From this tournament, the schedule and other aspects have been significantly changed, with the first round starting in April. The second round, where Antlers will play, will also be held in June. It has also been decided that the final will be held on January 1, 2018, for the first time at Saitama Stadium 2002 for the Emperor's Cup. Additionally, the association fee (prize money) for the winning team has been increased by 50 million yen to 150 million yen, making it an even more attractive tournament.
Antlers' first match will be on Wednesday, June 21st, against the winner of Arterivo Wakayama and FC Maruyasu Okazaki. The venue will be Kashima Soccer Stadium. We ask for your support as we aim for consecutive victories!
Manager Ishii and player Ueda in a meeting before their appearance
Kozo Tashima, President of the Japan Football Association, Yasuhiro Matsuzaki, Chairman of the Emperor's Cup Executive Committee, and Mitsuyoshi Okano, Representative Director, Chairman, and CEO of Suruga Bank Ltd., a special sponsor, took to the stage to announce the tournament outline.
We looked back at the scenes from last year's final with a video, reliving the moment of joy.
Player Ueda returns the Emperor's Cup. Chairman Tashima encourages him, saying, "I hope you can lift it again."
Manager Ishii and player Ueda take a commemorative photo. They renewed their determination to reclaim the title.
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| Manager Ishii responds to questions from the press, strongly declaring their intention for consecutive victories, saying, "The final will be broadcast on NHK, and I want to win for the sake of our hometown fans who support us." | ||
Photo session surrounding the returned Emperor's Cup
After the press conference, an interview by SkyPerfect TV! was held. The interviewer was Mr. Iwamasa, a former Antlers player. The interview was conducted in a friendly atmosphere.
Manager Masatada Ishii
"The Emperor's Cup has a structure where amateur clubs desperately challenge J-League clubs. It's necessary to have the spirit of 'winning all' regardless of the opponent. The second round is in June, but I want to analyze our opponent as much as possible and prepare well."
Player Naomichi Ueda
"Winning the Emperor's Cup was a very significant experience. I strongly wish to stand on that stage again and win. From the first match, it will be a battle where we cannot let our guard down. We need a strong will to repel the opponent's momentum. The team will unite and fight to achieve consecutive victories."