11 Jul 2005(Mon)

TOKYO (July 9): If anyone could turn back the clock to just one week ago, then surely that man would be Ossie Ardiles.

This time last week, Tokyo Verdy 1969 were looking forward to the resumption of J1, like everyone else, after the seven-week break.

But in their first two games, Verdy have conceded seven goals each time and the alarm bells are now ringing at Yomiuri Land.

After Gamba had beaten them 7-1 at Banpaku last Saturday, Urawa Reds then humiliated them 7-0 at National Stadium on Wednesday night in what was, technically, a home game for Verdy.

I did not attend either game in person, but saw all the goals flying in on the TV highlights shows.

It was grim viewing for the Verdy fans, as their side looked lost and conceded goals which a professional team simply should not do.

Admittedly, Gamba have a dynamic strike force in Araujo, Fernandinho and Oguro, but they must have felt they were playing against a schoolboy side.

Against Reds, sure, Urawa got a couple of breaks with some timely deflections, but this is no excuse for Verdy.

After all, when a team lets in seven goals for two games running, it's more a matter of heart and commitment, rather than technical or tactical inadequacies.

All of which puts the Argentine coach's job on the line, starting with Saturday's Tokyo derby with FC Tokyo at "Ajista."

I hear that the club will not review Ardiles's position until the end of the month, on the completion of the six-game July schedule, but another performance like the previous two could change all that.

The first two have been a debacle, but the local derby gives Verdy the perfect opportunity to restore some pride and try to extend the slender points lead over Tokyo, who have simply forgotten how to win.

It all makes for a very spicy derby this evening.

And it makes you wonder what Verdy have been doing, or not doing, during the break to come back in such poor mental and physical condition.

ends