Reds win a training match

After losing 3-0 on Sunday in a pre-season game, the Reds have somewhat avenged that lost with a 3-1 victory against Omiya in a training match the very next day. I know that it's just a training match, but right at the moment I'll take a victory, it gives me abit of confidence that we're heading in the right direction.

The Reds fielded mainly youngsters as well as fringe players but one player who again didn't appear was Matthew Spiranovic. The word on the street is that he has a slight injury which he picked up last week, but others have been saying he's out of favour with Petrovic. What ever it is; Spiranovic & Nagata are our best options in the heart of our defense. On the opposite end of the ledger, Takasaki has been impressive in the pre-season and continued to impress in the training match against Omiya grabbing a brace. The other goal went to Mazola who has also impressed during the pre-season.

With less then a fortnight remaining before the start of the season proper lets see if any fringe players can push their way into the starting XI. Should make thing interesting

This is how the Reds lined up

First Half
GK: Kato
DF: Takahashi; Hamada; Tsuboi; Noda
MF: Okamoto; Aoyama; Naoki
FW: Sergio; Hara; Mazola

Second Half
GK: Otani
DF: Okamoto; Tsuboi; Tsutsumi; Noda
MF: Kojima; Naoki; Aoyama (71min > Kidoku [Y])
FW: Takahashi; Takasaki; Hara (61min > Horinouchi)

From bad to worst

Just when you thought that things couldnt get any worst; it just did. So far this pre-season hasn't gone to plan and yes it is just the pre-season, but it doesn't bode well for the regular season. With only one more pre-season match remaining (plus a few training matches) time is running out for the team to get it together.

The latest disappointment was in the Saitama Cup against our cross down rivals Omiya where we lost 3-0; and if the final scoreline was anything to go by, 2011 will be a long season. The biggest thing for me about the game wasn't the lost or the scoreline, rather who was missing from the squad. Matthew Spiranovic was excpected to be our starting CB along side Nagata, but didn't even make it on to the bench. Could it be injury? From what I've been hearing Spiranovic hasn't quiet picked up the new system yet, but whatever it is, I believe the Reds would look better with Spiranovic alongside Nagata in the heart of our defence.

The game itself was a disappointing for the Reds. We got alot of half chances, but it didn't look like as though we were playing as a team when we had the ball. Nobuhisa Yamada got a red card for a silly foul (which really wasn't a foul), which resulted in a penalty and Omiya's second goal. The one positive thing from the game though was how Mazola impressed coming off the bench. He was the spark we needed but the team still needs to come together as one. 

This is how the Reds lined up.

GK: Yamagishi
DF: Hirakawa; Nobu Yamada; Nagata; Ugajin
MF: Keita; Kashiwagi; Richardes
FW: Tatsuya; Haraguchi; Edmilson

Subs:
63min Kashiwagi > Sergio
63min Haraguchi > Mazola
63min Tatsuya > Hara

I don't know how much I'm looking forward for the season proper to start now, considering our current form. We have a few training matches between now and then and by our last pre season match against Tochigi SC on 2/27, I'd hope we can put it all together, if we can't then we are in deep trouble.

The 2011 Schedule

Sorry about the delay in posting this up; but the Reds' 2011 J-League season looks like this.

1. 03/05 @ Kobe
2. 03/12 vs G. Osaka
3. 03/19 @ Yamagata
4. 04/02 vs Kawasaki
5. 04/10 @ Iwata
6. 04/16 vs Kofu
7. 04/24 vs Nagoya
8. 04/29 @ Sendai
9. 05/03 vs Yokohama FM
10. 05/07 @ Kashiwa
11. 05/15 vs C. Osaka
12. 05/21 @ Kashima
13. 05/28 vs Niigata
14. 06/11 @ Omiya
15. 06/15 @ Hiroshima
16. 06/18 vs Shimizu
17. 06/22 vs Fukuoka
18. 06/25 @ Nagoya
19. 06/30 @ Kawasaki
20. 08/06 vs Kobe
21. 08/14 @ Niigata
22. 08/20 @ Kofu
23. 08/24 vs Hiroshima
24. 08/28 @ C. Osaka
25. 09/11 vs Yamagata
26. 09/17 @ Shimizu
27. 09/24 vs Kashima
28. 10/02 @ G. Osaka
29. 10/15 vs Omiya
30. 10/22 @ Yokohama FM
31. 10/29 vs Iwata
32. 11/19 vs Sendai
33. 11/26 @ Fukuoka
34. 12/03 vs Kashiwa

For the first time in 3 years we haven't opened the season with an away match to Kashima followed by our first home game against F.C Tokyo which wouldn't have been possible this year because FCT is in the J-2 this year.

