As representatives of the championship team, Ogasawara gave a speech.
Player Ogasawara
"I am extremely happy that we won the Championship and took home the title. As for the match against Real Madrid, we had the goal of becoming champions no matter who our opponent was, so I am very frustrated that we couldn't achieve that. However, I think we were able to show our attitude of fighting as one team to win every match. We were determined to win, so it's frustrating that we lost, but I believe that reaching a stage where a Japanese team can win on such a grand stage is the goal of Japanese football. We shouldn't be satisfied with just 'playing a good match'; we need to be able to win. With that in mind, I want to continue to work hard. We won the Championship and took the title, but this season, I believe Urawa showed a stable performance throughout the year and accumulated points. We have respect for that. Next year, we aim to be number one for the year, and I want to work hard with everyone so we can return here as champions."
Manager Ishii also gave a speech for the Best Manager Award.
Manager Ishii
"First, I am happy to receive this Best Manager Award. I believe this award is not for me personally, but for the hard work of the players. I see this as an award received on behalf of everyone involved with the club, including the staff, the sponsors who support Kashima Antlers, and the fans and supporters who cheer for Kashima Antlers. Receiving this award makes me want to work in a way that lives up to it in the future. This year, we won the Championship and were able to participate in the Club World Cup. Thank you very much for allowing us to participate in such a wonderful tournament. I believe this is all thanks to everyone in the J.League. I think everyone involved in the J.League and all the players watched our battles in the Club World Cup on television. Watching those matches, I believe there are players and staff who thought, 'I want to be on that field myself,' or 'Maybe we could have beaten Real Madrid if it were us.' I hope everyone can channel those feelings into the J.League, and that a team representing the J.League in next year's Club World Cup can achieve better results than any other continental representative. We still have the Emperor's Cup remaining. We want to fight hard there as well, and next year, I want us to win the ACL and stand on that pitch again as representatives of Asia by our own strength. The J.League is a wonderful league that represents Japanese football. Everyone, let's work hard together from now on. Thank you very much for today."
Among the players selected as outstanding players, Nishii and Shōji, Shōji was honored with a spot in the Best Eleven.
Player Shōji
"I am deeply honored to be included in the Best Eleven. As Makino mentioned earlier, I believe this award belongs to my teammates. I am very proud to be among such an illustrious group. As for next season, Urawa finished first in points this year, so next year I want us to become the annual champions and participate in the Club World Cup again. Antlers has never been number one in Asia, so I want to win that and then seek revenge in the Club World Cup."