After narrowly missing the J. League Division One first-stage title, the Yokohama F. Marinos are aiming to grab it in the second stage, which runs from Saturday through Nov. 30.
The Marinos, which won the stage title in 1995 and 2000 and captured the overall season title in 1995, finished with a 11-3-1 record, one point behind winner Jubilo Iwata. The Yokohama team beat title race rival Iwata in convincing style before the World Cup break but later suffered its only defeat to the Kashima Antlers, giving up the lead to Jubilo with one round remaining in the stage.
"We felt so disappointed because we had a good chance to win the first stage and finished without it," Marinos manager Lazaroni said. "But we are now looking at it positively, and I believe our players have already shifted their focus to our next target."