Japan: Urawa's Engels Demands End To Uncertainty

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Urawa Reds - Japan

Speculation has been rife in the Japanese press that the German is to lose his job despite the fact that the Reds have been challenging for the title all season.

That challenge is almost certainly over however after last week’s 2-1 defeat at Shimizu S-Pulse which leaves the Saitama side four points behind Kashima Antlers with just two games of the season remaining.

To make matters worse for Engels, ex-Freiburg boss and possible replacement Volker Finke was seen at the match.

Engels, who took the reins at the start of the year and still has one year remaining on his contract, wants the situation sorted.

"There are no clear decisions, which makes everything difficult for the team and for the coach," Engels told Japanese media.

"For me personally and for my team, they know what's going on here, that the coach is in the stadium — the coach-to-be or the candidate.

"This would be very unusual in Europe. They are not sure now, they are doubting. They have known me for five years now and they know what they can expect from me next year.

"If this is OK, then we can start with the preparation for the new season and they trust me. Or they can do the opposite. But they could have made this decision before.

"I confronted them and they said it was nothing. I knew the development but there were no clear answers. The first time they denied it. Then they didn't lie, but they didn't confirm it."

Engels is aware that there are problems but would like some perspective.

"We had a few problems this year, but some are homemade problems. Of course I am responsible for some things, but there are a few reasons around.

"It's not like we are at the bottom of the league. We had some good players going out, not the real big transfers coming in, and of course Robson Ponte and Keita Suzuki had a few injury problems.

"I don't like to have excuses, but if they say next year you can get the players you like but you must be champion, this is a pressure I can live with. We tried to bring the team on course but it was not exactly how we would have liked."