Engels deserves credit, too
Guido Buchwald, Urawa Reds' White Knight, is, quite rightly, receiving much praise and attention following his team's second-stage success.
But it has not been a one-man show this season, as other people have played their part, too.
None more so than Buchwald's sidekick and fellow German, Gert Engels.
Let's not forget this was Buchwald's first job as a head coach, and his appointment of Engels as his right-hand man proved to be a master stroke.
After all, Engels has vast experience and knowledge of the J.League, having started on the coaching staff with Yokohama Flugels, then moving to JEF United Ichihara and Kyoto Purple Sanga. He won the Emperor's Cup with both Flugels and Sanga, and knows the Japanese mentality and playing strengths and weaknesses so well.
On top of that, of course, he speaks perfect football Japanese, and his ability to communicate with the players directly gives him an important advantage.
Between the new head coach Buchwald and the experienced Engels, Reds had firm and inspirational leadership.
I will never forget the scenes at Komaba Stadium in 1997, when Buchwald performed his lap of honour on the back of a white horse. This was on the completion of his playing career, and he had proved so popular that it was inevitable he would return one day in a higher role.
The man he replaced, however, must also take credit for Reds' success.
Hans Ooft, who led Urawa to the Nabisco Cup title in 2003, laid the foundations of this successful team with Wim Jansen as his trusty assistant.
They installed discipline and method into Reds' play, and the passion and loyalty of the supporters made the club an attraction for all talented young players around the country.
It must be remembered, too, that Reds' second-stage title success came without two key Japanese players in Tsuboi and Yamase.
This proves the strength in depth that exists in the squad, although defeat in the Nabisco Cup final to FC Tokyo and at home to Grampus in the league--two high-pressure matches--must make Yokohama F Marinos slight favourites to win the overall championship.
Reds will now be trying to finish the job, but the pragmatic and patient Takeshi Okada will have other ideas for the two playoff games.
ends
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