In the 2011 J-League Yamazaki Nabisco Cup; the Reds have been placed in group B along with Hiroshima, Iwata, Fukuoka, Kobe, Shimizu and Sendai. The schedule for the Nabisco cup is as follows

1. 03/16 vs Shimizu
2. Bye
3. 04/06 @ Hiroshima
4. 04/20 @ Fukuoka
5. 05/11 vs Iwata
6. 05/25 @ Kobe
7. 06/05 vs Sendai

Things aren't looking good

So we had a lost and a draw over the past two games (one pre-season match and one training match); I guess you can say that it's alright because it's still the pre-season? Well when the two teams we played are going to be in the J-2 this season, then no it's not alright. The lost was against Sagan Tosu; with the final scoreline being 2-1, and the draw was a 1-all draw against recently relegated Kyoto Sanga F.C

This could be a long season for the Reds if things don't improve immediately. If there was going to be an excuse for the lost against Sagan Tosu is that the Asian Cup players (Nagata, Kashiwagi and Spiranovic) were still being rested; but it doesn't give much confidence that we can only manage a draw with the trio playing. Which also poses the questions; what happens if both Nagata and Spiranovic are injured and we need to turn to the awesome duo of Tsuboi and Nagata? Lets just hope it doesn't come to that.

Well if there is a good time when we aren't clicking; I guess it would have to be now, when the matches counts for nothing at the end of the day. It's still disheartening though losing to J-2 opposition because at the end of the day these games we should be able to win. To make things even better, our goal came from a penalty converted by Edmilson.

The last thing I'd like to say about the Sagan Tosu match is I'm a fan of Sagan Tosu's 2011 jersey.

This is how we lined up against Sagan Tosu

GK: Yamagishi
DF: Hirakawa; Tsuboi; Yamada No; Ugajin
MF: Keita; Aoyama; Haraguchi; Tatsuya; Richardes
FW: Edmilson

Subs
70min Tatsuya > Sergio
70min Aoyama > Hara
71min Yamada No > Spiranovic

The main purpose of the Kyoto match, my opinion at least, is to give the fringe players a run as well as giving match time to Asian Cup trio. Seems like that Petrovic is also experimenting in this match; like playing the 4-3-3 formation as well as playing Sergio in the midfield for the first half and further forward in the second half. One more interesting point from the Kyoto match; it appears that Tsutsumi is wearing the captain's armband for the match, could that be a sign of things to come?

This is how we lined up against Kyoto Sanga

First Half
GK: Kato
DF: Tsutsumi; Nagata; Spiranovic; Noda
MF: Kojima; Naoki (38min > Kashiwagi) Sergio
FW: Umesaki; Hara; Mazola

Second Half
GK: Kato (7min > Otani)
DF: Tsutsumi; Spiranovic; Nagata; Noda
MF: Kojima (23min > Horinouchi); Kashiwagi; Hara
FW: Sergio; Takasaki; Mazola

Reds starting XI according to me

The squad is now finally complete, with Kashiwagi, Nagata and Spiranovic linking up with the team, the Reds have headed down to Ibusuki of training camp number two. So what better time then now to give my version of what the Reds starting XI would look like.

Firstly the formation; going from what Petrovic has played in the training match, it appears as though the Reds will be playing a 4-5-1 formation, so I'd follow suit. So with out any further delay, this would be my starting XI:

-------------------Yamagishi-------------------
Hirakawa--Nagata--Spiranovic--Ugajin
----------------------Keita-----------------------
--Tatsuya------Kashiwagi---Haraguchi--
---------------Richardes-----------------------
--------------------Edmilson-------------------

Goalkeeper: Well there really isn't any choice here except for Yamagishi. Kato and Otani really aren't ready for the J-1 so lets hope that Yamagishi can stay healthy. If Yamagishi does get injured, maybe Tsuzuki will come out of retirement?

Defense: Nagata and Spiranovic will be our central defenders; an upgrade from last years pairing of Tsuboi and Nobuhisa Yamada, with Hirakawa and Ugajin the fullbacks. Even though the starters seem strong depth is slightly a concern at the back. Hamada, Tsuboi, Horinouchi and Tsutsumi would be the option if either Spiranovic or Nagata goes down; doesn't look too appealing does it?

Our fullback options are slightly better; namely Takahashi and Okamoto. Takahashi is another one of the converted midfielders come fullbacks,  and has done well, but in the limited chances Okamoto received last year he did impress, so I wouldn't be surprised if Okamoto starts in place of Hirakawa by the end of the year. Okamoto can also play CB whilst Takahashi's natural position is further up the field. The other option at the back would be Noda; though Tsuboi and Tsutsumi would be an option if required. Nobuhisa Yamada I wouldn't place at CB like last year; I'd use him as either a fullback or DM. How about this; Mazola as fullback? It happened with Sanou last year so you'd never know.

Midfield: The centre of the park would be where we have abit of depth. Keita would be the preferred choice at the defensive midfield, sitting just in front of the back four. The other option here would be Aoyama, but Hamada, Horinouchi and Nobuhisa could be used as well. Kashiwagi would be used in the middle and I really do see him as the "play maker" as such. Unlike last year where Ponte was still calling the shots, this year it's Kashiwagi's time to shine and show what he can do. Naoki, who's returning from injury, would more then likely be Kashiwagi's understudy and I'm hoping that he comes back strong. He showed plenty of potential before his injury really set him back, but time is on his side.

