SPECIAL INTERVIEW

Takeru Satouchi, Youth Physical Advisor and Head of Coaching

There is a set of indicators that embodies the club atmosphere cultivated over more than 30 years of Antlers history. It brings together the philosophy of Club Advisor Zico, the club's ideals, the mindset expected of Antlers warriors, and video footage of past players demonstrating the required style of play—this is the Academy DNA. What exactly is outlined in the Academy DNA? We spoke with Takeru Satouchi, Head of Coaching and one of the individuals involved in formulating the Academy DNA.

The Zico Spirit Serves as the Foundation

In 2020, Kashima Antlers formulated the "Academy DNA." It embodies the philosophy, ideals, football style, and development criteria the club has long valued in order to nurture and produce the players who will lead the future of Antlers.

"The J-League was founded over 30 years ago, and during that time, the top team has won 20 major titles. Antlers is a club that has led Japanese professional teams in that regard. Despite this, the club lacked the kind of indicators that are surely present at prestigious clubs overseas.

"Therefore, I thought we should clearly organize the elements that define Antlers' direction—in other words, the club's philosophy—and put them into a single format within the academy, which aims to produce the players who will lead the top team. That was the impetus for formulating the Academy DNA."

This is how Takeru Satouchi, Head of Coaching (HoC), explains it. Starting with HoC Satouchi, academy staff, top team strengthening staff, scouts, and other members held numerous meetings to gradually give it shape. It was a project undertaken to preserve for future generations the club's chronological history, its relentless pursuit of victory, and the atmosphere it exudes as a whole. They wanted to give it a concrete form somehow before the club reached the milestone of its 30th anniversary in 2021.

"The most fundamental basis for creating the Academy DNA, as is known by the term 'Zico Spirit,' consists of the words dedication, integrity, and respect. The ideals and policies of us at Kashima Antlers are encapsulated in these three words. While using these words as a foundation in various aspects of our activities, we aimed to create clear, easy-to-understand, and easy-to-internalize indicators from many angles—defining how players should think, act, and behave as Antlers players, as well as how to foster their sense of belonging to the club."

Fortunately, that kind of atmosphere already existed at Antlers, so the main task was simply to put it into writing and articulate it. We embodied that atmosphere and the values of Antlers, organized each term, and compiled it into a document. Although documents, data, and materials were available for each era, there was also a feeling that the work of unifying them across the entire club had been slightly delayed. The Academy DNA was completed just as the momentum for the club's 30th anniversary was building—at what could be called 'a major turning point.'

The three words of 'dedication, integrity, and respect' mentioned by HoC Satouchi were championed by Club Advisor Zico and remain the core philosophy of Kashima Antlers. To instill this spirit in the new players and staff joining Antlers, the Academy DNA makes their meanings even clearer.

"Coaches who have experience playing as Antlers players will naturally understand that atmosphere and philosophy to some extent. However, in reality, an increasing number of coaches are joining after gaining experience as players and coaches at other clubs. The formulation of the Academy DNA makes it easier to guide such coaches, first by saying, 'This is what Antlers is like,' 'This is what we prioritize at Antlers,' and 'Let's keep this approach to coaching in mind.' I believe it is an excellent resource for outlining Antlers' standards to coaches who did not grow up in this club but have joined after coming from other clubs."

Then, HoC Satouchi explains each word of the Zico Spirit one by one.

"To be specific about each one, first, 'dedication' means exactly what it says: devoting oneself. For the profession you are working in as a professional, it means, 'Train and compete in matches with more than 100 percent commitment under any circumstances, and coach with that same attitude.' That attitude is expressed in this word. This dedication also includes the idea that, for the sake of football, you must sometimes put aside the things you enjoy in order to be involved in coaching."

'Respect' means 'never forgetting to respect your opponent.' Although the word respect is now frequently used in Japanese football and various organizations, Antlers has spoken of respect as an important word for 30 years. For example, suppose an Antlers player is asked by the media, 'What do you think of your next opponent?' If they were to make a lighthearted comment such as, 'Well, we've beaten them many times before, so we should be able to beat them again too (laughs),' that would clearly lack respect for the opponent. This club aims to eliminate such attitudes entirely. Always respecting your opponent is very important. However, this does not mean excessive respect. It is simply the very common attitude of 'not doing to others what you would not want done to yourself.'

As for the word 'integrity,' it means 'behaving honestly and sincerely.' Always interacting with others with a sincere heart without hiding your true feelings. This is also one of the club's ideals."

The Spirit of Challenge

Alongside the club's philosophy based on these three principles of the Zico Spirit, the Academy DNA also describes another attitude and way of behaving. That is the creed—in other words, the mindset expected of an Antlers player.

"Never cutting corners in daily training, always trying with 100 percent effort, and always showing a fighting attitude. These are considered the creed of a player competing for Antlers."

