Ange Postecoglou’s Yokohama F. Marinos are in with a J1 League title shot with five games left
With his trademark brand of attacking football working wonders, former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou is within grasp of breaking a 15-year title J-League hoodoo with Yokohama F. Marinos.
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Ange Postecoglou is on the verge of pulling off a miracle with Yokohama F. Marinos, while changing the face of Japanese football in the process with his audacious approach.
Operating on the J1 League’s 10th biggest budget and without a permanent training base, hopping between three venues, unfancied Marinos are within grasp of breaking a 15-year title hoodoo.
Marinos are third heading into this Saturday’s clash away to Segan Tosu, one point behind FC Tokyo and Kashima Antlers with five games left.
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Postecoglou has transformed the J1 League with his trademark brand of ultra-attacking, dynamic football, vowing to continue with the title in sight.
“We weren’t certain we could (contend) this year, we still had some challenges and the league’s pretty strong,” Postecoglou said.
“We want to continue (our) football. That’s always been the main driver and got us to where we are at the moment. If we continue to be really aggressive, we give ourselves a chance.
“The club hasn’t had the ultimate success for quite a while. Part of that is (not having) the budget of other clubs. For me, more importantly is the way we’re playing and it’s given the club confidence and belief that they can create something special here.
“Ultimately it’s still about making sure we stick to the principles and not get too focused on potentially what the prize could be.”
City Football Group’s Brian Marwood - Melbourne City’s backers - played a key role in appointing Postecoglou, just months after his controversial Socceroos exit.
While his Japanese success is prompting interesting reflection on his polarising Australia stint, Postecoglou said the backing of club chiefs was crucial.
“Everyone at the club - players, supporters, people running the club - has bought into it and it’s a great working environment,” he said.
“The club has been really keen to go on this path and that’s allowed me to do what I do. If it’s not successful, it defeats the purpose. But I always feel, only because of the evidence, if you stick to the path, success follows.
“Ultimately people have to decide what they want and if it aligns, it usually works better. If it doesn’t align, then it’s very hard to work these things in isolation, with just one person driving it.”
Marinos fans have taken to him and the team, who’ve unsurprisingly becoming the J1 League’s top scorers (54 goals in 29 games).
“There is an understanding that we’re all on this path together and the club is really enjoying the football the players are delivering on a weekly basis,” he said.
Originally published as Ange Postecoglou’s Yokohama F. Marinos are in with a J1 League title shot with five games left