While Kashima Antlers' start to the new J. League season has not been as imperious as it was shaping up to be, the Ibaraki club's troubles are nothing compared to those facing old rival Jubilo Iwata.

Jubilo, one of Japan's most storied clubs and a three-time J. League champion, began the season with a 6-2 home defeat to a Montedio Yamagata side playing its first-ever match in J1, before going down 4-1 to Gamba Osaka the following week.

Jubilo's hopes were not high after escaping relegation by the skin of its teeth last year, but such a shocking start to the new campaign has exposed just how deep the problems run.