Kashima supporters' booing should be aimed at 'the manager'; Manager Oniki also sees signs of promise but 'in the end, it's a results world'

At Todoroki Stadium on September 19, the final whistle sounded as a harsh reminder of reality. Kashima Antlers had just conceded a 3-3 equalizer to Kawasaki Frontale in second-half stoppage time, despite taking the lead twice. Four league matches without a win, a three-match losing streak only just halted by a draw — but the manner in which the match ended left Kashima supporters unable to stay silent. Booing rang out twice from the away supporters' stand. The second time, the sound was more concentrated, more deliberate, like a message aimed directly at the team. But then, as the players left the pitch, something unexpected happened: the booing turned into a loud, unified chant: "Kashima Antlers! Kashima Antlers!" Anger and love intertwined in the same moment, creating a haunting portrait of emotion. Manager Toru Oniki, who once had a deep connection with Kawasaki Frontale, understands better than anyone the pressure weighing on his shoulders. In the post-match press conference, he did not shy away from responsibility: "If someone should be booed, it should be the manager. The players fought very hard. I am proud of them." That statement was both a shield protecting his players and an acknowledgment that results are the only measure of his career right now. Oniki revealed he spoke to the players in the dressing room: "It is not something to hang your head so much about. At least I am proud of you." He emphasized that the team played with energy and determination amid a demanding schedule, including AFC Champions League Elite matches. But notably, he also admitted: "I have a conviction-like feeling that they will definitely become strong from now on. But if results do not follow, those words may not carry weight." That is a rare level of clarity from a manager under criticism. Oniki has set the season's theme around "co-fighting" with supporters until the very end, and he understands that supporter patience is running thin. Being booed twice away from home — where the most loyal supporters gather — is a signal that cannot be ignored. It is not just a spontaneous reaction but a warning from the very people who have always stood by the club. Looking at the bigger picture, Kashima's problem does not lie in effort or fighting spirit. The players ran, fought, and generated energy. The problem lies in game-state management — having led twice, the team could not protect their advantage in the final minutes. That is a systemic weakness, not a coincidence. Conceding in stoppage time once again shows a lack of control when the opponent pushes forward. In reality, Oniki is trying to build a playing model based on intensity and commitment, but this model is particularly vulnerable to a congested fixture schedule. With AFC Champions League Elite participation, Kashima faces a structural disadvantage compared to teams playing only domestically. Without proper rotation, the final minutes of matches will continue to be dangerous for them. However, what is notable is that the relationship between manager, players, and supporters has not completely broken down. The "Kashima Antlers" chant at the end of the match is proof of that. It is a protest within loyalty — a short window of hope, but enough for Oniki and his players to avoid a full-blown crisis. The question is whether they can seize this window to find their winning ways again, or continue to slide deeper into disappointment. The history of Japanese football shows that big clubs like Kashima rarely decline for extended periods. But that very past creates even greater pressure on Oniki, who is expected to restore the club's rightful status. His quote "in the end, it's a results world" is not just an acknowledgment but a warning to himself. In the next few matches, if results do not improve, those responsible words may quickly be forgotten. For supporters, Kashima Antlers is not just a team; it is a symbol of winning. Their patience has limits, and the line between booing and cheering has never been more fragile. For Oniki, every remaining match of the season will be a fight not only against opponents, but also against the steadily eroding trust of the fans. The only thing that can salvage the situation now is not promises, but three full points.