playing in the World Cup passed, I made a promise to myself that I would be famous on the touchline.

I'm living that dream now and I will treasure these dreams forever.

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Note: The final extract from "Passion" will run on May 15.

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