J-League club Yokohama F Marinos has kept faith with Australian coach Ange Postecoglou’s leadership, by re-appointing him as manager for the 2019 season. Postecoglou confirmed the appointment in an SEN radio interview earlier in the week following his club’s final home and away match last weekend.
Introducing a new style of play to the club, Postecoglou’s first season in charge, proved to be a bit of a rollercoaster for the Marinos club and its fans. Despite mixed results in the league, Postecoglou remained true to his coaching principles, developing a high intensity, pro-active style of play at the club, which in recent seasons has relied on a more conservative, risk averse style of football.
The emphasis on attacking football under Postecoglou, has produced a season’s goal tally second only to champions Kawasaki Frontale. Yokohama also narrowly missed out on silverware in Postecoglou’s first season, by reaching the final of the J-League Cup, only to lose 1-0 to Shonan Bellmare. However, league results have been inconsistent with the club finishing 12th on the ladder, narrowly avoiding the relegations play-off on goal difference. This compares with the previous season’s fifth placed finish. Although it has proven capable going forward, Marinos has shown weaknesses defensively evidenced by the fact only two other teams in the 18 team competition, conceded more goals.
“It’s always been a consistent club,” Postecoglou said of Yokohama, speaking to SEN radio. “One that’s built on a very defensive pragmatic approach. I flipped it all on its head.
“I knew we’d get some extremes in form. It was a major shift for this group of players and for the club. The transfer window gives me the opportunity to bring some players in that will suit the way we play.
“I have no doubts the club will be expecting better results next season.”
During the interview, Postecoglou also acknowledged that the Greek FA had approached him about taking over the job as national team coach. Postecoglou explained however that whilst he won’t rule out a return to national team coaching, he isn’t ready to return to such a role as yet. “Being born in Greece, it would be an attractive proposition and going back to Europe. At this point in time, I’m enjoying my club football. I know what international football is all about. I wasn’t ready to leap back in. At some point I’ll jump back in to international football, but right now, club football is where I get most stimulation. I’d like to achieve something before I move on. That’s a key driver now.”