When Toru Oniki became manager of Kashima Antlers at the start of this season, it represented an ominous coming together of the most successful coach and most successful club in J1 history.
Antlers had long sought to have their former player take over in the dugout, believing he could end their long wait for a domestic title, and that wish came to pass on Saturday as the now nine-time J. League winner was crowned champion for the first time since 2016 with a 2-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos.
The success marked a fifth J1 win for Oniki, adding to the quartet of top flight triumphs he delivered at Kawasaki Frontale between 2017 and 2021.
AloJapan.com