While individual quality and Japan's current standing in world football played a part in Vissel Kobe's successful title defense, their manager's uncompromising stance proved decisive as they became the sixth side to win back-to-back J-League championships.Manager Takayuki Yoshida's talented, dogged and pragmatic side made a stuttering start but were the most consistent across the year, hitting their stride at the business end of the season when their closest rivals faltered after losing key players to overseas transfers."We took the season on as the holders, and everyone came analyzing us a…READ FULL ARTICLE