However, it is not enough for players to simply work hard blindly. The Academy DNA also defines the playing attitudes that Antlers players should particularly value. This is not only a mindset for players but also a shared guideline for the coaching staff."

"Never losing an attacking attitude and always aiming for the goal, even when playing in your own half. In training, we want to emphasize fighting for the ball, specifically the attitude of winning the ball in one-on-one situations or winning it back if you lose it. This is because such things are connected to the fundamental principles of football. The plays that players are evaluated for, and conversely, the plays they are criticized for, are also included in this creed. This allows the coaching staff to share the same understanding and provide clearer guidance. For example, since the goal is always to score, what should you do in this position to achieve that? And most importantly, always challenge. If a player has an opportunity to shoot, they should be told, 'Even if you miss, take the shot.' We say this repeatedly. Also, players without the ball must not neglect to move in ways that make it easier for teammates to create chances, such as drawing out the opponent. We also eliminate the attitude of 'as long as I'm fine, that's enough.'

The attitude for approaching training and the definition of the play each player should focus on are all derived by working backward from victory. This could be said to be a product of Antlers' track record of winning numerous titles.

"In matches, we are always challengers. In every competition, we do our best to be at the top in the end. The youth team is currently leading the Prince League Kanto, but it means nothing if they are not at the top when the final 18th match is over. It is natural to give your all in each match, but it is also crucial not to be swayed by every high and low. How things stand when the 18th match is over after accumulating matches—that is what will ultimately be evaluated."

Another feature of the Academy DNA is that the evaluation criteria for professional players are embodied, not only to instill the right mindset but also to help players learn what kind of plays to acquire. Rather than stopping at articulating them, the concepts are presented alongside actual video footage so that they can be shared. In addition to qualities for each position, video footage of the plays required at each position is also clearly shown, along with the names of several exemplary past players such as Zico, Bismarck, Giorgino, Atsushi Yanagisawa, Mitsuo Okusawara, Jun Sokeguchi, and others.

The 'qualities needed to win titles' shared by the club legends who brought glory to Antlers are passed down to the current coaching staff through the Academy DNA.

"Fortunately, people who have played as players for Antlers' top team are currently involved in academy coaching. Atsushi Yanagisawa serves as the youth team manager, and we have Technical Advisor Mitsuo Okusawara, who built one era of the top team, GK coach Jun Sokeguchi, and Coach Tomoya Ichikawa, who knows the club's early days and serves as Chief GK Coach. Also, Koji Nakata, C.R.O, and Akira Naruhashi often visit us as well."

Because they were all teammates who played on the same stage, it is easier for them to share player evaluations. It is not limited to things specific to their respective positions; for example, even though two of them came from the GK position, they provide advice to FW players, and FW-born Manager Yanagisawa shares similar views on this. I believe that having such a player development environment is a major advantage unique to Antlers."

For the Further Development of Antlers

With the Academy DNA as a set of indicators, players and staff continue to face football on the green field today. Only those who overcome fierce competition with their teammates can become members of the top team and start their professional careers, but it is a reality that many people cannot reach that place.

Even so, the philosophy and creed that remain in the hearts of players who grew up at Antlers will likely remain unchanged even if their place of activity changes. Whether they come to play football at another club, face football from a non-player position, or take a new step on a field far removed from football, the Antlers spirit will continue to support each person's life.

"I believe these are not principles limited to football clubs but can also be applied in society. Furthermore, for the children in the academy, it is only by learning various aspects of social life that the spirit of dedication, integrity, and respect will be cultivated. It is easy for us coaches to convey these words, but it is important for the players to understand their meaning through actual social life. For players in the developmental stages, I believe it is important to first keep in mind respecting relationships off the pitch, respecting opponents, and always acting with integrity and gratitude."

Kashima Antlers was born in 1991, and the J-League began two years later. The traditions Antlers has cultivated over more than 30 years of history will likely continue to be passed down in this place. Looking ahead to the next 30, 50, and 100 years, HoC Satouchi envisions the future of the Academy DNA as Antlers continues to develop further.

"Because the Academy DNA embodies Antlers' philosophy, as mentioned so far, it will likely remain largely unchanged in the future. However, there will probably be some parts that need to be changed with the flow of the times. I do not know if 'renewal' is the right word, but I believe the need will arise to update the Academy DNA as well in order to further develop Antlers."

However, it will always be developed further on the foundation of the current Academy DNA. In football, although tactics and rules may change to some extent, the fundamental principle of playing 11 against 11 with one ball in a 105-meter by 68-meter area (FIFA recommended size) and that the team that scores more goals wins does not change. Similarly, the unchanging aspects of the Academy DNA will continue to exist without changing in the future."

As a permanent guidepost for Antlers to move forward and achieve glory in any era, the Academy DNA will continue to be a presence that supports this club.