Today (October 6th), we announce that we have terminated the contract with head coach Ranko Popovic, following a comprehensive assessment of this season's management and performance. Assistant coach Milan Milic's contract has also been terminated.
Information regarding the successor will be announced as soon as a formal decision is made.
Coach's Name
Ranko Popovic
Born
June 26, 1967
Nationality
Serbia/Austria
Coaching Career
2024 Season Official Match Record
J1 League Total
15 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses
League Cup Total
1 win, 1 loss
Emperor's Cup Total
3 wins, 1 loss
Comment from Head Coach Ranko Popovic
"I am proud to have spent my days as a member of the great Antlers family. My attitude, love, passion, and dedication to the club are exactly the same as how I treat my own family. It is very disappointing that I couldn't see the work I started through to the end, but I respect the club's decision. However, I believe that the players, who are the club's great asset, have grown to the point where they can achieve what we wanted and what we couldn't achieve together. I am filled with gratitude for everyone: Yoshioka-san, who always exchanged opinions with me, the wonderful players, the coaching staff, medical staff, and club staff who supported me, and the supporters who always gave us energy and love and inspired us. Poštovanje (respect), Antlers family."
Comment from Assistant Coach Milan Milic
"It was a great honor to be a part of a wonderful club like Kashima Antlers. I feel that the team has definitely made progress. Although there were ups and downs, we always believed in the team and were confident that we could reach a stable level, because it is part of the process of achieving success. I believe that this season's experience and the significant growth of the players will make them stronger in the future. I am very happy with the relationships I have built with everyone over these ten months of working with all the club staff. I wish the club continued success!"
