Soccer: Emperor's Cup winners J2 Kofu not renewing manager contract

Shock Emperor's Cup winners Ventforet Kofu said Tuesday they will not renew the contract of their manager Tatsuma Yoshida after the side struggled for form in the J-League second division.

Kofu edged J1 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw during the Emperor's Cup final on Sunday to lift their first major trophy. They sit at 18th in the 22-team J2, however, with two games left.

Although their place in J2 is secure for next season, their last league win came on Aug. 6, as they have since drawn four straight before losing seven in a row.

Yoshida took charge of Kofu in 2017 when they were in J1 but could not prevent them from being relegated, and was sacked the following year during their campaign in J2. The 48-year-old was reinstated to the club again this year, but will once again cease to be manager after his contract expires.

"It's down to my lack of ability that I couldn't give fans more wins," Yoshida said through the club.

Kofu defeated five J1 sides en route to lifting the Emperor's Cup.

© Kyodo News