A few weeks ago I was frustrated when all we got were draws, now I question if they were that bad at all. I guess we can't be satisfied all the time right? There will always be something that comes in the way of our satisfaction.
The last two games have brought upon mixed results, a scrappy win against Niigata and a sloppy performance against Kofu which resulted in defeat. The defence has been poor; Spiranovic and Nagata hasn't been as solid as they've been in previous weeks and the attack has been not consistent. Just when it appears to be heading in the right direction, this happens.
So what's wrong with the Reds? The past couple of years it seems as though we can't deliver on our potential and ultimately not able to deliver the desired results. Has the Reds really changed from the past couple of years, because it sure does feel as though history continues to repeat itself with the win now mentality and not developing our youngsters.
Since winning the J-1 title in 2006 and ACL in 2007, it has never been the same. I thought winning these titles along with the 2006 & 2005 Emperor's Cup, we could be in for a good couple of years, but it hasn't. It's been disappointment after disappointment and the frustration continues to grow.
We have brought in players which fits in to the "win now" mould, rather then developing the team and giving the youngsters a chance. Players like Umesaki and Sergio wasted their talents & potential on the bench during which we brought back Takahara from Europe who failed to deliver the goals. I know I'm using Takahara as the scape goat here, but I think we have been too loyal to our under performing "stars", even though they aren't getting the job done.
Players like Ponte, Tsuboi and Nobu Yamada played an important part in our success mentioned above, but they continued to play even though they were no longer effective and held back the development of the young guys.
Since winning the J-1 title in 2006 and ACL in 2007, it has never been the same. I thought winning these titles along with the 2006 & 2005 Emperor's Cup, we could be in for a good couple of years, but it hasn't. It's been disappointment after disappointment and the frustration continues to grow.
We have brought in players which fits in to the "win now" mould, rather then developing the team and giving the youngsters a chance. Players like Umesaki and Sergio wasted their talents & potential on the bench during which we brought back Takahara from Europe who failed to deliver the goals. I know I'm using Takahara as the scape goat here, but I think we have been too loyal to our under performing "stars", even though they aren't getting the job done.
Players like Ponte, Tsuboi and Nobu Yamada played an important part in our success mentioned above, but they continued to play even though they were no longer effective and held back the development of the young guys.
As I had mentioned previously, season 2010 in terms of the J-1 is over. It's time to rebuild and turn the focus on 2011 which ultimately means blood the young players. There would be alot of growing pains, but with the ways things are going at the moment and our performance over the last couple of years, I think it's time to look towards the future. We can't continue to bring in players, we need to develop the talent we have.
I'd like to break-down the squad into different groups, focusing on where different players stand in the squad moving forward. Firstly there's the potentials, these guys are the younger players in the squads, in American sports they might be referred to as the rookies. Some have been given their opportunities, whilst others haven't. Secondly there's the "tweeners"; the ones "stuck in between", they've been in the squad for a few years but isn't a constant fixture in the starting XI yet. For these guys it's either now, or it's time to look for greener pastures.
Then there are the veterans. These guys have been in the league for at least several years and in simpler terms are regularly in the starting XI and still performing. Finally there's the "has beens"; these are the guys who are past their prime and not performing. They could be in the squad and playing because of what they did several years ago.
Over the next couple of weeks instead of doing a weekly match report I plan on breaking down the squad and focusing on 2012. Time permitting I will continue to do a weekly updates as well, but with work and other personal commitments, we'll see...
The following is the list of the potentials:
Genki Haraguchi (FW) - I think we all know what Genki can do. Since making it to the senior squad in 2009, Genki has continued to develop his game. In 2011 he has really been the x-factor for the Reds; having the ability to both score and set up goals.
Naoki Yamada (MF) - Naoki's potential is there and if it wasn't for his injuries, think of what could have been. Now fully recovered, Naoki is showing his promise in 2011. Playing a major role in Japan's U23 victory over Egypt in a recent friendly.
Shunki Takahashi (MF/DF) - The winger has been converted into a fullback and in 2011 has been in the starting XI in almost every game. His performance has been consistent; an asset in attack even though his defensive game is still developing.
Shuto Kojima (MF) - Only joined the senior squad in 2011. So far he has been given limited opportunities, only one game so far this season, but had a good one game. Has represented Japan in the U23 & U19 previously. One to look out for in the next couple of years!
Takuya Okamoto (DF) - Made a total of 12 appearances for the senior squad in 2010 (9 league & 3 cups) but still yet to make an appearance in 2011. Would have thought he'd be loaned out this year to a J-2 or even JFL team to further his development, rather then play only in practice matches.
Mizuki Hamada (DF) - Since joining the senior squad in 2009; Hamada has only appeared 12 times for the Reds. However Hamada has represented Japans U23 squad 8 times in 2011 and even managing to score a goal. What I don't get is when we lacked size last year, why he didn't get more of a run? Has got to be a better option then Tsuboi or Nobu Yamada.
I'd like to break-down the squad into different groups, focusing on where different players stand in the squad moving forward. Firstly there's the potentials, these guys are the younger players in the squads, in American sports they might be referred to as the rookies. Some have been given their opportunities, whilst others haven't. Secondly there's the "tweeners"; the ones "stuck in between", they've been in the squad for a few years but isn't a constant fixture in the starting XI yet. For these guys it's either now, or it's time to look for greener pastures.
Then there are the veterans. These guys have been in the league for at least several years and in simpler terms are regularly in the starting XI and still performing. Finally there's the "has beens"; these are the guys who are past their prime and not performing. They could be in the squad and playing because of what they did several years ago.
Over the next couple of weeks instead of doing a weekly match report I plan on breaking down the squad and focusing on 2012. Time permitting I will continue to do a weekly updates as well, but with work and other personal commitments, we'll see...
The following is the list of the potentials:
Takuya Okamoto (DF) - Made a total of 12 appearances for the senior squad in 2010 (9 league & 3 cups) but still yet to make an appearance in 2011. Would have thought he'd be loaned out this year to a J-2 or even JFL team to further his development, rather then play only in practice matches.
Mizuki Hamada (DF) - Since joining the senior squad in 2009; Hamada has only appeared 12 times for the Reds. However Hamada has represented Japans U23 squad 8 times in 2011 and even managing to score a goal. What I don't get is when we lacked size last year, why he didn't get more of a run? Has got to be a better option then Tsuboi or Nobu Yamada.
