9 May 2005(Mon)

TOKYO (May 7): Zico announces his Kirin Cup squad on Monday, and I am trying to get excited about it.

But everywhere I turn there is apathy and a general acceptance that, no, there will be no surprises, no sense of adventure. Just the same old faces.

This attitude is understandable, as Zico's squads have become totally predictable, even when he's had a chance to experiment.

The only talking point has been which players from Europe have been released, which of them are fit and which of them will start. Even that's become boring.

For Japan's Kirin Cup games against Peru and the UAE, I can't understand why Zico wants to bring back any players from Europe at all.

Why not give them a break at the end of the long European season, even if they have been sitting on the bench, and tell them: "Meet me in the UAE at the end of the month and join the practice for the World Cup qualifier against Bahrain on June 3."

That would make more sense to me, and give Zico the chance to have a look at some new faces while the pressure is off during the Kirin Cup.

So who's out there knocking on Zico's door?

Not a lot, actually, but still two or three worth calling up just to see how they go.

Alex needs a new deputy on the left flank, and Murai might be the man, although he left the field very early in Jubilo's home game with Gamba on May 4.

If not Murai then maybe Verdy's Soma. Zico saw him play against Yokohama F Marinos the other night, when he was up against Hayuma Tanaka, who is another candidate for the national squad, on the right flank as Kaji's deputy.

While Soma has potential, I think he looks raw and is still one year away from the national squad. Sanfrecce's Hattori, although 27, is very able and consistent, and would be an interesting selection.

I have long championed the FC Tokyo trio of Moniwa, Konno and Ishikawa, but the team has been losing, six in a row as we speak. If Zico didn't pick them last year when they were on fire, why should he do now when their form has dipped? Of the three, I would still take a look at Konno.

Up front, I really like the explosive Bando at Vissel, although his confidence may have been dented by his team's terrible start to the season. But he's different to the other strikers, and offers some dynamism off the bench.

As I said, there aren't too many players lighting up the J.League at the moment, but I hope Zico uses this opportunity at least to have a look at some squad candidates.

We will see on Monday...but don't hold your breath.

ends