In the wings is where it gets crowded. As I have mentioned previously the left wing position is really up for grabs, but for me Haraguchi would get the nod over Mazola and Hara with Tatsuya playing the right wing. Takahashi and Umesaki are also options here. Umesaki, who has been plagued by injuries over the past few years, is the other option at right wing and hopefully he can challange Tatsuya this season, even though he does prefer to play in the middle of the park. Before Umesaki came to the Reds Umesaki was one of the most exciting youngsters in Japan and I really do hope he regains that form. Richardes slots in just behind Edmilson, think Van der Vaart at Tottenham. Sergio, who hasn't really found his "place",would be ideal in this position as well.

Forward: No questions here who the striker is, the new number 9; Edmilson. Takasaki would ideally be his back-up and would want for him to be given his opportunities, but Richardes, Sergio and Hara could slot in as well.

So there you have it; my version of the Reds starting 11. I know I went with the "safe" options but I'm sure that'll change as the season progress. I'd like some of the young guys like Naoki, Okamoto, Takahashi and Haraguchi get their chances and I think they will. So now that you've read my thoughts, it's time for you to have your say! I'm very interested in your thoughts of how you see the Reds lining up in 2011. 

The pre-season journey continues

The Reds has sinced returned from their training camp in Miyazaki and continued their season 2011 preperations with two training matches over the past few days. The first match was played on the 2Feb11 against Ryutsu Keizai University at Ohara. The match finished 1-1 with Sergio scoring in the 53min for the Reds. The Reds used a handfull of youth team players (Y) during the second half of the match.

This is how the Reds lined up for the game

First Half
GK: Yamagishi
DF: Hirakawa; Nobuhisa; Tsuboi; Noda
MF: Keita; Hamada; Umesaki; Richardes; Haraguchi
FW: Edmilson

Second Half
GK: Otani
DF: Takahashi; Keita Koide (Y); Tsutsumi; Shintaro Kosaka (Y)
MF: Naoto Kitoku (Y); Masaya Nozaki (Y); Sergio; Shinya Yazaki (Y); Hara
FW: Takasaki

The Reds second training match was against Tokai University. The match finished 5-1 in favour of the Reds. The goal scorers were Mazola (4min), Sergio (19min), Tatsuya (29min) and Richardes (38 & 44min). This is how the Reds line up for the game.

First Half
GK: Kato
DF: Hirakawa; Tsuboi; Tsutsumi; Ugajin
MF: Keita; Nobuhisa; Tatsuya (32min> Richardes); Sergio; Mazola (32min> Haraguchi)
FW: Takasaki

Second Half
GK: Otani
DF: Hirakawa (65min> Arai [Y]); Nobuhisa (65min> Shintaro Kosaka [Y]); Tsutsumi; Noda
MF: Keita (65min> Masaya Nozaki [Y]); Kojima; Sergio (65min> Umesaki); Richardes; Haraguchi (65min> Hara)
FW: Takasaki (65min> Edmilson)

So with three training matches so far the great news is that Petrovic is giving everyone a chance to prove themselves. The most interesting battle I see so far is between Haraguchi, Hara and now Mazola who are all vying for the left wing position. All three players play a fairly similar position of forward/left wing so there wouldn't be any issues of depth and it should get interesting who Petrovic goes with as we get closer to the start of the season. My preference would have to be to go with Haraguchi (being an Urawa junior and all), but to see Mazola sitting on the bench would be a waste of an international position.

Finally from the matches so far, it is pretty evident we're going to go with a 4-5-1 formation, well to be particular a 4-2-3-1 formation. I'm coining a few ideas of how the starting 11 will look like, there are several other positional battles, so keep a look out in the coming days as I bring forward my starting XI.

Reds' new signing - Mazola

The Reds' has announced that they've signed Marcelino Junior Lopes Arruda or also known as Mazola to a one year loan deal. Mazola, who comes courtesy of Sao Paulo FC, is a 21 year old Brazilian who's capable of either playing striker or left winger. 

So with Mazola's signing the Reds have filled all their foreign spots with another Brazilian (3 international + 1 AFC player). The big question though is how does Mazola fit into the grand scheme of things. Is he going to partner Eji up front, be his back up or be pushed wide. Did the Reds' really need another striker, or an attacking player in general?m The way I'm picturing the squad taking shape, I'd see us employ a 4-2-3-1 formation; but more on that another time.

The big plus with signing Mazola is that he wants to be with the Reds. He has even stated that his prefered destination has always been Japan and with the Reds, especially after what Washington (former Urawa stiker) told him about Japan and Urawa (link). One thing is for sure, this sweet talker has already won some fans over; hopefully his action will speak louder then his words.