14 Nov 2005(Mon)

November 12, 2005 -- These are testing times for Gamba Osaka and, in particular, for manager Akira Nishino.

Three weeks ago, Gamba were looking good for at least one trophy, possibly two and, who knows, even three.

They were five points clear of Kashima Antlers at the top of the table after 27 games, were in the Nabisco Cuip final against JEF United and still had the Emperor's Cup to come.

But two successive defeats in the league, at home to Oita and away to FC Tokyo, allowed Kashima to close the gap to one point, and now only five points separate the top five teams.

It was this nervy scenario which accompanied Gamba into last week's Nabisco Cup final, which they lost on penalties to JEF United after a 0-0 draw.

So now, all hope of a title treble has gone, although I am sure Gamba and Nishino would settle for a first league championship, and a first J.League title for Kansai.

They are still in control of their own destiny, but the likes of Kashima in particular and also Urawa Reds have proved they can win a championship, or half a championship in the case of Reds last season.

This experience could be vital in the title run-in, as all the pressure is on Gamba to hold on to their lead.

Antlers, on the other hand, have a manager in Toninho Cerezo who has won everything in Japan, including the treble in his first season here, in 2000.

This will be Toninho's last season with the club, and the announcement that he will be leaving must have united the club. Everyone, especially the players and the fans, will be wanting to give him the perfect send-off after such loyal and distinguished service.

This unity, experience and quiet determination will be a vital source of inspiration to the club over the closing weeks, whereas Gamba will be under pressure to stay at the top after looking the best team for so long.

Nishino won the Nabisco Cup with Reysol a few years ago and came very close to winning the second-stage championship, too, only to be denied on the last day of the season by Antlers in a 0-0 draw at Kokuritsu.

With the national team job up for grabs when Zico moves on after the World Cup, a championship for Gamba would put Nishino in the frame to succeed the Brazilian, should the JFA opt for a Japanese coach.

Although Nishino will not be thinking about this -- he has far too many things on his mind at the moment -- it could prove to be an important factor for the JFA powers in a few weeks/months time.

If Gamba can hold on and Nishino can survive the pressure, the former Olympic team manager would be a strong candidate to succeed Zico next summer.

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