Before the main practice began, the players warmed up in their own ways. Kubota and Doi enjoyed a juggling game, while Uchida and Tanaka stretched on mats. Ogasawara was the last to leave the locker room for the field and watched the players from a chair.
As yesterday, Coach Oiwa gathered the players and staff in a huddle. After explaining and giving instructions for the training menu, the second training session in the UAE began.
While yesterday was mainly about conditioning after our arrival, today we are stepping things up. Only the first 15 minutes of the session were open to the media, where players worked on passing drills and ball control. The goalkeepers practiced catching and other drills with GK Coach Sato.
After 15 minutes of practice, the media was no longer allowed to observe. The entire session finished around 7 PM, and the training ground felt a little chilly after the sun had set.
At dinner, we celebrated Abe's Best Young Player Award. A large cake was also served. Kaio, who played for Antlers until midway through 2016 and is now with Al Ain FC, and Luis Alberto, who played with us in 2014, visited the hotel and rekindled old friendships with the players.
Tomorrow is the day before the Club World Cup quarter-final. A pre-match press conference at the match venue and training at Al Ain FC's training ground are scheduled.